"PC shopping for Dummies"
Jul 23 '00
Purchasing a computer for home can be a big investment, if U plan to purchase one with more power then a horse on steroids that can cost you as much as $4,000. But no one needs all of the latest gizmos and cards for a very simple reson, most applications dont require the latest power. The only person that might and I repeat might want the biggest available bang from their new PC is a hardcore gamer and I mean the worst of the worst (the guys that sit at home all day and play games, or beta test them). In my opinion the best computers to get are non-brand name ones I mean none from the big companies such as DEll, IBM, Gateway, and what ever you do never in your entire life should you buy a Compaq or a Packard bell (i've had horrible experiences with both) you can read my Epinion on that for more information. But the best computer to get is a custom built machine, but that can be pretty hard for a beginner, who doesn’t know a lot about computers.
The best way is to either call an independent manufacturer, something like Axis computers or XI (www.axissystems.com, www.xicomputer.com to get their phone number) The reason I say call and not go to their web site is because when you talk to a live human being you can ask them certain questions that you might have that would not be available on line. Well not immediately any way, plus they might have a part that is suited for you that is not listen on the website. Now naturally a person has to be cautious of a sales persons advice, his/her job after all is to sell you the computer and if the higher the price they sell it to you the better, so one more thing you could do is ask a friend who knows about these things to assist you in your purchase, but I dont mean they should do the research for you, I mean that you should get several offers, on similarly set up systems and that the friend should look them over and advise you on the best one.
Another good idea for buying a computer is to pick up a respected computer magazine like PC WORLD or Maximum PC. In its issues each month PC world reviews new computers going from power PC's to bargain PC's. And they write an analysis of why a computer made the list, and why it's the first choice or second, they also analyze new parts such as video cards or modems.
Another way to shop for a PC that's non brand name is to go to an independent store, one in your own neighborhood, or even a few of them and see what they can offer you, those tend to be the most helpful(well when they know what they are talking bout). You should ask around for any recommendations from friends and family regarding their experiences with buying computers.
But the overall best way is to do all 3. Check something out from a name brand, call up one of the non-top 4 retailers (Dell, IBM, Compaq, Gateway >>>>> I think that Hewlett Packard is no longer considered one of the major ones, I havent seen a good machine from them in a while), and go to a couple of the independent stores in your area. Get a price and configuration from each of them, then see what you first like best by price and what you believe is power and then ask friends. But still the final decision should be yours.
If your looking for me to give you advice on a retailer. The best brand name in my opinion really is DELL, they might be a little bit more pricey then the others, but they are worth it. The best non-major company is Axis computers (www.axissystems.com), and independent stores, well I cant tell you that, that depends where you live. Also in the case of hardware my opinions on parts are as follows>>>>
Processors-Intel V. AMD. For me AMD always gets the vote
Hard drives- Either Maxtor or IBM, they're about the same.
Mother Board- ASUS
Video Card- 3dFX, those would be the Voodoo people.
Modems- Its a real close call between US robotics and 3 Com. But you wont go wrong with either one.
Sound Card- Thats not a contest. Creative Labs all the way
Thats as much advice as I can give on this, but definitely a custom build system is always the best, especially if you plan on upgrading.
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Epinions.com ID:
REDDEVILP
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Location: Brooklyn, NY
Reviews written: 22
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About Me:
Perpetually bored NY teen
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