Need help, what kind of computer should I buy?

[Momof1]

I'm looking to spend less than $600 on a desktop. I don't really trust any certain computer company any ideas on ones I can trust?

Dell?

HP?

I don't need a mega computer. I just have a 56 dial up. Most of the memory goes for computer games for a 4 year old child.

I would like to get a picture quality printer and a digital camera so I don't have to get pics developed anymore.

Any suggestions?

[mondo joe]

1. Do you need to buy a monitor and keyboard and mouse? Or

Do you need to buy a monitor and keyboard and mouse?

Or do you have those already?

[Momof1]

4. I have those already.

I have an ancient Gateway 2000. We want to buy printers and other stuff, but even after getting more memory. My hubby doesn't think this thing can handle anything more.

[mondo joe]

5. There's the sweet little Mac Mini

Here's a review: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/tech/weekly/3028718

You might also consider looking on your local Craigslist for something used.

There's always someone selling a relatively new computer in order to upgrade.

[salvorhardin]

2. this kind

Stylish, efficient, inexpensive. :-)

[tcfrogs]

3. Someone will tell you soon - No Dell

not a "blue" company/supporter. Just thought I'd throw that out there. I've always had good luck with Gateway.

[Wapsie B]

6. Are either one of you

comfortable with putting one together? It's really not that hard.

www.newegg.com is a great place to buy hardware. You could have one kick ass machine for under $600.

[mike_c]

7. if you're willing to recycle some parts from your existing unit....

$125.00 for a decent mother-board wuth on-board graphics, sound, eternet, Winmodem
$190.00 for a 2.8 Ghz Pentium 4 CPU
$40.00 for 256 Mb of DDR PC3200 memory

= $355.00

add $70.00 for an internal CD-RW/DVD-RW drive if you need a new one {= $425.00}

add $75.00 if you need a new hard drive (80 Gb) {= $500.00}

At this point you have a pretty decent computer built-- it's not a gaming machine, not without good accelerated graphics and sound cards-- but it will be many times better than your existing computer and FAR more computer than you could buy preassembled from anyone at that price. Use your existing case and power supply, keyboard, mouse, and monitor (and hard drive and CDROM if you can re-use them).

Of course, there's still the Microsoft tax to pay-- another $150-$200 if you want to pay retail for Bill Gate's operating system. On edit-- this is a GREAT reason to recycle your existing hard drive if you can-- it already has the OS on it. Simply use it as your primary master drive and all your current files, setting, etc will stay the same, but the computer will be FASTER. Add a new drive as a slave drive if you need more space.

[neohippie]

8. only one problem with your recycling idea

Gateway PC's and Dell for that matter, tend to have proprietary computer cases, and the new motherboard that you buy isn't likely to fit into that case, and might need a more powerful power supply as well.

Just my two cents.

[mike_c]

10. ahh, the case would be a problem in that case...

...but a medium tower+PS can be had for under $100 and STILL be better than the Gateway rolled tin case. I think the original PS would have been fine with no addin graphics card and only a single HDD, but a new case with 350 watt PS can be had cheaply.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

9. It should be...

a computer with at least 8kb of memory, an 8-bit processor and a tape drive for storage. If you really want to be extravagant you could buy a computer that can display up to 8 colors. :bounce:

[mike_c]

11. I had one of those back in the dark ages....

A TRS-80 with ultra-spiffy cassette tape drive. Also had a PC-jr. 5.25 floppy disk drive! CGA color monitor!

[enigmatic]

12. Would building a pc be an option?

It's alot easier then you'd think, and you can save a bunch of money over a ready-made unit..

[Momof1]

13. Is that ad in office depot?

I know....


I know..., yes I am really computer stupid in the new technology. I usually don't give a shit, as long as it works.

Like I said... Computer games for 4 yr old, and I want to do pictures.

My Mom passed away a few months ago, and I want to be able to scan or print the best copies of the original pictures that I can.

[ComerPerro]

14. One with flashing lights and buttons.

Preferably one that makes a soft, mechanical "whrrrr". But not too loud.