buying a new desktop computer - suggestions invited!

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nom nom de plume

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Hi,
I'm about to sell my laptop & buy a desktop & notepad. It's a decision based entirely on processing photos; I've become very frustrated that a) my laptop is now slower than David Beckham, & b) I'd really like a much, much bigger screen to process on.

My total budget is likely to be around £800, so I guess £200 for the notepad, £200 for the monitor, & £400 for the computer itself.
Can anyone recommend a computer/monitor which is ideal for photo processing, or should I just get the quickest computer & with the highest resolution monitor that I can afford?
 
nom nom de plume said:
Hi,
I'm about to sell my laptop & buy a desktop & notepad. It's a decision based entirely on processing photos; I've become very frustrated that a) my laptop is now slower than David Beckham, & b) I'd really like a much, much bigger screen to process on.

My total budget is likely to be around £800, so I guess £200 for the notepad, £200 for the monitor, & £400 for the computer itself.
Can anyone recommend a computer/monitor which is ideal for photo processing, or should I just get the quickest computer & with the highest resolution monitor that I can afford?
Click to expand...


What's an iMac cost in the UK? Really nice set up for photo editing.
 
Why not get a better spec netbook and just link that to an even better spec monitor to do your editing and not bother with the base computer? :)
 
you might as well not bother with a laptop for only 200 in my opinion.

you might be able to find a dell IPS panel monitor (refurb?) for 200. then id spend the 600 on a reasonable spec machine depending on whether you want pre-built or DIY.
 
If you do need a portable computer I'd be tempted to either

- clean up your old laptop and use that instead of spending £200 on a netbook, put the £200 towards a desktop/monitor
- Buy a good laptop and monitor combination.

Desktops are more easily upgradeable and you do get more CPU/memory/graphics for your money compared to a laptop.
 
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Monitor wise try to get an IPS panel - much better than the basic screens.

I have a Dell U3211H - they are over £200 new (but refurbished on eBay nrg_IT £199)

I'm not sure you will get a netbook and a suitably quick desktop for the £600 you have left - I'd be tempted to keep your existing laptop for portable and concentrate on a better desktop - £600 should get you something reasonable.

Alternatively just get a £800 laptop - trying to get everything will only leave you frustrated that you now have more slow bits of computer gear!
 
Have a look at MESH computers, I have had a mesh desk top now for over a year and no probs at all.

spike
 
Ge yourself down to Tesco's electrical counter and see if they have any e-machines netbook 10.1" screen 1gb ram 160gb hdd winXP at £129 they are NOT on the shelves.
Add some extra ram and you have a netbook probably for about £150

If your up to it build your own PC and get a decent monitor.
 
build don't buy - start with DFI mother board and custom build to suit your needs and budget. I've built my last two, the current one is a full entertainment center for music, movies and of course photo processing and editing. I was able to maximize the investment by precisely getting what I want and not getting what I do not need/want.
 
Definately build your own. Its much easier than you think. I built my first PC at the beginning of the year and spent about £650 on a pretty high spec machine, including the new 2500K Intel processor, 8GB RAM, and an SSD (for lightening fast start up - CS5 loads in 2 seconds) I did already have the case, monitor and a couple of hard drives however.
I bought my components from Scan. For the £800 budget you could definately get a good PC/Monitor.
 
the old Imacs are 899 and are very good. or the new ones are 999 and are brilliant! Although you will get more for your money if you get windows!
 
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