Looking at computer options

[nick crisp]

Well, my old desk top (on Windows XP) is probably going to expire soon, as M/soft have now withdrawn support for that ancient ( :rolleyes) system. Was in a shop in Oxford the other day, forget the name of the place, but they actually seem to know their stuff, have everything plugged in and running to demonstrate, and a guy there spent a good 20 mins showing me a couple of things, after asking what I need a computer to do - which I thought was great, cos most places just seem to want to sell you whatever their latest promotion is, and then can't tell you bugger all about it.

So, I was looking at an iMac laptop - tres expensif! (£850) - but, it has very good photo software already installed, at least, as good as I'm ever gonna need, and is very easy to use; basically, does everything I want from a computer. Unfortunately, I didn't note the exact model, so will have to pop back and check, so I can see if it's cheaper elsewhere.

However, as little as I know about computers, I know there's likely to be a cheaper option that's every bit as good for what I need it for, so I wondered if anyone had any recommendations before I go and splash the cash. £850 still seems an awful lot of dosh for what I'll actually use a computer for, but it is tempting to go for something a little more up-to-date than I'm used to this time as a bit of a treat.

TL;DR Recommend me a laptop.