Hi all
I need to purchase a new pc - any suggestions as to which model and make. Sadly I can't afford Apple. I use it for Open University. I have a packard Bell laptop windows 7, which hubby is slowly taking over.
A pc will suit me better - ergonomically.
I clicked Billwill's website but noticed he has now retired. All suggestions greatly appreciated.
Annie aka nannio from the Last Laugh forum.
You know you can get a grant from the OU to buy a computer if it's for studies? Have a look on their financial support website.
I generally choose new computers by having a look at what's available in my price range and then reading and comparing the reviews on cnet or techradar etc.
I bought a laptop from here - http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/cat.php?search=Refurb+%2F+Used+PCs It's not the latest model but for £100 it works well enough for basic internet and is built solidly and was in great condition. Looked new.
Thanks Harridan
Yes I know but I was assessed due to RA and the guy wants to adapt my laptop so I think this academic year - I'm now too late. I will phone him though.
Thank you.
Annie 
Hi Lee
Thank you - I will check out your link. Much appreciated.
Annie
Hi all
I have found a possible pc see link below
Am I correct in assuming as it is called an all in one pc that the cpu is integral?
How is that possible?
Annie
Hi Annie, the only trouble I can see with what you've chosen is that it's not upgradable, so in the future, instead of just buying a replacement card/device you'd have to buy a whole new system.
Might be worth considering a tower system if you're likely to upgrade in the future. 
Thank you so much Nil
I think I'll stick with a tower - it's tempting to cut down on hardware without realising the ramifications of doing so ...LOL!
Really appreciate your prompt reply. Do you know if tower pc's have a built in webcam only my laptop has a built in cam?
Annie
There are monitors with built-in webcams, but I imagine they'll be more expensive than your 'standard' monitor. Might be worth doing some searching on the net.
Glad I could help.
Thank you very much Nil
Or you can get any number that just hook over the top of the monitor or just stand on your computer table.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=webcam&x=0&y=0
Thank you for the link. The webcams are'nt too expensive either.
Much appreciated. Your profile made me giggle. Tony Hancock - a legend.
Annie
I bought that top one the other day. Excellent camera, especially for £9.00.
Hi Lee
You can't go wrong for £9.00, eh? Will probably order it now.
Thanks
Annie
I haven't sold any computers for many years, because the big shops & stores were/are selling them at only a little over the trade price & so I could not compete.
If you want just a useable computer you do not need to spend as much as £579. You don't need high performance for open university type work. Even a Netbook would have the necessary performance, however if you were to go for the convenience of a small netbook, for carrying around, you might want to consider getting a bigger monitor (£65-£120) and keyboard (approx £10-20) to use with the little computer while you are at home. All laptops & netbooks have sockets for connecting external monitors & keyboards.
Desktop computers in the home seem to be going out of fashion, I guess because laptops are just so much more convenient for tidying away.
Broadly speaking nowadays
Laptops:
Netbook computers (small screen, no DVD drive) £190-£290
General purpose laptop 15" upwards screen with DVD drive £280-£500
High performance laptops £500-£2000
Fancy compact big names like Sony £900-£1900
Ultrabooks The latest fad £1000-£2500
Main snag with laptops is that they generally have to be repaired (if they break) by the original manufacturer or by specialist firms.
Desktop computers are more difficult to give price ranges because they tend to be mix&match between computer unit, Monitor, Screen, Mouse, Speakers etc. You can buy the bits separately. As you've noted above many fancy add-ons such as webcams can actually be bought as extras at low prices.
I'll post some search links at CPC in a minute, so that you can see some typical systems and prices.
Also you should buy some computer magazines and look at the reviews and adverts in them.
The Packard Bell all in one that you mention will have all the repair disadvantages of a laptop, without giving you the convenience of a laptop.
Netbooks http://cpc.farnell.com/netbooks
Laptops: http://preview.tinyurl.com/96hrwf7
Desktops: http://cpc.farnell.com/pcs
Screens i.e monitors: http://cpc.farnell.com/monitors-accessories_monitors http://cpc.farnell.com/monitors-accessories_monitors/prl/results/2
Hi Bill
Many thanks for all your input. I love my laptop but it isn't high enough for me. My brother Phil also suggested an additional bigger screen and key board but alas my desk space is limited.
The OU DSA assessor has ordered me a stand to slot my laptop into with an ergonomical keyboard and mouse - but they are so ugly and I can't believe the stand won't scratch or harm my laptop. I've yet to receive them.
I will certainly check out your links.
Many thanks again Bill - much appreciated.
Annie