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General discussion

I need advice on purchasing a new computer

Jan 1, 2005 6:21AM PST

Well, after losing EVERYTHING on my computer yesterday and not being able to get a copy of WORD and Powerpoint that is compatible with WINDOWS ME (found 1 on-line for about $60.00 more than the 2003 edition which of course is incompatible with ME) and the fact that I will lose some necessary items if I were to upgrade to XP, I think at this point it makes sense to just buy a new computer. Problem is--I don't know what "brand" to go for.

I have a Compaq (which would now be HP) and it has served me well for about 5 years. I have a friend who has had many problems with her Dell. My brother suggested e-machine, which I may be able to get at BJ's Warehouse of all places. Can anyone make some recommendations to steer me in the right direction?

Discussion is locked

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Most will not realize that
Jan 1, 2005 11:45AM PST

the system is using all of the latest technology, unless pointed out to them.

PCI Express rather than PCI, SATA hard drives rather than standard IDE, and DDR2 memory rather than the present standard DDR. All provide maximum flexibility for future growth.

[as long as tech support doesn't tell you to reinstall the operating system. LOL]

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my mind freezes when...
Jan 1, 2005 12:04PM PST

I see "techie" language LMAO--I understood 2 sentences in your post Happy

I'll let you know what I wind up doing. Probably won't place any kind of order until Monday or Tuesday at the latest.

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VIDEO CARD
Jan 31, 2005 5:11AM PST

I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND ANY ANSWER TO THE QUSETION ABOUT THE VIDEO CARDS

ANYBODY?

I'M ABOUT TO BUY A DELL & NEED THE SAME INFO

THANKS LOU WOP5@AOL.COM

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Integrated graphics and Graphic Cards utiliting AGP or PCI e
Feb 1, 2005 2:47AM PST

Depending on which model (number) you buy from Dell, determines which type of graphics you get. The lower priced Dells will come with Integrated Graphics usually the newer GMA 900 replacing the Intel Extreme Integrated Graphics. Depending on the motherboard, most of the newer computers that come with GMA 900 integrated graphics, have a slot and ability to upgrade to a PCI-Express graphics card (replaces the AGP card slot).

Some other comments:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7591-0.html?forumID=26&threadID=60568&messageID=719445

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You don't need the modem. If you ever do
Jan 1, 2005 10:51AM PST

you can get one for $12 to $18.

See that you are getting the floppy and a key chain drive. I always like having a floppy. They can come in handy for troubleshooting. The keychain drive and CD burner for everything else.

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Karen, Just My Opinion But It's A Little Expensive..
Jan 1, 2005 11:10AM PST

For example, this computer purchased a year ago at Circuit City.: Compaq S5100NX-2.6 GHZ Celeron processor, Windows XP HOME, 256 MB PC 2100 RAM, 80 GB Hard drive, DVD-Rom Drive, 48X CD-RW drive, Intel Intgrated graphics, 17 inch flat screen CRT monitor, keyboard, ethernet card plus dial-up modem, JBL speakers, plus HP printer. Software included Microsoft Works, Microsoft Digital Edition (I didn't purchase the full version) AFter rebates and discounts $520 dollars U.S..)I am seeing similar models in this same price range currently. I added an extra 512 MB of RAM for about $60 and installed Office 2002/XP to get it up to my preferences.

Clearly, your selected model with the Pentium 4 will run faster if you need it, but I'm not sure that you'll notice much difference. Dell has similar options. Here's a link to just an example with the Celeron D processor operating at 2.93 GHZ.:

Compaq">http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/109033/bundleId/951/rpem/ccd/bundleDetail.do]Compaq Presario Desktop PC with Intel

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celeron vs pentium
Jan 1, 2005 11:16AM PST

I remember when i bought my compaq it was recommended I go with the pentium. I sat down with our computer person at school (and a friend) and she helped me decide what I wanted/needed on the computer. Basically what you guys are doing for me now Happy She recommended then to go with the pentium instead.

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Karen, It's Your Choice And Everyone Has...
Jan 1, 2005 11:40AM PST

...their own opinion...Recognize that a similarly classed Pentium will cost about $150-$200 more. Your choice...Here is a link to a recent discussion about that very subject. See what others think.

What can't a celeron do versus other pentium 4s


Just to let you know...all three of my home computers have been Celerons. I sold my first one, but my second one, an HP 366 MHZ Celeron is still being used by my daughter at college and my current one, a 2.6 GHZ Compaq is still working fine.

Don't get me wrong..Pentiums are certainly faster,,but the question comes...do you need to spend the extra money?

It's a personal decision.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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thanks grif!
Jan 1, 2005 12:02PM PST

I don't honestly remember why she had told me to stay away from the celeron--maybe it was just because it would be slower.

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GRIF and Karen.
Jan 1, 2005 10:58AM PST

Not meaning to steal your part of this thread. And Karen, you should know that I consider Grif to be one of the best and most knowledgeable moderators in CNET.

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(NT) (NT) Ray, Your Good Opinion Is ALWAYS Welcome !
Jan 1, 2005 11:11AM PST
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Ray and Grif
Jan 1, 2005 11:12AM PST

I appreciate all the help you are both giving me. Grif actually helped me out in another thread. I understand the basics about computers without the technical jargon for the most part--it just takes several refresher tutorials on it Silly Any and all help I get is more than I could have done myself and I truly appreciate it. Sending you both a great big hug. Thanks for helping me spend my money! LOL Happy

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Karen, Dell Deals....
Jan 1, 2005 12:09PM PST
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Thanks Grif
Jan 2, 2005 2:48AM PST

It's not so much that I've got my heart set on a Dell as that it seems out of the "brands" to give me more bang for my buck so to speak. I do think, after reading that article from the link, that I'm still better off with a Pentium. I honestly don't know what "brand" to buy. I'm trying to go on the advice of others along with doing some comparisons online. So far, the only "brands" that have been mentioned are the Dell's and the Compaq. I went to BJ's today and took down some info on 2 HP's. I want to check those out online and do some more comparisons.

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new pc
Jan 3, 2005 12:19PM PST

I wouldnt get an emachines, they dont have the system recovery on the hard drive, HP does. You sells a new Hp at walmart for 500 bucks including tax, it has a celeron D processor at 2.93 gigs and DDR ram, its fast, and i still have a 2001 model HP that works fine. I am sold on this brand, the one time i had trouble, i called the customer support place and the guy walked me through and we fixed it. It was me fooling with the registry that messed it up, it wasnt the machine. Embarassing but i thought you should know.

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Thanks to everybody who helped me out!
Jan 4, 2005 9:01AM PST

After talking to people here and some friends, I decided on the Sony VAIO (steve66 recommended it here and I have 2 friends who have 1 and they all love it). I wanted to get something comparible (sp?) to what I had. I just have to get used to the new monitor--big change from the old 15" monitor!

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Fantastic, and thanx for letting us know.
Jan 4, 2005 9:06AM PST

You went about it beautifully, listened, evaluated and made your decision. Now you know what you have and why you have it. Pretty darned brilliant lady.

best of luck.

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I never purchase
Jan 7, 2005 5:21AM PST

a big ticket item without researching. Happy

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awesome!
Jan 4, 2005 12:22PM PST

totally awesome. you will love the new box big time! and the monitor as well, maybe especially. if it's too bright, select "middle." that was my first reaction when it was on high.........holy moley, that's bright!

one thing, don't forget to make your recovery set. it takes one CD and one DVD, and it's a great way to test the burners. make sure to turn off everything that's running. I blew it the first couple of times because windows auto update was running. all programs must be shut down when making the recovery kit. also unplug roadrunner during this. there are instructions on the support site, it is article C291383. you can also buy 'em for seventeen bucks.

great choice, cheers!

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montior
Jan 7, 2005 5:24AM PST

I already have it on middle. I think it's just that it's bigger and I have to get used to it. It doesn't seem as bright as it did the other day Happy

I haven't done the back up cd yet. I want to get everything back on it, but I will not forget. What I have to do is remember to update every now and then. Happy

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monitor
Jan 7, 2005 5:47PM PST

it will "grow" on you quite rapidly. not sure what you mean, though, by "update." you have automatic critical windows updates turned on, I hope/presume. if you're talking about the sony updates, I think it's a bit of a crap shoot. I haven't done them all. Just a few. who can tell? it's the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" thing. at least they make an effort to describe what they are. one that I DID do was the Click to DVD fix, that definitely seems to make DVD burning smoother, at least for me. I didn't touch the BIOS or chipset ones, for instance. just be cautious. are you loving the machine????????? is that guy fast or WHAT.

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(NT) (NT) Karen, Good Job & Keep Up The Safe Computing !
Jan 4, 2005 11:50PM PST
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New Computer
Jan 5, 2005 12:57AM PST

I am looking for a new computer what is the best computer I could buy right now that has all the bells and whistles, doesn't cost an arm and a leg and has alot of storage space I meen lots of storage. Laptop as well!
I'm with you I'm in need of a good one.

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(NT) (NT) Techie, Please Read All Responses In This Thread
Jan 5, 2005 3:41AM PST
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Not Dell!
Jan 6, 2005 11:01PM PST

I have to agree that Dell is a bad idea. In spite of the advertising to the contrary, their machine often produce severe problems and resolution has become much more difficult over the last couple of years. My recommendations would depend on the amount of money you have to spend. On the upper end, I would suggest Alienware, makers of very high quality machines. One the mid - lower end, I think the e-machines suggestion you got is a good one. Their machines are of surprisingly good quality and their support ratings have remained high while others have fallen.

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new pc - dell?
Jan 30, 2005 3:39PM PST

is this the general consensus to stay away from dell

i've had a dell 700mgz with 128 memory for 5 years without any problems still providing good performance

i was thinking of upgrading to another dell

how about some advice

what's wrong with dell?

lou ledda

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Dell is A-OK
Jan 31, 2005 2:48AM PST

Hi Paisano

Dell is a fine company and the bad stuff you hear or even read in these forums, I take with a grain of salt. Dell does not have any more problems than other high volume computer companies like Gateway or HP, or even Emachine. Dell is slowly getting away from having off shore tech's (India) answering the support phone. Dell's founder, is like Bill Gates...two young guys who worked for it and made it, and there are a lot of people jealous and can't stand it, so take pot shots, and begrudge. Then again there are a awful lot of people who screw up their own computer and blame it on the factory. Percentage wise, I don't believe Dell computers are no worse off than any other manufactured in the world. I have never owned a Dell, but brought my brother one for gaming last year, and know quite a few people who have Dell computers with no problems.

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Lou, Dell Is Fine With Me...
Jan 31, 2005 4:52AM PST

Remember, everyone has their preferences, but my current experience with Dell machines is that they're as good as any other brand and maybe better, although not as good as a custom made machine. I currently oversee about 25 of them here in an office situation. They perform well and have held up as good as other major brands. At this time, all of our machines except for 3 or 4 are manufacturerd by Dell. One particular item I like currently is they include operating system and program disks with our new computers instead of "Recovery CD's" which HP tends to do with XP.


Hope this helps.

Grif

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New computer
Jan 10, 2005 4:29AM PST

First, let me say this...Windows ME sucks! 98SE was a better OS; but, if you don't want to go to XP, 2000 is a much better OS than ME! XP definitely is the way to go, though...best OS from MS out there!!! It does have one problem, though...as you stated, a lot of older programs will not work with it...you need the newer version, if there are any...some older programs do not have updates for XP. Any new system you buy nowadays, will have XP installed, but may not have SP2...you may have to do that yourself. Should you decide to purchase a new machine, make sure that it is possible to upgrade components...you do not want anything proprietary! Good luck

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Why Not Consider a Mac?
Jan 15, 2005 3:56AM PST

If I were in your shoes, at this point I would consider a new Mac (one that runs OS X). Here are some of the reasons:

1. Apple has just put out a new mac called "mac mini" it runs from $499 and up. You can most likely use your current monitor, but may need to get a new keyboard (I don't know). Here is the link: http://www.apple.com/macmini/
Or, you can pick up an all-in-one machine mac for about $799. http://www.apple.com/emac/
As a teacher, you can get even better deals: http://www.apple.com/education/
Apple really supports those in schools, both teachers and students.

2. There are good Microsoft deals for the Mac Office 2004 for those in the school system. The only part of the Microst Office 2004 missing between the Win version and the Mac version is the Access database. There are also alternatives for this. I am a system administrator over a network of 1/2 Win and 1/2 mac (all under a 2003 Win Server) and we have no problem translating MS documents between the 2 platforms. Those who argue differently are operating under VERY old information. MS has worked very hard to make sure the Offices are compatible. In addition, Apple has just come out with a new program that is supposed to work very nicely with Word if you don't need the other programs. $79 http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71501/wo/Lq7sOSoFGA5S3llDwI41maX2uKE/0.0.11.1.0.6.21.1.9.1.1.0.0.1.0


3. Leave viruses behind. If you look at the major websites who track virus activity, most viruses are written for the Windows platform, not OS X or Linux. Look at the latest virus threats: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html#threat_list
It's just more peaceful in the Mac world. I may have to administrate over Win machines, but I don't have to place myself there, either at work or at home. All my administration staff is on OS X. I need them up and running!

4. There are Mac user groups all over the place for extra support. http://www.apple.com/usergroups/

Hope this helps.