TubeNet

Hello to the mass of Tubenet.

I need some quality computer advice on purchasing a new computer system. I am not a computer guru and don't know much about putting together a system or what makes a good system.

Due to network issues, I must purchase a PC computer and am not able to use a Macintosh.

What information or advice can somone pass along about purchasing a new system?

I need - to run Word, Powerpoint, and burn/edit some CD's. I also have few games (tiger woods, etc) to play, load photo's and some editing, and just surf the net.

I'd like a powerful system that I can have for a few years and is fast enough to run.

My results so far look like this as far as name brand machines:

Dell - a lot of bang for you buck, but has some quality control issues and repair issues

Gateway - seems higher priced, a little less bang for your buck, a little better quality, and better repair

Levono (the old IBM) - has the best ratings, but is also more expensive again

Sony - REALLY expensive, but better.

Acer - kind of cheap

Who can shed some light on this? Am I on the right track? Should I just stick with Dell and hope I get a good one???

Thanks,

Kelly Diamond

I build my own (which is easy to do ... really), so I can't recommend a brand name. I can tell you that the CPU in anything offered now is fast enough to run all the software you mention. However, you should get at least 1 GB of RAM. Memory is the key.

While the graphics processor in most name brand boxes is plenty good enough for most business software, if you think you might want to play some video games that are demanding on graphics (Warcraft, for example), you will want to find out what graphics processor comes with the box and verify that it is capable of handling the demanding games.

My wife worked at tech support for acer for a few months last year and I am currently typing on an Acer Tablet. We love it and she had a great experience working at Acer. She always recomends them to anyone looking.

A lot of the computer pros (SplatterTone?) don't like the big named manufacturers because they load the computers with unnecessary programs... I understand that point of view but since I'm not an expert, I need the support that only big name manufacturers can provide. I think that the smaller guys have gotten better in that department but they just find it more difficult to "write off" a bad computer and may not replace it as quickly. Your going to hear both sides of the story and only you can choose.

Don't forget, you’re asking the same people that give advice about 20 different mouthpieces and each MP will get the job done...

It's who we are!!!


Tim

To agree with trseaman, I would use a Shilke67 on my Acer and my wife just laughs at me for trying to use anymouthpiece.

Any reason why you didn't mention HP?

Just curious (been using their small business systems for years and have been very happy).

I'm one for recommending Alienware or Falcon Northwest for quality an support but considering the price point, that won't be an option for most of us. Another option is finding them by the side of the road as a prominent member of this forum is wont to do.

On the serious side, I would say to stay away from gateway at all costs as I have never worked with a gateway that was even close to up to my standards. I have also had a few problems with dell but they were not nearly as bad as gateway. Acer is pretty cheap in all senses of the word but, like the volkswagen bug, when you get a good one they're great.

I can't really speak to the rest of the brands but if I run into anything of not I'll post it.

Sou

Dell. Watch slickdeals.net for when a bargain comes along.

Thanks to all who replied, this is some good information.

By all means if you know of something to suggest I'm all for it.

I know tubas, not computers.

JKD

I agree with at least giving HP/Compac a look. When I started to work in my uncle's office over three years ago, they had the odd lot of assorted computers for brand, model and operating system. They constantly had glitches, which at least in small part were caused by the inconsistencies, and not the least because of the inferiority of the other brands. Over time, I started an update program to regularize all of the hardware and software, using HP as the benchmark. I am please to say we don't have the slimmest fraction of problems we used to have, and overall productivity is up and overall maintenence expense is down.

I am not trained in computer maintenance, either, but I recognized a quality brand and consistent performance when I see it.

I bought a Dell in December thinking it would have better tech support. What a mistake! The tech support for Dell are all located in India so it's hard to communicate. I had an intermittent problem with a driver (Stop errors once in awhile). One of these tech support Xperts (X = has been; spert = drip under pressure) had me install a Msft patch. Big mistake!!! The PC wouldn't reboot... couldn't find a boot device. Support never called me back when I didn't reconnect after a reboot. Long story short, had to reinstall OS, drivers and all software. Had to start all over again with a different tech support. All the feedback I sent did no good for me. It's been over 2 weeks and everything's not reinstalled yet.

I'd never buy a Dell again. They even tried selling be a warranty extension to 4 years for another $250. Ha ha!! Maybe HP (Hewlett Packard) would be better.

Dell/Gateway are solid machines, you don't need a bunch of upgrades unless you know why you need upgrades but be sure you have 512 mb RAM minimum. I have had good luck with Acer. I avoid HP/Compaq.

The customer service at Dell is certainly not worth spending extra for. If you find a good price, Dell's are worth the money. The XPS 400 was sold at $800 with a 21" flat screen monitor between Christmas and New Year's (now selling for $1000 with a 19" monitor).

I have found good prices at: CompUSA stores that are going out of business; Sam's discount table; Dell "specials" when available.

Do not build your own computer unless you are a techie. Resolving harware conflicts is no way to spend your days and nights. Just say no.

Alex C wrote:I avoid HP/Compaq.

I've had goodluck with HP but most of that was before they purchased Compaq...

Tim

Alex C wrote: I avoid HP/Compaq.

I can't say much one way or the other about retail consumer-level HP, but their business products are quite good. (The splash screen on bootup will identify what you've got). Most of my current systems are off-lease business HP. Never a lick of trouble.

On the other hand, most everyone's keyboards are pure garbage. I still use an old IBM model M keyboard because it's one of the few that keeps going--and has keytop legends that don't rub off.

http://tabo.aurealsys.com/archives/2006 ... n-with-it/

I have had nothing but good luck from Compaq....during the warranty period I have recieved no questions asked repairs (for a power supply). When I finally get around to replacing this system (3 yrs old now and still works faster than I could ask for) I will buy another Compaq if they still make them.

Chuck(G) wrote:On the other hand, most everyone's keyboards are pure garbage. I still use an old IBM model M keyboard because it's one of the few that keeps going--and has keytop legends that don't rub off.

I feel the same way about my Logitech TrackMan Marble+...and so do other folks

http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-Trackman-M ... dZViewItem

btw... I paid $30 for mine new.