Desktops: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer:
- 3/21/08 12:56 PM
Purchased las c omputer desk top
by bigduke - 3/22/08 6:59 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Got it from the maker with student discount. Had to pay sales tax as they have
office/stores in state.
It is a Mac as all 7 computers in our house. Oldest one is from mid 90's and still works. And
it is laptop 3400 with working battery.
I still have an original Mac that is no longer in use, but would work if I plugged it in.
Try a different approach
by mrkillerman - 3/22/08 7:05 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The last 2 desktops we've had were prepackaged. So I'm gonna try one that's been customized at a Moms and Pops store. This time around I want a lot more performance!
Building your own isn't too tough
by 3rdalbum - 3/22/08 8:32 PM In reply to: Try a different approach by mrkillermanI built my own from a HOWTO online; it wasn't too difficult, just time-consuming as it was my first time.
My first non-Apple was a Compaq; it was going for $560 at Dick Smith's which was a REALLY good bargain. I immediately installed Ubuntu on it, and it worked perfectly. I still have it.
At the beginning of this year when I wanted a new computer, I wanted to learn how to build computers, and I wanted to be sure that the new one would be fully Linux-compatible from the get-go. Also, a minor thing, but I wanted a 2nd DVD burner so I can burn two discs at a time. I researched parts for compatibility and found the best prices, then took a day to put it together. It works beautifully; even the onboard wireless networking goes out-of-the-box.
If you want to use Linux, then you could buy an off-the-shelf computer or get a specialist store to build it; but then you're playing Russian Roulette with compatibility, and you don't know what sort of quality or performance the parts are. Linux shines on compatible hardware.
(Actually, as it is right now, even other Linux distros don't work very well on my cutting-edge hardware, but Ubuntu goes beautifully).
Built my own from parts
by Groover_1971 - 3/22/08 10:08 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've owned several older computers including a Dell PII 233 Mhz and a Compaq AMD 1.33 Ghz machine. After cutting through all of the "custom" software that comes preloaded on machines like this and trying to find "custom drivers" for the OEM components, I finally decided that I wanted to have more control over what software was running in the background as well as the foreground. I also wanted to have more control over what I could upgrade. Now I have a system that I put together after doing some research. I got what I needed and wanted piece by piece as I pushed my shopping cart through the store. It was pretty awesome seeing it virtually come together in front of me. Believe it or not, it came on the first time I got it put together. It now serves as my above average gaming system as well as my HDTV/DVR system. My biggest reason for putting the system together was to finally do some decent video editing. For a system like this, I would have had to pay more for an off-the-shelf system and probably wouldn't have got the components that I wanted anyway. Now I'm all set to upgrade when the time comes.
Better to build up your own system
by dannypembamoto - 3/23/08 7:22 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Depend on your need, it's better to build up your own PC. This can be done online or on a scratch paper by yourself. Please make sure that you have enough knoweldge for that or have some to back you up.
I have a little experience for myself. Also you can find some good advise online too.
A better PC will be the one you define all component and understand their value, before you pay for it.
Thanks.
I use old parts.
by welrdelr - 3/23/08 8:04 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A new desktop for me is one I don't have. Cannabalization of old boxes.
Off the shelf is cheaper ...
by machoul - 3/24/08 6:48 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I shop for a good deal that is close to what I need, because the manufacturers get a better price on components than I can, and the fierce competition among them keeps prices at a minimum. The savings more than pay for any necessary upgrades to suit my needs.
several different ways
by coffeecan - 3/30/08 5:35 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought my first computer from a mom and pop operation. Then bought one for my Dad. No hard drives and DOS floppy based. The mom and pop helped me build one about the time windows came out. After that they hepled me build several for my adult children and sister. It worked out well for if I had a problem, mom or pop would stop by my house on their way home and help me out. Then they moved away and I bought my first big company computer. It was a laptop with windows 95. Wow!!
We liked it so much that after that, I ordered from Dell. Later I shifted to buying the ready made from retail shelves because it was easier to get non propriortary(sp?) parts.
We don't game. Our use is for both business and home use at our home office. Nothing real heavy. Quicken, quick books, tax stuff, ms office, e-mail, and some camera stuff.
We have a wireless network set up. The wireless is setup to let company or visitor log on.
We have one computer set up for visitors if they don't bring their own, so that they can check their e-mail. It is set up under a guest restricted user name.
We miss our mom and pop operation. The big boys won out and things have gotten a little too complicated for me to try to build one anymore becausee there seems to be a lot nuances that I am not willing to put out the effort for. It has been made too easy to just plug and play but I like that now since I am getting older and less inclined toward an electronic adventure. I want to be outdoors more often now. I've shifted my interest to carpentry and tools.
I admire those that do build their own though!
I look ahead
by Dango517 - 3/30/08 6:14 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I don't need a PC now but will some time and have been pondering this question very seriously. I have it narrowed down to two answers.
Buy it off line and have it customized or build it myself.
If I buy it off line I'll get an OS installed with it and get support.
If I build it myself I might save some money and get just what I want and can afford but will have to spend a lot of extra time making sure everything is compatible and putting it together.
I don't believe I'll buy off-the-shelf again because of the poor mother boards they sell with off-the-shelf PCs.
My thinking is beginning to change and I believe I need the capability to be continually upgrading. In fact I'm nearly convinced that I need to do this on an annual basis to keep up. About $200.00 worth of upgrades per year is about the right budget amount. This awareness will certainly weigh heavily next time I purchase a PC.
answer
by joelisafreak123 - 3/31/08 3:07 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I buy it preconfigured, directly off the retail shelf. It's cheaper.
Been building my own since I got burned..
by tango_fox1 - 4/14/08 1:08 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
by Poor customer service and tech support from a now defunct company here.
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