NEW COMPUTER

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Hi Duchess, Ibelieve you can add a large screen monitor to a laptop, just another way to go. I hear good things about Apple, I know many folks like Dell. My first computer was a Dell desktop. Iam now usingSony desktop and have a Sony Laptop, too. I think the most important thing in purchasing a computeris to getas much memory (4 gigs, I think) as possable, from a top company. Also, think about purchasing the manufacturer's extended warranty. I am waiting for a computer repair person today, to replace the motherboard and possibly the hard drive. My five year old Sony desktop stopped working a few weeks ago. They came to replace the hard drive but upon inspection, the motherboardwas gone too. Had to wait for a new motherboard from Sony. I have4 months left on my extended warranty, so this happenned at a good time.I hope they get it up and running today. Good luck in purchasing a new desk top. ....Bob

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Personally I've always built my own. Clones can be purchased at smaller computer stores or even at computer fairs all around the country. I prefer the to know that I can upgrade any part of my computer at any time. With proprietary computers there isn't much you can upgrade, memory, drive, video card. With a clone you can upgrade every aspect of your computer. My desktop is ALWAYS faster and better then pretty much anything I can buy without spending mega bucks. I have yet to see a proprietary with dual display, 8GB of memory and over 3TB of drive space. At least one that would be affordable.

This is more then most people need but this is the way I like mine. There are some drawbacks to a clone but overall well worth the money in the long run.

My favorite laptops are Toshiba, Sony and Acer.

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Duchess wrote:

Budabear wrote:

24" wide screen monitors

Click to expand...

Ooohhh...That's what I want !

Click to expand...

Monitors are the second area that, IMHO, it is worth spending the money.

1) RAM
2) Monitor size
3) Graphics card
4) HD space
5) Memory card reader

I'm sure others will disagree, but I find these things important.

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Another vote for Dell. My university department uses Dell Optiplex, Precision, and Latitude lines. Here at home my primary desktop is a Dell XPS 630 and my media server is my old desktop, a Dell XPS 410. My printer is a Dell duplexing color laser that I love to death.

I also have en route the new Alienware (Dell) M11x 11-inch notebook that was just rolled out last week.

If you are looking to save bux, here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Go to Dell's web site, and sign up for the mailing lists in 3 different places: (a) Home, (b) Small Business, and (c) EPP - Employee Purchase Plan. Dell sends out coupons on a regular basis, and the savings can be quite substantial.

2. On the business models and higher-end gaming rigs, do not be afraid to purchase from the Dell Outlet. You get the SAME warranty as new machines, as well as a 30-day return period, and the savings can be HUGE (in some cases 50-60% off new). The vast majority of these are returned ordering mistakes or "buyers remorse" units. I have yet to receive one that you could ever tell was used by anyone. Note: business models usually come with a 3-year warranty standard.

3. If you have any computer ability whatsoever, or know someone who does, memory and hard drive upgrades are more cost-effective done aftermarket via http://www.newegg.com or other parts sellers than as configuration add-ons on new Dell machines.

4. I'm a big fan of SSDs (Solid State Drives) as boot drives on both laptops and desktops. They can frequently bring life to old machines much cheaper than replacing the whole computer. I have replaced the boot drive in every single laptop and desktop I own with either a single SSD or a pair of SSDs in RAID 0. Note: Not an area for the novice to venture into, as there are a host of BAD 1st- and 2nd-generation SSDs out there that look inexpensive, but are godawful in performance.

If you want a a PHENOMENAL big-assed computer monitor from a bang-for-the-buck perspective, take a look at this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254043&Tpk=hanns-g

28-inch monitor with native 1920x1200 resolution.

I got one of these at work about 2 months ago to replace one that went kaputt. It was quite a bit cheaper than any Dell with 1920x1200 resolution (which I wanted). The reviews were quite positive, so I figured I'd take a chance. Wow! The thing is bright and vibrant (needed to turn down the brightness and contrast CONSIDERABLY from factory defaults), with minimal edge bleed. There are better gaming monitors out there, and ones with better color accuracy if you are a graphic designer or in commercial prepress, but for general office work, desktop publishing, etc., this thing is wonderful.

My 40+-year-old eyes really appreciate the larger screen. I'll probably get another one for home here in the next few months.

Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask specific questions!

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Just my two cents... if buying a PC and not the proprietary Apple I generally stick to Dell and HP. I also , as mentioned earlier, look at the outlet refurbs and discontinued systems. I love the All-in-ones , VERY sexy, but would keep in mind that someone who would not be willing and able to grab the tool box and disassemble the system would not be a good candidate for an All-in-one since the whole unit would have to go to the shop if one component had problems. A case in point - a bad DVD drive. If you cant remove the DVD you would be without the entire system, not to mention the shipping charges etc. .

Lots of great suggestions in all of the replies, and thanks to all for not letting the topic fall into a fanboy flame war, this bespeaks high levels of maturity and civility for our community in my books !!!!.