Okay, so I want to get a new PC w/ Windows XP. How do I go with?

Question

Gateway? Dell? HP? Build my own? Why? How much w/o breaking my band account? I have a decent scanner and a few printers... a new monitor would be nice, but not a must... The old PC's will turn into a music server. It's be cool to connect 'em to the new one.

Answer 1

I've built two computers and those are by far my most useful systems. They were also a royal pain to get it built.

Then one time I cheated, bought a cheap refurbed Dell from delloutlet.com, then built it out to spec when it arrived. That was a MUCH easier experience than building from scratch.

If you go with a commercial system, make sure you get a clear Windows license so you can format it as soon as you get it home and only install Windows. They run MUCH better without all the factory installed software.

Answer 2

I just bought a Dell a couple months ago, and I am not too impressed with the tech support. On all the commercials you see on TV, everyone speaks English; but I always get some guy named Zulfikar (he says his name is Zach, but he don't sound like no Zach). I know that makes me sound prejudiced, I'm not really, but it would be nice to be able to understand what the tech is trying to yell you. And then "Zach" didn't know how to fix my problem, told me I had a "wirus infection" and that I needed to erase everything on my computer back to "factory original condition"......which he helped me to do. Then a couple days later when he called me to see if the problem was resolved, he called at 2AM!!!!!! And I still have the same problem I originally called about. So, even though I like my computer from Dell, I think next time I'll try a different company. Unfortunately, I can't really tell you who would be the best, and of course, I could be the only one who has a problem with Dell tech support (if I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all!). But anyway, thanks for letting me vent a little!! lol Good luck!

Answer 3

I have had my Dell for 2 months. I ordered on-line from the kiosk in the mall. I got a 20" flat screen monitor and a Dimension E310 for under $400. It is great! Plenty of memory for what I do, which is take pictures, pictures and more pictures. I also play on line. Does really well, and comes with XP.

Answer 4

I own a Dell and it's a great computer. Go to their website and check out their deals; sometimes you can find a good computer at a pretty decent price and sometimes w. a free printer or a free upgrade from a reg. moniter to a flatscreen moniter.

Answer 5

I would go with HP, they're great computer and have great tech support. They have phone support which is free for the first year you have your computer, then you can renew it for a price. And then they have free, chat and one hour reply e-mail support.

Unlike dell, who has the worst tech support. it took them 3 days to reply to one of my e-mails. With hp you get a reply within an hour.

I have had 2 hp laptops. My dad says he done dealing with dell and that next time he's going to get hp computers.

And the computers are at a great price
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/home.do;jsessionid=FpcknzwX42krKW9Kj6ydYguLFPzTg2RisCWC1AqDZNpBZxmf3Ysb!559899207

Answer 6

I just got an Enpower from PC Club(AMD 4000+,2G Ram, XP media, DVD R/RW, on board sound, GEForce 5200 with 512mb RAM) I am very impressed with it. It was about 1500 bucks though. You might be able to build one cheaper but for the best bang for your buck go to a local shop and have them custom build one for you. Go to PCClub.com and see if they have one near you, they have a huge selection and will walk you through your needs!

http://www.pcclub.com

Answer 7

DELL sells the cheapest computers. they also allow a lot of customizability.

Answer 8

I HAVE A DELL AND I LOVE IT LOTS OF COMPANIES AND MAJOR CORPORATION CHOOSE DELL SO I GOT ONE FOR HOME AND ITS GREAT

Answer 9

If you are comfortable with it definitely build your own.