I need a new computer-Help

[JenMO]

I haven't purchased a new computer in years, and mine is slow as mud, so ....time for a new one with new software. Could I have some feedback of other's experience on what I should look at to purchase? Dell? HP? Windows home or professional? from WalMart, Staples, Best Buy or direct from manufacturer? I stress at this, and it's time to buy. Thanks

[DaveO]

HP or Dell are good choices and both have good service and support. I prefer to buy my personal machines from a local VAR who assembles the machines here. I haven't stepped inside Best Buy for years and have no intention of ever doing so in the future due to their inept computer department. In fact on a long ago visit to Best Buy I was asking the clerk questions about upgrading a compter and they told me if I knew anything about computers I wouldn't buy one there and directed me to the aforementioned VAR.

Our office runs on a Dell server with a mix of Dell and HP pc's and we have enjoyed good results so far.

[Ross]

How about a RAM upgrade?

How much RAM do you have? Many older computers came w/ 256 MB of RAM. If you have less than 512 MB, you might want to add some RAM. My father's computer was running really slow. He only had 256 MB of RAM. I found 1 gig (1024 MB) on ebay for $29 shipped. He was amazed at the speed for such a cheap upgrade. Even if you do need a new computer, upgrade your RAM on your old machine for a backup.

Go to www.crucial.com and scan your system. It will tell you how much RAM you have and how much you can add. If they don't carry the RAM, you can usually buy it on ebay cheap. My Dell Demension 8250 is over eight years old. It came w/ 256 MB of RAM. I upgraded it a few years ago to 768 MB. It does everything I need it to do. Hope this helps.

[taxmandan]

We use Dell and are happy with the performance. They are Optiplex level, don't buy the low end special-deal computers, get the higher business level versions like Optiplex. Can't say about their tech support since we've never had to use it, the computers just keep running. Our server is a Dell Poweredge T100 Small Business Server. Still using MS XP and the Windows Server 2003 for Small Business systems.

[Gretel]

I just bought a new computer from Dell (Optiplex), still are in the process of setting up. My computer knowledge is limited so I always depend on good tech support, which Dell offers. Only the biz computers offer Pro Support that does not only include phone tech support but also next day onsite service should you have a physical computer problem. I used both plenty of times I had good experiences most of the time.

[superman]

Hp

Just bought my wife a new HP laptop and it is great. Ordered off the HP website and got free shipping came in about 10 days and that was about 10 days early. The price was great and the product is very reliable. I have always used HPs and have always had good luck with them.

Superman

[Lion]

Gaming vs. Business

My friendly, local techie steered me away from Dell Optiplex desktops and Vostro laptops for tax prep and preferred the Dell XPS desktops and Inspiron laptops for speed. I got the XPS 9100 and it is blazing fast. And, a red Inspiron 17 with an amazing screen. For my desktop, I got the screen that pivots so I can put it portrait direction and fit a whole tax return page on it without scrolling down. He also had me get the extended warranty with on-site service. And, Windows 7 PRO 64 bit and Office PRO, etc. I went for the Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse.

[DonPriebe]

... I went for the Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse.

I just had my Logitech keyboard go bad after three years of service. No problem, no hassle - they sent me a whole new keyboard/mouse/receiver under their five year warranty.

[PIGLEE]

I had used Dell for 15 - 20 years, and quit using them about 5 years ago, because of their Tech Service. Everytime I called them I could not understand them. Then I had their on site service. Well we are in a rural area and the man they sent me was useless. He did not even know what the A Drive was. He spent several hours on the phone. I finally asked him to leave, I did not want him messing with my computer any more.

My question is have they changed their Tech Support?? Because that is THE REASON I LEFT THEM. Would love to have some responses because I also need to buy a new laptop.

[Gretel]

I live in a rural area too, about an hour away from the next city. As I mentioned earlier, I have had good experience with on-site (next day) services and with calling them. Maybe two or three years ago I noticed a decline in service, but recently (up to one year ago) I have been impressed again with their phone support.

I am wondering what service agreement you paid for since you mentioned not understanding them. My Pro Support, previously called Gold Support included to always be able to talk to someone in the US.

When I purchased my computer last month I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get the support level I want. It seems to be impossible to get Pro Support if you don't buy within the business department of Dell.

[Lion]

Biz

I was assigned a business rep at Dell even though I was insisting on their "gaming" computer. In fact, the monitor I wanted was only available through their business side.