Looking for a good, solid computer at a good price with the fewest add-ons to purchase...any suggestions?

Question

I'd like to get a good home computer that isn't going to cost a ton, but isn't going to crap out on me in a couple years. I don't need all the bells and whistles, but would like enough features, memory, etc. that I'd need for normal home computer-type activities--digital pictures, maybe a few games, high speed internet, etc. Also, I definitely need to have Microsoft Office...anyone know of any computers that come with it, or any stores that offer a good deal to add it on?

Answer 1

Dell-- refurbished. Go to dell.com.

Answer 2

Dell is hard to beat.
Most Dell users are happy customers.

Microcenter.com usually has good deals on Re-Furbished PC's,,and end-of-model closeouts ,, etc,mostly Compaq/HP.

Re-Furbs are well worth considering,,in my opinion.
Usually a good savings,,and that can be spent on other upgrades,software,etc.
Typically they are as solid as Brand New,,arguably even More-so.
They're NOT like "used cars".

Just for example,,
DELL's current lowest cost PC is Model "Dimension B110" for $279.
Great deal on that,for a basic PC

MSFT Office 2003 Adds $149 to that price,,from Dell

Total $430 plus tax,shipping,or whatever

One shortcoming is that particular configuration has Bare Minimum RAM,,256mb.
Windows really wants more than that--512mb to really run Well.
I think from Dell thats another $50 upgrade.
..........................................
Microcenter.com has a current "Weekly Special"

Refurbished Compaq Presario SR1803WM
$249.99

It has a faster processor,
a more modern Graphics Card slot useful for any future upgrades,
Most important,,it comes with More RAM which is very desireable/useful on a Windows XP machine especially.

It's a sort of "pre-installed upgrade" over the DELL example mentioned,,
and worth about $50 in itself.

No Sales Pitch on either,,and I realize that SPECS are not so important in your application.
Just pointing out a genuinely USEFUL spec (RAM size) in comparing the 2 examples.

Whatever You choose,,,I'd strongly recommend that you try to get at least 512mb RAM.
More is not really necessary for many uses,,,but any Less than 512MB can really leave Windows XP acting sluggish & quirky doing even routine tasks

Most PC Specs are a matter of Personal Choice & specific requirements.

RAM size is a spec that remains a Technical Consideration regarding the General,Overall Functon of the PC.
It's about how the PC/Operating System itself Works,,not how we work with the PC.

..................
Msft Office ,I do not use it,never have,,and do not know ANYTHING about it....except that it's Expensive.

I've seen "CLONES" of Msft Office which claim to do/act/be the "same" as actual OFFICE

Such as Sun Microsystems' "Star Office",,which is supposed to be compatible/interoperable with Microsoft Office.
Sun is a Big,Respected Company,,,not a small time bootlegger or wannabe type operation.

EBAY always has StarOffice CHEAP,compared to MSFT OFFICE.

Even direct from SUN,it's comparatively cheap.

I'd suggest doing some research and getting opinions from actual /knowledgeable users before spending the $$$ on such expensive software.
Ya MIGHT find a better alternative than actual MSFT OFFICE that can do what You need

Also check out "Academic" Versions from Microsoft,,see if they're suitable for your useage.
They're always much cheaper,,and often available on EBAY for even better prices.


All Just my opinion,,for what it's worth

Answer 3

I would recommend getting a Dell. You can get a decent desktop system pretty reasonably if you catch them on special. They come with the discs for the loaded programs, not just a restore disc, and you can get Office loaded on a Dell machine. The part I like best is that they have pretty good service if you have a problem with your system. I have and still do own a few Dell machines, and have had very good luck with them.

Answer 4

Build your own. You get all the features you want. You won't have to pay for things you dont need. And of course a better price.Or these links have good deals on stuff.
http://www.tigerdirect.com
http://www.newegg.com