When looking for a computer you must ask yourself what you want it to do.  If you are looking for video and sound capabilities, such as those required to play DVD movies,  you need a mid to high specification PC.  If you are looking to do simple word processing, the the PC will not need to be as powerful.  The more power the computer has, the more it will cost.

You must also ask yourself how much you can afford. As a general rule, computers with a high specification plus a printer and scanner will cost you £1000.  A computer suitable for word processing will cost you £500 brand-new.  If you are experienced with the purchase of computers, you may be able to find a good second hand deal in the Bargain Pages.

As a guide, you should look to purchase a PC with a high specification.  This should last for the whole of your sons school life, and with a bit of upgrading will hopefully see him through college as well. 

High Street stores and Home Shopping Catalogue companies do not represent good value for more when buying a PC.  Often, they supply poor quality components and their after sales care can be appalling. Try to avoid purchasing a PC on credit.

If I were to recommend a supplier it would be Evesham.com which has a branch on the Kings Norton Trading Estate.  Although the computers are slightly higher than average in price, the build quality, component level and after sales care are excellent. 

If you already have a computer and it doesn't match with anything said so far, don't panic. As long as you have got (or can obtain) a word processing program and a printer, then your child will still be able to make very good use of it. A survey that we do every year shows that at least 80% of our Year 7 pupils have a computer of some kind at home, but only a third of those have a printer. Without a printer, a computer merely becomes a rather expensive toy.