Any computer people out there?

[kellyinkc]

Hey, shopping for a new computer so I can upload pics at home.
Right now I have a CTX brand computer, Windows 95. Have RAM maxed out with what it can hold. No USB. AMD K6 Processor.
Looked at e-Machines and Dell. Am open to building my own to my specs. I do not play a lot a video games or download music etc. Just want to do pics and watch some video's here at MOL.
Plus better half want to send pics of the Great Nephew .
Do not need a "screaming machine". Thanks guy's and gals too!!

Kelly

[Pete-FWA]

If you want to stay on the low end of $$ and get a solid machine, consider buying a Dell.

Several computer people I know have told me their basic setups are very good for the money.

Three of our office staff have purchased them for home use in the last year...each does what you discuss and each is very happy with the results.

[sneek]

what you want to do is very very basic, the cheapest of computers will do

dell is good for low end machines

[kellyinkc]

Sounds good. Thanks. Going shopping tommorow. May take them up on the 18 months free deal on the credit card. Just pay it off before then or you get hammered with all the interest!!
Headed to Dells website now. You all have a good evening.

Kelly

[gb387]

I agree as well.... I am no "expert" but I have a programming degree not that it really matters. They (Dell) have their "Entry Level" not $$$ at all yet you are still getting a Dell, right now I think there are a few rebates. I will say the Memory is a little on the low side of their "Entry Level" 256MB is too low(IMO) - 512MB is better, this you can work with - with 1 Gig the best option. The hard drives start at 80Gig, plenty of room for what you want to do, I would guess a giant leap from what you have now. CD writer is a must you can upgrade to DVD Drive or even DVD Burner if you think its something you might use, keep in mind the floppy drives are now an option.

Keep an eye out for their specials, we have purchased many specials at work, great computers for the money.

I will say their customer service isn't top notch(like Meguiars), we had a battery problem with a new laptop and I struggled to understand what in the world they were saying to me, they seemed knowledgeable but nearly impossible to understand, but they did get the new battery to us.

Good luck, it will be a big upgrade for ya!

[Godiva]

Could it be....the Dell "helpdesk" is in.....India?

[WaspHunter]

Yes, yes it is. But at least the parts are good as long as you don't ever need to upgrade it.

Personally, I'd suggest something mid-range because it'll be on your desk longer before you'd need an upgrade. If you get the absolute lowest item, by the time it reaches you it'll be obsolete, and you'll find yourself forking out for a new computer within a year or two. At least with a mid-range item you could stretch the life until its classified as an antique (5 or so years). Remember that Dell, and other factory assembled items are generally harder to upgrade mid-life.

Don't get into the hype of getting extras like 1GB RAM or a wireless keyboard/mouse set just because they're on special. This is where money blows out, similar to the way that buying a new car will blow your budget if you start ticking all the options.

One alternative for a computer might be to look at a laptop, and get a separate keyboard/mouse. They're a bit dearer, but most laptops are 100% tax deductible. Desktops aren't, because, well, you can't bring them to work. Just a thought.

[Michael Stoops]

Spend the money on RAM. The difference you'll see between, say, a 2ghz processor and a 2.5ghz processor is nothing compared to the difference you'll see between 256MB RAM and 512MB RAM.

Don't settle for 256MB RAM, and 512MB is almost borderline.

[danielsan]

Even though it would probably be a major change, I'll throw in the token suggestion that you look into macs. If there's an apple store around where you live I would give it half a chance.

Their photo abilities are top notch, right out of the box, with no additional software (iLife comes with new macs, even the <$500 mac mini), and virtually universal camera compatiblilty.

Anyway, I don't want this to turn into a mac vs. PC thread at all, so I don't even want to make a big deal about it. You'll enjoy whatever you buy following the suggestions I've seen so far (especially compared to your, no offense, really old computer).

[WaspHunter]

Theres a mac amongst the half dozen computers in our household. Thinking about what you said earlier on it being for pics and using this site, it might actually be a good idea. A lot of current graphics programs were originally made for macs, and as such the support is much wider. But as daniel said its quite a change from windows land, so you might want to try using someone elses first.

[Alex7938]

just to add to the Mac or PC thing,

A friend of mine has a PC and his wife has a Mac, they both go online alot to download music.

She has no type of security or anti-virus and has had no problems in the 2 years shes had it.
He, on the other hand has allsorts of security and has had his fair share of trouble.

Alex

[tron1974]

The only thing with Macs is software. There is a heck of a lot more for PCs than Macs. We have guys at work whch have them and they have all kinds of trouble.

I would stay with a PC. Dell's home sections has some really great deals for around $500 including a 15" or 17" flat planel display.

For example, here is one that is fairly decent for $500, http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...DE310RF1&s=dhs.

[kellyinkc]

Thanks for the input!! Am thinking about a Mac. Have a store on the Plaza. Also found a Dell kiosk at a local mall.Going for all the RAM I can get. Found a Compaq for 600 before rebates, comes to 300.00. 256K RAM. Need more. One thing about Windows 95 no virus's attack it now!! The virus looks at it and says whats this? Five years an antique? Then I have a dino !!

[kellyinkc]

Update. Went shopping, confused now! No, just kidding.
Actually found an HP at Wally World, has AMD 64, 512 RAM expandable to 4GB. Doing taxes Monday, I'm off for the holiday.
Part of refund will get the computer. Maybe do a detail but weather has been cold.

Kelly

[jfelbab]

Latest issue of Consumer Reports has computer ratings. HP is the bottom of the list for tech support and second from the bottom in brand repair history only one worse was Gateway.

IMO, HP isn't the company it once was. They still make decent printers but I wouldn't touch one of their PC's.