Problem is that the OS is in German... and I'd like to avoid to have to buy the English CD and install it.
Any way around it?
Also, do you know any other place (expect internet/Dell) where you can buy PCs running software in English?
Thanks
I may need to buy a new PC/lap top and would kidly need some help. I've seen that Mediamarkt is selling some laptops at 999CHF and 1300CHF, probably not state of the art stuff but they would do the job for me (home).
build your own and you can get English OEM windows licences
use another operating system and download English versions
some pre-loads will actually install in English from the onboard partition
you mention internet/Dell - do you have an aversion to them?
I believe Steg ( www.stegpc.ch , i think) offers English OS for their computers.
Not at all, in fact that's where I got my last 2 PCs from. It's just that I wanted to avoid vaiating for 10-15 days delivery, and most important, same some money - 999CHF dude!
Thanks - that sounds really good. And they also have some pretty good offers (Acer). Will definitely check it out.
I bought a Dell here. You can choose your OS langauge, keyboard layout etc. They do specials as well, look out for those. Had I bought another LT with the same specs I do believe I would have paid at least 50% more.
I got an inspiron 9300, 17", wireless number with 1gb ram, 60 gb hdd, radeon X600 gfx ... the usual suspects for 1300 chf if my memory serves me correctly. It works like a charm.
Just looked at a similiar exercise yesterday so can maybe give some useful advice here.
I presume your needs are basic, you want to spend as little as possible but you don't want a lemon?
You can get this HP model for 898, or this Toshiba model for 858. Those were the two finalists when we did it yesterday. The HP is slightly newer and faster, but doesn't have a widescreen. Bottom line: If you want to watch a lot of films/TV then go for the Toshiba, if you want to do normal work then go for the HP - which also has almost twice the battery life of the HP.
You can also use www.toppreise.ch to compare prices, but those are pretty low.
Both of those models have XP versions in E/D/F/I so no worries there. I'd be hesitant about blowing it away and doing a fresh install - there's often customised software for all the little extra buttons etc.
Forgot to ask - does it have to be a laptop? You get a lot more bang for your buck if you go for a desktop.
Wow - that's good to know, thanks. Let me have a look at those. But yes, it needs to be a laptop (already have a desktop) and I just need very basic functions, nothing too fancy. Though a good video/sound card would be nice and a good battery is a must.
Both of those will do the job perfectly as far as video and sound go - but if you want better sound then hook up external speakers. If battery is important for you then go with the HP if it comes down to those two choices. Both are excellent value for money considering that they are at the very low end of the market with respect to price.
The links didn't work for me - can you please post the model names or alternative links?
=DM=
those links are a bugger as you have a session cookie from digitec.
search for the cheapest laptop from Tosh and HP
Just double checked the links - worked for me - and there was no session ID or something. Anyway, the site was www.digitec.ch , model numbers were Toshiba Satellite A100-597 and HP Compaq nc6320 Core Solo T1300. Thinking of giving up the mac?
session cookie
Aha, OK, if I first open www.digitec.ch and then click the links, then they work.
I don't want to give up the mac platform completely, but since the majority of the world uses Windows, I want at least one machine where I can check documents for compatibility. Also, I don't have a laptop at the moment, so ... Actually, what I really really want is an ultralight, superslim laptop, but I'll need to do some shopping first.
=DM=
Just ass a tip if you are buying a notebook stay away from HP they have massive reliability problems since start of 2004. Alternatively buy one with the 3 year care pack
Don't forget you can have several OS's on one Thinkpad / Laptop / Desktop via Dual / Triple booting and other mechanisms.
JC
I've had a lot of luck with Dell - you can pick the Software and keyboard language of your dreams. The prices are good, delivery's efficient.
After-sales service in Switzerland is really pretty crappy, in my experience. As long as nothing goes wrong - you're well off.
D.
www.digitec.ch works for me as i purchased Toshiba Satellite which has all the four language including english also and price was also good.They are in zurich zone 10
www.pcdesigns.ch
whatever you need will be there. All in English too.
run by Robert McKinnon, when I needed a new pc and all my software in English.