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Question

Help picking a desktop!

Jan 2, 2015 2:59PM PST

Hello everyone, I need help deciding on a desktop to buy. The thing is it has to be from Walmart and I have a $500 limit. Could anyone help one choose the best one for me?

Discussion is locked

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It's sort of a trade off.
Jan 2, 2015 3:32PM PST

I think you need to make the decision yourself. Here's the facts; the i3 is probably twice as powerful as the A4 but you don't get a monitor and it's $20 more. Only you know which is the deal for you. Good luck.

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Thanks for the fast reply
Jan 2, 2015 5:04PM PST

I don't really need the monitor. I'm just lost when it comes to computers and I just want the best one I can get on this budget

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Answer
depends on what you want to
Jan 2, 2015 5:07PM PST

...do with it. For instance I have two computers. One is windows based with a PhenomX4 setup when stronger need exists, like running newer Office, but I don't do action games. The other is Linux based with a simple single core 3 Ghz Sempron processor and used mostly for just internet and messing around with virtual systems. If you have strong requirements, get a strong computer, if not, then go with the least expensive.

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Really just using it
Jan 2, 2015 6:36PM PST

For surfing the web and watching Netflix and YouTube videos. Also a big use if it will be recording music with a guitar

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Go with the lower cost then
Jan 3, 2015 12:01AM PST

Here's my stats, but on Linux.


~ $ inxi
CPU~Single core AMD Sempron 140 (-UP-) clocked at 2712.385 Mhz
Kernel~3.13.0-24-generic i686
Up~83 days
Mem~1617.8/3907.2MB
HDD~1280.3GB(6.0% used)
Procs~168
Client~Shell inxi~1.8.4


Now notice what this setup on a simple single core processor can do on internet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpMfT_zgVyI

That ranges between two 720p video signals to a single 1080p video (both while using 720p screen capture software to record that video) streaming across FIOS broadband. The recording of desktop at 720p resolution was using "Record My Desktop", similar to "CamStudio" for same use in windows.

The main limit for internet is your connection speed, not so much your computer.

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Back again
Jan 3, 2015 8:15AM PST

So I did some more research and I'm not to worried about a computer coming with a monitor. I just want to get the best tower that will be fast and last me a long time, it sucks I can't go anywhere else other than Walmart for it but I found two options I think are best and was wondering if I could get some opinions. The first one is : http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Black-Aspire-TC-ATC-605-UW2U-Desktop-PC-with-Intel-Core-i5-4460-Processor-8GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-7-Home-Premium-Monitor-Not-Inc/39405639?type=search And the other ine is still the : http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavilion-500-223w-Desktop-PC-with-Intel-Core-i3-4130-Processor-8GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-8.1-Monitor-Not-Included/34083880?type=search I appreciate all the help you guys can give me because I'm not good with comparing computers and just want the best one I can buy on my budget

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(NT) I would definitely take the Acer.
Jan 3, 2015 9:29AM PST
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???
Jan 3, 2015 9:50AM PST

Is there any certain reason why?

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Acer?
Jan 3, 2015 12:02PM PST

The reason I'm asking why is because I've heard some bad things about acer's quality in products

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probably more in regard to laptops
Jan 3, 2015 12:21PM PST

than the desktops.

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all computer brands have quality issues
Jan 3, 2015 12:26PM PST

there is not one computer brand that never had a quality issue. what I do when researching a computer, is to go to amazon and if they sell it, see what the reviews say. even walmart has reviews, check them out. I personally could careless about the model if it does what I need to do effectively and if the price is right. I have a cheap walmart acer that cost about 300 bucks three years ago. No problems with it yet. I also have two emachines from walmart i use on my TVs, both are also 300 buck walmart specials and no problems with them either. they are 4 and 5 years old. The reason I mention emachines is because emachines, acers and gateways are all from the same company.

My only suggestion is NOT to get a Dell computer from walmart. If you are going to get a dell, it would be best to get it from Dells website. Less of a hassle when it comes to your warranty. For whatever reason, a lot of times if you purchase a dell from another retailer, they require a transfer of ownership and it is a pain. so if you have a problem and find out there should have been a transfer of ownership, you will have to wait a few weeks before they will even talk to you about the warranty work.

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the Acer
Jan 3, 2015 12:21PM PST

stronger processor, W7 more desired by most people over W8.1, price better, all else seems the same.

One of those odd times when the lesser priced, simply due to more store time on the shelf or "in stock" is the better bargain. I don't see any other included items such as media reader included in description, but one of those if wanted can be added for $10-20.

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I believe it's there.
Jan 3, 2015 4:42PM PST
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Thanks
Jan 3, 2015 6:07PM PST

Thanks everyone, I think I'm going with the acer over the hp. I'm going to do a little more research but I'm pretty sure the acer is the way to go. It's the best one I found on Walmart other than the hp.

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Looks even better
Jan 3, 2015 10:16PM PST

seeing the extras on it.

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Answer
Acer over HP
Jan 4, 2015 5:36AM PST

Specs depends on your usage. Go for Acer. HP is good but only for business PCs.