I'm buying a new computer, what should I look for?

[Dehumanizer]

I was thinking either a laptop or a desktop, but figured for the same cost of a laptop, I could get a desktop that is twice as good. Even if I do dorm a year from now, I could take the desktop with me and there's no risk of it being stolen or broken.

All I do on the computer is go on websites and watch vids/listen to music, so almost anything new will do fine. It's just a matter of what and why. What type of brand do I get, Dell, Sony, HP, Gateway? What type of processor, Athlon or Intel? How much of what ever else should I get? I really have NO idea past that. I only know that I want a flat screen monitor and a DVDRW drive both of which can be upgradeable. Aside from that, I'm going for simplicity. Cost is not that much of an issue, but I'd rather it not go past 1500.

Often times on Sunday I flip through the paper and see good ads for desktops. But I guess I haven't looked long enough to figure how one is better than the other. I want to finally get a computer now, but I don't want to get screwed over in the end where I jump the gun too quickly and miss a good deal a week before I buy it. Anyway, some help would be appreciated, geeks! :)

[BigMcLargehuge]

1. iBook

any mac product will serve you well for that list of tasks. of you NEED a desktop, get an eMac.

[Ellen Forradalom]

2. Look for the little apple

with the bite taken from it. Your sign of a quality product.

This post created on an iBook.

[Wonk]

4. re: iBook or Powerbook, I'd wait a little bit

I have a feeling there's an upgrade (possibly ~2ghz G5) for them in the not too distant future.

As for the eMacs, they probably won't get the same upgrade, or at least not right away.

[wtmusic]

3. Mac

all the way.

[Dehumanizer]

5. Interesting..

also can people clue me in on what type of stats (approximately) I should be looking for with all of that mhz, mb ram, gb business.

[RoyGBiv]

6. Everyone fo far is suggesting Apple products...

And I'm not going to get into that debate. But, here is some general advice from a non-techie consumer who has owned many different systems.

If you go the "other" route, I'd suggest an AMD processor over Intel. Go with the Athlon version, at least the 2200. I also prefer ATI graphics cards, but there are arguments both ways on this. Look for something in this area that complies with OpenGL 2.0 and DirectX 9.0. Use name-brand, not generic, memory, at least 512mb if you're going to run Windoze XP. There's only a slight difference in price, and while generic memory can often be just as good as the non-generic, you can also end up with a memory chip that dies on you fairly quickly. With your DVD drive, check some review sites and look for some commentary on the noise factor. A lot of cheap DVD drives are very, very noisy, which can be very annoying. There's a particular brand that techtv.com recommended some time back, but I can't remember it right now.

Wireless keyboards and mice are all the rage right now. Be aware that your battery can die on you in the midst of writing that term-paper that's due in two hours, and you're stuck. Also, a lot of wireless mice have a response-delay problem that can be irritating. Definitely go with an optical mouse, though. They're not much more expensive than ball-mice and are much better. I prefer Logitech mice and keyboards.

I'd also suggest going to a local company that puts together systems and doesn't necessarily have a name brand attached to it. My reason for this is simply one of service and flexibility. On many of those pre-built systems from Dell, Gateway, etc., you're going to end up with proprietary/third-party parts and/or software that you won't be happy with. I've heard horror stories about Gateway, and I have horror stories about HP.

After years of buying pre-built systems from name manufacturers and having some very bad experiences, I finally took the advice of my techie friends and went to a local merchant who built the systems himself. I made sure I found several that had been in business for awhile, and the system I settled on is the best system I have ever owned. I've done a lot of my own upgrades, i.e. installing new memory, graphics, sound, etc., and I've had no problems at all. You'll hear of a lot of problems from people upgrading "name brand" systems.

Go around to several local dealers and talk to them. Tell them what you think you want, listen to what they tell you, and compare. Ask about their service and warranty policies. Get a feel for whether you're talking to a salesperson or someone who actually knows the products by asking unusual questions you already know the answers to. (Read a computer magazine or some online review sites to get an idea on what kinds of questions to ask. http://www.tomshardware.com/ for example.)

On the laptop vs. desktop issue, just consider that upgrades and repairs to laptops in many cases are much higher than the same for a desktop. And be aware that you mostly likely will damage a laptop, no matter how neat you may think you are. I once tripped with a glass of water in my hand. A single splash landed on my laptop, and it destroyed the keyboard and CD drive. The repair bill was so excessive I simply bought another system.

[BigMcLargehuge]

7. can't say I disagree if you go the "other route"

definitely AMD over Intel. If you have to buy from a big box store... hmmmmmm... My family has had good luck with the line of Sony desktops.

[RoyGBiv]

10. Sony may be the exception...

I hate HP, for many reasons I won't bother to go into, and as I said I've heard many horror stories about Gateway that run the gamut, everything from customer service to not getting what was ordered to just bad parts.

Naturally, I've not tried every name-brand company. And, I had an exceptional experience with a local system builder that may not be typical, but I put effort into finding him. I talked to him, asked him a lot of questions, got good answers, and he did everything exactly as I asked. I didn't pay him a cent until my system was built and I had given it a test-run in the store. I just don't see that kind of service coming from a huge company that relies on call-centers to take orders.

[BigMcLargehuge]

11. I say screw Compaq/HP after they screwed over their workers

and as for Gateway/eMachines, Dell, and the other big makers, I can't see them offering good service either. However, if forced to buy a "brand" machine, do it at Bestbuy or CompUSA where they have techs in the store and consider the warranty they offer. It solves a hell of a lot of service problems if you don't have to call somewhere.

[RoyGBiv]

13. CompUSA

Don't get me started on Compaq and HP. Geezus ... these people will put together systems with certain pieces intentionally removed or altered so that one has to buy entirely new systems just to upgrade processor speed.

I've had good experiences with CompUSA. Some of their stuff tends to be more expensive than other places, but the customer service makes up for it, imo. I will pay for good service.

I bought the monitor I currently use at Best Buy.

[BigMcLargehuge]

14. they do have good service

the only computer shop I've been in where the sales guy said "don't buy one of these piece of shit mobo-processor bare bones combos... we can't make them run for shit"...

I had my money ready too! Instead he helped me with a new HD, new RAM, MB and Proc, plus steered me around the vid cards.

Refurbed a windows machine for donation when I bought my first Mac. CompUSA was very helpful.

[Old and In the Way]

8. I'd go with a laptop.....

I like the form factor and portability.

I've got an HP zd7020us.....I love it. Best machine I've ever owned. 60 gig HD, 3.2GHz processor, 32 Megs of VRAM, 17" screen. 4 USB ports + Firewire. DVD burner, built-in wireless, and multi-slot media reader, PCMCIA, 56K and 10/100 Ethernet. Under 2K.

[TheRedMan]

9. Beware the Mac zealots!

Mac has had some heat management (read: reliability) issues with their laptops they have refused to address. So all is not as rosy as they say...

Seriously though, Macs are actually pretty solid machines, and their OS is terrific. BUT, you tend to pay more and get less, and you are always going to software going "where is the Mac version?"

Philosophical note: I always say you should overbuy computers. Once you have your own, you start thinking of more and more things you can do with it, and you will want the capability. Plus, software requirements ALWAYS increase with time.

On a PC my general recommendation is this (not knowing your budget):

Recognize that your hard drive and RAM are easily upgradeable. Your CPU is not. Today, find the breaking point in the curve for CPU price (where you start to get increasingLY expensive for increasing speed) and get the largest monitor you can stand (they tend to be substantially cheaper when bought with a system and more screen space is the best present you can give yourself). Other stuff:

RAM: min 512GB
HD: min 30GB
Floppy: barely necessary anymore
CD/DVD: Get a CD burner, preferably that plays DVDs. You'll want it, trust me.

Since you mentioned a dorm room, you can probably get an academic discount. These are often substantial (~10% or equivalent in accessories). Check with your college's bookstore or computer store, or look for "educational discount" on company webpages. (I know Dell just asks which school)

I also recommend you throw in a USB flashRAM drive (aka jump drive, aka memory key, aka finger drive) around 250 MB. These are indescribably handy.

[noahmijo]

12. Definitely Get a Mac

The G5's came out not too long ago so they won't be outdated for awhile.

Plus even when Macs are outdated they still perform like wild animals. I've had my G4 since last June, and despite all the stuff I've put into it and run (we're talking games, hundreds of mp3's, ect) it still performs like a beast and at the time I got it it was a middle runner (not the cheapest, but not top of the line)

[democracy eh]

27. I really want to buy a new Mac

but can't justify it as my 1999 Blue & White G3 tower (upgraded to the max with G4 processor, 1 Gig ram, new videocard, etc...) still does everything magnificently.

as you said, games, photoshop, music, etc... no problem

but I would love a G5

I should replace my Pismo powerbook G3, but it serves its purpose as a second machine. think I will install a faster hard drive though as the stock one is slllooow.

[FDRrocks]

15. If you go with the Rapists

aka large companies, go with Dell for thier support. Apples are nice, as people stated, but are ridiculously overpriced, even when put up against Dells high prices. DEFINATELY AVOID HP AND GATEWAY like the goddamned plague. I have owned 4 computers by Compaq/HP and have several friends who owned Gateways and the manufacture/support of the computers were sub-par.

If you can, go with local or even smaller internet venders. I got a good deal from a site called http://www.ibuypower.com. Thier cases are a bit flashy but thier prices are amazing.

[gold_bug]

20. someting to consider re Dell

Dell is a big supporter of the GOP.

(Michael Dell's) financial and political support certainly affords him direct access to Bush. In January, Dell and 35 other business leaders who had contributed a combined $1.6 million to the GOP were invited to a private forum with the president-elect.

http://www.motherjones.com/news/special_reports/mojo_400/104_dell.html

My friend's Dell melted after about a year and a half. He said Dell's support was terrible.

[TheWizardOfMudd]

16. Look for love, happiness and forgiveness

No matter what you are buying.

[Endangered Specie]

17. A PC... if your going to college, you need a PC, not a mac...

just bc alot of college stuff is done on a computer, and many prof's expect microsoft stuff.

Dell is good, so are IBM. NO HP, COMPAQ OR GATEWAY!!.

desktops get stolen in college just as easily as a laptop... get your self some locks for dorm life, and passcode your computer.

[Rationality]

18. I agree, but dont' get a Dell. Too expensive and I've had problems with

them. Might consider assembling your own computer, unless you consider a warranty to be important.

[Endangered Specie]

21. My Dell Laptop has done quite fine, considering how much...

punishment its been through. I get decent service from Dell, and the key to getting one cheap is waiting for the rebates and sales to coincide with what you want.

[LibertyorDeath]

19. From a Computer tech

Whatever you do, do not under any cicumstance by a Compaq or E machine

they are Shit.

There are hundreds if not thousands of places on the internet where you can get a Custom built machine YOU decide what goes into it.

For my $ that's the way to go.

[JPJones]

22. Dell X300 rocks

You have to pretend to be a small business to get it, though. That's OK, you are the sole proprieter of TheEvilThatMenDo Consulting. You advise medium to large companies on who and what rocks.

Dell Inspiron 300m might be a good option.

[neverborn]

23. As a computer activist

Build your own.

If you don't know how, www.monarchcomputer.com will let you pick what you need in it.

Give me a PM.

[Nlighten1]

29. This is all well and good for a techie

But for a non-techie I wouldn't recommend it. Not only that there is no warranty. If the processor fries guess who has to pay for a new one?

I'm a techie and I even buy my own anymore. I'm just tired of all the hassle and I like the warranty.

[lagniappe]

24. I develop software for a living...

and have owned and worked with many computers and operating systems.

Here are a few things that I keep in mind when getting a computer for myself of someone else:

1. get as much memory as possible. I would go with at least 512Mb for a general purpose machine.
2. get the largest monitor you can afford. I prefer flat screens, and have a 19' Dell which is very nice.
3. a DVD (or CDROM) burner is a must.
4. unless you are doing a lot of gaming, I am not sure that the type of processor makes a real difference.
5. try to listen to the machine before you purchase it. computers with larger fans tend to be more quiet, and it makes a big difference if you leave your computer on all the time.
6. get a nice video card. even if you are not doing gaming, the video card makes a difference in the quality of the display.

For Windows-based systems, I would go with a Dell. I would definitely avoid Gateway, E-Machines and Compaq. I've owned Gateway and will never buy from them again. Someone else here mentioned going with a local dealer. I've also had success with local dealers. The reputable ones tend to use very high quality hardware.

I use Linux, XP, and OSX all the time. I use Linux mainly because of cost and my job requires it; however, my favorite is OSX. This operating system is easier to use than XP and Linux, and it seems to be well thought out. Plus, the hardware is better integrated with the OS. This is especially true if you like listening to music (check out the iPods). My Mac is also very quiet. However, it might be tough to get a really powerful machine and a large monitor for under $1500.

[solinvictus]

25. H/P

Great computers at a good price for an out-of-the-box model. I'm on my second one (by choice) and both HP's I've owned have been reliable. I agree with a previous response; avoid Compaq and eMachines like the plague. They're junk that'll fail on you. My dad bought a Compaq and it lasted a whole year before going bad.

[Deja Q]

28. H/P owns Compaq...

I can't recommend the company for other reasons (think Carly), but it's odd that H/P would keep up their own brand while letting their purchased commodity go down the toilet...

[Deja Q]

26. Desktops are easier to upgrade, PCs are less expensive+give you freedom

More options and more features per dollar.

Avoid HP. Their products are junk and their CEO has openly spoken against American workers when defending her desire to outsource to foreign countries. Boycott HP so she'll become one of the people she openly hates.

I personally prefer the AMD Athlon processor and am waiting for the 64-bit technology to drop as my operating system (SuSE Linux 9.1) readily uses the new technology. :9

I prefer Nvidia brand video. They've always written solid drivers. And although I can't speak for the last few months, their main competitor, ATi, has always had a problem with drivers regarding stability. Their Linux support is paltry too, my ancient Nvidia card (4600) performs identically to the ATi 9800 Pro (a newer video card touted to be much faster than the 4600).

Creative Labs brand Sound Blaster cards (Audigy, Audigy 2) are great performers and whose built-in audio processor takes very few CPU cycles to help it do its work.

RAM: For Windows XP, I say get 384MB (256MB works for the most rudimentary word processing and web browsing, but to do anything else you'll want more.) 512MB would be the ultimate sweet spot for you, or mandatory if you wanted to play the latest 3D games. Get 1GB if you want to do sound, large picture, or video editing. (512MB would be sufficient for photoshopping 500x400, 96DPI web-sized images.)

Hard drive. Capacity is up to you, but make sure the hard drive runs at 7200RPM.

CD-RW drive. Very useful for making backups of your data.

[Nlighten1]

30. Dude...you should get a Dell.

Seriously though...get a Dell.

[mtnester]

31. Make sure

You get as many wireless options as possible (bluetooth, 802.11, wireless NIC) built in so you have more slots available for other things. A memory card reader and a jump/flash drive is handy. Also agree with as much memory as you can afford (1GB is not as expensive as it was) and as fast a processor as you can afford. My experience with the local computer builder has been great! Most use the same product as Dell, etc, however, it just has not been stamped with the Dell logo. And their customer service (local guys) seems to be the best because they want you to tell your friends to come see them too.

If for college, you really should have a PC with the MS operting system. Go ahead an get XP Pro versus Home version.