I am looking to get a desktop computer to replace the one my mother has due to age and ureliability (the machine not her!). Only need a basic machine to allow internet surfing, email and run word. Don't really need any new peripherals as I replaced the screen for her about a year ago. I need something fairly reliable as I live too far away to pop round and fix it.

Can anyone suggest a reliable make/model/supplier?

Thanks

I recently bought a HP Pavillion Slimline, i am very pleased with it and the cheapest place i found it was on Amazon with next morning delivery.

These two are fairly decent for the price

http://www.ebuyer.com/338537-zoostorm-premium-desktop-pc-7873-0404

http://www.ebuyer.com/338535-zoostorm-home-media-desktop-pc-7873-0401

The Acer Revos

http://www.ebuyer.com/319565-acer-revo-rl70-nettop-pc-pt-sj4e2-002

are quite basic - they won't be as quick as the Zoostorms.

I like Dell gear as its tested for business use rather than some thrown together generic parts

Load some remote access software so you can access it if needed.

Teamviewer is good and free.

I like Dell gear as its tested for business use rather than some thrown together generic parts

Load some remote access software so you can access it if needed.

Teamviewer is good and free.

As someone who runs a network of 3500 Dell PCs, I'd have to say that you're wrong - it's built the same as everything else! Only difference is the warranty

Buy her an ex business lease job from Dell; I picked up a "micro atx" system, complete with 17" lcd screen for £65 a couple of weeks ago, complete with XP Pro SP3.

You could try Aria.co.uk.

http://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Home+and+Office/Refurbished+Systems/Fujitsu+Esprimo+E5915+SFF+Dual+Core+Desktop+PC+-+Windows+7+?productId=47073

£119 and comes with Win 7!

Dell, with a three year, on site next day warranty.

Nothing expensive, but if it goes wrong on a hardware level, then you know dell will send out a person and the parts.

I used to order a lot from Aria, but their forums mods include a couple of @rse-wholes; I got a 3 day ban from one of them last year, for pointing out their latest swear filter system stopped words like Essex and S****horpe but allowed several anatomical words for male and female private parts (No I didnt print the words, just described them as here).

This was the same whole who edited out a photo of me and my new wife and insinuated she a prostitute; and deleted several other of my posts without giving notice or even a reason.

They used to have a good reputation for RMAs and refunds for faulty equipment, but in the latter part of 2010 and early 2011 there were increasing numbers of people posting complaints about missing refunds and shoddy service; I myself received 2 PCs that were not fit for purpose, with screws loose inside the case, a cpu fan left unplugged so the cpu cooked at first switch-on, and in one, a screw wedge between the motherboard and chassis, causing a short circuit and the psu to blow when a usb cable was inserted, as well as missing power cables and driver CDs.

However, I havent used them since the start of 2011, so maybe they have cleaned up their act.

you could try a barebones system from novatech.co.uk always buy from them and find them very good

you could try a barebones system from novatech.co.uk always buy from them and find them very good

i Found then good prices for Hard drives .( But read up if you buy a Caviare Green oneas the warranty is being shortened.WD blog suggests there may be problems ,and the warranty has been modified in light of this) .

Then ,at times it might be worth keeping an eye on Maplin "B" grade Motherboard CPU kits.