DU HELP!! Who should I buy a computer from?

[goodboy]

I don't want to support Dell because they support Bush...

[Walt Starr]

1. Buy an HP from Costco

:D

[Hawkeye-X]

2. Build your own.

Many companies or PC stores (support your local one!) will custom build one for you.

[goodboy]

4. what about tech support? (I'm a musician) lol

[UL_Approved]

12. Tech Support???

Have you ever found tech support to be a great use? Most problems are software, and the hardware problems you will have will cost as much as buying new hardware anyway.

[goodboy]

22. point taken.

[goodboy]

25. Is 80GB hard drive enough?

[soothsayer]

54. Whatcha gonna do with it? That's a nice large drive. I went with that

over 100 GB for my new laptop because it seemed like plenty o' space, given that I can write to DVDs of CDs, and cuz I have a 100 GB maxtor external drive to offload stuff.

[Beware the Beast Man]

68. If you're doing home recording, that should do the trick.

I currently have 20, which is nothing with all my recordings and loop files. As others have said, I recommend a home build. From what I hear, it's much easier than it looks.

[SotarrTheWizard]

74. I disagree. . .

. . .you can NEVER have enough disk space, enough RAM, or a fast enough CPU.

Especially as you can get 200GB HDs under a hundred bucks, mail order.

Only Caveat: you need XP Service Pack 1 to format a 200 as 1 drive, otherwise you have to partition it: XP takes a 130GB or so max drive size. . . so, if like me, you installed XP original release. . .my 200 became a 130 and 70. . .

[goodboy]

77. I use cakewalk for recording. I do all my mastering inside the digital

piano I have, so I only need the program to burn the CD. But having enough storage is important, maybe I should go with something over 100GB

[hyphenate]

81. No.

I had a 30GB, filled it, and am now working on a 160GB that's already half full. If you're going to be using it for an interface for composing (with CakeWalk or other software) you will find compositions take up to about 15MB on average, per each one. If you're going to use it for games, the larger the hard drive, the better. If you're going to do movies, or download MP3s, you will still need a bigger one. If you're going to be the average, "I can't wait til I'm online" guy, 80 will be okay, but you won't have much room to grow into.

[Deja Q]

83. My Linux box has 40GB and is plenty. But,

my Video Capture computer has a combined 250GB and I often run short.

My video processing/photo storage computer has 200GB and I'm almost running out of space (~5GB left).

My Server PC has a combined 13GB drive space. And that is infinitely more than enough for my needs (training).

[deadmessengers]

3. HOw about a mom-and-pop computer store?

Look in your local yellow pages and find a local business to patronize, rather than some humongous megachain. There are no shortage of small computer shops around here where I live - there are probably some where you live, too.

[blueknight]

8. dell sucks!

my son paid $1300.00 for a laptop last september for college. we are paying $700.00 now to get a new motherboard from dell. it went bad in less then a year. fucking rotten,crooked bastards.i'll never buy another thing from dell. plus, since i bought it, i found out "heather" the girl i talked to about it, is in fucking INDIA. outsourcing,bush loving,rotten bastards.

/vent over

[Huckebein the Raven]

18. My sister paid $1500 for her

piece of shit dell and had to have the CD-RW burner replaced already. That price was not for one of their upper level models it was for the shitty 2400 series with a flat panel monitor and it didn't even come with Microshaft Office

[Atman]

37. LOL! And people say Macs are expensive?!

That's insanity...$1500 for a pos DELL, when a new G5 flat panel with Superdrive (CD-DVD burner) goes for less than that. WHY, pray tell?

[Huckebein the Raven]

59. She needed one for college

and she didn't want a Mac and my Dad was pushing Dell (he bought the b.s they put in their commercials).

[SotarrTheWizard]

75. She was UTTERLY Ripped off

For 1500 bucks you can have:

Athlon XP+ 3000
1 GB RAM
Radeon 9600 with 256MB Video RAM
200GB HD
DVD Burner
NICE Antec case with plenty of room for growth, and a 450 Watt power supply.
Windows XP Professional Academic Edition
High-end Keyboard, Wireless Mouse
5.1 Standard 5 channel speakers with separate Subwoofer

AND. . . .still have 400 bucks left to buy a nice monitor

(and, likely, you'd get better now. I built the above box in August, figure you could upgrade the video card and possibly even add a larger hard drive. . .)

[ArkDem]

32. Then it was still in warranty.....

[Huckebein the Raven]

5. What are you looking for in terms of a computer ?

I would recommend building one yourself which is not that difficult.

or

http://www.abspc.com/index.asp

[goodboy]

30. I like this site....what kind of processor would you recommend?

[MrBadExample]

42. Well...

It all depends. What's the main use of the computer going to be? If you're going to use it for office-type things and the Internet, you're not going to need as much horsepower as a rabid gamer would.

I'd recommend AMD processors--I've been using them for a couple of years now, and the only problem I've ever had with them was caused by my installing the heat sink backwards once. (Only once--you tend not to repeat that kind of mistake. :) )

[goodboy]

78. What is the diff. between Intel, AMD, Athalon, etc???

[hyphenate]

82. The choice is mainly between Intel and AMD

The processors are practically identical at this stage of the game, and AMD is less expensive. Duron (AMD) is essentially the same as the Intel's Celeron processor. It's not as good as an Athlon, and I would suggest a Thunderbird.

The MOST important thing you are going to need to consider will be memory chips. Get the biggest amount you can, because regardless of what speed your processor is, if you have piddling memory, you are going to end up with a vastly slowed down machine.

If you know anything at all about computers, you should try to build one yourself. On the other hand, if there is a PC Club around, I would check them out. They will build one for you to your specifications, and they do provide a huge amount of better service than Comp USA, Best Buy or anyone of those places. The PC Clubs aren't everywhere, but I think their website is simply www.pcclub.com.

Oh--and also important--depending how much time you spend on the computer, consider a flat screen monitor.

[goodboy]

84. I really appreciate your help;that goes for all the rest of you too! (nt)

[Huckebein the Raven]

66. I want one of those Athlon 64's

[Dr.Phool]

6. Go to a local computer shop

You can have it built to your specs, the components you want, generally have a better warranty. And if it breaks down, you can just take it around the corner and have it fixed, usually faster.

Most manufactureres waarranties are useless, and in home service is a last resort for them.

[vetwife]

7. I recommend what the last poster said.. I have loved mine

And its FFFFFFFFFFFFFAST !

[goodboy]

13. there's this place in Columbus, "Krazy Kenny's" I'll go there today.

[obreaslan]

28. As long as Kenny isn't too crazy...

Actually, if he'll build to your specs, this is the best way to go, if your not up to building one yourself.

Go to the Alienware site, copy the specs off of the one you want, see if Kenny can do it cheaper. He probably can. Alienware makes good stuff, but they are a little pricey. You pay for the "flash."

Don't know who Alienware is owned by though, so buyer beware! :)

[ArkDem]

33. Au Contraire

[Atman]

9. Apple

Nothing else comes close. And no, they are not expensive when you compare feature-for-feature.

Let the flame wars begin!

[goodboy]

14. LOL...here it comes>>>>DUCK!

[UL_Approved]

20. Before the propaganda

ANYBODY who uses a Mac should visit this site:

http://sourceforge.net/

This also applies to any other OS as well.

Once here, you will NEVER pay for software again, EVER!!

[elfin]

27. You are RIGHT!

Macs are the best hands down. And if you are lucky enough to have an Apple store nearby - go there NOW. They will help you switch and you will fall in love with computers all over again.

[grytpype]

10. Your local white-box shop.

And have them put Debian Linux on it.

Screw Dell AND Microsoft.

[Coyote_Bandit]

11. Custom

preferably from a local store or directly from HP.

Forget the off the shelf models. HP is the only national brand OI've been remotely satisfied with - and they will build custom.

[goodboy]

17. Is HP reliable?

[Coyote_Bandit]

62. I've Had VERY Few Problems

My HP was ordered custom and not purchased off the shelf. It is used a lot (basically never even turned off unless I am out of town) - and is about two years old. Athlon chip. Huge hard drive. 1 GB RAM. Had one minor problem that was quickly resolved.

The only other PC I have had that worked as consistently well for a long period of time was custom from a local PC store.

[lpbk2713]

15. Do you have one now and how old is it?

Might be that all you need is a new mother board and processor, maybe some RAM. The other components might be alright for an upgrade (power supply, hard drive, CD/DVD burner, video card). If so, you could get by with just spending 300 bucks or so. I always build my own and that's the only way to go.

[goodboy]

19. I borrowed my brothers...it's a compaq, and I want to give it back

and get my own...

[soothsayer]

16. Alienware

www.alienware.com

Pricey, but soooooo cool looking, I just had to get one...!

[goodboy]

21. wow this is really cool....nt

[Huckebein the Raven]

24. Aren't they owned by Dell now ?

just wondering. But if not I really like that water cooled top-end model they have.

[soothsayer]

40. I don't think they are----and I hope not! This is on their site:

How Does Alienware Compare?
When comparing the experiences of Alienware customers and Dell customers, Alienware scores considerably higher in customer satisfaction on ResellerRatings.com.

[Huckebein the Raven]

41. I'm glad I'm wrong

I like Alienware

[soothsayer]

48. I'm waiting for my Area 51 laptop to arrive (should be here this week!).

I'm so psyched! I hope I love it. Conspiracy blue.

[goodboy]

79. would ya let me know how you like it? I'm seriously considering one.

[eeyore]

23. Apple is most definitely on our side

The misconceptions of Macs being more expensive is totally bunk. They have several really nice machines for less than $1000. I work on both all day, and Macs are far and away much easier to configure and navigate. No, I don't work for Apple, and yes, you can use all of the same software on a Mac that you can on a PC.

On edit: I just saw that you are a musician. You should definitely think about a Mac. All of their machines come preconfigured with extensive midi support, and have soundcards that are pro-audio worthy. PM me if you have any other questions - I work in the pro-audio field.

[Huckebein the Raven]

26. i really want one too. That Dual Processor G5 is nice

I wish I could afford it

[eeyore]

29. I have one for my recording studio

Dual 2.0 Ghz G5. I love it!

Sorry, not trying to gloat, but it really is the best computer I've ever owned. Luckily I'm in a business where I can justify machines that satisfy my geek desires!

[goodboy]

31. and write them off as a business expense, right? :D

[eeyore]

72. That's right!

I'm a graphic designer and musician - I can pretty much justify any toy I can afford, and write it off as an expense. Hell, if I wanted to I could probably qualify for the Hummer tax break and write off 100K in one shot - yuck! Gotta love our tax system - the more you spend the less you pay in taxes.

[goodboy]

76. cool, if you need a piano I can help you out. I'm a YAMAHA

dealer, and I offer a piano lease/purchase option.

[Huckebein the Raven]

35. no prob

If I had one, I would be proud of it as well.

:)

[Atman]

34. You don't need the top of the line!

The new G5 flat panel is only $1300 (and that includes everything, no mile-long list of add-ons like in the PC world). Of course, everybody wants a dual G5, but we all want new Lexus' or Bimmers, too. You can get a top-notch Mac for chump change...and you can still get a G4 for under $800.

[Huckebein the Raven]

46. But is that system good enough for gaming ?

the flat panel one ? What kind of card does it have in it ?

[DrZeeLit]

86. I have Dual Processor G5...

...bells, whistles...and
I LOVE IT!!!!

I must say, when I unpacked the lovely silver object of my desire, it looked like it could drive my home. Or at least take a few curves on the straightaway.

Anyway... I've never owned anything but Apple. Never had a virus. Never had one in the shop. Love 'em.

And...they support Kerry. As well as always have supported education (without a gun to their heads... hint hint...that other guy, the one who had to start giving away money because he began to look like Miser Madison). But I digress.

Love my G5.

[goodboy]

36. are these specifications good?

List Price: $1449
Online Price: $1399
Processor:
Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz
Operating System:
Windows XP Home Edition
Memory:
256MB PC-2100 DDR266
Video Card:
Intel Extreme Graphic2 64MB Shared Memory
Hard Drive:
Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM ATA133
Sound Card:
Integrated ALC650 Codec 3D Sound SoundBlaster Pro
Optical Drive:
Integrated DVD ROM/CD-RW Combo
Tech Specs
Up to a 3.06GHz Intel Pentium 4 Processor with Hyper-Threading
Up to 1GB PC2100 DDR266
Up to 200GB 7,200 RPM ATA100 Hard Drives
1 SPDIF, 1 IEEE 1394,1 DC-In jack, 5 USB port, 1 Printer Port, 1 TV-Out, 1 RJ-45 Jack, Audio Ports
Warranty
1 Year 24/7 Tech Support & Onsite Service
1 Year Parts, Labor and Tech Support

[Atman]

38. TERRIBLE!

For about the sames, you can get a new G5 flat panel Mac with TWICE the memory, a Superdrive, double the hard drive space 2 Firewire (IEEE 1394), 2 USB 2, plus NO viruses, NO Windows, and a bunch of cool software included, including video editing.

[deadmessengers]

61. No viruses?

Not from what I've heard - the security lists I follow as part of my job are buzzing about a particularly nasty new piece of OSX malware.

[Huckebein the Raven]

69. are you talking about this ?

http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=9974&Page=1&pagePos=2

[deadmessengers]

73. That's it. n/t

[Huckebein the Raven]

43. Do you intend to play PC games ?

if so you're gonna need a better video card

[goodboy]

51. not really...just internet, video, etc...

[Huckebein the Raven]

52. it's still a little pricey

[Atman]

57. G5 video card...

NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra with 64MB DDR SDRAM with AGP 8X support

On edit...note that unlike the dell, the Mac has dedicated video memory, not shared memory.

[m berst]

39. fellow musician

Build your own. I feel so strongly about this that I will give you all of the help and advice you need for free. This is an important part of your freedom and self-reliance. Your computer is your communication link, your lifeline. We need to be competent on this and we need to take the power over our communications away from the corporations.

I was over 50, a performing artist, never had touched a computer, and was technically incompetent. I built my own, saved $100's, never have any problems and I am in control of my own life and feeling very powerful and free.

[TexasLady]

44. as a 'mom and pop' business,

I agree you should buy one from a local business.

If ya lived in Texas, we'd be happy to makea custom build. We give support and warrantees on ours.Im sure others in your area do the same.

[Huckebein the Raven]

47. I don't live in TX but just curious

do you carry custom cases ?

[TexasLady]

58. yes we do

cases with lights and whistles etc...

[SudieJD]

45. Buy At Tiger

Buy at Tiger Direct. That's where I buy my computers (usually barebone systems and I build from there). I don't know what political affiliation they have, but they've got some great deals and I've always had great service from them.

They have great prices on their systems too. Also have reburbs.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/

Sudie in MN

[TexasLady]

56. my husband said tiger direct is good

too...

[GoneOffShore]

49. You can get an Emac

from the Apple site for $800 and if you look at MacConnection, you can probably get a memory upgrade, a printer and software included for near to that price. They'll also do same day shipping. The new system is Unix based, transparent, and a lot easier to use than Windows.
And it's more fun to use.

[hiphopnation]

50. From whom should I buy a computer?

That's the kind of stuff I will not up with put!

[goodboy]

53. I expected not the english lesson, but thanks anyway(s)...

[hiphopnation]

55. Sorry

I couldn't resist. I had an extremely anal grade-school teacher and I've never been able to shake the "preposition at the end of a sentence" thing. Did not mean to offend. :) Concerning purchasing a new computer...I would say go Mac only because I feel it a personal responsibility to avoid the Gates juggernaut as much as humanly possible. Macs are great machines, too, if a little more expensive. But if more people by them the prices of them may start coming down. I have an machine and, even though it's a cheapie, it serves my needs quite adequately. It has a fast processor and lots of memory and drive space. FWIW. Good luck! :thumbsup:

[goodboy]

87. no sweat...I was being sarcastic....peace....eom

[SoCalDem]

88. Your teacher has a new job

[LoZoccolo]

60. Apple or build-it-yourself/local screwdriver shop.

I really like my Mac. There are a few things I go back to my PC for though, so if you want a PC I'd say build it yourself or go to one of those local places that'll build it for you.

[midnight armadillo]

63. Solar PC!

www.solarpc.com

I know nothing about their politics, if any. But, their VIA-based systems are mostly fanless, and many use a whopping 12 watts of power. Pretty decent prices too. I'll be getting one to replace my wife's old power-sucking PC after New Year's.


You could even be extra-cool and get a solar panel to run it off of :-)

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

64. Think Different, baby!

[Placebo]

65. Made On a Mac.

Wouldn't you love to be able to say that about your work? :) Yes, yes you would.

And Steve Jobs is a rabid democrat, an advisor to Kerry, and Al Gore is on their board of directors.

[GingerSnaps]

67. Read my Dell threads

You don't want to purchase one from Dell.

[Bozita]

70. Small Dog Electronics is a sponsor of Thom Hartmann's show

Good people, good products, good prices, excellent support.

Their newsletters are better than most magazines. Take a look:

http://www.smalldog.com/learn.html

[DrZeeLit]

89. Yea! Small Dog is a Vermont company! And..

I have been to their offices. Great ethical people. You will love doing business with them!

And it will feel good buying from "the little guy."

Kerry on!

[Magrittes Pipe]

71. Me.

Send me $1000, and I'll send you the system of your dreams.

[goodboy]

80. oh yeah? tell me what I get for a grand....

[Maestro]

85. If you want to build a computer

check some great prices here. If you want to have someone build one, all have given good advice but if a pc is for you then try these guys. I have bought from them before and they have great build prices