At Adeptex Technology we are computer support specialists so are well placed to provide advice as we work on many different computers every week and have been doing so for a number of years. This gives a us an opportunity to observe trends in various brands and see how reliable they are. Please make the most of our advice!
We are not responsible for any goods, services or advice provided by any third parties in any way.
Please note we do not resell computers or software, we provide computer support.
If you would us to spend time providing customised advise for your computer systems then please contact us.
The main recommendations for windows based computers, please read carefully:
- If you are buying a windows system make sure it has the Windows 7 operating system, not Vista.
- Always ensure the operating system is preloaded on your system, if you purchase a trade/diy kit it may not be.
- Minimum spec: Dual core-processor (Quad is better or the Intel i series ), 3g ram (4g is better), 250G or larger hard drive.
- Spend at least £400 on a base unit or £500 including a monitor, if you spend less than it’s likely to be a slow computer from the outset. Remember you get what you pay for.
- If your budget is bigger you will get a faster machine with a higher specification.
- Brands that are normally reliable (Our opinion): Sony,Samsung, Toshiba, Asus, Acer. Please avoid cheap and cheerless “bargains”.
- Places to buy retail: John Lewis, Costco. Beware, some other well known retailers will try to sell you additional software or hardware that you don’t really need to boost their commission. It’s always difficult to recommend retail outlets as many well known stores provide extremely poor advice and are only interested shifting boxes of equally poor equipment.
- Buying on-line: always buy from stock that is available, not something that may arrive at some stage in the future. Check delivery options.
- If you are considering buying a custom built computer then use a supplier who is specialist computer builder, not someone who does it occasionally. What’s essential is the quality of the components used in your system. If you purchase a computer made with cheap parts you will have a slow computer. Computer builders: PowerC & PCspecialist have on-line stores where you can order standard models or customise to your requirements.
- We strongly advice against Second hand/Ex Display/Refurbished computers because you just don’t know what kind of mess you are taking on. We have seen many of these “great deals” that were either very corrupted , very slow or have messy hardware faults. Normally you will have a shorter warranty with these systems.
- We strongly advice against computers that are provided at a “great discount” as part of some other service you subscribe to . These machines are commonly underpowered, basic and very slow.
- If you purchase directly from an overseas supplier please ensure you an have an international warranty, UK electrical cables, and English (or your preferred language) installed.
Should I be buying a desktop, laptop,netbook or all-in-one computer?
This is a fairly subjective area but here is how we see it.
Desktops
If most of your work is done at one location and you are typically working for over an hour at a time and you have space then you should consider buying a desktop computer.
The general advantages are: They typically last longer (than laptops), you get more power for your money and they are easier to maintain.
All-in-one systems
This is a computer and screen in one case which basically looks like a large screen, typically with a wireless keyboard and mouse. They are quite trendy and have many of the advantages of desktops but are harder and possibly dearer to maintain. The space saving concept is attractive. These should also be used where you work from one location.
Laptop (Notebooks)
Everyone loves a laptop and these are great where you have limited space or need to travel with your computer.
Disadvantages: Youngsters can trash them in months and waste a fortune. If you don’t have a decent size screen you will be straining you eyes and neck when working. They are usually dearer to maintain and often don’t last as long as a desktop. If you are travelling a lot you may have to pay a premium to get one that is light enough not to strain you back and neck.
Netbooks
These are very small, portable, cheap laptops which appear to be the most wonderful bargain! The problems is they are not very powerful (as you will only get basic power for £200-£300) so as soon as you start adding any meaningful software to them they can slow to a crawl! Great for short sessions on the Internet but not a real alternative to a fast desktop or laptop.Screen sizes are 10-12inches.
Beware office applications and specialist software WILL overload these machines making them feel very slow.
MS Software
There are many misconceptions about this popular office software so I’ve dedicated a chapter to help clarify this.
- Note this software is NOT given away by MS! If you need it you will have to pay for it. Some computers come with a trial version preinstalled but this will only give you a flavour of the package as it has very limited usage.
- The MS office software is often purchased with a DVD and licence key in the retail pack.
- Some retailers are now supplying a disk-less install pack which is a small plastic box with a license key inside. The office software will need to be downloaded to your computer.
- Typically home users & students can purchase a budget version for approx £80, note this version does NOT include the “popular” email program ms Outlook, to acquire that you can purchase the home and business edition for approx £190. Upgrade versions of the software are often problematic to install so we do not recommended them.
- Before purchasing any office package please check carefully it has the individual applications you need, don’t make any assumptions. In the resources section below you can link to MS site to review packages and retail prices.
- Normally retail versions of ms software can only be installed on one machine, check your license. If you try to install on too many machines you will probably get problems with the licence, there is lot of checking when you activate your copy on-line.
- The law regarding software licences is complex, needless to say if you think you’ve found a way round it it’s probably not legal.
- Don’t lend your copy or your license key to anyone, you are unlikely to see it again.
If you don’t wish to pay for MS Office you could consider using Open Office or Libre Office. These are very functional alternatives that “can be downloaded and used completely free of charge”. They are however different from MS office so you will need to be prepared to learn a little. They don’t include a direct equivalent of MS Outlook. There are always lots of options for email software.
Additional considerations for business owners:
- Please don’t be tempted to buy cheap as your business will often rely on your computer(s).
- Consider getting the professional version of the operating system, this is often needed if you are wish to connect to corporate systems.
- Make sure you have an effective backup system in place.
Some thoughts on the Apple Mac Hardware (our opinion)
These products are now mainstream with many people owning Iphones, Ipods, Macbooks and more recently the Ipad.
The quality and ergonomics of this equipment is fabulous but it comes at a price. The Apple OSx operating is easily more robust than some well-known operating systems. The question for people considering purchasing them is can they cope with something a bit different?
There is a high level of support and training available directly from the manufacturer.
Resources
John Lewis Desktop Computers
John Lewis Laptops
Power Computing
Microsoft Office Products
Amazon UK Office Software
Apple Store
Oracle Open Office
Libre Office
This advice is provided in goodwill, the aim is to assist clients in purchasing quality systems, however you use this advice entirely at your OWN risk, we do not accept responsibility for any dealings with third parties and do not warranty their goods or services. We are also not responsible for how you interpret or use this advice.