Buying a Computer

Great answer and suggestions! Newbies are so fortunate, today. They get "more bang, for their buck" than those of us, who purchased our first computer back in the 90's.

In September 1997, I spent over $2100 for a Cyrix 166MHz CPU, 16MB SIMMS, 1.3GB hard drive, ViewSonic 15" monitor and an Epson Printer. The computer system was $1200, the monitor was $500 and the printer was $400. I had a friend with computer knowledge helping me and I bought through a catalog, so there were shipping and handling charges.

My friend also, taught me how to repair and upgrade, he was my mentor, then I learned more and would repair or tweak his computer. Plus, I learned how to repair, tweak, build and fix, after the age of 54. Not bad, for an old broad, is it?

Just look at the prices, you are suggesting. Today's computers are at least a thousand times more powerful, even the cheap ones! The prices you suggested are great for senior citizens. Many are on "fixed or limited" incomes, like I am today, and must save to purchase their first computer. Once again, great article and suggestions.

Bob, good article for newbies. Wish you would have mentioned that DIY PC's are almost always much better than store bought. The components have longer warranties, more expansion space, are upgradeable, and full feature software that's fits the builder. Finally, all those expert friends shut up when you tell them you built your PC from scratch! The downside is they call you with all there problems after the 1 year store bought PC warranty expires.

Bob, in the beginning of the comments you touched on the subject of different processors. Please note that AMD uses a little different technology that doesn't require extremely high processor frequency to preform at the same level as their counterpart, Intel. I have been highly satisfied with AMD processors and will continue to use them in all of my builds unless requested by a customer to do otherwise.
Note how AMD does label their processors (ex: 2800+, 4200+), this is a good indicator (not the best though) when weighing AMD vs. Intel to see what AMD CPU would be comparable to Intel. 3000+ = 3.0ghz, Athlon vs. Pent. 4, Sempron vs. Celeron. Just my 2 cents. Thanks.

Bob, I wish you had mentioned the issues of heat and noise. Today's powerful computers produce more heat and that has to be exhausted somehow. I have a computer that came with a fan so loud that it sounded like a hair dryer was running inside. After complaining, the maker substituted a somewhat quieter fan. I have since upgraded the heat sink and fan and it is worlds quieter. Generally quieter computers are not an accident. They are built by design and sometimes it is worth weighing the cost benefits of less noise. Thanks for the great information.

A well balanced piece of advice aimed at a specific user. What i would say is that based on my "older" father's experience, he very quickly discovered the wonders of computers that lies beyond the daily menial task of writing me emails and trying to find his way around the internet. The thing is if you use the internet you see that there is a massive and exciting world of multimedia, and I humbly suggest, based on one click comparisons, that if you go for a Mac as opposed to a PC, you get the complete set of iLife software included which cuts out a huge learning and research curve for organising and playing with photos, movies, music blah blah blah.

I would also say that looking at my brother's Windows/PC experience, he has bought two cheaper PCs for every Mac I have owned. He is a bit of a geek, so sure he gets good use out of them, he has them dancing almost, and he does get good deals, but he has spent more on his computers than I have.

Can you tell the differents between a Dell solo processor and a Duo processor, Not sure what would be the best for me.

EDITOR'S NOTE: How fast can you type? If you're not using game or graphics editing software that demands lots of horsepower, then don't pay extra for a hot PC.

I would like to second the request for a good laptop review, or laptop PC comparison (maybe a link to someone who has done this already?!!). I use only laptops at work and have for the last 4 years. They are great. At home I use a PC and find it has obsolesced quickly, so am considering a replacement and possibly a laptop instead of a PC. Your suggestions and evaluation of this idea will be most appreciated. Thanks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Using a laptop instead of a desktop is great for people who are very mobile. But laptops tend to have a much higher price/performance ratio. You can buy a lot more horsepower for your dollar with a desktop. And I've never found a laptop keyboard that I found comfortable for typing. I like my Sony VAIO but only use it when travelling.

Along with Microsoft Office and Open Office for PC, and iWork for Mac, you should have mentioned the Mac-
equivalent to OpenOffice....... which is NeoOffice,
free to download.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Good catch. See also http://askbobrankin.com/office_format_converters.html

i love my computer. it is so fast. i love the people at dell, thank you for the great machine.but the computer is fugly.

(If you want an easy way to get the great prices and services on computers, go to www.dell.com/dellchat). Only works if your inside the US though.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Why... do they offer lower prices if you start a chat session?