getting a new computer

[neurotrash1982]

Hello, I am a student from Belgium who would like to buy a new computer with a budget of around 1000 euro (750 pounds). I read a lot on this forum about how one should assemble one or at least have it assembled from specific parts rather than buying a whole ready made computer. However, to me this sounds like someone suggesting me to assemble my own car instead of just buying a new one. So my question, I suppose, comes basically down to this:

Does anyone here know of a good machine I can buy anyways for that price? fyi, I am not planning to do anything remarkable with it: I have recently started to learn some programming, I would also like to create flash content on it, and do some gaming (but I guess not extremely hi-tech or demanding games), making standard documents, surfing, ...

If you would suggest I should probably try to go for assembling one myself, where do I look for parts? what should be their requirements? how do I make sure its all compatible? Also, it hasbeen suggested I should do this because sellers are not putting our moneys worth into the premanufactured machines... so how do I make sure they wouldnt do the same in selling me parts? who do I ask for help assembling it?
I noticed a post related to what the parts requirements should be but it was from 2004 so maybe its a bit outdated?

another thing... when one buys a laptop, what exactly is the tradeoff you make for having a pc that you can carry around since its the size of a small briefcase? are they slower? whats the deal?

ok thats about it I guess... I know its asking a lot at the same time but I would be very happy if some of you at least point me in the right direction as to not getting scammed into buying a piece of junk... because I sort of cant use that right now

well, what else is there left to say? thanks in advance, I suppose...

 

[bnorth]

well my only advice as a non-expert would be stay clear of Eclipse

google Eclipse Computers (of Coventry) and they seem to
have a terrible reputation for product reliability and customer service.
for the most part the feedback on numerous boards is frighteningly negative.

"The Trading Standards say this is illegal and they will act against the company if enough people complain - so DO IT TODAY! "
http://www.smallworldmedia.co.uk/weblog/2005/04/on_eclipse_comp_1.html

and
"Eclipse computers are COWBOYS and extremely useless."
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/electronic-stores/eclipse-computers-coventry/reviews/

and
"I would NEVER EVER order from them again, biggest bunch of cowboys under the sun imo.
Took over two weeks to send my order and there was a whole load of things wrong."

http://forums.hexus.net/shopping-re...worrying-eclipse-computers-3.html#post1324630

and
"IF I DIDNT STOP MYSELF FROM PURCHASING FROM THESE MUPPETS, I WOULD HAVE PROBABLY LANDED ONE ON THE MANAGERS! "
http://www.ciao.co.uk/Reviews/eclipse_computers_com_Eclipse_Computers_Coventry__5262036

and
"DO NOT USE ECLIPSE. THEY ARE ROTTEN TO THE CORE"
http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardware/52432-anybody-used-http-www-eclipsecomputers-com.html

and
"Do not be tempted to use this company - they are cheap but their after sales service stinks"
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=16173

and
"When the system arrived initially, after a five week delay, it didn't work, wouldn't even switch on."
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews55635.html

photos here !!!

"Note all 6 of the plastic supports for the front of the case are snapped "
http://photos.offline.org.uk/showgallery.php?galleryid=34

and
"Thought id just write this to imform people about this company and what a crap experiance i have had of them."
http://www.deadmen.co.uk/forum/archive/index.php/t-10831.html

and
"Their pc's get good reviews in the magazines, but I wouldn't ever recommend them to anyone."
http://www.ciao.co.uk/eclipse_computers_com_Eclipse_Computers_Coventry__Review_5622830

and
"I emplore you to read and heed the reviews posted about them, and steer clear at all costs!"
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Eclipse_Computers

sure maybe only disatisfied customers complain but google Chillblast or Zoostorm or Dell and you don't find pages of angry feedback ! but you do with Eclipse !! and its not that they are a large company
an informed assessment of the wisdom of an Eclipse purchase should take this into account