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(Message started by: ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 7:19am)

Title: OT - Computer help
Post by ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 7:19am


I know we have some Computer guru's on this MB so I was hoping I could get some advice.

I need to buy a new desktop. It's been a while since I have bought one and I am not sure what's the best deal out there.

I prefer not to buy one over the internet but to get one at a store.

I use my computer for mostly business so I don't need anything for games or music, etc. Any suggestions out there for something affordable (just got laid off and need to watch my pennies)?

Thanks in advance

Chris L

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Murazza on Nov 26th, 2002, 7:42am
Dear Chris,

it totally depends on how fast and how big you want your system to be. In Holland we have special computer stores where you can choose how to assemble your own 9custom made) PC, so if you know such a store near you, I am sure they will be very happy to help you with a PC that exactly meets your requirements. Often these stores are much cheaper than the ordinary stores that sell pre-defined systems.

Take care for now :)

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Mr.Happy on Nov 26th, 2002, 10:26am
Luckily, I've never had to buy one _Off the Wrack_, as it were. For some reason, all those geegaws, whizbangs and Really Cool little tiny things inside made perfect sense to me, starting with the first time I cracked a case......quite possibly becase beer and computers both come in "Cases." All computers come with warranties, etc., which is great if you like to sit on a support line for hours on end, only to wind up talking to some poor underpaid fledgling with little knowlege of Gizmo's, following a standard checklist that usually finishes up with "Gee, it must be a software conflict. Click."
Your best bet is to find a local Ma & Pa type of store in your area that's been around for a while, if possible; they can build one specifically for your greater or lesser needs. That way, you can *tote your toaster* in yourself, and have problems resolved within a day, if not immediatley. You may not pay rock bottom prices, but the prompt service more than offsets any stinking warranty requiring you to "mail" the sucker in for repairs (shipping $$$$$$$ not included), or wait a week for a tech to come to your house (if they still do that kind of thing). Good service is the key to a good computer. EOF.

1 for you, 0 for me, 1 for you, 0 for me..........
RJ

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 11:25am


Thanks Mr. Happy...........that's exactly why I don't want to buy one off the net - shipping it back is not a solution. I have been lucky up until now that the company has supplied all of my equipment and technical needs but now I am on my own!!!

Chris L

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Slammy on Nov 26th, 2002, 12:45pm
Chris....

look at Gateway stores near you... they are as cheap as they have ever been right now.... they can help you with putting a package together that suits your needs.





Slammy   8)

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by fubar on Nov 26th, 2002, 1:03pm
Idiot sales people notwithstanding, Fry's Electronics has put togther an awesome package.  I was *beyond* skeptical, but I couldn't give my boss a good reason NOT to buy it, and so far it is a fabulous system with all of the latest technology (USB 2.0, great graphics, front mounted ports, dvd+r, all that stuff).

I hate going there, but if you know what you want (this system) and don;t expect knowledgable sales people, it's a great deal for $1699.  It was even bettr than the sony vaio.

-fu

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 1:07pm



Thanks Slammy...............

One of the problems living in the sticks is that there aren't a lot of options here in the Land of the Way Life Should Be (Maine State Motto)!

In other words - no Gateway stores..............

I've got Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. Not a whole heck of a lot to choose from.

Someone said "get a Dell, dude" any comments?

(If I can find a store around here that sells them that is :P)

Chris L

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Slammy on Nov 26th, 2002, 1:25pm
http://www.gateway.com/home/products/comp.shtml

Try this link.... Gateway has great service and it's easy to buy on- line.   I have had 4 gateway computers both at work and at home and never had any issues with them.....


Slammy   8)

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 1:28pm



Thanks sweets!

Chris L :-* :-* :-* :-*

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Mark C on Nov 26th, 2002, 3:17pm
I love new stuff.....
Best Buy and Circuit City both offer decent systems for around $700 now, with a monitor, also check your Wal_Mart red tag electronic section for close out's. I recently passed up a nice HP for $ 698 there. For a grand I bet you can get a 19" monitor & speakers without trying too hard.  ;D
Memory is cheap so buy as much as you can and don't worry so much about processor speed. Have fun!
http://www.gifs.net/animate/c64-anim.gif


http://www.old-computers.com/news/default.asp

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by Drk^Angel on Nov 26th, 2002, 4:59pm
You stole my answer Marc.  Just about any of the big stores you can find a $700 - $800 system which should be more than enough for business computing.  If you're lucky, you may hit one of them when they have a good clearance, or sale ('tis the season to find holiday sales... fa la la la la... lala la la)  Too bad ya don't live around here... I'd prolly be able to build ya a system for less, and you'd get only the parts you want or need.

PFDAN.................................. Drk^angel

Title: Re: OT - Computer help
Post by ChristineL on Nov 26th, 2002, 5:18pm


Thanks Drk.................

I have been to all the websites and the big sales start Friday so I'll be hitting the stores!!!

I even found a Gateway store that isn't a 3 hour drive- whaooooooo!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Chris L



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