Need computer recommendations because mine just died. Suggestions?

Question

The computer will be used mainly for word processing, some spreadsheets, taxes, internet, foreign language software, and occasional games for our small daughter. I'd like to have the computer for at least a few years.

I'd like a computer that can do some video stuff--basic stuff. I'd also like to start saving lots of music to the computer, which I haven't on my 2000 Windows ME destop (I know, I know...)

So, first question--Based on the above, PC, Apple, or it doesn't matter?

First question--If PC, is there really any choice of OS, or is Vista all that's out there now?

Second question--Minimum chip speed, hard drive, type of burner, monitor screen size (I'm tossing the old 14" that's been with the current computer). The more info, the better. (Graphics and sound suggestions are helpful too if you have some off the top of your head.)

Third question--Any guess as to $$$ for your recommendation?

Thanks for any recommendations and information.

Answer 1

Well you didn't indicat a budget number so I'll just give you my thoughts.

I'm pretty computer savvy and did a lot of research a few months ago. I researched all I needed to build a good computer for myself and found a manufactured one was actually cheaper and I got better hardware in a few cases by going that way.

Heres what I recommend:

Windows XP if you can get it instead of Vista.

A 19" Flat Panel monitor minimum. If you multitask then go with a larger one (widescreen) if you can afford to do so. You may also want to shop for a monitor separately for a better deal.

A CPU processor of at least 2.1GHz or better if you can afford a higher end processor, go for it. Go for a dual core or core2duo or even a quad core.

2 GB RAM is best all around amount.

256MB RAM Video card (min)

250GB Hard drive (min) Note: I have a 2600 song library in MP3 format and it takes just 10GB of hard drive space.

CD/DVD +/- Drive or a dual layer drive if you want to burn movies.

Sound - it's usually built in these day but you can find a good add on audio card if you really want to. Sound Blaster is built into my motherboard and it's just fine for my "hearing". A decent set of PC speakers is a must though if you want good sound. I like the Cambridge Soundworks line pretty well.


So here's what I purchased and it's been a great PC. I purchased a Dell XPS 410. It has:
2.1GHz core2duo processor
1G RAM and I upgraded it to 3GB
160GB hard drive - 7200 RPM
256MB RAM Video Card
dual CD/DVD drives;
the case has 6 USB ports on the back and 2 on the front; microphone and head set jacks on the front
it came with XP Media Center 2005 and a free copy of Vista which is still in it's original package (I'm not a Vista fan)

We have 7 Dells in the family and not one issue thus far. I recommend them. It's best to watch their sales for the best deals. Some sales are for one day only. Go the the http://www.dell.com site and create an "account" for yourself and they will send you emails when the sales are going on.

That's my opinion. Go for the best PC you can afford and remember, that a "high priced" pc is not always the best one technically or the best buy. Also, don't get hung up on stores like Circuit City or Best Buy, etc. They really don't have the technically best computers for the money. Yes they sell lots of low price PC, but educate yourself by shopping online and in the stores before you buy. I use the retail outlets to "look" at the pc's and try them out and then shop online for the best prices.

So those are my thoughts. Feel free to email me if you want to discuss things a bit more.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You'll find hard over adherants to both PCs and Macs. For most of us, I don't think that the choice matters much. I'll talk about PCs. You can get a really solid PC for between 500 and 1000 dollars. But you have to shop around. I bought one at Circuit city and another at Best Buy. You can do well on line, but just as well at the store when they get sales going.
People have a lot of complaints about Vista, but most of them relate to compatability issues. If there is some specific hardware or software you want to move from your old computer, you have to be very careful that it will play with whatever new OS you get. I would recommend you get one of the two Vista versions that are windows media center. This will work with Music, DVDs, burning DVDs and CDs, and even record TV-all assumming you have the right hardware installed. Look at the HP Pavillions. They will [probably come with MCE. At the top end, around 1K, it will probably have TV and a Quad processor. These days, you won't see small drives. Expect 500 GB if the computer is going to be used for TV. Expect 2 or 3 GB of memory. Expect a DVD burner with light scribe and dual layer capability. Up around 2K, you can get Blu-Ray. I don't think the Blu-ray is worth it, because you can't burn any premium HDTV, such as HBO. Expect 7.1 sound. Vista is designed for widescreen and a 19 inch widescreen monitor is actually less than a standard screen one, but not as high-that's why it's cheaper-fewer square inches.
Things to keep in mind. The sound and video will mosdt likely be on the motherboard. In the HP, it will be decent, but if you're into gaming, make sure the computer will take any Video card you may want to add. Also, hooking up computers to HDTVs is big these days-so you'll probably want a TV out port. Most likely, to get a quality TYV out, you'll have to add a video board.
There'll be little in the way of software on the machine. You can email me if you need anything else.

Answer 3

You will be hard pressed to find a computer out there for sale at Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and etc that cannot handle anything you throw at it with ease. Its a matter of how much you want to spend.

Good brands are HP $400 - ?? and Sony $1000 - ??(high end). Apple is the best choice for gaming/high end graphic use $1500 - ?? (more costly too).

Processor, consider a dual core processor to handle memory-taking big programs (like running anti-virus software simultaneously with your Outlook program). Good processors (non-Celeron processors) will end up costing you a little more. Other processors (non-intel) that are ok too are: AMD. You may be able to save a little money on your desktop if you get a computer with an AMD processor over Intel...Intel is the industry leader, and for good reason.

And getting a really big monitor (19" is great for gaming) will keep you content for a long time. Dual video cards installed would also pay off for you in the long end (this is often an ala carte item that you can install yourself).

Vista is a difficult OS to get used to. A lot of people hate it and I don't recommend it...especially if you're used to XP. You can still purchase computers with XP loaded on it...but you have to make sure you get that in writing anymore.

It sounds like you're going to want to lean towards a desktop with more multimedia functions and again, you would be hard pressed not to find multiple options to choose from, from any store you choose.

Good luck...hope this advice helps (I am an IT professional, by the way).

Answer 4

go for an Intel pentium dual core. with at least 1 GB ram and 250 GB hard disk with a DVD burner. Windows is your best bet for OS is windows. you can have another OS installed on the same machine on a different partition if you like. Dual Core will eliminate your speed problem as it is very fast. and buy a 19 inch LCD Monitor. Ensure that you Graphic card is at least GForce Nvidia with TV out. Price should not cost you more than 600 US$

Answer 5

Don't go to dell, call them right now and see how bad their customer service department is. If you will want to call at any point about the computer, don't go with dell

Answer 6

Apple would be an awesome choice and a desktop costs about 1,000

Answer 7

DELL or Gateway

Answer 8

go to tigerdirect.com good deals..

Answer 9

hi.. please go with dell computers. We are here to help you out.