Archive through July 14, 2003
TV ClubHouse: Archives: Let's Get Whoami a new computer!!:
Archive through July 14, 2003
Juju2bigdog | Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 08:11 pm     For the newcomers, Whoami is a major contributor to this board. She is not a techie, but she is smart as a whip about figuring things out. Lately she has been beset by bigtime computer woes that don't seem to be resolving themselves despite her dogged efforts. See the archives of this thread if you want all the gory details. ../1067479/1058661.html"+2">Yay!!! Here's what Whoami said about her needs and wants: I use my puter primarily for internet and games. Of course I like to dabble/learn other stuff too, like photo editing and the like. I need ethernet for DSL. Already know I'll need lots of memory! Would really like to have a CD writer so I can actually save my large data. So...any recommendations on brands/models (good, bad, etc)? I know reliability of product is of course important. How about tech support? And where to buy? Office Max/Depot? Or go to Dell, Compaq, etc online and special order? So, whether you are a techie or just a regular ordinary user, like me and Whoami, how about helping her out with recommendations. |
Whoami | Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 10:40 pm     Thanks Juju for starting the thread! Hehe, two hours old, and no replies? Maybe the topic title is scaring folks off. We don't want the readers to buy Whoami a computer, just point her (me, that is) in the right direction!  |
Urgrace | Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 10:47 pm     Don't know diddly about computers since I'm a webtv user, so when you find out all the good stuff let me know. Then when you have all the answers, maybe I can be a puter user sometime soon too! Good luck and God bless you and your mom. |
Juju2bigdog | Sunday, July 13, 2003 - 11:08 pm     I was wondering that too, Who. Or maybe somebody is just throwing chairs around again on BB. |
Scorpiomoon | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 02:05 am     Hey Whoami! For me, personally, when I bought my computer three years ago, I bought a PC-clone. This way, when it has needed to be repaired, I just took it in and they pulled parts off the shelf rather than me having to wait for God knows how long for parts to be arrive from the manufacturer of the computer. (It came with a warranty.) I have been able to fix/upgrade my machine many times very easily. However, there was no tech support. Here's what I would suggest: Really get down to the nuts and bolts of what you are looking for in a computer. Exactly how much RAM to do you want? How big a hard drive? How many USB ports and PCI slots do you think you'll want? What kind of processor do you think you're willing to invest in and do you think it'll be enough for your needs a couple of years from now? Here's an article that could help: http://www.css.msu.edu/PC-Guide/ Once you have an idea of what you're looking for, then start pricing out computers from various stores and online outlets. I have heard good things about HP and Gateway. I've heard mixed reviews about Dell's customer service. I don't think I know anyone who owns an IBM. I checked the Dell Web site. If I were buying you a computer, I'd (first do a ton of research about Dell computers and then) get you this one: http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_dimen_4600c.htm ...or I would find one very similiar from another manufacturer. I think it has more than enough of what you need, is a machine that will allow you to grow and you can upgarde everything, over time, with this machine. Good luck! |
Ladytex | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 06:01 am     I'd recommend a Dell. I maintain about 300 of the buggers and don't have any major complaints about them. Good Luck! Look at this link for a bit of information: ZDNet Story on PC Sales for Back to School |
Texannie | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 06:53 am     We have always had Gateways. You can not beat their customer service!! I had a 4 year old Gateway crash, no warranty left, and a techie spent 2 hours on the phone with me trying to fix it!! I can't say enough about their phone support, quality of equipment. I am in "Dell country" and have just heard too many things about their customer service probs to use them. |
Eliz87 | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 06:57 am     My husband just got a Gateway laptop and he loves it. I don't like laptops but I'm sure they have great desktops. As Texannie said, really good customer service there at Gateway. I would recommend them as well. |
Faerygdds | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 07:49 am     OK... Ex tech support agent checking in to mess things up... Don't buy a Gateway... they cut far too many corners. Just ask my husband who has a P3 that he bought from them many years ago. It would be nice, but they put it on an old substandard P2 motherboard. All kinds of glitches. And those are typical (as I found out) corner cuts that they make. Dell is ok -- I used to work for them, but they are moving more and more of thier tech support overseas.. AND... having been through thier training I can tell you what you'll get for tech support -- reinstall! They have this great little recovery tool that takes you back to day one... very handy, but you lose all data on the HD in the process and the techs are told not to care about your data. This is the reason I didn't want to go back after I got well. Bad for my spirit. I could tell you more, but I won't. Decent computers -- tech support can leave a lot to be desired unless you like the answer ... "run scandisk and defrag, if that doesn't work -- reinstall the operating system" Never buy a compaq.. it's a proprietary system... I just have TOO many horror stories about them. OK... So here's the deal... the best thing you can actually buy, IMO is a PC clone. You can get exactly what you want/need in the way of components, software packages,etc. You can also get a clone system for a MUCH better price. One of my favorite places to go shopping/dreaming is avadirect.com. I like them becuae they offer clones at a good price, you can configure them to do what you want or go as fast as you want, with different software and hardware. (Like.. do you want or need a DRD-RW??? How about Windows Office?) AND they offer lifetime tech support! To give you a comparison, my dream system at Dell costs something like $2400... the clone at ava costs $1450! HUGE savings! Hope that helps... |
Juju2bigdog | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 08:29 am     Excellent article on ZDNet, Ladytex. |
Juju2bigdog | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 08:30 am     Faerygdds, what would the specs be on your dream computer? That might help Whoami out and give her some ideas on things she hadn't thought of getting on hers. I know if I were buying a computer right now, I would find that sort of information helpful. What would the really knowledgeable people get on their OWN computers if they could? |
Faerygdds | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 10:27 am     Oh let's see... AMD Athlon XP 3000+ CPU Asus Motherboard 512 MB DDR RAM 80 GB HHD Sounblaster Platinum Audigy-2 sound card DVD-ROM CD-RW 52x24x52 I already have: Monitor (17" Viewsonic) optical mouse speakers and surge protector did I miss anything??? Oh software.. windows XP.. I already have the other sofware, so no other package. When I price this WITH all the stuff I have (as if I didn't have them) It comes to 1560.78. When I take off the stuff I don't need the bill comes to.... 1344. What I really love to play with is the barebone systems.. the stuff you have to put together.. because that's what I do! |
Whoami | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 12:14 pm     Thanks for all the suggestions so far! (keep it coming!). Some questions... I'm getting that there's a Gateway vs Dell grouping, much like Ford vs Chevy. Each have their own following. I'm still very leary of a clone. My off-brand Pony Computer built 'puter came with a three year warranty/tech support. But, they went completly out of business after about 1 1/2 years. So naturally, I had problems about two years after purchase, and I was dead in the water. In that regard, I think I'd be safer with a name brand like Dell or Gateway, don't you think? FG, why is your dream computer an Athlon? I thought Pentium was supposed to be the best? Question on monitors. Lots of the packages only offer flat panel (yes, I need a monitor, this one has been on the fritz for quite a while too). Seems like one sales person told my sis that the flat panels don't fare too well in Colorado for some reason. Also, I wondered if the technology was still too new, and if the still have problems. I have Office 2000 already, but the one "build your own" didn't give an option to not have an office suite (the lowest was some sort of Office Works or something. If I had to have that, can I still run Office 2000 (either over it, or with it?). Of course, my Office 2000 software came with this computer, and the software says "for distibution with a new PC only." Am I safe to assume it wasn't "encoded" to only work with my Windows98 that also came with it? And that I can indeed use it on the new computer? BTW, the computer my sis bought from Best Buy came with NO software to back up her OS and stuff. Isn't that unusual? I got all the software with this one, including the software for motherboard, monitor, sound card, video card, (and of course the OS and Office). |
Weinermr | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 12:22 pm     There is always the issue of receiving a "recovery disk" which restores the hard drive programs to the pristine brand new state at which you purchased the PC in the case of an emergency, vs. receiving all the software for all your programs INCLUDING the operating system. I would be interested to know which manufacturers of PC's provide all the software, vs. those that provide only a recovery disk. It sounds like this would be of interest to Whoami too. |
Halfunit | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 02:44 pm     Who - I am so excited for you! While I think you will ultimately make the right decision for yourself, here is my computer history: 1st computer Gateway 486 It was a good computer, but hey - it was a 486. Nuff said. 2nd computer Dell desktop 3rd computer Dell laptop 4th computer Dell desktop #3 and #4 are in use in the Unit household. The laptop is "mine", in the livingroom, and the desktop is "Unit's" in the computer room (but I maintain it). #2 is sitting idle at my mom's house, as she has recently upgraded to a Dell laptop. #2 will be finding a new home with Unit's mom. With #4, I have installed a 100GB harddrive myself, that I purchased after Unit filled the old 27GB one. Also with #4, I have replaced a video card and a cd/dvd rom drive myself. While I am not a rocket scientist, I am handy with a screwdriver and that was all that was required to install those parts. Both were shipped to me from Dell at no charge, well after the warranty expired. And they have great on-line support, mainly with their user message boards. I swear, if you have an issue with one of their computers, someone has the answer (sound familiar?). Good luck, and have fun !!! |
Faerygdds | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 02:51 pm     Intel vs. AMD OK... a lot of it is a technical mumbo jubo, but the bottome line is this... Intel speed are "governed" and therefore, if you have a 1.8 Ghz chip.. you get no more than 1.8 GHz... With AMD you have the "max ouput" of 1.8 GHz, but I have been known to get 1.95 or 2.0 out of mine. There are also some very small chipset problems that exist on the Intel products that I do not like. They cause little bitty nit picky glitches, but they are still glitches. I've worked with Intels and AMDs since the dawn of both... and after field testing both of them at different time periods... I prefer AMD. I get better benchmarks and they are a tad less expensive that Intel. If you want to go with a boxed name brand machine. I can honestly say that I bought my Mom a Sony Vaio 3 years ago. She has never had one days trouble with it and last year I bought myself one of thier laptops. You can find them at places like CompUSA. Yes there are Dell vs Gateway camps.. but frankly.. I've either worked for or known someone who worked for both companies... and wouldn't buy EITHER! FYI... Mom's warranty on her computer should run out some time in September. I'm already planning an August call -- just don't know what I want replaced before the warranty runs out! Sony also uses Intel if that's what you prefer. My laptop is an intel... my desktop is a AMD. I love them both, but get better CPU performance out of my desktop. |
Ladytex | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 04:10 pm     I have Intel and AMD desktops in my house right now. I haven't had any problems with either. I have the AMD because that was cheapest when I built my son's computer. I've been extremely lucky in the computers that I've owned. I've built two still in operation in my house and I have a sony that I got real cheap at ubid and also a 4 year old emachines. I have had no dealings with Gateway, so I can't tell you anything about that. I have nothing but horror stories about Compaq, I charge extra to even work on them. I have worked on Dells for about 7 years and I'm a Dell Certified Tech. I have had no problems out of the ordinary and whenever I've needed support, I've received it with no problems. Gather all the information available and do what makes you most comfortable. You really don't need the top of the line, most expensive system out there. Set an amount that you'd be comfortable spending and research different sites and companies to see what you could get for that price. |
Jedisan | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 04:16 pm     Can I be the voice of reason, and beg you to go APPLE. It is much easier, and virus's (SP?) have a tougher time with them. I have PC at work (Compaq), and have Apple at home. I find the mac much easier, and smarter too! Just my two cents. Can't beleive no one else is harking the mac. It surprises me. |
Whit4you | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 04:23 pm     Well I've used a whole lot of computers, usually custom built by myself or someone else. But I've also owned two gateways and have been very pleased with them. Only tip I really have is don't let em talk you into getting a bunch of stuff you DON'T need. As far as memory goes the more the better really, especially if your dabbling in graphics turns into a full fledge addiction (t's very addicting and very very fun A read/write CD rom is really important I think and if you have one the amount of hard drive space is alot less critical. 10 gig could be plenty for your needs. It'd be good to take someone with you who knows about computers when you go to purchase it, the usual goal of those selling them is to get you to 'buy up' (buy something with more bells and whistles then you'll ever need, and they make it SOUND like you will need them) The # of expansion slots - and ability to upgrade is way more important then having alot of bells and whistles you don't now need. Do get a optical mouse - since I got one - I'll neeeeeeeeeever go back to the ones with the mouseball under it |
Hermione69 | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 04:38 pm     I have never used anything but a Mac at home and never will use anything but a Mac at home as long as there is Mac around to use! They say that you tend to prefer the type of computer that you learned on, but I learned on an IBM compatible. Then I used Macs in a computer graphics course in college and never looked back. My dad has been having problem after problem with his Gateway and I have been nudging him towards a Mac. He recently saw an article in Consumer Reports and said the Macs got good reviews. Anyone else see that? I think it was this past spring. I never saw the article, but it would probably be a good place to start if you can find it. I have always found Consumer Reports to be a very fair and objective source. If you would prefer to stick with IBM/compatible, it rates those as well. |
Whoami | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 08:26 pm     OK folks. How does this look? I am playing around with the on-line ordering at Dell. They currently have a deal (expires Wed) for free shipping, free upgrade on a CD-RW, and a 150$ rebate. Mom gave me a spending limit, and here's what I came up with: Dell Dimension 8300 Series: Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.80GHz w/800MHz front side bus/ HT Technology Memory: 512MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz (2x256M) Keyboard: Dell ® Quietkey ® Keyboard Monitor: 19 in (18.0 in viewable) Video Card: 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 MX™ Graphics Card with TV-Out Hard Drive: 80GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive (7200 RPM) Floppy Drive: 3.5 in Floppy Drive Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Microsoft® Plus! Mouse: Dell® 2-button scroll mouse Network Interface: Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet Modem: 56K PCI Telephony Modem 56KWS DVD Drive: 16 Max DVD-ROM Drive 16DV995 Sound Card: SoundBlaster Live! 5.1 Digital Sound Card Speakers: Altec Lansing® ADA745 4.1 Surround Sound Speakers w/ Subwoofer Software Bundles: WordPerfect® Productivity Pack with Quicken New User Edition Security Software: Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee, 90-day introductory offer Digital Music: Dell Jukebox powered by MUSICMATCH Digital Photography: Dell Picture Studio, Image Expert Standard Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options: 4 Yr Ltd Warr plus 4 Yr At-Home Dial-Up Multi-Media Players: RealOne™ Player, with 14 day SuperPass trial REALBAS Mail-In Rebate Offer: Save $150 with mail-in rebate. Price shown before rebate. FREE UPGRADE! New 48x/24x/48x Max CD-RW Drive Am I getting too greedy? Should this serve my needs for games, Internet and then some? The idea is that this thing should last me for years to come! When I got my current PIII 500, it was already almost out of date when I took it out of the box! Some comments. I went with the cheap mouse, cause I just recently bought an optic Logitec Wheelmouse. So I'll be using that. Also went with the cheapest software packeage (it didn't give me an option to have "none"), cause I have Office 2000 from this computer (though nobody answered my questions on that). Also got the cheapest security thing, cause I'm already signed up for McAfee On-line with virus scan and firewall. |
Cathie | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 09:50 pm     Is the free CD-RW in addition to the above list, or does it replace the DVD-ROM drive? Some companies (IBM, for one) will call it an upgrade if it replaces an original item. If all of that is within your budget it sounds like a system that will last at least until the box is open (just kiddin', lol, sounds like a good setup to me)! One important thing, and it looks like this one has it, is separate video RAM--some systems try to "share" the regular RAM with the video card and it can slow down most of the graphics and video fun! I have an HP and a Compaq desktop, both AMD Athlon, and both IBM Pentium 4 desktop and laptop at work. I haven't ever needed a service call on the home ones, but I have been home PCing for 12 years (started with a Tandy 1000, no hard drive, just dual floppies-yikes!). The work ones have mainly needed work due to the software setup we are forced to use. I am too invested in PC software to ever go Mac--couldnt afford to replace my favs with different versions. |
Juju2bigdog | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 10:06 pm     Whoami, yes, you can put your Office 2000 on there. No problem whatsoever. It is just like putting any other software on. That sounds like a great system! I am so happy for you. |
Whoami | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 10:22 pm     Yes, the free upgrade CD-RW is for a 2nd bay. So it would be in addition to the DVD drive. I'll have to take your word for it that there is separate video RAM. I'm not sure what you look for on that list to see that it does. I too am too invested in PC software to go Mac. Besides, it seems like quite a lot of the stuff I like isn't Mac compatable. |
Cathie | Monday, July 14, 2003 - 11:57 pm     This line shows that the video card has 64MB of it's own memory: Video Card: 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 MX™ Graphics Card with TV-Out |
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