Buying a computer from PC World, memory stick

[Skyedriver]

Apparently when you buy a PC World lap top now with Window 8, you need a 32GB memory stick rather than a couple of DVDs ike my last one.
Looking at thes on the bay, there are various types, flash etc
Are they all basically the same or will I need a specific type?
The guy in store only seemed interested in their tech dept doing it - at £35...
Actually the first guy in their knew less than me - he admitted to being only knowledgable about AppleMac..

[Pie with sauce]

Skyedriver said:

The guy in store only seemed interested in their tech dept doing it - at £35...

What does he "do" for the £35?

What is the memory stick for, exactly?

[grumbledoak]

Without knowing what the monkey said exactly, this sounds like a load of crap. Look elsewhere/online. Dell and Lenovo are good.

To answer your question specifically, there are a number of different 'memory stick' types and you would need the correct one for the socket. If you need one at all.

[maffski]

It will be to create a recovery image, you can probably use either DVD's or a USB thumb drive, assuming the laptop has a DVD writer. Which model laptop is it?

PC World are probably recommending a memory stick as the cheapest they sell is about 15 quid.

[wolves_wanderer]

maffski said:

It will be to create a recovery image, you can probably use either DVD's or a USB thumb drive, assuming the laptop has a DVD writer. Which model laptop is it?

PC World are probably recommending a memory stick as the cheapest they sell is about 15 quid.

This

[MarkRSi]

Wouldn't the laptop come with a recovery DVD? Or isn't that done these days?

My current laptop came from PC World, that time they kept asking me if I want to pay for some McNortonCrapware security software to be put on it

[LooneyTunes]

grumbledoak said:

Look elsewhere/online. Dell and Lenovo are good.

That should be the stock response to anyone contemplating buying a computer from PC World!

Just watch Dell insofar as if you buy Office pre-installed that you may well get an OEM version (licensed only for install on a single PC) instead of full retail version (licensed for multiple PCs on a single user/non-simultaneous basis) for pretty much the same money.

[Russ T Bolt]

It's Black Friday this week, Amazon are already selling cheap Laptops in the lead up.

[pherlopolus]

Any windows 8.1 PC will ideally need the USB stick to create the recovery media. I have the option of 7 (I think) DVDs or a 32gb memory stick.

[colin79666]

If you need a stick just get a cheap one from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lexar-LJDV10-32GBABEU-Medi...

If it is for a recover image then you are going to write it once and then stick it in a drawer for years so there is no point getting a quick one or one that has the best build quality.

[daydotz]

i had the same conversation about them doing this for £35 when i told him no i didn't want one they changed their tune & gave me it for free(pc world branded 32GB)

i got told once they create this stick you cant create another or restore it without

[maffski]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Nope, once you create one set of recovery media it won't let you create a second. Completely stupid idea, but that's pretty much a given for Microsoft the last few years.

[Muntu]

maffski said:

Nope, once you create one set of recovery media it won't let you create a second. Completely stupid idea, but that's pretty much a given for Microsoft the last few years.

That is an OEM thing, not Microsoft

[gpo746]

reason is possibly a lot of laptops no longer have dvd drives in them
OP
PLEASE PLEASE if you buy a USB stick off e bay watch out - so many many scams about faked higher capacity ones
too boring ton explain but if you google it the results will explain
Buy one from a shop - ashtonishingly argos can be great for them

[Skyedriver]

Thanks Guys
First thing is that this all started because I received a PCW/C gift voucher nearly 2 years ago and haven't used it yet and I need a new lap-top....
PCW/C stuff comes pre loaded with windows and you need to create a recovery disc before starting anything. Last one I bought nearly 6 years ago I backed up on 2x DVDs but apparently Windows 8 needs a lot more DVDs...(?)
Think I'll pop over to the Dell site and take a gander there before proceeding,

Anyone any suggestions on what I can spend a £40 PCW/C gift voucher if I don't get my lap top there. Oh just remembered, was thinking of a Nexus 9 for wifeys Christmas.... Unless I get one of those Folding things from Lenovo. Or is that a whole new thread.?

Oh another thread I guess, guy on Saturday suggested Lenovo was basically IBM, is that true?

[sgrimshaw]

maffski said:

Nope, once you create one set of recovery media it won't let you create a second. Completely stupid idea, but that's pretty much a given for Microsoft the last few years.

I just created a second on my Toshiba in Win 8.1

[grumbledoak]

Skyedriver said:

Oh another thread I guess, guy on Saturday suggested Lenovo was basically IBM, is that true?

As close as can be expressed in four words, yes.

Have a look at the Dell Outlet, they sell cancelled/returned orders there. The stuff I have bought there had clearly never been opened. You'll save way more than £40, though you may need to check daily until the spec you want appears.

Edited by grumbledoak on Monday 24th November 18:14

[Zod]

grumbledoak said:

Skyedriver said:

Oh another thread I guess, guy on Saturday suggested Lenovo was basically IBM, is that true?

"Was" as in past tense. Lenovo is a Chinese company that bought IBM's PC business. IBM no longer has anything to do with it.

[McWigglebum4th]

PC World

You've got questions

We've got blank stares

[Skyedriver]

LooneyTunes said:

grumbledoak said:

Look elsewhere/online. Dell and Lenovo are good.

That should be the stock response to anyone contemplating buying a computer from PC World!

Just watch Dell insofar as if you buy Office pre-installed that you may well get an OEM version (licensed only for install on a single PC) instead of full retail version (licensed for multiple PCs on a single user/non-simultaneous basis) for pretty much the same money.

Had a look at Dell today, sent them an email with a few questions, received an acknowledgement along the lines of "if there's anything else you need to know check our web site" which wasn't too helpful but I think I can get a similar spec machine for around £100 less than PCW
What I do see however is that the "Office" installed is just a trial one (30 days(?))

Can I assume I need a 32GB memory stick for a Dell as well?

Edited by Skyedriver on Tuesday 25th November 23:41