Need a new computer, any recommendations?

[CapeCodTenor]

Any recommendatios? My current computer I bought in 2001, it has a 1000 mhz pentium 3 processor with a 40 gig hard drive and runs ME edition. I went to download a program for dsl, and right after I started getting error messges. Well, I called the tech support (gateway) and I told the guy what the error message was, error 29. He looked it up, and when he found it he told me that, and I don't remember the exact name of it, it had to do with my cache. As he told me, basically your computer may not be able to handle the new program. Just as a side note, I bought the Windows XP upgrade. I went to upgrade to the XP and can't because XP won't support many of the programs I have on it. I thought of upgrading my computer, you know, buying a new hard drive, memory and more ram, but all that could add up to the price of a new computer. So I'm starting to look around. I don't want to spend too much on a computer, but I want something good at the same time. I really don't want to spend more than a $1000 for a computer. So any recommendations would be help full. Thanks everyone.

 

[N.Bailey]

Why don't you check out Dell's website? I'm sure they'd have something that fits your needs and your budget.

I'd recomment Alienware, but I don't think you'd find anything in your price range there. They do have really nice computers though.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Check this link, see what you think...........

http://ecomm.dell.com/dellstore/bas...d=244566|62A72954-8C7C-4582-A256-0098E31B6C94

 

[N.Bailey]

BTW, if you do buy a Dell, type Dell discount into a google search, or something to that extent anyway before you make a purchase. I got a great deal on my Dell, but then found a code online that saved me an additional 10%.

 

[wdwmom2]

Love my Dell!!!! Not crazy about their outsourcing with technical service(I guess it is still outsourced ), but as far as the computer, I have been very pleased .

 

[Dan Murphy]

Also, to add on Nance's thought, if you or immediate family work for a company that has buying agreements with Dell, good discounts there too.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Also, to add on Nance's thought, if you or immediate family work for a company that has buying agreements with Dell, good discounts there too.

That's a good idea...never thought of that. I know the last law firm I worked for had that, I would assume my current firm does...I'll have to check into that. How about a hewlett Packard computer, anyone have/had any dealings with one of theirs?

 

[dcentity2000]

I'd exercise caution with Dell; they're non-standard, hardware wise.



Rich::

 

[Galahad]

That's a good idea...never thought of that. I know the last law firm I worked for had that, I would assume my current firm does...I'll have to check into that. How about a hewlett Packard computer, anyone have/had any dealings with one of theirs?

Love our Dells and our company discounts and service agreements. The "non-standard" issue is only relevant if you plan on upgrading your computer yourself or having non-Dell connected support. We've been very satisfied. We have 5 Dell laptops. I am an I.T. Software Development Manager by day so reliability is important and DW uses hers in her medical practice. We've never been sorry. (Note: all computer companies produce lemons and all hard drive will eventually die if you use them enough long enough. BTW).

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone...I'll be looking into this more in the next couple of weeks.

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

We just bought a Dell, well actually two Dells. We have a Dell desktop that was about four years old, still running good. For Christmas we decided to get DD (in college) a Dell desktop. And DH surprised me with a Dell laptop for Christmas.

While we're thrilled with the Dells I do have one word of warning. When DH ordered these last two over the phone there were several promotions. One was 0% financing until 2007! That was it for him!!! We just got our bill and the interest rate is 22%! He called and was told he was not put into that financing promo when he ordered and there is nothing that they can do about it. He's still waiting to hear back from a supervisor about this but for now it looks like we'll be paying that off right away.

Still, Dells have been great for us!

 

[Tinijocaro]

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

How about a Mac mini? As long as you have your own working keyboard, mouse, and monitor, you could afford one. I highly recommend trying out a Mac, they are really great computers, and you don't have to deal with viruses, spyware, pop-ups. They are expensive, but with the mac mini, it can be affordable.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

For those of you who have dell, what has been your experience with their tech support? I'm looking into Dell right now, as our law frim has an employee purchase program with them...still not sure yet, I may be able to get a better deal else where.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Service has been fine. I know sometimes folks complain about talkin to the Indians, my experience with them has been okay, no problems, just sometimes have to ask them to repeat, but seems we have to do that a lot now adays for many things. If I have needed a part, always next day, in home service, next day. Also, follow up phone calls, plus emails, from them verifying the problems have been resolved.

 

[MoniqueU]

For those of you who have dell, what has been your experience with their tech support? I'm looking into Dell right now, as our law frim has an employee purchase program with them...still not sure yet, I may be able to get a better deal else where.

Mine has been one of having to repeat myself over and over. Having to ask what did you say, could you repeat that. Having them ask me questions that do not even pertain to the problem I am having. I can't stand their tech support and it is the number one reason I will not get another dell if I can avoid it.

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking of going back to a Gateway, I've not had too many problems with mine and the tech support is pretty good...I get actuall Americans.

 

[Galahad]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking of going back to a Gateway, I've not had too many problems with mine and the tech support is pretty good...I get actuall Americans.

Sounds like a winner! Let us know how you like it. (Wasn't Gateway having some possible banruptcy problems? I seem to remember that, but I think their products are good.)

 

[CapeCodTenor]

Sounds like a winner! Let us know how you like it. (Wasn't Gateway having some possible banruptcy problems? I seem to remember that, but I think their products are good.)

I haven't heard of any bankruptcy problems?! Maybe I should look into this - thanks.

 

[ugadog99]

I'm glad you haven't had problems with your Gateway, but mine was a piece of trash. I had horrible problems with it. I looked into Dell, but those great prices they show are really stripped down models. When you started adding the extras I wanted, the price went way above what I wanted to pay. Now, I just bought an HP and I LOVE it. It is a1220n, I believe. It had everything I needed and with some pretty nifty incentives and rebates from Staples I ended up paying $709 for it. I still have $100 in rebates coming back to me. So, for a little over 600 hundred dollars I have an awesome computer. Can't say enough good things about HP.

 

[Galahad]

I haven't heard of any bankruptcy problems?! Maybe I should look into this - thanks.

A quick search show that they've had big financial loses and poor profits but haven't threatened bankruptcy yet. They did drop some non-computer business lines though.