Buying a cheapish personal desktop
I know this is a difficult question, but since it's been years and years since I last bought a desktop, I could do with some advice.
I'm looking to spend around £600-700 on a new desktop PC.
It will be mainly for writing and surfing the 'net. A bit of gaming (strategy rather than beat-'em-up), perhaps Microsoft FlightSim a little down the line when I have money for the software and a decent joystick. Not for watching films, although I'll probably watch the odd clip online.
I don't knowingly have any friends who could build me one. A colleague offered several months ago, but every time I ask him about it he stalls... and I can't wait much longer.
Really what I think I need is some pointers towards which manufacturers to look for and which to avoid. What mimima I should settle for in terms of disk space, processor speed, DVD writing, screen etc (I don't want more than 17", but what are the cheaper flat screens like?). I don't want a cordless keyboard or mouse, but are these standard now whether you like it or not?
Thanks in advance!