New desktop

[Mayhem]

Parents are after a new desktop as the current one is old, and half the time fails to recognise the HD as being there on boot. So does anyone have any recommendations for make/model currently?

Doesn't have to be uber powerful, just up to date, no need for anything fancy graphics or sound wise. Preferably some USB ports on the front that are easy to access, and at least four, if not six in total. They only need the computer (and perhaps a new keyboard/mouse), don't need a monitor, but the desktop needs to have a DVI out. Budget is... well... probably 500 GBP or under.

[charlesr]

Win7 or WinXP? Do they already have a licence?

Could they use something like this and a usb hub?

http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/nboxhd.html

[Mayhem]

It would be W7 no doubt, time to move on. No license on the old PC, it was OEM from Dell. Someone else already mentioned Novatech actually on another forum. Just need to check the printer/scanner they own has W7 drivers first.

[charlesr]

I had to flog my scanner on ebay. Printer was ok though.

[Mayhem]

This is a combined unit so... somewhat important that it works heh. Actually I just checked, appears to be W7 drivers for it, must be modern enough to be considered.

[speedlolita]

Mayhem, literally anything you can purchase right now is overkill for what they need it for.

I have an i3-2100T in my desktop currently that uses little to no power. The actual CPU package uses no more than 8w idle.

I'd say that thing charlesr linked it a bit pricey, but it is a complete unit so you wouldn't have to assemble.

[Baseley09]

These Zoostorm desktops pop up on HUKD on a weekly basis, should be some his week if you keep those eyes peeled.

http://www.hotukdeals.com/search?action=search&keywords=zoostorm

[Psyduck]

Mac mini?

[ETC]

Asus i5 x53 laptop has a hdmi out, i5 sandy bridge, w7 only about ?350-?400

[NW2013]

What tasks do they want to do? Laptop or tablet no good for them?

[Mayhem]

Parents don't like Macs, so that's completely out. They had debated a laptop, but dad would prefer a "proper" computer hah hah. They're the ones paying, I am just trying to guide them as best as possible heh. I emailed Novatech about the home range they do to find out which ones have front mounted USB ports (important for them to plug in external USB drives). So might be ready to roll... just need to get them a legit copy of Office 2003 now.

[Baseley09]

If they still need one, this deal is back:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/zoostorm-desktop-pc-intel-pentium-dual-core-sandybridge-g840-2-8ghz-8gb-ram-750gb-1172062#comments