Getting a computer...

[The Penguin]

Hey everyone! I'm planning on getting my own computer soon (this whole friend and school labs just isn't working for me anymore) and I'm trying to decide what to get and what it should have when I get it.

I am currently thinking about getting a Dell with among other things a DVD player in it. I'll be using it to type school papers, use the internet (like here for example) and probably get some games as well. I'm not much for down-loading music at this point, but I might think about it.

Any suggestions about anything computer purchase related?

Thanks in advance for all your help,
The Penguin ;)

[Ruffian]

Well, if you think you'll get cable modem or hook up with a network for internet connection, make sure it's got a networking card. DVD-ROM cool.

I have a Gateway and I'm happy with it. Other people I know who've gotten Dells and Gateways are happy with their purchases. :)

[BLACKHEART]

Get a Gateway, no not because I work for them, but because it's better than Dell.

Do you have a lot of money Penguin? Are you going to be able to pay for this computer the day you get it? Gateway has the best payment plan. No interest or payment due for 6 months. That means you will have an extra 6 months from the day you buy it to pay the computer off. You can get a Gateway PC custom made to support your needs.

I also wouldn't suggest a Dell simply because I can't stand the kid who sells them. You're getting a Dell dude. How lame is he? Get a Gateway and you'll be happy. With Gateway you can even get a nifty flat screen monitor. Gateway is the place for all of your computer needs.

www.gateway.com Go take a look at some of the deals.

[ButteredToast]

Personally, I don't care for prefab computers. There's always a corner to be cut in the quest for the cheapest deal. if you know someone who custom builds computers, I think you'll get the best bang for your buck.

This is also my opinion, but I wouldn't go with Pentiums. They're more expensive and (in my experience) more buggy. After my PIII 1 Gigger, I'll never get another Pentium CPU EVER again.

[BLACKHEART]

It all depends on the money you want to spend. You can go to Circuit City and have them build you a computer. I also like Compaq.

[Failure]

Whoo, no no no. Stay away from Compaq as far as you can! No exceptions!

[Psycho Fox]

Originally posted by ButteredToast
Personally, I don't care for prefab computers. There's always a corner to be cut in the quest for the cheapest deal. if you know someone who custom builds computers, I think you'll get the best bang for your buck. Yhea but some of those small hole in the wall computer shops will rip you off if you have the smell of a newbie.

[BLACKHEART]

My friend has a Compaq and he likes it. My brother also had one.. He did get a Gatway. I don't really talk to him so I don't know how well he liked the Compaq. Another friend of mine recently got a Compaq and he hasn't complained yet. He did buy it because he ruined the one I sold to him. He has no business taking a cover off.

[ButteredToast]

Originally posted by Psycho Fox
Yhea but some of those small hole in the wall computer shops will rip you off if you have the smell of a newbie.

True, true.... it's always good to ask around if you're thinking of going the local computer builder route.

[The Penguin]

Thanks everyone.
I haven't had much luck when I've used friends' Compaqs (they just seem soooo slow). So I'd pretty much decided against that one.
Isn't Gateway having some problems right now?
My family's computer was bought from one of those "we build, you buy it" places and it really hasn't had any real problems.

Another question I have. If I get one from Dell or some other big company, is it worth it to throw in the extra money for the 3-year service plan?

[entitee]

if you're in college, find a computer savvy friend to build you one.
you'll save much money and you'll be better off than getting some crap that has to be traded in for an upgrade and comes with tons of junk pre-installed.

--kev

[Joe Tully]

Originally posted by The Penguin


Another question I have. If I get one from Dell or some other big company, is it worth it to throw in the extra money for the 3-year service plan?

I really, really don't think so. The only reason why those things exist is because, to the company, it's like free money. Most people don't have problems with their computer, so they just sit on their butts and count the cash. Sorry for sounding so pissed off, but I vehemently hate all of these service plans and extended warranty things. It's just playing on people's fears, making the companies big money by making the consumer paranoid. :mad:

I have an HP and I am pretty happy with it. HP and Compaq might be merging, so it'll be interesting to see if Compaq's failures carry over to any new company.

[ButteredToast]

Something else about prefabs.. they're built so you can't do much self-upgrading to them, if any at all. It's been a while since I've seen a computer from one of the big companies that has a full bay of card slots in it...

[atf487]

I'm probably going to get a E machines when my paper boy thing comes through (im 12 and need money), but if you go to www.e4me.com , you should get some great deals (no monitors). Also, Im using a computer made by nutrend. www.nutrend.com. Most of the big name companies slightly overprice, with their special newbie software, and people will pay money if they trust the company. That's just my opinion. Good luck finding a good deal.

[The Penguin]

When I customized the $799 Dell on the site to add a few thing (DVD and such) I got a total of $1,118.00. Does that sound good or do you folks think I can do better?

[hello_lola]

Originally posted by The Penguin
When I customized the $799 Dell on the site to add a few thing (DVD and such) I got a total of $1,118.00. Does that sound good or do you folks think I can do better?

Penguin, listen, my boyfriend did the same thing that you're talking about (I think maybe even the same exact deal) and his computer is really nice, and reasonably priced. A lot of these people know about computers because they're into them as hobbies, but if you just want a computer that is convenient, relatively inexpensive, and will have the features that you mentioned, I think that Dell has some really good offers. Anyway, that's my opinion.

[Ruffian]

From my experience and based on other people I know, stay away from Compaqs. HP's I would say is a toss up, and E Machines I've seen people happy with (and they're fairly cheap.)

[ccffan01]

Get a laptop, thats the extent of my knowlledge that probably bad.

[Psycho Fox]

Originally posted by The Penguin
Another question I have. If I get one from Dell or some other big company, is it worth it to throw in the extra money for the 3-year service plan? A 30,60 day or 1yr plan is good enough after that if it does break down after that odds are you can get it repaired far cheaper then todays prices.

[Sir Gatts]

Dude, you're getting a Dell. :D

I've seen fewer problems with Dell and Gateway than I have with Compaq and HP. I would personally stay away from OEM's just because I like to build my own.

For viewing, flat panel monitors are not as good as OEM's make you think they are. I would just get a 17" or larger CRT monitor which is cheaper and usually better than most TFT's (flat panels).

For speed, avoid the first generation Pentium 4 systems and try to get the second generation (Northwood) Pentium 4's with RIMM memory. Athlon XP systems are also a good choice as long as you can get DDR memory in the configuration. Avoid any system based on a VIA Cyrix CPU.

For gaming, try to avoid anything that has a intergraded graphics card (onboard video). Also try to avoid Nivida's graphics products marked with the label "MX". MX cards ever so suck. ATI radeons are very good and Kyro graphics corp. might not be around much longer.

If you do get into downloading music, many onboard sound systems are quite good today.

If you do by new from an OEM, you should be getting Windows XP preinstalled with the system. Make sure that the system has at least 256MB of system memory so that your computer doesn't run sluggish over continuous use.

Once you get your computer, you will probably have to look into getting a local internet service provider. DSL and Cable have about the same bandwidth (download/upload speed). 56K is the slowest of the 2 but is also the cheapest (usually around $7-$10 US per month compared to DSL/Cable, $40-$80 US per month. I have Cable and could never think of going back to 56K. If you do go Cable or DSL, as Twilight said, you will need to make sure that the computer has a Network Interface Card. NIC's should cost you no more than $20 US.

"If I get one from Dell or some other big company, is it worth it to throw in the extra money for the 3-year service plan?"
It's usually not even worth it. You may even decide to get a newer computer before then.

Best of luck on finding your new computer! :D

[KingKoopa]

I wouldn't go with Gateway from personal experience. I've known 2 people with Gateways, both had faulty hard drives and had to be replaced within a year. Dell is the best option, I think.

[Naraht]

I've heard mixed reviews of Gateways & Dells...

I recomend Micron. http://www.micronpc.com

They aren't as well known, but they make a good product, and they don't break down. That I've seen.

[Psycho Fox]

Originally posted by Sir Gatts
If you do by new from an OEM, you should be getting Windows XP preinstalled with the system. Make sure that the system has at least 256MB of system memory so that your computer doesn't run sluggish over continuous use.XP is a resorce hog and will not work well with pre 95 dos programs and 16 bit windows apps. 98 can run perfectly in 128 megs it can even run in 64 megs if you want to save some money. Most of the custom, shop built PCs will allow you to pick your OS or even the lack there of. You can ask any combination of OS (well putting 2 versions of windows other then NT or 2000 plus a version of 9x on a boot manger requires a master comptuer nerd since Microsoft does not like bootmangers and their install process screws them up)

The same is true for custom Amigas and Macs they can load both the manufacture OS and Linux or any other OS.

[Fish]

Personally I don't like "premade! computers - I like to look around and buy the parts and build it myself.
Also one of the reasons why I don't like dell and compaq ect. is that the cases are so dang small!!

*I love my mini-Tower*

No room for 3 HD's or an extra zip drive, DVDburner or anything.
They look like colorful midget computers and when you open 'em up stuff is crammed in there so it's practically impossible to get a screwdriver in there if you need to.

I say that if you can find someone who knows about this kinda stuff to build you one, you should do that. There are alotta good deals out there on the net and this way you can make sure that it's possible for you to upgrade later on.

Laters!

<>< F I S H ><>

[Lucky Bob]

All I can say is, "Dude! Buy a Dell!" A Gatway would be my second choice. However, I would buy an HP only if my life depended on it.

[The Penguin]

I just want to say thanks again to all of you. :)
I don't know anything building computers so I probably wouldn't be trying to install anything myself. I'm still leaning towards a Dell and interestingly enough a Dell catalog (not requested) just arrived in my mailbox today. I'll hopefully to find something in there, but who knows?