Shopping for Computer

[Chief]

Well I hate shopping, but I have to start my antique 5 times before it boots up, so I guess it's time for a new one.

I'm looking for at least 80 gig HD
512 ram
appx 2.5 or more gig processor speed
dvd-cd burner, and a spot to install my present cd burner as well.

peripherals are not a major concern. I have a good printer, lousy CRT, 20 yr old speakers and keyboard. I could always replace them later if need be.
Also now use a cable modem connection.

I'm hoping to spend around 600 dollars or less for what I want. I have a bud who goes to the computer shows and knows his way around. He will probably help me get a good deal without getting ripped off. That won't be for another month so I have some time to look around yet.

I've been trying to check some sites on the web, but haven't found anything impressive.

Does anyone have a good site/deal to check out or a site that they had good experience with? Keep in mind I'm a bit of a miser and stay one step behind technology for the sake of $$$ What about brand names? I'm partial to HP at this point. Don't need any provider rebate deals.

Any feedback and/or advice Much Appreciated.

Thanks in Advance,

Chief

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

For Christmas I was going to beef up my daughters computer. Started with a 120gig hard drive, ya know all the goodies. Bottom line is I had already racked up about $300 in hot rod goodies for her old computer and still hadn't upgraded the memory and that's where I ran into trouble. My last stop, and last local source for memory was Circut City and that's where my plans got changed. I was able to pick up her a Compaq 2.5ghz P2, 140gig HD, 40x R/W CD, Network ready etc, etc, all for $299. I took all the other stuff back and went this route. I would go to Circut City and ask what kind of killer deals they have and if you're not in a huge hurry, I'd wait till you find one.

 

[pdiddy]

Dell. I am a computer technician and they seem to be the most reliable of the computers we buy. I wouldn't touch a Compaq/Hp with a 10 foot pole no matter how cheap they are. We bought 30 Compaq Evo's and within a month, already 10% had failed! I think we are up to 15% now, and they are only 6 or 7 months old. It's a case of you get what you pay for. I am not saying that Dell's are perfect, but they are head and shoulders above Hp/Compaq.

If I were to buy a computer, I would probably build it myself. But buying one already built, it would definatly be Dell.

 

[taraker]

Coming from the computer bidnezz I have to say Dell & Gateway have the best bang for your buck hands down. :think:

The old geek propeller heads days of running around the local swap meet & building your own days are history :|

Like that short bus ridin Jeff Gilby, I've spent over $500 upgrading my wife's computer, new systemboard, AMD 2600, 80GB HDD, 512 SDRAM & Wireless Adapter & saw a like system for $399!!!! :whiner: & I bought my stuff using PriceWatch.com !!!

 

[bratt]

Don't get a Compaq! I am now the proud owner of a 2 yr old pile of crap that used to be a Compaq Presario. It seems my hard drive gave up. I have a buddy of mine who builds and repairs computers as a career and even he couldn't bring that lop-o-poo back from the dead. I'm very dissapointed, I don't do any heavy computing just your basic internet browsing, email and photo stuff. I understand hard drives will crap out but after only 2 years? :|

 

[biglou]

Another vote for Dell here. Watching the "Dark Deals" segment on The Screensavers the other night and they had a Dell with a P4 ~2.6gig processor and 15" monitor for $349!!! Check out Dell's super deals area and maybe even the refurbished section. FWIW, I picked up a Dimension 8250 a little over a year ago that was loaded. I deleted the monitor and DVD ROM drive and got it for $888 after rebate with free shipping.

 

[nephron]

I built mine as well, and agree that it costs one hell of a lot more money than buying new. Consider, for instance, the cost of a full install copy of XP when these OTC computers come with a new OEM version. A lot of money for that 'sense of satisfaction'. I guess I at least know exactly what I've got.

Anyone know what kind of equipment the various companies use? eg, does Dell use a Maxtor HDD while Compaq uses some brandless Taiwanese thing? Does it work that way? Or does Dell, eg, build most of their own parts?

 

[dklink2000]

I have had nothing but problems with my new dell. After sending it back twice and counless hours on the phone with "tech support" in India, they now are sending me a new hard drive...that I have to install. Now I don't have a clue on how to install a hard drive. I tried telling them this, but they just don't seem to care. I will NEVER buy another DELL! :| :debil:

 

[dklink2000]

Did I mention it's only 3 mo. old!!

 

[WildBill]

The IT guy at my work buys from www.fcsnet.com out of Georgia. I picked up a basic PC from them 1 year ago and so far so good. One way that they cut $'s is that the sound and video cards on built into the motherboards, but supposedly they can be disabled, of that what our IT guy told me. My machine has been good so far and I had space to add my existing cd-burner as well. Just my $0.02.

Good Luck!

 

[Bodge]

If i was computer shopping i would look for the best performence at a reasonable price but after i got it i would have the best virus/adware/spyware removal/ prevention program and a good firewall. My gateway Was great, fast as lightning about 2 years ago. Now i get at least 4 pop ups a min and it takes forever to start up. Also keep away from kazaa, or at least the free ad filled version.

 

[pdiddy]

I have had nothing but problems with my new dell. After sending it back twice and counless hours on the phone with "tech support" in India, they now are sending me a new hard drive...that I have to install. Now I don't have a clue on how to install a hard drive. I tried telling them this, but they just don't seem to care. I will NEVER buy another DELL! :| :debil:

All computers, no matter the brand, will have some that break. And you really can't blame Dell for hard drive failure. They buy Maxtor hard drives (at least all of the newer ones we have bought at work have Maxtor's) and put them in the computers. Hard drives are the most common component to fail of any computer, no matter brand, to fail.

As for putting it in yourself, it really is quite simple. Depending on the model, it will go like this:

Shut off computer.
Unplug power cable.
Open case.
Unplug the 2 cables connected to the drive.
There will be some sort of lever or button to push or pull and the hdd will slide out.
Unscrew the platform the hdd is attached to.

To put the hdd back in, do the reverse. If you search Dell's site, or look in the manuals that came with the computer, there will be instructions on how to do this.

Dell will actually send a tech to fix a computer, it depends on what level of service plan you bought.

I hope it goes well!

 

[dklink2000]

Well the second hard drive was put in last night(first time I have done that) and it started just fine. Loaded windows XP and everything seemed fine. It ran much faster, probably due to the fact it didn't have a bunch of junk from dell on it any more. Well about 15 min into using it, it starts doing exactly what it was doing before, sounding like there was a short and turning off. As for tech support, that is what really has me mad. We bought the highest level service plan we could get. They have shipped the computer back twice to where ever there service center is, but every time we get it back there is a note saying that the computer does not work and it is a software issue and to call that department. Well we call that department, and thay say it is a hardware problem and to call that department. I just don't know ahat to do anymore. I think I'll just buy a gateway.

 

[MrLuckey]

The only Dell I ever owned had a problem with it after about 6 months. I called them on Fri or Sat and they had a guy at my house Monday morning to repair it. That's been about 8 yrs ago but their customer service at that time was top notch.

 

[Mike_socal]

In my opinion, build your own. When you see computers for $399 take into account all of the components that come with it, video card, sound, type of memory, network card, type of motherboard, etc. You pay for what you get. Also keep in mind the upgrade potential of the parts. For example, buying a motherboard only capable of a lesser bus speed than the current standard wouldn't be a good idea in case you want to upgrade in the future. Usually the most expensive component is going to be the video card. I built a mid-level pc about 6 months ago for about $550 and sourced all of the parts locally.

AMD Barton 2700
ABIT NF7-S ver 2 motherboard
Western Digital 80GB HD w/8MB buffer
Nvidia 5700 ultra video card(so so card but still expensive)
LiteOn CD-ROM/DVD/RW CD(cheap and burns fine)
2x256 400mhz DDR ram(should have gotten 2x512)

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

On second thought. Don't waste your money on a computer, it's a passing fad anyway and it'll never catch on. :joke:

 

[Chief]

It Is Done

I dunno Jeff, I heard they're really gonna be big in the future, do things like cook breakfast, drive our cars etc. guess we'll just have to wait and see :)

I broke down yesterday and went to cct city. I picked out an HP pavilion with a compac moniter and jbl speakers.

2.2 gig athlon processor
160 gig hd
512 ram
dvd/cd burner
cd rom drive
good software package
1 yr warranty
12 mos zero financing which will work fine for me
good graphics card

The burner didn't work from the start although I've had an HP cd burner in my old puter for about 3 years with no problems. A new one is on its way. I'm not bothered by this and think everything should work out.

After the no commitment rebates the price came to 850 dollars. I guess I got a fair deal since I only spent so much time shopping around and wanted to get it over with. Only time will tell if I made a good choice, but I don't expect any problems.

Thanks Much for all the help Everyone!!!

Joe Chief

 

[kbtoyz]

re

i have had 5 or 6 pc s in the las t 5 or so years.my system now is a dell refurbished ...from dell for 299.00
i then put another 1250.00 in upgrades in it and it is the fastest most reliable pc ive ever oned ....

I WOULD NOT GET A COMPAQ !!!!!!!!
their mb only take compaq stuff and they are really really difficult to work on

they are TOO SMALL AND TOO MUCH TROUBLE

they are to be cosidered disposible
6months- 1 yr go get a new one


remember that all pc need daily or weekly and absolutely monthly maintence ..like a car or bike
get programs like toni arts easy cleaner and ad ware 6.0 to help you ..
defrag your disk often and defrag your mem every week or so ...this will help keep you up and surfing fast

keith