Computer help: No I don't want to build one
No I don't want to build one
by quackagator - 10/19/05 6:03 PMI'm getting the itch for a new computer. All the geeks say build your but I'm not that geeky.What would you all suggest
Dell
HP
Sony
Gateway
Apple
I just use the pc for the web,photography,a litttle desktop publishing.I have a dell now which has served me well also had a HP which i liked. Already have a Dell 20 inch monitor so wouldnt need a package deal. Help an old guy decide.
Agator, Since You Liked The Other Ones...
by Grif Thomas
- 10/19/05 7:26 PM
In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagator
...why not check the sale prices and purchase a similar machine except with one of the newer/faster processors. You've given us a bunch of brand names of which you may get a lot of personal opinions. I've used all of the models mentioned, except Apple, and they generally hold up well depending on the care given..Each brand name will have a model that fits YOUR preferences..You might want to narrow it down a little.
By the way, sometimes the package deals are cheaper than buying the main unit by itself...
Hope this helps.
Grif
Recheck, then decide
by Willy - 10/19/05 7:48 PM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorSince, you want to buy, just pick what suits ya. Find the system componets that best fit your needs and take it from there. You did left out eMachines and it should be considered. Plus, you mentioned you have a 20in monitor be sure to verify what if any monitor is part of the deal, as usually some great sale has in "little print, no CRT included". If one is included if that can be further reduced w/o moniotr or LCD(upgrade) as some vendors may offer it or not. As for price, once the h/w and s/w bundle is included just what best suits you truly is the deciding point, besides price.
tada -----Willy 
Well...
by - 10/20/05 5:14 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorHP is kind of the bottom feeder when it comes to quality, Sony, Gateway and Dell are kind of in the same boat. Apple's quality is significantly better, but you do pay for it.
I would honestly think about looking at an Apple based on what you say you do. Since you don't want a monitor, you've got the option of the Mac Mini, or the just yesterday revised PowerMacs. In either case, you'll get iLife with the system, which includes iPhoto which is a pretty handy little image manipulation and viewing program. Safari has made some signficant strides in the web browser arena quite quickly, but there's always Firefox as well... Even a crappy version of Internet Explorer if you REALLY want. Though it hasn't been updated in a long time, and Microsoft is pouting about Safari and is no longer maintaining it.
I don't really do desktop publishing myself, but I'm sure there are some good options out there for OS X. And OS X really does put XP to shame when it comes to being a desktop OS. IMO, it's all the little details Apple pays attention to, that add up to create a more pleasent experience.
If you don't want a Mac... I would avoid HP hands down. They were competing with Compaq for the title of Bottom Feeder before they merged, and now they're worse than either ever was.
Sony isn't bad so long as you don't expect any tech support or to be able to make a warranty claim. Sony is incredibly anal about not supporting a system if you make ANY changes to the default config. So, it's not even much of a joke that turning it on pretty much invalidates your support contract and warranty.
Gateway is losing money like crazy, and may well be out of business within the next couple of years.
Despite the fanaticism of some Dell fans, I've never found their systems to be anything special. The only difference is Dell is making a small profit, while everyone else is losing money on their PC business. Doesn't make Dell system quality any better. Dell uses a lot of the same crappy parts that everyone else in the industry uses, so things aren't going to really be any better. The one thing Dell has going for it, is the insane cupon deals it routinely runs. They often have stackable cupons for say $200 off of anything over $1400, and then some 20% off cupon on top of that. I think that, and the fact that they give you initial ship dates of like two weeks, and never take more than 2-3 days, are the simple little things that create such loyalty on the part of some people. It can't be the quality.
All that being said... If you want a quality system that won't crash all the time, and will be upgradable into the forseeable future, you have no options besides building yourself. It's time consuming to research and find the quality parts... Even if you use a place such as <a href="http://www.monarchcomputers.com">Monarch Computers</a> to build the system you spec out. The time and effort does pay off in the end however.
Sony PC's
by TommieJo - 10/21/05 3:14 AM In reply to: Well... byI have owned two Sony PC's - the one I bought in 1997 (their second model!) is still running well. This year I bought a multimedia PC from Sony. I love it. Sony Technical support is superior. Since 1997 I have never had a problem reaching them. I've worked on other people's pc problems - and even used the technical support by HP, Dell, etc. - none hold a candle to Sony! Before buying the new Sony this year, I did research many brands and their support. Sony won me again. The new PC is fantastic. I am heavy into photos, genealogy research (huge files & lots of publishing), and music etc. I did buy the extended warranty - which gives me tec support 24/7 for 4 years. The Sony techs are fantastic and will spend as much time as it takes to fix any problem. After six months, I have only called them once - and it made me feel that I had made the right choice again in buying a second Sony.
I agree
by pearlyvictoria - 10/21/05 9:18 AM In reply to: Well... byMac is the computer for graphics and work you say you will do. I use a G4 at home and a Dell at work. The Dell was customized by me because of the graphics I do and because I HAD to use a PC there (work environment was not Apple -friendly). I have to admit that the Dell held up well because I guarded closely and let it be known that I preferred that no one use it but me. But, I digress... Apple is really the way to go. Your investment will get you a load of worry-free usage.
DTP / Dell
by JulesLt - 10/22/05 8:40 AM In reply to: Well... byWith PCs I've always gone for smaller specialist vendors - in the UK there's Evesham Computers, who I've stuck with since the days when they were an Atari ST specialist. At that time they somehow (by good business) developed a really good reputation that has stuck. I don't know what the US equivalent is.
We use Dell's at work, and while there's no problems with them, they are budget machines. My brother got one, replacing an old PC I'd donated to him, and was really disappointed in the performance - he just presumed because it was a 1 MHz machine rather than a 333 it would have been better (wheras I'd upgraded my ram, and had a graphics card rather than on-board graphics). There's also all those technical considerations like front-side-buses and motherboard chipsets. My view is that the big manufacturers typically cut corners elsewhere in order to put a fast sounding CPU on there.
As mentioned in another reply, depending of what sort of DTP you're doing, Pages and Belight Publisher are both good - and cheap. They're more oriented at doing small brochures, menus, etc, than magazines or books - in which case you're looking at the big boys like InDesign.
Right on with Apple!
by jazzman55 - 10/23/05 6:12 PM In reply to: Well... byMy vote goes to the MAC. I "converted" 2 years ago and haven't looked back. When I was in the XP world I spent my time rebooting, rebuilding and virus cleaning. But I never had it running right for long. And for the things that you are looking to do, the MAC will shine. Go for it - it really is plug and play and will work with your monitor.
dont wanna build
by dillon45 - 10/21/05 3:46 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorFine if you dont want to build your own, but as one who does build on a semi profesional basis , I would say this, do a little research and make a list of the components you want for your new pc and then take the list to a few local dealers of good repute and get a quote, in my experience brand names are almost always over priced. Why?? because they spend a fortune advertising and becoming a brand name!go local and save a mint
What type of photography?
by wigginsb - 10/21/05 3:59 AM In reply to: dont wanna build by dillon45If you're into serious photography with a DSLR, then I think Mac is the only way to go, provided you don't mind paying for it. And, if your interests are in video editing, then there is no other option worth considering. On the other hand for gaming, surfing, etc., the PC is the best choice.
I agree with the comments about HP. I have a new desktop HP at work which, every couple of days, will mysteriously hang up, necessitating a power off/on. Sad, since we had yeoman service from our Dell's.
Good Luck,
Bert
Good idea!
by sovwin - 10/21/05 5:14 PM In reply to: dont wanna build by dillon45This is similar to what I did when I wanted a new computer. I also wanted to use some of the newish, high quality components of my old computer. Got someone to build the machine for me, using the components that I specified. He put it all very neatly into a nice roomy box, so that I could easily install a new drive and additional memory when I wanted them.
Faith
Ask friends, and check local dealers!
by Great Lakes PC's - 10/23/05 3:56 PM In reply to: dont wanna build by dillon45Check with local dealers, and ask friends for recommendations. I build PC's for a living, and today I ordered parts for a new PC which totaled $1700. I then configured virtually the same computer on Dell's website, and it totaled almost $3300. Almost TWICE the money, but in my opinion, with lower quality parts! You will get (usually) a better computer with better support at local dealers for the money you would spend at one of the major dealers.
iMac 20"
by Lucatortuga - 10/21/05 4:21 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorSince you're not that kind of computer geek, you need something that will work flawlessy right out of the box, something you can really trust to use without calling an expert every 5 minutes.
Apple's iMac 20" is the right choice.
Already got a monitor
by JulesLt - 10/22/05 8:25 AM In reply to: iMac 20" by LucatortugaIf he's already got a Dell monitor he wants to keep and avoid a package deal, I think the best choice for an Apple would be the Mini.
I'd also say it's an excellent choice if all you want to do with your machine is web, photos and DTP. Not that it can't do other things, but let's just say it's not the best machine for 3D gaming or anything that requires a lot of CPU. Unless you're doing a lot of work with Photoshop filters and layers, or 8 megapixel shots - you really don't need anything more powerful.
For a long time the computer industry has been like the motor industry, selling people cars on speed and engine size when they need better mpg.
Plus points to me :
Relatively cheap. You can get cheaper PCs but you can't get cheaper Macs.
Silence : It's not quite silent, but it is very quiet - which makes using one for a long period a pleasure. The fan rarely kicks in. Stick it out of sight and you won't hear it.
Software : You get the iLife bundle for free. That's a great start.
Simple DTP software like Pages and BeLight Publisher are relatively inexpensive. MS Office is also currently better on Mac than XP, though that will change with Office 12.
Everything else Luca says applies. I have a Mac, an XP desktop and we have two Windows laptops in the house. The laptops are both unstable, but the XP desktop has been rock solid. Since getting the Mac I've not really had a reason to use it.
PC or Apple
by bbray - 10/21/05 4:45 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorThe PC's have basically the same pieces/parts. Pick a manufacturer based on service and support. I have a Dell and have had others. Dell is fine, but nothing to write home about. As long as you maintain a PC and keep up with all the nasties out there it will work fine. If Apple floats your boat go for it. The relatively small and closed Mac universe makes them very reliable and immune form alot of the bad stuff floating around out there but limits you in other ways. They also cost more. Personally I don't care for Apple but some people swear by them.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
