UK estimate for laptop, desktop and screen

[Ivo]

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering how much (ballpark estimate) would a regular 20'' or so screen, regular pre-assembled desktop (for work - mostly text processing and browsing, running linux - not for gaming and for some run of the mill calculations with mathematica / maple; don't want to go to the trouble of assembling it) and a tablet PC (laptop) decently light for traveling would cost in GBP.

Instead of giving me the fish, maybe you can teach me to fish by providing me with useful links so that I can get an idea?
I don't need specific model advice as this is an estimate for stuff that will only be purchased later (assuming the request gets approved).

Ivo.

[lordofduct]

why not check out the websites of stores in Britain...

like say, PC World - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/


you may instead want to ask anyone from the UK what stores they think have the best service and prices. I don't live there so I don't know.

[SegaDreamscape]

Pretty much what lordofduct says. The web might be the best bet depending on where you are, but theres too many places to list just a few, it pretty much depends on exactly what your after. I dont know if your in the UK but a lot of places give away laptops when subscribing to broadband/mobile phone contracts.

Theres also a lot of small independant computer shops scattered all over that would be able to build up a cheap desktop offer a cheap laptop and a screen, just go to any town centre or look in the local paper. This way would prob be cheaper as you pick up so no postage costs.

[Niode]

Ebuyer.com is one of the better component sellers, they sell pre built desktop PCs and Laptops at cheap prices as well. Don't bother with PCworld. It's the worst store you could go to. Asking there for computer advice is like asking your local green grocer what the latest fashion trend is. Employees with advanced PC knowledge are sacked almost as quick as they can get the job because they won't push buyers into paying top money for an overpowered PC that they are only going to browse the internet and use email on.

PCworld = AVOID AT ALL COSTS

If you are wanting more enthusiast orientated systems then Scan.co.uk is a pretty good bet, as is Overclockers.co.uk. Also, if you know somebody who works for BT or work for BT yourself, you can get a discount at Dabs.com. Sometimes Dabs is the cheapest place even without a discount, so it's worth checking there.

Also, I would steer well clear of those 'free laptop' deals with mobile broadband. I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot barge pole. You are unlikely (unless you live in the middle of nowhere and can't get broadband) to ever use it enough to get the most out of it. Often the deals will cost you about £540 for 18 months, and the laptop they give you will only be worth £200-300. You would be better off buying the laptop, then just getting a Pay and Go mobile broadband adaptor and using it as and when you need it, much much cheaper that way. Most places have free wifi now anyway so you wouldn't need to use it that much anyway.

[paulie12uk]

I'd recommend dabs.com too great site. I'd all so recommend aria.co.uk another cheap site but make sure to add the vat and delivery on when working out the total cost.