Computer Opinions Needed......

[*Flower*]

Okay Everyone-

Once again I'm contemplating chucking this Compaq brick and replacing it with something that works ALL the time.

I was looking at the Sony Vaio- but Costco stopped carrying them and I really like their return policy. All they seem to be carrying right now is HP (which I tried last year and couldn't get the keyboard OR mouse to work- but that's a whole other story...) E Machines (which is ANOTHER story) and one display Gateway which is the last one. I don't really feel comfortable with Gateway- and with all of their stores closing recently, I don't think that I'd have a lot of luck in case I need repairs.

SO- I thought that I'd appeal to all of you experts, or opinionated computer users. What should I be looking at, as far as brands go; or add ons???

TIA.......

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I work part-time at my brother's computer store. We build computers to each customer's specifications. In my opinion, that's the best way to go. You get a computer that was built with your specific needs in mind and you have some say in what parts go into your system.

I would recommend you search out a local, reputable computer shop and have a system custom built for your needs.

The added bonus to that is, if and when you have problems with the machine, you know where the work is going to be done. Most larger retail outfits sned their machines away for everything but the simplest repairs.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Unless you yourself were at least a bit of a 'techie', I would shy away from custom builts, JMO. I have seen too many of the mom/pop shops come and go over the past 20 years.

As for myself, though certainly many would disagree, I would follow the crowd. Not always the best, but it is one method. The crowd certainly buys Dell. I have had 4 over the past 4 years (currently using 3). You are able to design the computer according to your needs and specs, no more, no less than you need/want. Quality is great, customer service is great. I have had, and would suggest, in home service for 3 or 4 years, the anticipated usable life of the computer. I just called a couple weeks ago on my laptop, a noisey DVD drive. I had a new one at my home in less than 20 hours. My call was routed to India (some say that is bad, I could care less where the person is, as long as the ycan help) and the drive was shipped, apparently almost immediately. It came with a prepaid FEDEX return box. If it had been my desktop, I would have had in house service, next day max. Works for me. Dell has built a reputation in the industry. Again, JMO.

 

[niks81]

I was looking at the Sony Vaio- but Costco stopped carrying them and I really like their return policy

Sony VAIO is the way to go Our first two computers were Compaq pieces of crap. After the second one busted we said never again!! I believe HP merged with Compaq so we stayed away from them too Went and got the Sony VAIO laptop. We've had it for a few years and it works great, plus Sony puts a lot of nice features on their computers for photo and video editing. I love it. Last year we bought the Sony VAIO desktop with a DVD burner, memory stick slot, and all that good stuff This one had even more extras, including Adobe Photoshop and a mini version of Premiere.

We both said only Sony in the future. Haven't had problems yet

 

[helenabear]

I have had two IBMs and loved them, but when it came time to buy my laptop, I got a Sony Vaio and love it! It's a "desktop replacement" and I wouldn't have gone any other way.

For a desktop, however, I would go with a self built/custom made. You usually have less trouble with replacing parts if something goes bad and sometimes the warranties on separate parts are better than what a brand name will offer w/o getting an extended warranty.

For brand names in order, both my husband and I would pick:
Alienware
Falcon Northwest
Dell

This is a computer geek standpoint here as well, but those are the only my husband or I might recommend. Laptops are slightly different with IBM, Sony, and Asus into the mix. I almost went for a beautiful Asus laptop, but it was rather pricey for what I was able to afford.

 

[umbluegray]

My dad just bought one of those HPs from Costco and it's a sweet machine.

We use HPs and Dells at work. Both are fine.

I'd stay away from Compaq and eMachines.

If you know anybody in your family or circle of friends who knows anything about the inside of a computer it's not a bad idea to build one yourself.

I just bought an Intel motherboard and 2.4ghz CPU for less than $250 that surpass what my dad paid $1500 for.

 

[*Flower*]

I went over and checked out the Dell website.

I even built a computer with what I thought that I might want- and the grand total came to $1169 without a monitor.

I'd bought a flat panel LCD last year, and I'd think that it would work with the Dell equipment- wouldn't it???

 

[DSNY FN]

Have one built then you can specify what you want in it and you know what you are getting that or buy a MAC such nice machines they are. And far more stable that a Windows based machine. I have 1 of each I built my PC and bought a mac. I find custom built machines a far better way to go Dell is becoming more and more proprietary and hard to just go and buy parts for if you want to upgrade anything. Like ram etc IBM no thanks you couldn't pay me to own one Sony they make a decent TV but I have seen nothing but problems with their destops like a run of Hard drive failures you could bury people in. Compac if you don't like them then stay away from HP top they are the same company. Honestly your best bet for price and compatability etc and getting what you want is a custom built PC just find a reputable shop in your area you know has been around for quite some time and ask questions. I am a computer tech and have worked on many many machines of all brands I have all my certifications from HP and so on and I still tell people to buy custom built PC's even though the company I do wireless installs for sells all the other brands. We had 42 Sony Viao's come gback with dead hard drives in the first 3 months we sold them we no longer cary them to many headaches. Hp and Compaq are prone to crashes and the ever popular blue screen of death and way to many other processes running inthe background with all the pre installed software that no one ever uses. Dell you have to get most upgrade and replacement parts directly from them and it is more expensive.

 

[helenabear]

Originally posted by *Flower*
I'd bought a flat panel LCD last year, and I'd think that it would work with the Dell equipment- wouldn't it???

Yep, you should have no trouble at all with this

 

[JoenAdamnErinnSam]

I can honestly say that I have learned a few things from my son...lol..He built my computer..had a problem with the hard drive, all you need is the serial number-and they replace..n/c-no receipts-no going back to the store you bought it from..his comment was-see customer service isn't so bad..lol..and this proved itself out twice in the last month.once with the hard drive and just this week with the printer..have to give kudo's to Lexmark-bought it at Wally World..thought they would need a receipt,hassle with them..but NO..I'm really sorry,but we will have to send you a NEW printer!!And you will have it within 2-3 days!!-So DO NOT be afraid to call if you have a problem with equipment!!!Long Post,I know!!!