what kind of computer is the best?

Question

i would like to find a computer that is reliable and has a good modem but also something that will not cost me a fortune, any ideas?

Answer 1

Let me explain something .... apart from Apple PCs every single component in what is commonly called an "IBM compatible" PC is made by the same companies ... no matter what the brand of PC (Dell, HP, even IBM).

With all due respect ... when I hear you say "a good Modem" ...I know you are still living in the mid 90's so far as PC technology is concerned.
I do understand .... back then I paid over $200 to have a USR data/fax/voice modem & now when I look at it I want to cry....LOL !

Dialup modems today are a dime a dozen.

Anyways ... if you were my best friend in the whole world I would insist you buy an HP Media Center PC.
They have no proprietary parts whatsoever & their service & support is second to none.

Trust me ....you won't be disappointed.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

Best is somewhere between what you can afford and what you should not. :)

If you are looking on the used market ..
make sure you have 512mb ram and at least 1Ghz processor and have an ethernet card. Perhaps a modem too.

I like XP and Linux as operating systems.

Referbers like Itxchange have the following pricing for Intel PIII and Intel P4 processors.
1ghz -- about $100, 2ghz about $200, 3ghz about $300.

DVD readers and burners can be aftermarket purchaced for about $50

Old style Flat Screen Monitors are nice (esp the Trinitrons) 17" to 21" monitors can be had used for $50 to $100.

LCD Flat Screen are up at $250 plus new. They are nicer, and a little easier on the eyes.

If you get one, get the digital video option.
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If you are going to go new...

I despise Vesta and pls try to avoid

It doubles to 4x the amount of RAM and slows things down some. And is incompatable with some programs at this time. It is very new and Microsoft is pushing it hard.

white boxers like Newegg and Tiger direct have deals, but they are a little more confusing if you do not have computer help around.

Get an AMD x2 (dual core) or an Intel core2duo Processor.

512MB ram to 1GB ram for Linux or Windows XP
2Gb to 4Gb ram for Vista. Pref 4Gb.

For Linux I am trending towards AMD x2 (dual core) over the Intel for Linux driver compatability.

esp new .. get a DVD burner.

This will run aprox $500 to $1000 for many different manufactures.

Dell, Lenovo, HP have some off the shelf kits that are not bat. The Dell I almost bought was the C521 or E521 .. same price for awhile. but now they have Vista.

If you want gaming .. you may want to go to a pc builder to get a gaming machine and/or video card.

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Laptops
I like the IBM/Lenovo thinkpads .. but they are a bit more pricy but they rugged, have the dot in the middle of the keyboard, and the display is anti glare.

I would by referb:
T30 - maybe, maybe not.
T41 for about $500
T42 for about $700
T60 - core2duo - from $800 to $1200.

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also check out OpenOffice.org for a word processor

Answer 3

The first question is what do you want to use it for: surfing, gaming, business, video copying, etc.
After deciding what you want it for, THEN go looking.

MOST machines come pre-loaded with an Operating System. I prefer to load my own OS, as I can then easily partiton my Hard Drive to the several partitions I use, (I have NO system with less than 3 partitions!!), and then load things where I want them reserving 1 partiton for ONLY the Operating System. This makes it easier to "reload" if you ever need to.

Dell will build one to your specs, see their website. Some other companies will also.

You can spend anywhere from $200 to $5,000 depending on what you want. A good general purpose machine can be had for about $500-$700 + software costs.
Factory refurbished machines are usually returned "lease" machines that have been gone over and returned to the factory settings. These are somewhat cheaper than a new machine and usually carry about the same factory warranty as a new machine from most companies.

Personally, I buy the various parts and assemble my own; and I currently have 9 different machines with 17 operating systems, (some machines obviously having multiple OS's.)

Answer 4

First, I am dealing with problems with a 3-year-old EMachine, and EMachines and Gateway have merged (this from their customer support people who don' know anything). So now it's going to be basically the same computer in different packaging.

I also wouldn't get a Compaq, as they are just as bad as EMachines/Gateway.

Also, I don't know how they are now, but I had an Acer, which was horrible, and had a tendency to freeze and not shut down properly.

I would personally go with an HP or Dell. I'm looking at them to replace my EMachine.

Answer 5

I would say to go (in order):

1 Home Built - not from local repair shops they usually sell refurbished crap buy brand new from CompUSA or Computer Parts USA

2 HP - Very reliable for people who usually surf the web and email

3 Dell - Their XPS series are great for gaming

Answer 6

Dellls and HP's are the best ... You can get one off these computers for about 500 to 600 dollllard and add parts to them if you wanna them to run faster like adding more memory or a new graphics card for games ... after you add parts you computer will be high end at a cheap price .. GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

Dells are cheap and semi reliable. HPs are good.

Just get a core 2 duo e6400+
2gigz of ram
atleast 256mb gfx card (pref nvidia)
150gb harddrive +

And BAM thats a good computer...
Cost? probably like 500-700 $$

Dont get an emachine. Because they are unreliable due to its weak power supply and short durability.

If you dont mind buying a computer online. www.newegg.com sells very cheap stuff. :]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883108040 (very decent cheap computer)

I like how the person below me just COPYS ME :/

Answer 8

i have reccomened to alot of people the Emachine from walmart. it has plenty of memory a 160gig HDD a 3.3mhz processor plus a dvd burner. you can either get the lcd monitor or a crt monitor for around $450-$500. they are very reliable and can be worked on by anyone if needed. dell and other systems are decent but not as easy to work on yourself if you want to add to the system.

Answer 9

in order:
1. Home-Built (local computer repair shop)
2. HP
3. Dell
4. Gateway
5. Compaq
Under no circumstance should you buy an EMachines. They are built out of cheap made materials and have a tendancy to overheat and DIE!

Answer 10

Dell Inspiron 1501 for a laptop
Dell Dimension XPS for a desk top. You can get a good one for well under a $1000.