Yes I read the goverment package is for 75+ A top box and suitable aerial plus installation.However I have that. I was actually told that the UHF arrangement is better than the dish, that there will be more programmes.I hope they are better than what we have now?I like channel 7 but rumours abound they are changing it to a 24 hour shopping station.My next endeavour will be to purchase a recorder.I see it depends on the size in gigabytes. Starting at around $500 up to a grand.Ah well I'm having to save for it.But I daresay there will be other devices when we all get Freeview.

@gerald006 If you do buy a recorder, don't get too much storage space. I have a Telstraclear T-Box with a 320Gb hard disk and I've currently got about 20 programs stored which takes up about 18% of the hard disk. Most 1 hr programs are about 1Gb, though I don't have any High Def recorded. Even if a high definition program is double the size of standard programs it would still take me towards the end of forever to watch 320Gb worth of tv.

I agree with aspir8or, if you don't want to record a lot, just get something with a smaller HD. I don't watch a lot of TV and I am not interested in buying a recorder at all. If I want to watch something that I have missed, I use isky which is free to watch on my computer anyway. ( you need to be a Sky TV subscriber).

CB

Thank you. Have just seen this post having written on another discussion.Well its either a recorder or an Ipad.From what your all saying I should go for the Ipad.This computer I'm on is on its last legs,or should that be bytes? Have to do some serious saving.TTFN

ipads, tablets, smartphones like the iphone are all the rage now, all can do what the PC does now anyway. The future is all about portability and being mobile connected. That is the future, don't be afraid to embrace it!

Recording TV programs is still relevant, but it is entirely your choice. My daughter told me that you get an ipad if you already have everything else. (gadget wise)! She has an ipad. I rest my case.

CB

Thank you for the advice.Yes! Your daughters quite right. I haven't got everything, and I'd like a new computer.I looked at NL on their website, and I'm offered-Notebooks,Net Books, Ultrabooks etc.Reading the info , it's a question of memory.I see one notebook with 2GB, and another with 4Gb.I want to email, join in discussions,write my articles, play games etc.My present computer literally pegs out all the time.But it was free, and my son is generous with his assistance.But he doesn't think I need to go too flash.So Cookybaby (and Others) which computer should I look at in the price range-$500-$1000.Your comments are most valueable to me.

If you are buying a laptop, and didn't need a really huge Hard Drive in it, then this would be my choice for something under $1000.

It has slightly faster processor in it than some of the other ones, and HP is a better brand, more reliable. 4GB RAM is about average these days, but if you're wanting something bigger, and better, you'd be paying quite a bit over $1000.

CB

That's a super looking computer Cooky baby.I'm going to save up for it, it will take me the rest of the year.I'm very lucky to have a computer at all. My son Chris gave me one when I was 72.That's generosity itself.But now I'm wanting to download stuff, and receive videos etc. I cant on Dial-up.I dont think it is worthwhile getting Broadband on this pc.So I do need to aim for someething better. I do appreciate your advice. Thank you.

I checked out the computer you reccomended on the internet. Very interesting. The firm offering interest free was the dearest at $1299.I can see how they can offer absurd terms.That was HN.Secondly NL was next priciest at $1100. B&B was $899.And the firm I have just read might be closing down- was the cheapest at $749.Did you see that tv1 investigation about haggling for a bargain? She got heaps of bargains(only on paper). but you can see the sense in it.That's nearly $500 difference.And if you read the fine print, the dearest place wants a $50 fee for setting the deal up, and $2.95 a month service fee.I can't afford interest free, so I will have to go for something else perhaps.I'll check it out with my Whizz kid son.

Yes, the link I gave you was for the one shown. As you can see, the price is much cheaper when you buy online! Also, when buying anything from anywhere, DON'T get sucked into buying extra warranty cover. That is only a way for the shop to get extra money off you. Most manufacturers have reasonable cover on parts anyway. Also the Consumers Guarantee Act states that items must be of a certain quality and be expected to last for a reasonble time without failing.

Unfortunately a booking fee may apply when buying on hire purchase. (which is just another rip off as far as I can tell!)

CB