Help, I need a new computer!

I think it is funny how many differing opinions there are, based on everyone's individual experience. I happen to like Gateway computers, but that is because I've had good luck with them in the past. Would I buy a Dell? Never. Every Dell computer I have ever had went bad, way before it should have. But for every problem I have had, I know tons of people who have had good luck.

Robin, my only advice, as a novice and a computer killer (seems everyone I get near dies), get the best warranty you can.

Good luck with your decision. Perhaps you should look at Consumer Reports and see what their suggestions are.

Logan

I don't have any advice as I haven't really researched different computers that much. I've had mine for several years and it hasn't given me any real issues...it's a Sony Vaio. Anyway, I just hope you are able to find something that works for you soon (its already been too long since we've seen new pics of Katie and Tori ;) ).

Pick a place within "normal" driving distance (think about 6" of SNOW on the ground
the day you have to make the trip) that provides IN-the-STORE Service.

Example: Best Buy has the "Geek Squad" inside their larger stores ...
the "Geeks" may not be rocket scientists, but they know more about 'puters than you & I do!

Don't overlook a LOCAL Computer shop - as long as it's neat, clean, and the Head Tech
looks like he's taken a bath/shower within the last month. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/tongue.gif

Select a Service Provider; THEN talk to their Sales Department.
Buy what the Service Guys are authorized to service & repair.

Ask to talk to the Computer Dept Sales MANAGER ... feel him/her out for who's the
most experienced (longest employed) sales person. Come back at another time if
the lead sales person isn't working when you're there ...
you DON'T want to be sold by the kid with a week's experience!

Ask to see last week's, last month's, last year's models - they'll be the ones on SALE,
and chances are you'll never know the difference (other than $$$) between
the "old one" and the "new one".

As others have said - AVOID a unit that runs "Vista" --- too new to trust.
INSIST that you want the machine loaded with Winderz "XP" - accept no substitutes!

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif

Take someone who knows what he/she is doing around computers and go to the local computer shop, some will eat you alive if you go alone and know nothing about what you need! :)

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Originally Posted by Logan

Robin, my only advice, as a novice and a computer killer (seems everyone I get near dies), get the best warranty you can.

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I agree! A good warranty is worth every penny.
And ask your son what he or his friends know about different computers, chances are they've had more experience with them than you or I will ever have!
I had a Gateway, then a Dell for years, was satisfied with both, but upgraded to a nice Mac a year ago. (I do tons of artwork on it & needed something that could handle large graphics files without crashing) Took me a while to get used to some of the differences, but I love my Mac.

Make a list of what your most important priorities are as far as what you use a computer for, so you ask the right questions & end up with a system that really does what you want it to do.

You can check Consumer Reports, all the libraries have them. That should give you some guidance.

And as nice as large memory is (get as much as you can afford) PLEASE don't store your photos on the PC! Get a jump drive and store them on that. They won't slow down your PC, they won't be lost if you have a crash, and so many other reasons.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I would love to try a MAC but unfortunately they are way out of my price league and I hate trying to learn something new. I'm looking for something good but not too expensive. Money is very tight right now so I'm probably going to do the good ol' charge thing. I don't have any other debts so I think I can handle that as long as I don't spend too much.

I really miss having a computer more than I thought I would. I didn't think I used it that much but you just don't realize all the little things that you do on it. Right now I'm sneaking online at work during breaks and lunch. Hopefully I'll be back online at home real soon.

Thanks everyone!

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Originally Posted by RobiLee

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I would love to try a MAC but unfortunately they are way out of my price league and I hate trying to learn something new. I'm looking for something good but not too expensive. Money is very tight right now so I'm probably going to do the good ol' charge thing. I don't have any other debts so I think I can handle that as long as I don't spend too much.

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If you really want a Mac they offer great payment plans. As far as learning something new- Macs are incredibly user friendly. If you have an Apple store near you you can go in and play around on their computers to get acquainted with them.
Here are a few links- iMac MacBook Mac Mini

I would prefer to buy a mac if i had the money because i do a lot of graphics work and just a lot of comolicated stuff. And since macs are multimedia-oriented it would be great if i could have one but i am currentlu surrounded by 3 PCs, one that runs Linux, one that runs Windows XP, and one that runs WIndows 95.

Yea! I'm back online!!!

OfficeMax is having a sale with no interest, no payments til 2009 so I wound up getting an HP. I just now got it hooked up and I am so happy to be online again. It seems like it has been forever. I don't ever think of myself as being online very much anymore but once you don't have a computer you really realize that you do lots of little things on it. I sure have missed it.

I start a course in a few weeks so I really needed to get one pretty quick. So far I can't get use to the keyboard though. Very strange compared to my old one.

I got an HP Slimline Computer, 19" LCD Widescreen Monitor, a printer and I bought the 3 year warranty all for $800. I think I did pretty good. I haven't done much on it yet but so far I do see a big difference in speed. Love that part!

Here is the computer that I got.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm just thrilled to be back online! :D

and we're glad to have you back. looks like a good choice. :)

My dads boss has one of thoes. They are pretty good. I need an new computer because mine is 6 years old and its starting to lose its grip on modern techonlogy.