Computer question

[Stenograsaurus]

After weeks of trying to get our computer up and running, we decided to throw in the towel and buy a new one. The problem is there are so many makes and models and I am computer illiterate. So I was wondering what brand of computer everybody has and if you would recommend it.
Thanks,
Beth

[DJFyrewolf36]

I build my own. I go to websites *mostly ebay retailers, good deals there*, grab the parts from the cheapest place and put it together when all the parts arrive. Even with shipping, my AMD 1.5 gHz system *all new, except for one hard drive and a cd rom which needs desperate replacement lol* cost me about $250. A comparable name brand system is at least $400 if not more. I don't like name brand computers. They tend to be overpriced for one and for two I like the idea of being able to upgrade and repair things without voiding the warranty. *most name brand machines warranty contracts say that if you don't take it to the store you bought it from or to a cirtified tech, the warranty is voided* Most of the time *unless you buy the computer at a store that isn't populated by idgets* taking the computer in for repairs means losing data or breaking something else and the computer is right back into the shop. Upgrades usually arent covered by the warranty so you have to PAY the people to put in new parts .

Sorry to rant on lol, you said specify in the poll.

To add: I do have a reccomendation for a name brand computer. Being a computer tech I see all sorts of name brands *fail mostly lol* I myself, athough thier 24 hr service line is a total joke, would reccomend Dell. In my experence, by far Dells outlast and out perform any other name brand.

[Karen]

Macintosh!!!!!!!

[anna_66]

I have a Systemax. It's actually manfactured about 10 miles away from my house. I of course didn't know this until later (when we had already paid $100 to have it shipped to us ).
I don't think I'd really recommend it.
Recently we just had a new motherboard and a new processor installed. So in 3 years I've spent about $300. I personally think it's a ripoff since we spent about $1500 for the machine to start with

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

My Compaq has been my baby for going on 4 years! The only thing that's held through those 4 years is the box though, the keyboard has been replaced AND our monitor kinda pooped out on us... but I looooooove my computer!

[DJFyrewolf36]

Older compaqs can take a beating!! My compaq laptop has been stepped on, sat on, spilled on with soda and water, thrown etc and still works like a champ! *a cranky champ but...*
ILoveMyAbbyGirl is totally right, the older compaq computers do last a LONG time. Since they merged with HP though the quality has gone DOWNHILL in a big hurry, thats why I wont touch the new ones. If you want to get into something cheaper, get a 2 year or so old compaq. It WILL last!

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Yeah! It's a good computer, unfortunately we had one of those laser mouses that don't have a ball, just the red laser. Well, don't ever wear socks, in winter, and touch it and shock the poor laser mouse. I totally shocked the mouse and killed it. Poor mouse. RIP.

[Logan]

Our home computer is a Sony (it was Scott's before we got married). I had a Gateway for over 4 years and it did great all that time, then completely died.

My work computer is a Dell laptop, which I like a lot, plus we have an old IBM Thinkpad that is our "backup" home computer, but is not currently connected to the internet.

Logan

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

I would also build my own - luckily I have the knowledge to do so!! BUT I used to work for IBM, and the quality is NOT what it used to be. (This is NOT a disgruntled ex-employee rant - I swear by their Laptops and Flat Panels - but their desktops simply no longer justify the prices they charge).

I have also heard good things from Dell, and would buy one myself. Check www.epinions.com for consumer reviews on tons of products!

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I use a mac. I like it much better than a pc.

[trayi52]

"Dude, I have a Dell"!!! It is the best computer I have ever owned! If something does go wrong, they are always there to help. Which I have not had that many problems, I had to replace my hard drive, but they sent me a hard drive and a person to install it for me, for free! I just could not ask for better service than that. Any other problems, I have not had any.

Willie

[popcornbird]

My brother *built* our desktops at home, but the laptops are both Toshiba. Are you planning on buying a desktop or a laptop? I would definitely recommend Toshiba for a laptop. We've had several Toshibas and have had nothing but good experience with all of them. They're great.

[sirrahbed]

Only home custom built! Hubby builds them - only AMD motherboards usually 1.8Gigs. Pretty much what DJFyrewolf36 said. He can put together a 2Gig AMD system for about $300 that costs $800-$900 in the stores just by shopping around. We stay about a year behind the top of the line. The dealers all know him and so he gets good prices plus shops internet and eBay. No name brands and he won't touch anything Compaq. (proprietary and hard to work on) I doubt that we would ever buy a ready made brand name system because you can get so much more quality by going custom made. Also - the computers he builds come with tech support! Him for hardware and me for software and tutoring We only do it for family and senior citizens though.

[Edwina's Secretary]

My husband just surprised me by buying a new Dell! It arrives July 6 and I am so excited as my current desk top is VERY sick! (But I got it for free so....)

[lynnestankard]

Toshiba laptop - this is the one that replaced my 'dead' computer.
It's lovely and Don got it second hand from Ebay - a bargain!!

Lynne