Computer Advice

[vixxcampbell]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a new computer. At first I was thinking of getting a laptop but after some discussions with people who are more knowledgeable than me about buying computers I learned that a laptop would be more hassle/expensive to fix if something were to go wrong or if something were to break. I'd like to minimize hassle so Im thinking of getting a desktop instead. Ive also heard that I can get better value if I get a desktop (more bang for my buck) over a laptop as long as I'm okay with the obvious drawback in mobility (which I'm okay with).

I need some advice on where to get a good desktop, what brand is best, what specs I should look for etc. Im just looking for a computer that I can surf the net, email, do any work I need to do , etc. I dont play video games on the computer so if the computer supports gaming, thats fine but its not necessary and I certainly dont want to pay extra just for that feature because I will likely not play video games on the computer.

The last desktop I purchased was an HP in 2007 and after 12 months I started to have problems with it. I had issues with it at least once or twice a year and had to perform a full PC recovery on it, until just recently where the computer broke down beyond repair. So I'm a little scared to buy an HP. What brands would be the best to get?

 

[Hobbyer]

For every HP hater you'll find a hater of Dell, hater of Acer, hater of Sony...

Desktop brands don't really matter, they all use components made by someone other than the name you see on the case. Computer problems are software related and that too is not related to brand as operating systems and applications are made by others. But when it comes down to it, 99% of computer issues are user related (spyware, viruses, etc). Apple figured this out and designed a near idiot proof operating system and made billions in the process (Mac's use the same hardware as PCs). Learn how to use a computer properly and you'll never run into issues. All my computers run flawlessly (I use Windows O/S)

Laptops are slightly different story in that constant motion may cause actual hardware failure but unless you're willing to pony up for a Lenovo T series ThinkPad or Dell Precision they generally all suck in durability. Mac's Pros are supposedly good, though I've never used one myself.

Honestly with what you intend to use it for just get the deal of the week from any manufacturer. They're all the same when it comes to consumer non-gaming desktops. $400-$500 MAX is all you need to spend. Personally I'd get the cheapest one and spend money on a quality display or nice set of speakers to enjoy music.

EDIT: Apple not quite under the same umbrella as HP, Dell, etc as they do their own O/S and alot of the applications. Expect to see tighter integration with a Mac system.

 

[Rockslinger]

What kind of monitor will you be getting?

 

[WoodPeckr]

Learn how to use a computer properly and you'll never run into issues. All my computers run flawlessly (I use Windows O/S)

Honestly with what you intend to use it for just get the deal of the week from any manufacturer. They're all the same when it comes to consumer non-gaming desktops. $400-$500 MAX is all you need to spend. Personally I'd get the cheapest one and spend money on a quality display or nice set of speakers to enjoy music.

+1
Most desktops brands are pretty good today. The only one I would avoid is eMachines. Most PC problems are software related, folks not bothering to learn PC basics, not keeping your security up to snuff and failing to do the needed PM required to clean out all the crap Windows accumulates over time that slows it down. Do those 4 things and Windows 7, Vista and XP runs great.

Good basic desktop PCs are dirt cheap in the States ~$300.
Here's a model a couple friends got a couple years ago for ~$300 that are still running like the day they got them because they followed the above 4 points, or they put Linux on them which just runs great without having to bother with those 4 points.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Compaq+...rive/1756354.p?id=1218289378591&skuId=1756354

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/901446/Compaq-Presario-CQ5700F-Desktop-Computer-With/

This Compaq model runs great for what you require and is probably available in Canada.

 

[Bently]

Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a new computer. At first I was thinking of getting a laptop but after some discussions with people who are more knowledgeable than me about buying computers I learned that a laptop would be more hassle/expensive to fix if something were to go wrong or if something were to break. I'd like to minimize hassle so Im thinking of getting a desktop instead. Ive also heard that I can get better value if I get a desktop (more bang for my buck) over a laptop as long as I'm okay with the obvious drawback in mobility (which I'm okay with).

I need some advice on where to get a good desktop, what brand is best, what specs I should look for etc. Im just looking for a computer that I can surf the net, email, do any work I need to do , etc. I dont play video games on the computer so if the computer supports gaming, thats fine but its not necessary and I certainly dont want to pay extra just for that feature because I will likely not play video games on the computer.

The last desktop I purchased was an HP in 2007 and after 12 months I started to have problems with it. I had issues with it at least once or twice a year and had to perform a full PC recovery on it, until just recently where the computer broke down beyond repair. So I'm a little scared to buy an HP. What brands would be the best to get?

Mac computer all the way more money but run flawlessly,I would never go back to windows O/S

 

[WoodPeckr]

Linux runs flawlessly also and won't cost you a penny. Just install Linux as a dual boot system and you will have the best of both worlds and be on your way to becoming Windows free....

 

[danibbler]

I need some advice on where to get a good desktop, what brand is best, what specs I should look for etc. Im just looking for a computer that I can surf the net, email, do any work I need to do , etc. I dont play video games on the computer so if the computer supports gaming, thats fine but its not necessary and I certainly dont want to pay extra just for that feature because I will likely not play video games on the computer.

Hardware should always follow software. What are you planning to do with the computer and what software would you be using?

 

[enyaw]

If I were you stick with windows and follow woody's advise about maintaning your windows box. After you have mastered that try a live distro of linux and see if you like it. There maybe wireless issuse that arise. Running a dualboot isn't that easy esp if you don't know that much about pc's as you stated. Get comf. with windoze then take it from there with linux as second choice. And you can't beat the price, not free as in free beer/speech

linux joke,

 

[vixxcampbell]

For every HP hater you'll find a hater of Dell, hater of Acer, hater of Sony...

Desktop brands don't really matter, they all use components made by someone other than the name you see on the case. Computer problems are software related and that too is not related to brand as operating systems and applications are made by others. But when it comes down to it, 99% of computer issues are user related (spyware, viruses, etc). Apple figured this out and designed a near idiot proof operating system and made billions in the process (Mac's use the same hardware as PCs). Learn how to use a computer properly and you'll never run into issues. All my computers run flawlessly (I use Windows O/S)

Laptops are slightly different story in that constant motion may cause actual hardware failure but unless you're willing to pony up for a Lenovo T series ThinkPad or Dell Precision they generally all suck in durability. Mac's Pros are supposedly good, though I've never used one myself.

Honestly with what you intend to use it for just get the deal of the week from any manufacturer. They're all the same when it comes to consumer non-gaming desktops. $400-$500 MAX is all you need to spend. Personally I'd get the cheapest one and spend money on a quality display or nice set of speakers to enjoy music.

EDIT: Apple not quite under the same umbrella as HP, Dell, etc as they do their own O/S and alot of the applications. Expect to see tighter integration with a Mac system.

Appreciate all this great info. A follow up question I have: What type of processor do you recommend I get? There seems to be multiple kinds, AMD, Intel Pentium, i3, i5, i7, etc.

Thanks to everyone else who posted as well. Though feel free to post more advice, I likely wont be getting my new comp until this weekend anyways. So I still got time to think.

 

[nihilism]

Appreciate all this great info. A follow up question I have: What type of processor do you recommend I get? There seems to be multiple kinds, AMD, Intel Pentium, i3, i5, i7, etc.

Thanks to everyone else who posted as well. Though feel free to post more advice, I likely wont be getting my new comp until this weekend anyways. So I still got time to think.

I would suggest sticking with Intel. A Core i5 CPU would do you very well, Core i7 would be a faster step up, but also more costly.
Another suggestion, if you are getting a desktop, rather than getting a name brand(HP, DEll, Lenovo, etc), have a white box system built at a shop such as Canada Computers. You will lose the 1-800 technical support, but many people find that useless. What you will gain is better components, and better warranty on those components.

 

[Gaston]

I need some advice on where to get a good desktop, what brand is best, what specs I should look for etc. Im just looking for a computer that I can surf the net, email, do any work I need to do , etc. I dont play video games on the computer so if the computer supports gaming, thats fine but its not necessary and I certainly dont want to pay extra just for that feature because I will likely not play video games on the computer.

Like most people, you probably have a number in mind budget wise. This in itself will determine the specifications (internal components) that make up the computer you end up purchasing. Keep in mind, whether you spend $3000. or less than $1000. lemons cross all price points and brands.

My recommendations:

1. Be clear on what you need from your computer (surf and email and any work I need to do). The latter needs clarification.
2. Allow for some flexibility in your budget.
3. Warranty and after-sales service. This is important! Especially if you're reliant on others for troubleshooting and resolving problems (software, viruses, hardware).
4. MAC is great if you can afford the higher price for hardware and software. The majority go with Windows. Forget Linux suggestions, it's meant for power users and folks who are able to manage most of their own computer requirements.
5. Where to shop, are you comfortable with big box stores (e.g., BestBuy/Futureshop) or small independent business owners?
6. Make a written list of features with two columns, one column listing must have and the second column with nice to have.
7. Browse online and look at the list of features and price points to help you identify what you want and recognize what you can get for your hard earned money.
8. Deciding on which processor or manufacturer should not be a major concern. Both Intel and AMD are both good.
9. RAM (onboard memory) a general approach to this question is best answered as follows: 'more is better'. IMHO don't purchase a computer system with anything less than 4GB of RAM. * Note * to all the knowledgeable computer folks; there's no point getting into 32bit vs 64bit architecture and memory use.
10. Do you want a DVD player and burner or BluRay?
11. Do you download movies and music? How about photographs? You may want to consider a larger hard drive (HDD).
12. You should also consider purchasing an External hard drive (HDD) to backup your data (music, photos, movies, documents etc.). Remember hardware components can fail.
13. Don't purchase a DELL product. Reading reviews can be misleading, because they are generally written within weeks or a few months after the purchase date.
14. Remember to register your product.

All the best!

p.s. I agree with the points nihilism made.

 

[WoodPeckr]

Appreciate all this great info. A follow up question I have: What type of processor do you recommend I get? There seems to be multiple kinds, AMD, Intel Pentium, i3, i5, i7, etc.

Both AMD and Intel are excellent choices for what you plan to do which is not all that demanding. AMD will save you a few bucks and will perform just as well as Intel. Intel Pentium, i3, i5, i7 are various level Quadcores. They range in power from the basic quad, the i3 to a bit more powerful i5 to a hyperthreaded i7 that acts like 8 cores and is the most powerful of the trio and most expensive.

Whatever you get you want a 64 bit OS with at least 4GB of DDR3 RAM. You can never have too much RAM. More RAM is always better because it will significantly improve your PC performance, making multitasking a breeze.

 

[vixxcampbell]

I was thinking of spending anywhere between $500 and $700 (without tax - so I would be willing to buy something for say $699 + tax).

To answer some of Gaston's questions: I do need a DVD player and burner. Blu Ray player would be nice but not mandatory. I would be using this computer as well for downloading music, videos, pictures, etc. As far as work goes, any work that I do would probably be using Microsoft Office or other things like doing taxes, etc.

Another question I have is, are Gateway computers good? I know someone mentioned Dell isnt good. What about Gateway?

Here are some computers which fit the price-point above. If any of you can suggest which of these comps would be best to buy I'd appreciate it...

http://www.futureshop.ca/Search/Sea...3739392e3939&viewall=true&targetCategory=1003

http://www.bestbuy.ca/Search/Search...639392e3939&viewall=true&targetCategory=20213

 

[WoodPeckr]

I have an i7 and LUV it! They scream and are so fast!
Therefore I lean towards this one which offers a lot for the price. It's more than you need but you can grow into it. It's pretty loaded with features but still very upgradable.

HP Pavilion Elite Intel Core i7-870 Computer
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=1c511c95cfc0f58908d3608a7396d64fen02

 

[vixxcampbell]

I have an i7 and LUV it! They scream and are so fast!
Therefore I lean towards this one which offers a lot for the price. It's more than you need but you can grow into it. It's pretty loaded with features but still very upgradable.

HP Pavilion Elite Intel Core i7-870 Computer
http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...spx?path=1c511c95cfc0f58908d3608a7396d64fen02

woodpeckr, do you have an HP as well? The only thing that scares me a little about HP is my last desktop was an HP and it gave me problems. It started giving me problems only 12 months after I bought it. I kept having to do full PC recoveries on the computer once or twice a year until it just completely broke down a couple months ago.

What do you guys think of Gateway ? Are they good?

 

[Tangwhich]

Vixx: I've always been a believer in buying custom built PCs, not brand names. However I don't enjoy tinkering as much as I once did so my last PC (more than 3 years ago for sure) was an HP. Granted, I got their top of their line model but it's been flawless from day one. Totally impressed. Only modifcation I made was replacing the DVDrom with a blu-ray and it still screams.

 

[WoodPeckr]

woodpeckr, do you have an HP as well? The only thing that scares me a little about HP is my last desktop was an HP and it gave me problems. It started giving me problems only 12 months after I bought it. I kept having to do full PC recoveries on the computer once or twice a year until it just completely broke down a couple months ago.

What do you guys think of Gateway ? Are they good?

I have a Dell i7, got it just months after that model came out Nov 2009. So far it has performed flawlessly dual booted with W7 and Linux.....knock on wood.

My son has a 3+ yr old HP dual core AMD 6000+ and has had no problems with it other than Vista slowing down. Told him to reformat and reinstall Vista to speed it up again but he procrastinates so far. Have a couple LFs with older HPs than that who have had no problems to date with HP. I PM them regularly...

You have to do your PM with Windows to keep it running like new.

Gateway is OK by me. My first PC was a P2 Gateway and it still runs BETTER than it was new, after 14 Years running XP. Linux runs even better on it!

For monitors just shop around for either a LCD or LED model. They are all good. It comes down to what size you want and how much you want to spend on one.

This is another nice looking PC with decent specs.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product...spx?path=c566a60014e9a4a3cc08d773d2a583b8en02

But for the few extra bucks I would still go for the HP i7.

 

[vixxcampbell]

Vixx: I've always been a believer in buying custom built PCs, not brand names. However I don't enjoy tinkering as much as I once did so my last PC (more than 3 years ago for sure) was an HP. Granted, I got their top of their line model but it's been flawless from day one. Totally impressed. Only modifcation I made was replacing the DVDrom with a blu-ray and it still screams.

Thanks tangwhich. If possible could you check out either of the links I posted above and maybe point out a computer there which is comparable or better than yours which fits my price range. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[vixxcampbell]

I have a Dell i7, got it just months after that model came out Nov 2009. So far it has performed flawlessly dual booted with W7 and Linux.....knock on wood.

My son has a 3+ yr old HP dual core AMD 6000+ and has had no problems with it other than Vista slowing down. Told him to reformat and reinstall Vista to speed it up again but he procrastinates so far. Have a couple LFs with older HPs than that who have had no problems to date with HP. I PM them regularly...

You have to do your PM with Windows to keep it running like new.

Gateway is OK by me. My first PC was a P2 Gateway and it still runs BETTER than it was new, after 14 Years running XP. Linux runs even better on it!
.

Woodpeckr, thanks a bunch. This info has been very helpful. One other question for you..

How does this Gateway (see below) compare to the two computers you showed me earlier (the Acer computer you showed me above as well as the HP i7 you showed earlier)?

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...fp-10164624-gatewaygatewayintelcorei52300c-en

And is it okay to mix and match monitors/ computers? Or would it be better to get the same brand monitor as computer.

Again, I greatly appreciate all the assistance as well as the time you've taken to answer my previous questions.

 

[WoodPeckr]

http://www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/prod...fp-10164624-gatewaygatewayintelcorei52300c-en

And is it okay to mix and match monitors/ computers? Or would it be better to get the same brand monitor as computer.

That Gateway has decent specs but for $30 more bucks I'd go for the HP i7 with a tad faster CPU and more features.

You can mix and match monitors to your heart's content. Acer is one monitor I would avoid.