I am 16, about to get a job and I really want my own computer. So, I'm saving up for one. I'd like a nice one anywhere in the $500-$1500 dollar range. Any ideas? Suggestions? Tips?
Thanks in advance!
2006-09-07 16:13:06 · 17 answers · asked by dOnNa 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
First, it all depends on what you are going to use it for and how you plan to use it.
If you need the portability of a notebook computer and plan on using it for school, productivity, personal finance and/or internet, then I would suggest a Toshiba Notebook. However, make sure you get the extended service plan on it, because replacing the screens and/or mother boards are very expensive. If you are going to carry it around a lot make sure you get a well padded case that allows you to carry all your stuff, and I would also consider talking to your insurance carrier to have it added to your policy. Do not leave it in the car for long periods of time, where it would be exposed to extreme heat or extreme cold.
As far as desktop computers go, I have a few eMachines and they are a good way to save money, but they do NOT make good computers as far as game machines.
HP makes pretty good desktop computers. I recommended one to my sister in-law a while back and it's working out very well for her.
The one thing you have to take into consideration when you buy a computer system is all the extra stuff you need to go along with it. Things like; a good voltage spike protector (not one you get at the hardware store), Anti-Virus/Internet Security Software, any other software that you don't already have that you need/want.
2006-09-07 16:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by JSalakar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We couldn't afford a computer so I don't have personal experience yet. But my best friends who had computers used the family computer which was in the living room. I think that if you allow your teen access to the internet then it should be where adults can see what they're doing. There's so much stuff that goes on on these things that as a teenager, you don't even try to avoid because it feels good to get the attention. But anyway, if I were you, I wouldn't let my teen have their own computer in their room. Formula for failure.
2016-03-27 02:15:41 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Build this one: http://www.maximumpc.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=47019
should not be more than 1300$. Trust me, this box will blow anything suggested on this page so far away it won't even be funny.
TX-Man88 a few comments about your comment: you only really need Windows XP Pro if you plan to do major gaming (like me) otherwise Kubuntu Linux is perfectly fine alternative OS that is more stable than Windows. The homepage is http://www.kubuntu.org/
For more than 5 years I have NEVER used commercial virus scanning software. Why? because it is a waste of money and it eats up system resources. Also secondly I never use it because I never click on flash banner ads and don't install rogue software like most people do. What you DO need however is a hardware/software firewall that monitors outgoing traffic.
Microsoft office is also another source of wasted money. Open Office can do everything Microsoft office can - write word documents, spreadsheets..etc. It's all open source and btw did I mention it is FREE? http://www.openoffice.org/ Consider paying nothing vs. $370 for a piece of software that can perform idential functions.
Save money by not submitting to Dell or Apple or some other corporate wh*re.
2006-09-07 16:15:38 · answer #3 · answered by [ΦΘΚ] PIяATE 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without a doubt a Mac.
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa
I would strongly suggest a Mac Mini or an iMac. You can get a Mac Mini for $599, and other configurations are available on the page too. An iMac would run you approx. $1000 - give or take. Very nice computers. These guys use the latest chips and are fast and very easy to use.
FYI - Macs can now run Windows! In addition to the Mac OS X they can also run Windows! Proof: http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/
2006-09-07 16:15:14 · answer #4 · answered by Inquisitive Guy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two major options:
1)Do you play decent games a lot?
-> Go for windows. For $1500, you can get a pretty nice computer for gaming purpose.
2)Or..Do you like messing with multimedia like recording music, organizing photo albums and stuff?
-> Definitely go for Mac. Mac also can load Windows. If you like 'pretty operating system', Mac is your computer.
Well...I'd strongly recommend Mac, since they seem to be taking over the world now.
2006-09-07 16:22:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Compaq Presario. I'm 14. No I'm not rich... I saved. It was about $800. I really like it. But I've heard a Toshiba is better for a teenager. I don't have any idea why they say that though.
2006-09-07 16:19:01 · answer #6 · answered by Violet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just pay for what you use. I don't recommend an expensive one. For what you do, a $600 or $700 system ( Dell, Compaq) will do the job. Make sure it has
Windows XP Pro
Virus scanning software
Microsoft office ( you will do a lot of school work with it)
2006-09-07 16:20:34 · answer #7 · answered by TX-Man88 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Laptop or desktop? Either way you should be able to get a good deal within your price range.
I think the first computer we had at home was an Atari 800.
2006-09-07 16:39:50 · answer #8 · answered by dudette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the day before thanksgiving (or is it the day after) Best buy has a sale where one lab-top pc is about 700$. I got it last year and I am EXTREMELY happy with it. it works great and was a good buy.
These labtops are made by toshiba.
2006-09-07 16:14:56 · answer #9 · answered by Airzy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well my first was a comodore vic 20... somehow i don't think that would quite do it these days though...
u have 'best buy' stores in your area? u can usually get decent hp computers there complete for under $1000... sometimes as low as $500 or so.
2006-09-07 16:15:14 · answer #10 · answered by Roger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋