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General discussion

Help With Purchase Choice?

Mar 30, 2005 10:32PM PST

I am presently considering purchasing a new computer. I have had a Dell for 7 years. I have been reading about the Dells and I have to say my first Dell purchase, within 3 months, the hard drive died, and I had no problem getting a new computer. Now, with that said, it has been 7 years since I purchased the computer and I believe customer service has changed in quality. I am probably an intermediate user of a computer in my home. Once I had my computer updated to XP 90% of my daily problems from Windows 98 Nightmare were corrected. I am interested in a computer that will allow me to work in advanced skills of photography, making DVDs from Videos and CD burner. Forgive my lack of knowledge, but with this in mind, can you give me advice as to the type of computer that will best suit my needs. I use Cable for connection and enjoy the speed, but I also would like to purchase something that will allow future upgrading.
I would like to spend about $1300.00. Which is your personal choice in this price range? What do you think of the V2 Premier. A friend bought one and I haven't heard any complaints, but after reading the reviews in the discussion forum, I am sooooo confused!
Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Just sharing.
Mar 30, 2005 10:41PM PST

My dad picked up this refurb http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PJ473AAR&cat=SYS for under 800 on his doorstep. It's been a month and he's happy with it. It also gives him an edge that its 64-bit ready. If I was in the market for a desktop, I'd pick up that or just get the Dell.

With all that's in that box, what upgrade would you think about?

Bob

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Good Question!
Mar 30, 2005 10:59PM PST

You know, I am not computer knowledgeable to know what upgrades I might be interested in, but I don't want to buy a new computer, after this one, for awhile and I know so many new things happen in the tech world of computers and I am just one of these folks that hates to buy something that I can't add something new to. (One of these new toy type people, lol) I am checking out the URL you gave me and appears interesting. Thank You!

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emachines t6212
Mar 31, 2005 1:08AM PST

I would suggest checking out the emachines t6212, available at circuitcity and compusa. It is available soon. it is 64-bit and has a pci express slot for video card upgrades in the future. It is also cheap.

If not i would get a dell.

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nice link bob
Mar 31, 2005 7:28AM PST

for the money that is a decent machine

the things i'm seeing as possible issues are:


A) Windows Media Center '05 (supposedly plauged with issues (online info about this and friend's experience)

B) GeForce FX 5200XT

as if the 5200 was slow enough
let's make an XT version (meaning a slowed down version)


for gaming it wouldn't be ideal
for photo work, it might get by...it's just designed for another world...it's designed as media center where gaming and advanced photo work aren't done, it's designed to play movies watch TV and browse the web


now, as for a system i'd reccomend
hmmm, the Dimension 8400 is faily decent for what your looking at...but that is roughly $1500+

another option in the form of the 4700 might be something to check out

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No plague here.
Mar 31, 2005 8:23AM PST

Can you tell me one issue so I can check with dear old dad?

As to the 5200 card, it doesn't appear to present any issue for dad.

Bob

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sure
Apr 1, 2005 8:29AM PST

i'll ask my friend, see what his big complaint is (all he said was "it has a lot of problems")

it may be spyware due to lack of Spybot, but if it's something that isn't normal, i'll be glad to carry it on to you, see if it's a more common issue, or just with his system

also
i was commenting on the 5200 because 5200's are slow
and XT implies a slowed down version
so it's gaming performance would suck
but as i stated before, that system isn't targeted at gamers, it's for "home media centers" which is usually just for watching TV, and a 5200 would be fine for that

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I agree...
Mar 31, 2005 10:08AM PST

with you Bob! The refurbs are often better than the factory-fresh units--simply because someone has gone over them much more carefully.

I bought a refurb walkman three years ago...apparently one of the most "problematic" models ever built by the maker...and it still works beautifully. Also, some of my friends have bought refurb laptops--not a problem among them.

-JDM

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V2 Premier??
Mar 31, 2005 1:54AM PST

Ther are many companies putting together PCs out there.
Most of us know about the major ones like Dell, HP etc.
The HP that Bob linked looks good and will leave about
$500 for a nice display. John

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Before buying...
Mar 31, 2005 9:55AM PST

from any company, you should probably check them out at www.complaints.com and then do a Google search for the company name and "complaints". (i.e. Dell complaints, HP complaints, Emachines complaints, etc.) This will give you some idea of how reliable a company's equipment is and how well it resolves problems.

Also, if you notice anything wrong with your unit after you've purchased it, it's best to return it as quickly as possible--within the "no quibble" return period. So, if it arrives DOA (dead on arrival), or if the hard-drive makes a funny grinding noise, or the software won't work properly, or you haven't gotten what you ordered, or you've been overcharged, etc., etc--return it and demand a full refund. Don't accept any delay, and don't let the company try to "repair" it. Tell them you're returning it, and you want a full refund--that's all. You can always order another one later, and keep trying until you get one that works. The salespeople won't care, so don't worry about that.

A case in point: I have a friend who bought two DOA hard-drives in a row and returned them both within the vendor's ten-day return period. The third one he got was fine, and he got a super price. You see? No questions, and no arguements. Just keep trying until you get what you want...and make the game work for you.

Also, don't worry about "shipping charges" and/or "restocking fees"...it's better to lose a few bucks than your whole investment.

Sincerely, JDM

(*BTW, I think they only gave my friend a good drive because they realized he'd just keep returning them until he got one that worked. He said that it just "appeared" from under the counter, instead of coming from the stock room like the other two.)

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THANKS ALL!
Apr 1, 2005 12:03AM PST

Well, with all said, I made my final choice and am having one designed from scratch here in town with exactly what I want on it by a company that has a long standing reputation here. I felt this way, at least, if I have problems they are close by and I won't be worrying about shipping something back and forth and waiting on the phone for hours. I do appreciate your advice. It truly helped me make a choice. Thanks again!

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Help with purchase choice
Apr 2, 2005 1:56PM PST

Do not be confused. I thing you friends can help you by take you there were she got here computer and talk to saleman about the same system. The $1,300.00 IS GOOD PRICE FOR A SYSTEM. Now this is good part- so if you friends let you come and play here computer and see how you like it. Look at the programs an d see what it will do and if like it go out and buy the same system.

Happy Days

If you needed more help, be sure to contact me at nabvetssota@yahoo.com

Pasco Jiles

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Help With Purchase Choice?
Apr 3, 2005 12:29PM PDT

Wait a few weeks. Then you will be able to buy an Athlon 64 computer with Windows 64 bit installed. it will allow you to run all your current 32 bit software plus new X86-64 64 bit software.

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RE
Apr 3, 2005 2:11PM PDT

i did not see u had 2 6800 gt. Nvm, u are getting a bargain!

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You Request
Jul 13, 2005 2:16PM PDT

V2 Permier?
If you love Zer Technical Assistance and Zero customer service then you should buy from these guys who dare to come on TV and sell a peice of Juck for the same price as dell. I bought one and I will be regretting all through the lif of this piece of juck!
I hope that you have not fallen into ShopNBC / V2 Premier Trap.
Firouz