Looking for a new computer--any ideas??

[Nancy]

I'm looking for a new computer. Any opinions? Not looking for a cheapo, but a system with an many programs, bells and whistles and speed as possible, within reason.

Want to be able to multi-task without crashing.

And will need a new printer/scanner and DVD player/burner also.

Want a PC.

 

[Ross]

Hey Missy, what kind of price range have you in mind? Do you need the monitor with it too or is yours fine?

 

[catwoman]

Nancy:

If you don't plan to make a decision before next week, I'll pick my nephew's brains when I visit him Saturday in Dallas. Ryan is a senior at the University of Texas at Dallas, & is a computer science major. Has been hired to do a research project for a professor. He's already been accepted to graduate school there, may also apply to MIT & Stanford.
Ryan put together the desktop we have at home, which was the 2nd he did for us. When I got my Dell notebook in July, Ryan uninstalled the original software & reinstalled new programs, antispyware, virus protection, etc.

Let me know what you need from your computer and I'll get Ryan to offer some suggestions, even on components if you know someone who builds them.

 

[Nancy]

Ross--Yes, need a monitor. The one I'm using is about 15 years old. But it still works fine. I think it's days are probably numbered.

I want to be able to do ordinary personal computer stuff, and also want to be able to scan very old pictures of relatives and use PhotoShop or similar software for enhancements, so need a scanner/printer and a computer that can handle large files w/o crashing. I guess I'd also like to have one that could handle artwork type things that take a lot of space.

Time to ditch my old hand me down, even though I can keep it up and running.

Probably going to do Road Runner too.

Old Compaq is going to be the grannies' game puter. I really hate to get rid of it, I just took the cover off and dusted all the inside. My, my didn't it work better after about a pound of dust was gone. And I just installed my brand new $6.80 dial up modem, which, by the way works like a charm.

I do have to move on though.

 

[catwoman]

Nancy:
How much do you want to spend, tops?

 

[Nancy]

perhaps $1500.00-$1800.00 or less for everything including software, if it does what I want.

 

[Ross]

You have a Sam's club nearby?

http://samsclub.com/eclub/main_shop...eID=ccddaddflilehdgcfkfcfkjdgoodfkh.0#Options

This is pretty close to what Hank picked up for me. Just take it out of the box, plug everything and turn it on. You'll be ready to go in 20 minutes.

Only thing is, we still need to get you a printer and scanner or would you prefer an all in one printer scanner fax machine?

You'll love XP, it never crashes!!!!

 

[MitralMan]

Here's a vote for a Mac

Here's a vote for a Mac

They are now price competitive with PC's, and are just stunningly beautiful and easy to work with. I cut over 5 years ago, and can't go back to PCs!

 

[Phyllis]

I swear by Dell - all I've owned since I started computing. For that price range you should able to get one with all the bells and whistles. Go to the Dell website and you can have fun configuring different options. They always have a deal with free dvd, printer or something. As far as scanners go. I swear by my Epson. Have had Visioneers and they were nothing but trouble. I scan a lot, do a lot of digital photos and use Photo Shop and I've been very happy with the way the Epson integrates, XP, Photo Shop, email, etc,- very easy and trouble-free. I sugest having a separate scanner, printer and fax. Have fun shopping and then unpacking it all. To me it's like a candy shop!

 

[Ross]

I'd like to set her up with Alienware, but the system I configured for her was nearly twice what she want's to spend. Very nice machines if money is no object.

 

[Nancy]

Well, there was a deal on QVC that I couldn't pass up, it was a Today's Special Value. It's a Dell with P4 processor, 512MB DDR2 SDRAM and an 80 GB hard drive and 16X DVD-ROM and 48X CD-RW, Extreme Graphics 2, integrated audio, A425 speakers with subwoofer, and some other extra stuff that QVC added on. Oh yeah, a flat screen monitor 17".

Also got a Lexmark All-in-one printer with some bells and whistles.

Got some other software too, including Destroy It, and a good sized software package that comes with the computer, and some photo paper.

All told it came to around 1300.00 plus or minus with tax, shipping and handling and there is a 30.00 rebate on the printer and a 3 year warranty with tech support.

So not the top of the line, but enough to allow me to do much more than I can do now.

Beats my old machine by many, many miles.

 

[Phyllis]

Congrats, Nancy- bet you can't wait to get it- you'll be happy with a Dell!

 

[CCRN]

I'm looking for a new computer. Any opinions? Not looking for a cheapo, but a system with an many programs, bells and whistles and speed as possible, within reason.

Want to be able to multi-task without crashing.

And will need a new printer/scanner and DVD player/burner also.

Want a PC.

Check out the newest Macintosh IG5. It has a built in CD burner and other great features. My mother in law is getting one soon and she likes the fact that all that the hard drive and burner is in the screen so it takes up less room. It even has a built in camera. All for about $1300. It also adapts to various printers and scanners. Most people who go with MAC never turn back.

 

[CCRN]

AW Shucks,

I didn't read your second message. I hope you enjoy your new technological toy. I seems computers are like valves....whether you use a PC or MAC whatever works for you and makes your life easier is the right choice.

 

[PJmomrunner]

Hi Nancy:

We did something similar when we were in the market for a computer for my daughter. We saw a Dell commercial offering a great deal and a free 17" flat screen monitor if we bought right then. We called right then, added a bunch of upgrades, and received our computer quite quickly.

When I was unpacking the equipment I noticed the woofer "thunked" like a major part had broken loose in its housing. I called Dell and they told me they'd ship me out a replacement woofer immediately and that I should pack the old one in the new box and attach a pick-up slip that would be mailed with the new woofer and the bad one would be picked up. It all happened as promised on that one phone call the very next day--got the new speaker and the broken one was picked up in less than 24 hours! Very impressive customer service and we've been happy with the computer.

 

[geebee]

I know both Dell and QVC have great customer service so I am sure together they will deliver (and support) the product to your satisfaction.
Enjoy and have fun.

 

[Ross]

Nancy your going to think the world has sped up a few thousand times!!!! Your gonna have a blast. Wish you'd of gotten a bigger hard drive, but that can be had later if need be. Here I sit with a 160 gig drive and I've only used 10% of the space so far and I've been saving alot of stuff.

Now, get roadrunner so you can truly enjoy what your system is all about!

 

[mntbiker]

FYI - before you get roadrunner you may want to search a bit about what has been going on between level3 and cogent. There is currently about 25 days left before the peering agreement is terminated if something is not done and it may impact that service. repeat - it MAY impact that service, do some searches.

 

[Ross]

FYI - before you get roadrunner you may want to search a bit about what has been going on between level3 and cogent. There is currently about 25 days left before the peering agreement is terminated if something is not done and it may impact that service. repeat - it MAY impact that service, do some searches.

It hurt for a little bit, until they got things rerouted. I'm fine now.

 

[mntbiker]

It hurt for a little bit, until they got things rerouted. I'm fine now.

Ross just so you know the peering has only been reestablished for 30 days which is about a week in so far. As far as I know cogent has not yet made alternative arrangements. It may hurt again soon.



11/7 is the new date