Desktop Computer Recommendation

[scard192]

Time to buy a new computer. Can anyone recommend a good desktop computer in the $500-600 range. I mostly use it to surf the net, e-mail, and use Microsoft Office; don't play any games. I've always had Dell's but have heard they aren't as good anymore and delivery is very slow.

TIA

 

[Befferk]

Just an idea, but have you thought about a laptop? After getting mine, I would never go back to a desktop. Got our HP laptop at BestBuy for around $600 and we've been VERY happy with it. As far as other brands, I'm sure they're like cars, everyone will have their own preferences Getting Office will of course be an added cost. We got it for around $70 through a deal that was offered to students (my DH is in college).

 

[bonoriffic]

Laptops are never ideal replacements for desktops due to their high failure rate. If you don't need portability, stick to desktops.

Sites such as gotapex.com and techbargains.com find the various deals with coupon codes out there. Check those sites daily. Be prepared to act, the coupons may have limitations such as 2000 uses then they expire.

I would try to go with Windows 7 64 bit with 4GB of memory, or 3 GB if 32 bit Windows is your only option.

Dell is still a decent brand, and that price you aren't getting the latest and greatest. Dell small business branded desktops are usually cheaper than their home use cousins. An example would be: http://www.gotapex.com/deals/redirect/59799/2NUX2CYI/

Add 3GB memory and you get a decent system with 21.5" monitor for $473.

 

[hffmnheidi]

I just bought a Dell Inspirion in March and I love it. The hard drive is now in the monitor, so no tower drives. It takes up less space and I love it. However, if you have a dial-up modem, you have to buy an external modem with the USB plug on one end to plug into the computer and the phone jack into the other end. All in all, my computer cost me about 650 dollars with everything. I didn't think I'd like Windows 7(had xp before), but I completely love it.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Anything but HP or E-machines. HP's customer service and backing up of their product is horrible.. Won't ever buy another one again.

 

[dawson5]

I just bought a Dell Inspirion in March and I love it. The hard drive is now in the monitor, so no tower drives. It takes up less space and I love it. However, if you have a dial-up modem, you have to buy an external modem with the USB plug on one end to plug into the computer and the phone jack into the other end. All in all, my computer cost me about 650 dollars with everything. I didn't think I'd like Windows 7(had xp before), but I completely love it.

How does that work? I have changed/added a hard drive on a few of our pc's, added video cards and other things. Does it open up? All I can think of is if I open my monitor, I probably would void my warranty. Can you do routine upgrades and maintenance on it?

 

[hffmnheidi]

How does that work? I have changed/added a hard drive on a few of our pc's, added video cards and other things. Does it open up? All I can think of is if I open my monitor, I probably would void my warranty. Can you do routine upgrades and maintenance on it?

I'm not a computer techie person at all, but no, it does not open up.

 

[dawson5]

I'm not a computer techie person at all, but no, it does not open up.

I am a bit of one and my oldest is more so than me. We've seen these at the store and marvel at the size, but I guess this would not be a good fit for our particular family. Thanks for letting me know, we actually haven't stopped to look at the pc's like them in the store.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

buy an ipad http://store.apple.com/us_epp_382274/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?mco=OTY2ODA0NQ

 

[cheerforchelsea]

We have a Gateway and a Dell - I much prefer the Gateway....it is the older of the 2 but we have never had any problems with it. My DD has a Gateway Laptop and it finally died after about 6 years of mainly college use......