I need a new computer.
 

Any suggestions where to look locally? I'm not looking for a super computer, just something that will run basic programs and surf around the internet. Right now all I see is the Dell stuff. Seems like for around $600 I can get a decent machine with a 17" flat screen monitor and a printer. Opinions?

Re: I need a new computer.
 

We've had our last 4 as Dells. I just make sure the Hard Drive and Memory is up to par and from there it's all gravy.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

What machine did you buy last? You happy with it?

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Go to Ebay - you'll get a good P3 laptop or a P 4 desktop for 300-350 bux

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Oh yeah, love it
Dell Dimension 4700
Pent 4 2.80GHz
256mb ram
Running XP
17" flat screen
DVD/CD Burner

It's not a $600 setup, but it's definatly what I wanted.


70GB Hard Drive

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I think this time around I'm gonna buy new. All my other computers have been $100-200 jobbies. I've kinda had a couple of almost bad experiences with Ebay lately.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

You can check MicroCenter in St. Louis Park too, its a pretty large computer warehouse type store with a lot of decent computers for low(er)-end prices. Watch the Sunday ads too, generally there are some good deals to be found after mail-in-rebates. My parents have a Dell and overall they are very happy with it. I personally built my own computer but never again, its just too much hassle for what I actually use it for.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...=19&l=en&s=dhs

There are two for $679 with P4 2.8gh and 3.0gh processors, 256 & 512 RAM, 80g HD's and 17" flat screens. Opinions?

Re: I need a new computer.
 

The hard drive in my Dell(purchased new in August of 2002) informed me the other day that it is junk. A good friend of mine works in the Geek Squad at Best Buy also informed me that that's one of the most common issues with Dells. Personally I'd build one or have someone build one for you.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

you can check here.

http://generalnanosystems.com/

located on university just down a bit from porky's.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

My brother bought a Dell laptop a couple of weeks ago and something was wrong with the hard drive in it. I thought it was more of a fluke thing.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

So true.. I'm a network admin and the amount of failed dell hard drives I've seen is just stupid. They use the crap, bulk purchased, western digital hard drives. Like others have said above, I'd check out Micro Center and General Nano Systems. Their stuff is cheap and reliable. I'd recommend getting one built as well.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I concure:

GNS Rocks!

Been dealing with Cal down there for over 10 years now, and purchased well over $100K in products from them. Talk to "Shaw" tell him Howie sent you, he'll take care of you!

http://www.nanosys1.com

Local white boxes at a good price that they stand behind.

If you want to get a cheap turnkey solution, checkout Frogtown computers, they are located just kiddy corner from WHite castle off Rice and Uni. They can fix you up with a used loaded box for $100-$200 depending on what you need.

I just personally just build my own and get exactly what I want: www.newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com

I just built a AMD K8-754 64x 3100+ Semptron box with a Gig of ram, DVD, Fanceycase w 450w PS, 6ch sound, onboard nic and video for ~$400.00 off NewEgg. Blazing fast speed for CHEAP! Read the reviews before buying!

I've found Dell's hardware to be OK for the most part, but trying to get any kind of real desktop service is a TOTAL JOKE! Never again!

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I'll second for General Nanosystems. Otherwise, check this out:

http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showthread.php?p=106483

Re: I need a new computer.
 

There is an interesting article about Dell's customer service in this week's issue of Business Week. It basically states that Dell's customer service has been slipping fast and is currently no better than the industry standard, but Dell promises to return it to their once industry setting standard by hiring 1000 more phone reps.

I bought most of the parts for my computer at General Nano Systems too.
http://www.nanosys1.com/

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Del customer service does suck.

The only issues I ever had with a Dell Hard Drive was in my laptop. I smacked the fucker closed really hard one night cause I was pissed and well, it stopped working. ;)

Some of dells deals are just unbeatable and some ready for plug and play. For me it's easier.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I have to agree with you. I might build a box for just me, but I think my better half is wanting a nice matching system. I'm gonna look around this Saturday in the cities before I order a Dell though.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

My other half reminded me about the promise I made her two months ago to buy her a computer. I thought she had already forgotten. Looks like it will be a Dell. Anyone have a new Dell?

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I'll second them as a local source. Decent prices and service.

If you want a dell, check out www.slickdeals.net they get some killer coupons put together on there. If you are willing to wait 2 weeks until a deal comes around you can usually save at least $100 off a normal deal.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Kick ASS!

Re: I need a new computer.
 

We have dells here at my work. Hard drives are the only thing the seem to be a problem for dell like others have said. Although you get a nice flat panel free and warranties are easy to work with. Talking to support in India sucks though...

Dell uses WD hard drives yes, and we have had them go out every once in a while. BUT I have built 4-5+ machines for myself and others and I do not use WD hard drives anymore. They are just crap, nanosystem uses these too so you guys that think only Dell uses WD drives are wrong. Unless you specify nano uses WD too. Yes there are different WD drives, but in my experiences do not use one. I switched to Seagate and well see how that goes for me.


If you have the money get an IBM. ;) Otherwise build one cheap at nano, or get a decent dell. All good choices.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

dell's here at work aswell. But they do not just use WD's. They had a batch of small maxtor drives that went out. Of the 20 we had, 19 died.
they also use seagate drives. It doesn't seem to matter really. Although I really dislike maxtor drives.


when I built PC's at my old job, i'd ALWAYS use WD drives.

But no more. I think my favorite drive is now IBM's. I rarely ever saw a dead one of those at my old work place. And I saw ALOT of pc's. They are $ though compared to the others.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Well for $600-750 I can get a very well equipped Dell. I don't need a well equipped Dell but I guess it won't hurt.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Yea all hard drives are really prone to dying within 2-5 years of use I think. Its a very mechanical fragile part so thats why they die alot, but Im just going to stay away from WD for now and try other brands out there. I also dislike Maxtors heh. Hard drives are really hit or miss.

A dell will be fine...

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Dell..
I hate dell. Service sucks.
For a laptop, if your a service kinda guy, IBM has better service than dell.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

I want a desktop with a flat screen monitor. Basically it will just be an internet surfing machine. I might load AutoCad or something at one time or another, but I doubt it. We have stuff at work for that sort of thing and I don't really care to take my work home with me since I already spend too much time in the office as it is.

Re: I need a new computer.
 

Have you looked at any of the XPC barebone systems from shuttle, small, quiet and fast.

http://www.shuttle.com