Computer Gurus..... Advice needed.

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 06:21 PM

We're in the market for a new desktop, but are split on the decision. The wife likes the pricing of the "ready to go" types found at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, etc. However, I don't won't to be limited by upgrade options (or lack of). I'm thinking a clone would be the best way to go (1 gig of memory, 120 gig H/D, DVD re-writer), and the ability to upgrade in the future. Thoughts?

BTW, I'm trading up from a 4 y/o H/P.

Dew · 01-11-2006, 06:36 PM

only 4 years old? man it's a youngen! I still have my '99 H/P at home lol. Still runs great too! Can't do much nowadays though and most programs make it fall over and play dead but dammit it still works. Windows 98, you can't beat it lol!

Did get a newer laptop for the wife though :P

I don't consider myself that great with computers, but if you want the option to upgrade I wouldn't recommend another H/P

What are you looking for price-wise though? The "ready to go ones can save you a buck or two if you find a good deal.

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dew

only 4 years old? man it's a youngen! I still have my '99 H/P at home lol. Still runs great too! Can't do much nowadays though and most programs make it fall over and play dead but dammit it still works. Windows 98, you can't beat it lol!

Did get a newer laptop for the wife though :P

I don't consider myself that great with computers, but if you want the option to upgrade I wouldn't recommend another H/P

What are you looking for price-wise though? The "ready to go ones can save you a buck or two if you find a good deal.

Windows 98! I still remember the midnight launch of that, crazy!

Pricewise, I'm figuring around $650.00 to $800.00 w/o monitor or printer. I've sort of priced some out, still playing with my options. I probably don't need a gig of memory, 512k would work, I'm sure. Still dealing with that want/need list.

I like the H/P, it's been a good machine, but like you said the bigger programs just clog it up.

squirrel · 01-11-2006, 06:49 PM

Costco had some nice laptops a few months back.

Dew · 01-11-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel

Costco had some nice laptops a few months back.

yeah if you and your wife decide to go with the package "ready to go" deals then I would definatly check out either Costco or Sams Club. I'm not sure what brands they carry though. I know for sure one of them carries H/P is you want to stick with an old faithful. but upgrading those can be a pain at times.

Quote:

I probably don't need a gig of memory, 512k would work, I'm sure.

I would get a gig. Even if you don't think you need it, you always end up using more space than you thought in the end and kick yourself in the butt for not going bigger

At least I know I do!!

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by squirrel

Costco had some nice laptops a few months back.

My daughter just pointed that out to me last night. We bought her an ipod mini for Christmas, but I can't even load up the software! (Needs Windows 2k or XP) Since I'm making do on 64k, those O/S's aren't even an option. So she's hot for a laptop, but the desktop comes first.

squirrel · 01-11-2006, 07:03 PM

Yeah, I picked up a Compaq laptop from Costco, and it lasted 5 years before I crashed it.

clubxbdave · 01-11-2006, 07:05 PM

I would wait for one of those dell deals to come around. My roommate picked up a 20 inch wide screen with tower for 800 shipped. At the time that monitor was selling for 550 on dell.com

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by admin

I would wait for one of those dell deals to come around. My roommate picked up a 20 inch wide screen with tower for 800 shipped. At the time that monitor was selling for 550 on dell.com

Ooh, that was a sweet deal! I don't know much about Dell's, can they be upgraded? Or are they like the other OEM computers?

clubxbdave · 01-11-2006, 07:12 PM

You can always add more ram and thats pretty much all you need.

It comes with a 3.0 or higher processor and 512 ram which is alot more hardware than the avg user needs. If you store alot of mp3 files on your computer than upgrade your hard drive which is optional at an additional cost.

The 20 inch lcd rocks though very big...

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 08:56 PM

hmm...... Thanks. Still have some time to look into this, at least 'til the end of the month. I want to make my purchase by then.

ashley06xb · 01-11-2006, 09:30 PM

i just looked at a dell magazine...they have laptops in there starting at $499...and you can order them the way you want...add stuff if you want

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashley06xb

i just looked at a dell magazine...they have laptops in there starting at $499...and you can order them the way you want...add stuff if you want

Well, I'll have to show all this to the wife, gonna look up Dell's site tonight. Thanks again everybody!

Gcat007 · 01-11-2006, 10:28 PM

Check out www.chipsandmemory.com

They're in Claremont Mesa and really have great deals. They're a small shop but very cheap prices and will build it right there. You can pick up take home and walla done.

I get all my computer stuff from them.

Here's an average desktop set up. (more than adequate for the average household computer and they're upgradable as well)
#512MB DDR Memory
#80GB Hard Drive(7200RPM)
#52X CD-RW (Yes CDRW Included),
#Or 16X and 52X CD-RW Combo Drive......add $10
#Onboard AGP (Up to 32 MB) and Sound & Game Adapter
#Built-in LAN and Fax/Modem Module,
#Med Tower ATX Case, 450W UL/CE approved ATX power supply.
#1 Year Parts and Labor Warranty

AMD Based:
Motherboard: K8M800, 8X AGP, USB 2.0
Sempron 64 2600+.......................$249
Sempron 64 2800+...................$259
Sempron 64 3000+...................$279

Intel Based:
Motherboard: 800mhz FSB, 8X AGP, USB 2.0
Celeron 2.5ghz.......................$249
Pentium 4 2.4ghz 1mb cache....$299
Pentium 4 3.0ghz 1mb cache....$349

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gcat007

Check out www.chipsandmemory.com

They're in Claremont Mesa and really have great deals. They're a small shop but very cheap prices and will build it right there. You can pick up take home and walla done.

I get all my computer stuff from them.

Now there's another benefit by having it built locally: Customer service! When my power supply burned out after a year, I had to call H/P, wait for their box to arrive, pack it, mail it, then wait..........

Scion-Doll · 01-11-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtrain619

Well, I'll have to show all this to the wife, gonna look up Dell's site tonight. Thanks again everybody!

We don't have the laptop, but the desktop Dell and we love it! Good luck with your computer search. Better go check with the boss and see if she likes it! LOL!

Gcat007 · 01-11-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtrain619

Now there's another benefit by having it built locally: Customer service! When my power supply burned out after a year, I had to call H/P, wait for their box to arrive, pack it, mail it, then wait..........

Yea, I hate going through things like that. My first experience was with gateway.

1) overpriced
2) not upgradable
3) no customer service

The computer ended up being a target for a 12 gauge, .22, .38, .44 etc etc Think I even shot a arrow at it.

The nice thing with local shops is 90% of the time they have people on site that can check, fix and rebuild a tower within a minimal amount of time. If something's wrong they're gonna sell you a replacement not a whole computer.

DTRAIN619 · 01-11-2006, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gcat007

Yea, I hate going through things like that. My first experience was with gateway.

1) overpriced
2) not upgradable
3) no customer service

The computer ended up being a target for a 12 gauge, .22, .38, .44 etc etc Think I even shot a arrow at it.

The nice thing with local shops is 90% of the time they have people on site that can check, fix and rebuild a tower within a minimal amount of time. If something's wrong they're gonna sell you a replacement not a whole computer.

Word! I've dealt with PC Club before (Chula Vista), nice guys, informative, never pushy and didn't make me feel like an idiot! Plus they also speak in laymen terms!!

Next time you want to blast a pc, get a hold of me, sounds like fun!

caden_stargate · 01-15-2006, 05:27 PM

Don't get a toshiba!!! Their shitty.

dirtyrice · 02-03-2006, 09:06 PM

^^^^ LOL. My HD went out in my Toshiba Laptop after 9 months..Luckily it is under warranty, but with the wife doing online schooling, we had to buy a replacement to cover the 2 weeks it would take to fix it. Toshiba USED TO BE top of the line, but they have fallen.

As far as a desktop, if you get the pre made ones from bestbuy, circuit city, etc. get one that is a little more than what you need. That way it will take a little longer when technology surpasses the one you buy. Get the 1 Gig memory..you may need it in a year and it is kind of high to upgrade after you have made the purchase.

Here's what to do...

Make a list of what you need,
1.then make a list of the ones available that have those options with prices,
2.then another list of ones that exceed those options with prices,
3.another list of parts that you would need to expand the first pc list to compete with the second pc list with prices of parts.
4.Compare the lists.
5.Then MOST important...ask some of the local shops which brands are best right now (least problems, least amount to upgrade, easiest to upgrade, Etc.) Do some comparisons online and product reviews!

Asking at two or three different bestbuys will give you two or three answers! Stick to the more reputable repair shops about what's best!