Computer Shopping

[Skippy]

The 500 MHz AMD that some friends of mine helped me build 8 years ago isn't quite cutting it anymore, so I've decided it's time for a new computer. I'm leaning toward laptops, but might go for another desktop if the cost/benefit analysis works out that way.

I'd like to buy something that will continue to work acceptably well for the longest possible time, without spending too much money. Any computer-savvy users want to offer their advice as to what to buy?

[123c]

Buy a MacBook...

[iwrock]

build it... you got a frys up there?

[iwrock]

I will set you up with the software if you build it.

[Gox777]

If you or any friends know how to assemble a desktop, definitely buy the parts separately. You can usually get a little more performance for you buck this way, especially because the computer doesn't come loaded with crappy trial software to begin with. There's probably some good tutorials out there for building a computer if you've never done it before...could be a fun project. Then again, I've always been more of a computer guy than a car guy.

www.newegg.com is hands down the best computer parts distributer if you decide to go this route. You can get a pretty good idea of what to buy by reading the reviews on there.

If you do get a pre-built brand name PC, (or a laptop), I'd recommend something by ASUS or Acer.....unless the manufacturer quality has changed recently. It's been a good 2 years since I was really up on computer hardware.

[Ara T.]

I second what Gox77 says.

I wouldn't get a laptop unless you really need it. They tend to break more readily, and when they break, they are expensive to fix. If you do get a laptop I wouldn't balk at an extended warranty.

[Gox777]

Yeah, some of my friends have HP laptops. The one's built in the past 2-3 years have been having all kinds of problems. It sounds like HP is pretty good about honoring the warranties, but no one wants to go through that kind of hassle.

On the other hand, my stepdad's HP laptop from around 2004 has never had any problems at all. That was the previous generation.


This thread reminds me that its been what feels like a long time since I last did a major upgrade. Only two years actually, but a lot changes in that time. I'll probably still be using my AMD Opteron 165 for awhile. It actually made sense for me to buy a server-grade processor because it was the cheapest dual core at the time.

[Jim B.]

Try a Fujitsu Lifebook laptop, I got one three months ago, with the anti shock sensor inside, it's great now. I think it was around $900

They are moving targets of course, though, the computers get better each day.

[BobK]

We are buying the Dell Optiplex 755 with Intel dual core processors here at work and they seem to be pretty good. Get min 2 gig ram and XP pro. We do the 3 year warranty and it seems to be cost effective for us. If you really worry about data, you can have it built with two drives and RAID. Watch your CPU speed. Anytime you really crank up the speed, you run into heat problems. Those are microwaves running around in that thing for crying out loud. Anything over 2.4 g seems to be courting trouble.

[Hammertime]

I used to go big on these notebook things..Now in the industry I go with something like this...


IBM ThinkPad X31 Pentium M Centrino 1.7GHz Ultralight Laptop
• IBM Lenovo Thinkpad X31 Laptop Pentium M 1.7GHz
• Onboard 1MB L2 Cache Memory
• 12.1" XGA TFT (1024x768)
• **** DVD Player Dock Is Included!!
• 512 Meg PC2100 DDR RAM (Supports up to 2GB)
• 40.0 Gig HDD
• Internal 56k
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Internal 802.11b Wireless Mini PCI Card
• Two USB Version 2.0 Ports
• IEEE 1394 Port
• Secure Chip
• 6 Cell Li-Ion Battery
• AC Adapter
• Fully Refurbished by IBM, Loaded and Licensed with Windows XP Pro SP2
• 60 Day Warranty
Price: $419.00/per $369/Per SKU: 2986 Qty: 18 In Stock

IBM # 2673DE3


These are from a guy on contract with Lenovo/IBM and they are lease turn ins..they get fully overhauled and blown out....I also at first was uneasy...my first stinkpad lasted 5 years SOLID...I still have it but the chipset will not support above windows 2k....I just got another..LOADED..$300 or so...It ROCKS.....I'll use it two-three years...then throw it in the garbage...I'm done with 800-900 bucks for these things...
I know the guy over there....Pretty nice guy, fair deals...

[Kuan]

Originally Posted by 123c

Buy a MacBook...

First reply!

I'll second that.

[Hammertime]

or that too...

[ImBroke]

I'm on an HP laptop right now, and seems to be working alright. I dropped it in the airport, and was worried when I took it out, but it's still chugging along. Gets sort of hot on the bottom, I may invest in a cool mat. It's a 1.6 gig amd with a gig of ram, running Vista. Not that I like Vista, but I'm living with it.

[Angel]

+1 - you will always get more/better hardware in a desktop for the same price - no question there

-Build your own is normally cheaper than going pre-built...if you dont have to buy software....

-there is a lot to be said for just buying a machine off the shelf, and not having to fuss with it.

I'd recommend that you just find a local mom-and-pop computer store, decide on an amount you want to spend, and buy whatever fits. They might not undercut the big box computer prices, but they won't be much higher, and they usually support you over the phone/answer questions easily/nicer to deal with (did I say "local" mom and pop place, with a brick and mortar building....).
...and you are helping the local economy. They will also be in a good place to upgrade your machine down the line if you want to go that way. This is not a given, b/c this stuff changes so much, but....might come in handy.

-John

[Dee8go]

I think you just have to look at computers as though they were expensive consummables. I used to go for the best, fastest, etc, etc I could afford, but I'm done with that. I've been through too many to put a lot of $ into one.

I'm determined to buy a Mac the next time I buy a computer. I know they're not the cheapest, but I believe they're well-made and have good components.