Best place to buy desktop computer?

FH is buying me a new desktop/monitor for my birthday (YEAAA ) & he's one to just walk into Staples or Best Buy & buy 1, 2, 3. I'm doing some research & wanted to know the best place to buy a HP computer.

I'm considering the following....

HP Media Center A730n 3 GHz Pentium 4 Desktop
Personal computer - Windows XP Home - 512 MB RAM - 200 GB Hard Drive - CD-RW, DVD±RW Optical Drive - PCI Express - Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 Graphics Card - AC-97 Sound Card

Comments?

Thanks!!!

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Do you like HP? Fh and all of his computer nerd friends say they stink. I know Staples carried HP, but I don't know much about them. I'd look on all the websites for the best privce. congrats!

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

We currently have an HP (about 4 years old & its been great). I really want a writeable DVD player though & we never got virus software so this computer is shot. FH's cousin mentioned we should also look into a router.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Cindy, sorry to highjack, but what happened to your doggie?

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

That's okay...she must have scratched her eye up by my bro's house in CT in the woods & had an infection. The vet put the bucket to keep her from scratching it w/ her paw. She's fine though.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Good to hear...he looks like a cutie. Anyway..I have had Dell and I like that I can customize them too. I have heard good and bad about HP but then again you hear all kinds of things about all the makers. I'm actually thinking of doing what you are..my neighbor is a computer guru and he has to look at it first before I trash it.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

coming from a computer expert (me )

i would still to dell or a sony. HP..errr, hate it (like somone said above)

price wise - dell hands down
quality - they are all the same parts, its just a matter of picking parts that you need


what will you be doing with the computer?

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

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Posted by SweetCin704

FH is buying me a new desktop/monitor for my birthday (YEAAA ) & he's one to just walk into Staples or Best Buy & buy 1, 2, 3. I'm doing some research & wanted to know the best place to buy a HP computer.

I'm considering the following....

HP Media Center A730n 3 GHz Pentium 4 Desktop
Personal computer - Windows XP Home - 512 MB RAM - 200 GB Hard Drive - CD-RW, DVD±RW Optical Drive - PCI Express - Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 Graphics Card - AC-97 Sound Card

Comments?

Thanks!!!

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opps
i was think of a different machine...dependent on price, this may be good

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Thanks for the help!

I mainly upload a lot of pictures from digital camera; play games (online), do word processing, create cards and lately have been using Photostory to create mini movies.

We're up to any suggestions, just have had no problems with HP.

Also, what virus protector would you recommend?

Why do all new computers seem to come with microsoft works (not word)?


MCDO, what do you recommend?

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Dell
They have the best deals and they seemt o last the longest........

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

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Posted by JeanineHubert

Dell
They have the best deals and they seemt o last the longest........

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yeah i hated dell at first but brought into it. now i wish i'd brought them earlier.

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Posted by SweetCin704

Thanks for the help!

I mainly upload a lot of pictures from digital camera; play games (online), do word processing, create cards and lately have been using Photostory to create mini movies.

We're up to any suggestions, just have had no problems with HP.

Also, what virus protector would you recommend?

Why do all new computers seem to come with microsoft works (not word)?


MCDO, what do you recommend?

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works is like 50x cheapier then word. Word packages start at 150 or so.... if you are a student in school, you should be able to score one for about 80 bucks (i might be wrong)
i would buy a dell. hp is in second making pc's. dell is #1. virus protection, people will go back and forth (as you pick which pc you should buy) norton or macfee. some say the other is better which doesn't get you anywhere. i will say norton.

i like dell but i would only consider a HP if the price is right. i hate overpaying for stuff.

for example, i see your machine is 849 at circut city w/o a monitor or speakers.

now i look at a jumping deal at dell (i wish i had money) for almost the same specs (80 gig harddrive - you don't (shoulnd't) need 200 gig HD) includeing a 20inch Flat Planel Montior (i only have 19) for about 1000

big differece on how you spend 1000 bucks...

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

You have to make sure the computer comes with the full version of MS Office. I had Dell put that in my computer when I bought it. It wasn't cheap.

I have Outlook express though, but I have Word, Excel, PPT.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

I've had computers from Gateway and Dell.

Go with Dell. I had more problems with the Gateway than you can imagine.

My first computer was a HP and I had lots of problems with it too, but that was 10 years ago.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

we just bought FH a Compaq (same as HP) at Circuit City a few months ago. I have a CC credit card and it was 12 months no interest

ETA: I'm on my 2nd Compaq home computer and have never had a problem with either one! that's why my FH bought one too. My dad has a Dell and has had a TON of issues. it really depends. everyone has their own experiences, good and bad. It's worth it to get the extended warrantee (it's not expensive at all). that will give you peace of mind.

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

HP was better 4 years ago. They really do not make great Pc's anymore. Now that HP and compaq are one company, I would stay away from both brands. If you want to buy a Pc in the store I would get an e machine, or I would just order one through DELL
Scott

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

I agree 100% with Scott This is consistent with everything I've heard. FH builkds his own computers, I have a Gateway and my mom has a Dell. They've both been really good, the ease of use is amazing, and the customer service for the msot part is great. Pricewise, I think the Dell is better, for whatever reason I'm a fan of the Gateway. I really like the snap=on cases that make upgrades so easy, and when I burned out my harddrive, they were on the phone with me for hours helping me reintsall everything. What I love about AGteway is the online interactive tech support. They can actually get into your computer and fiux stuff for you. Also, when you go online it detrects your machine and it tells you exactly what upgrades you may need or want and you don't have to worry aout compatibility problems. I can rave about my Gateway all day. I love it. The Dells are great too, great price and they come so quickly.

As a student I got Office XP Suite for FREE

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

Thank you all so much. I think we are leaning more towards Dell now. He's seeing his cousin this week that is a big IT guy & I think he's going to see what he recommends as well.

Thanks so much for all your help!!!!

Re: Best place to buy desktop computer?

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Posted by JeanineHubert

Dell
They have the best deals and they seemt o last the longest........

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I second dell. Love my laptop!

My combo drive burned out a couple of weeks ago and in less than a week they sent me a new one- no hassles.