Need help with buying a computer.

Jen_n_Dale Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:19 PM

Need help with buying a computer.

I need to buy a computer as soon as I can. This one is like 8 years old and is soooo slow. Has anyone bought on line that they are satisfied with? I have been looking at dell and gateway.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

ChristineC68 Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:20 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

we have 2 dells and have been very satisfied with them.

Jen_n_Dale Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:26 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Thanks for the speedy reply Christine. I am at the page right now. There are so many to choose from. I am not sure what to get.

mlp924 Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:28 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Ok I own both a Dell and a Gateway. The Gateway has never worked correctly and their customer service attitude is horrible! Dell is wonderful and both their tech support and customer service people go the extra mile to ensure your happiness!

Good Luck

ChristineC68 Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:33 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

There's way too many choices for me

I once read that you should figure out how much you need in terms of RAM & memory and then double it so you can grow into it. Personally I use a lot of space with pictures.

I love new purchases like this:D

Jen_n_Dale Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:41 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I inherited this computer from my brother which he built. But it has run out of space and really is on its last leg. I hate to be a pest but how much ram is good? I also like to scan in pictures so I don't want to cut myself short. Thanks again!!!!

Kelly9904 Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:54 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I bought a dell online and it was a great decision!
First I saved about 300 if not more! Second, it was here much earlier than anticipated! Third Dell runs TONS of promotions so I got a free CD writer, upgrade on memory, and upgrade on video card! A friend got free shipping (100 value!)
Even though I paid 100 for shipping I still saved a ton and LOVE LOVE LOVE my dell!

luvsun27 Posted: Nov 13, 2003 08:58 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I definately recommend a dell. IF you can hold out for another few weeks...they usually have free shipping around the holidays...could save you $100. Definately get at least a 40GB hard drive...and upgrade to 60 if you can (shouldn't be too expensive). Get a minimum of 256KB RAM. Depending on how much you use it and what you do...just surf the net? Work? FM me if you have any more questions.

DrmnBlnd Posted: Nov 13, 2003 09:03 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I have a gateway, and have nothing but problems with it. I have been thinking about getting a Dell to replace it.

kmcwed Posted: Nov 13, 2003 09:16 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I just bought a Dell last week. The price was pretty good, and so far the service has been amazing!! They shipped it the same day I placed the order on line, and it was here about three days later!! I haven't hooked it up yet, but it came with a very easy to understand set up instruction sheet, so I don't think I'll have any problems at all.

You can customize each system, so that you only get the things you really need or that are important to you, and don't end up paying for stuff you don't want.

jennbaby Posted: Nov 13, 2003 10:07 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Dell!

Danielle&Scott Posted: Nov 13, 2003 11:13 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Dell's page

Dimension 2400
With
Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.53GHz with 533MHz front side bus [add $120 or $4/month1]

and

Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional¹² [add $70 or $3/month1]

and

Youll get a $100 mail in rebate and free shipping.

and

256MB Shared DDR SDRAM at 333MHz (Performs at 266MHz for 400FSB systems) [add $70 or $3/month1] Dell Recommended

80GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive [add $60 or $2/month1]

and

3.5 in Floppy Drive [add $20 or $1/month1]

and

48x CD ROM Drive

and

FREE UPGRADE! New 48x/24x/48x Max CD-RW Drive

and

Then you decide on virus protector, audio, monitor, and software.

This is the PC that Danielle's dad has and he loves it. He just got it a few months ago.

KarenG Posted: Nov 13, 2003 11:26 PM

FYI - Gateway Discount

If you are a AAA member you can get a discount from Gateway.
AAA Gateway Discount Info

Edited to say we bought my dad a Gateway Desktop for Father's Day this year and its been wonderful. No problems at all.

yabbobay Posted: Nov 14, 2003 12:44 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

DH builds our computers...but he always points people to Dell...

He says it depends on what you are doing with your computer...but if it is just for average use...256 RAM, 60 GB HD, and 2 Ghz processor should be fine...

I would make sure you get all your Microsoft needs from Dell as a package...b/c to get them later is pretty expensive...

ss2002 Posted: Nov 14, 2003 08:35 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Ziff Davis has a great website with product reviews, prices, price drops, tips on what you should look for in a new PC. Here's a link to their desktop info page:

ZDNet Desktop info

Shop around! It's a very competitive market!!

Jen_n_Dale Posted: Nov 14, 2003 08:42 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Thanks everyone!!!!!! I will be purchasing today!!!!!

xjulietx Posted: Nov 14, 2003 09:11 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

We just ordered a Dell at home. Mom was getting annoyed with our 6 year old computer. I am not sure what she ordered though. FH helped her with all of it

Sassyz75 Posted: Nov 14, 2003 10:16 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Of course, i'm probably the lone MAC person on this board- I bought a laptop with 256 megs of ram and a 60 gig hard drive...

I would NOT get an intel celeron processor though- at least get the Intel Pentium 4

Danielle&Scott Posted: Nov 14, 2003 10:48 AM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

Yes stay clear away from Intel Celeron Porcessors. They are garbage, and you are just asking for trouble.

I wouldnt buy a gateway, comcrap, or an HP either

yabbobay Posted: Nov 14, 2003 12:27 PM

Re: Need help with buying a computer.

I have to agree...stay away from HP and Compaq...they make it hard during start up to get to your BIOS page...which means if you ever need to upgrade or install hardware...or fix it...they want you to bring it to them...although you can get around it...its difficult...