Please help us in choosing a desktop system for our daughter?

Question

My husband and I have been looking into different desktop systems for our daughter. She's almost 14 and will be using it for school as well as for burning cd's, etc. I don't know alot about desktop systems as my husband and I have a laptop. We have looked into Dell and HP but I feel like I'm reading a different language with alot of it. We do like the slimline design that HP offers. We want the whole system, including printer, speakers, LCD flat panel moniters, etc. If anyone can help us decide which computer would work the best for her needs, we would greatly appreciate it. Also, if anyone can recommend which programs we should purchase along with the computer, that would also help. Thanks!

*Price really doesn't matter. We want this computer to last her for a very long time.

The Pesky Wabbit...I've noticed that you seem to get off on answering people's questions with rude comments. Just because you have a miserable life doesn't make it ok for you to come on here and insult people for asking a question. Maybe if you had actually READ my question, you could've spared us all your unwanted comments.

Answer 1

go with HP, Dell, Sony. They're the best. When your buying a pc, you want the pc to have a lot of hard drive (thats the part of the machine that is used to store all of your info.) Go with at least 80GB. aim for more because the more hard drive the more files you can store. As for memory go with at least 512MB. I recommend you go with 1GB or possibly 2GB. The more memory the quicker the pc takes to load those programs. Go with a fast processor also. go with 2.0GHz. if possibly dual core. Go with a DVD/CD Burner with dual layer support with a DVD reader in a second bay. Monitor is better if you get a 19'' or bigger. Go with the widescreen because plainly they look go and that way your daughter can put two documents or more side to side and be reading something of the internet about plants or something and be taking notes at the same time with out switching between windows. Speakers get regular or if your goin to listen to music A LOT then go with two speakers and a subwoofer. Go with wireless mouse and wireless keyboards anda get Windows Media Center 2005 as the Operating System with a TV tuner card. And the thing you HAVE to have is Antivirus and Spyware Protection.

Answer 2

Both a Dell and an HP would be a good choice as both are well-known companies with a good reputation. Computers are always changing so you want one with a lots of memory. Since you are not really sure about the needs, I would probably suggest you visit a retail store such as Best Buy and talk to a salesperson. Once you know exactly what you want, then you can compare prices by what the store is offering and what Dell's website is offering.

As for software, your daughter will need Microsoft Office since she will be needing Word to type papers for school. Depending on where the computer will be going, I would get a good anti-virus as well as software which parents can block certain websites that may be harmful to a teenager. You hear a lot of stories of sexual predators on chat-rooms wanting to meet their victims.

Good luck with your computer purchase.

Answer 3

I suggest getting a Dell. XPS 400 or XPS 200. Don't get the XPS 700 she is very into gaming. I believe you can check off add ons such as speakers, printers and such during the ordering process @ dell.com.

Don't buy computers for 100-200. These WILL NOT last too long. With Windows Vista coming out, new software will be released to accomodate the new windows. These require an ok graphics card and 2 MB of memory.

If you're willing to put in some time into this, or know someone who is good with computers, consider building it yourself. You can order high end components for cheap prices at newegg.com

Answer 4

Dell or HP are both great choices. Especially if you're looking for a computer in a box. Canon Pixma printers are the best, hands down, so get the printer as a stand alone. Just make sure you're running and Intel processor with Windows XP and that your other requirements are met (DVD/CD burner, etc, and you're set.

Answer 5

If I were buying for a 14-year old, I would honestly buy a Mac instead of a Windows machine. I use both, but I've found that the Mac is more in tune with the needs of the younger "digital generation". It's terrific for Web surfing and anything digital, be it photos, music or movies.

By using Intel processors now, Apple has removed the last valid reason to buy a Windows machine -- namely, that Macs are too slow. That is no longer the case. In fact, they're faster than most Windows machines I've seen.

Finally, I would buy a laptop instead of a desktop. It's more in tune with today's lifestyle.

Answer 6

I have a Dell at home and my boyfriend and I bought it for everything you are looking to buy for your daughter and we love it. The only thing I would reccomend is to buy a printer from a store rather than Dell because you can only use their printer cartridges and they are very expensive. When we had the option to upgrade on our system we chose the flat panel screen instead of the printer. The Epson or Lexmark printers are great and you can find those anywhere.

As for HP, my parents have used them at home and for their business and WHAT A PEICE OF JUNK! They are consistenly slow and are never worth what they pay for them.

My girlfriend always had a Compaq and she dosen't reccomend those either.

Answer 7

Hi! Don't call Dell - its well known for selling sub-standard equipment - and with no shops they are very hard to deal with.. Don't get a MAC either - Snooty people buy them just because they look nice (different)..and we all now they hate Windows - and having a computer is nothing if it ain't got Microsoft in it. Since the both of you have Laptops - why not get her one too.. they are just as powerful nowadays as desktops.. plus she will be able to use it when she starts studying.. I recommend a Windows Media Centre Laptop - it will also be her TV & DVD recorder. Shop around & dont buy it from PC World..

Answer 8

I have had a Dell for 3 years now and that is what I would recommend. They have very good online support. I also would recommend getting another printer instead of the Dell ,their cartridges are very expensive, and you can't buy them just anywhere. I have had HP but prefer Dell

Answer 9

Best Buy has great deals on computer sets starting as low as $299. Slightly more with upgrades. These systems will last as long as she needs it, because within 3-4 years, it will be outdated, no matter how much you spend. I am a Software Engineer, and my cheap system from Best Buy (E-Machines) works wonderfully. I did go to Target and bought a Scaner/Printer combo for about $139 and I love it.

Answer 10

Actual system depends on the users sole need.

Software, i would go with Windows XP Pro.
Most new systems come with it already installed.

I would buy Nero for CD and DVD burning.

I bought my Dell of ebay, really cheap..but if you have the cash, go to a store and strike a bargain for cash.

I wouldn't recommend a mac..

My HP just one day stopped running..was only a year old...piece of junk.