I have a Dell now, it's a little over 3 years old. We just spent about $400 fixing it- that included removing viruses and something to do with a "heat sink". Now it is having problems again, seemingly heat related- it keeps turning itself off, and when we try to turn it on again, we get an alert about a fan problem and a thermal problem. The computer cost about $1,200 to begin with, so I'm hesitant to drop another $400 for repairs if this is going to be a recurring problem.
Can anyone recommend a computer that has lasted long and been reliable? It will be used by two grad students, so all we'll really need it for is writing papers, creating slideshow presentations for lectures, and connecting to the internet.
2006-09-07 04:23:44 · 7 answers · asked by Krista D 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Also, the guarantee on the repairs was only 30 days, and has expired. We have since gottent anti-virus software, so I'm not sure if that is an issue anymore. The software has not detected anything.
2006-09-07 04:37:41 · update #1
Dell Dimension E510
Pentium® D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)
250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
17 inch E177FP Analog Flat Panel
256MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X600 SE HyperMemory
Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition
Accessories
Dell 5650 5.1 100 Watt Surround Sound Speaker System with Subwoofer
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell 2-button Scroll Mouse
Single TV Tuner + Remote Control - watch and record TV on your PC
CYBERPOWER CP550SL 550 VA UPS
No Floppy Drive Included
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
IEEE 1394 Adapter
Software
No productivity suite- Includes Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
No Security Subscription
Starter pack- Basic and trial products from Corel and Yahoo
Service
3Yr Ltd Warr,At-Home Service,and HW Warr Support plus Nights and Weekends
Dell On Call, 30day, Getting started Assistance, unlimited incidents
6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Also Includes
Mouse included in Wireless, Laser or Bluetooth Package
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0
Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
Award Winning Service and Support
Windows Vista™ Capable
>> $ 1,254
includes 3 year onsite warranty
keep the $ 400 for ^ & add extra 850
a pretty much luxury home pc & if watching tv / recording, music & dvd flicks not needed, u bring down system price below 1000
>> best of luck !
2006-09-07 04:52:55 · answer #1 · answered by sεαη 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your a student, I imagine maybe your tight on money.
A good choice would be to go simple on price, but great on hardware. Go to you local Wal-Mart. They have great prices on Compaq Laptops and Desktops. There not as flashy in style, but they are great to last a long while etc. Since Compaq is basically the same company as HP your getting the same type of computer but at a price for people who can't really afford the "actual" HP computers, trust me, look into it and if you decide to buy one I'm sure it will make you happy. it comes with Windows XP pre-installed, it has office works and a couple games to play on the side etc. just plug in your internet and your ready to go, no installs required. From a person who had a Dell to another, I honestly dislike that company. Try a Compaq. Goodluck
2006-09-07 08:09:09 · answer #2 · answered by tahj. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
O P T I O N O N E:
If what you described is all that you do... buy a Mac. Far less hassles; everything works; not very many virus attacks; very good hardware and software integration; They are actually cheaper than an 'equally configured' PC.
O P T I O N T W O:
I have had good success with Gateway computers. I once supported this network with 4,500 users. 95% of those systems were made by Gateway. We had less than a 5% defect rate with those computers. I know MANY people do not like Gateway, but I never had a problem with their computers.
2006-09-07 04:40:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The virus' were caused by you, not the PC. Bring it back to whoever repaired it. There must be some sort of guarantee
2006-09-07 04:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the first computer, check about replacing the Powerpack ((is that how to spell it?)). Dell is a good brand, though. Compaq too.
2006-09-07 04:30:37 · answer #5 · answered by Ema Nova 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a HP and an ACER for some time now
and they never give me any problems.
Tried a COMPAQ but didnt like it.
2006-09-07 04:59:25 · answer #6 · answered by swenson0 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i suggets to get tehassembled, price too less and check for the max warrenty and options and offers
2006-09-07 04:43:37 · answer #7 · answered by BHARGAVA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋