need help choosing reliable desktop computer
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free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:06 am

I am trying to help my parents choose a basic, reliable and fairly inexpensive desktop computer for home use. I am getting overwhelmed by some of the info on the internet and am having a hard time finding out exactly which brand is the most reliable...

Any recommendations?

thx!

Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:59 am

I think it's difficult to say which one brand would be the best because there are always people who get stuck with a lemon and will tell you that that brand is the worst. I've got a DELL desktop at home and also a "no name" desktop that I put together myself and the DELL has had more problems. Mind you, I know many people who love their DELL desktops and some who have had really bad experiences (I love my DELL laptop, go figure!). I can tell you that the two brands that my work has chosen (and they have thousands of desktops all up that get replaced every three to four years) are DELL and HP. That goes for both desktops and laptops. Toshiba has just been dropped as our supplier due to horrendous problems with the last few models of laptops. HP is their replacement. We've had DELL contracts for years.

Not sure if that helps. If I had to buy a ready desktop I'd still go with DELL because I've found their customer service to be really good with replacements when something does go wrong.

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:16 am

As far as my experience goes, you can´t go wrong with a Mac. User friendly, virus and spyware free, and reliable.

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 7:09 am

I've had 2 Dells over the years and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:12 am

I bought a DELL last May and have been very happy with it. I loved that I could customize to have just what I wanted (and saved a fortune on unnecessary stuff). We have had no problems with it.

My desktop at work is also a DELL and that also operates without any worries.

The only other "brand" I would prefer is Sony VAIO but they are $$$$$$$$

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 10:21 am

If you want a user friendly, intuitive, stable computing experience then go for a Mac every time. They are considered "expensive" compared to other systems, however their lifespan far exceeds other hardware and in the long run is actually less expensive.

Anya

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 1:30 pm

MOST definitely Dell. Very reliable and the best customer service / tech support out there.

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 4:04 pm

I don't think you'd have any problem with a Dell Desktop. These days, you really can't go wrong with any of the well-known producers of desktops. They've all pretty much caught up to the same level of technology. Just make sure that whatever you order matches your list of requirements. Search and read reviews. Here are a couple of sites that I like:
www.cnet.com www.pcmag.com

Choosing a laptop is much more challenging. The technology is smaller and rapidly changing. I've used laptops since the first one came out by IBM....slower than molassas and large, clunky and loud. When was the last time you saw a cream colored laptop? I've gone through several since then....simply to upgrade, and before finally purchasing the one I'm using now, I spent six months researching and asking questions and browsing laptop/notebook user group websites. Gotta do your homework when purchasing a laptop.

free skin care · Tue Jan 10, 2006 5:43 pm

Hi!

I haven't been on here contributing for ages! bit strange now.

Anyway, I bought my home computer nearly three years ago from a shop that makes them up to your desired specifications. I did a lot of shopping around, and the computer I chose from this place worked out so much cheaper than a brand-name model of equivalent speed and memory etc. And it has had no problems so far, considering its age etc- hasn't needed any updates. So I would recommend going down this route- but see if you can get a recommendation for a shop to go to from a computer-based friend who knows about these things. It is definitely far too easy to become inundated by all the information out there.
That being said, if you are going to go for a brand name I also prefer macs.

Hope this helps a bit, and good luck with the computer purchase!

free skin care · Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:56 am

Thanks everyone for your help! Smile

Yeah, I was thinking about a Dell based on price for what you get. And the idea of a MAC is attractive too b/c of their user friendliness and Apple's good customer support reputation. I have not only heard that Dell laptops are iffy but have also had bad experiences with them myself. This is why I am hesitant about recommending a Dell desktop to my parents so I wanted to hear from others about their experiences with desktops.

Debra- what laptop did you finally decide on? I am in the market for one now (in addition to the desktop for my parents). I have researched and researched and am still hesitant about purchasing a new laptop. I am leaning toward a Sony vaio... b/c I like their screen sharpness (among other options). I am weary about their customer support reputation though. I have yet to hear that they are strong in this area. I started out with a Mac 6 years ago and have been using a Dell for the last few years (provided by my school). Now I need to buy my own b/c I am graduating. I am going to go with a PC simply b/c I just bought a lot of PC software (at a student discount price). This rules out a Mac.

free skin care · Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:34 am

*********Warning....Extremely long post!****************

Hi amnis,

Along with speed and memory, I had a long list of requirements including screen size and graphics, multiple USB ports, battery life, size, weight--under 7 lbs...preferably 6, and durability--my laptop travels with me every day, even within my own city...to client sites, my office and home...I can't have a fragile machine, which does impact cost also.

The primary use of my laptop is for visiting the EDS website and ordering skin care products online. (kidding, but on the serious side, my time on EDS and doing other skin care research is very good de-stressor for me! It's a great distraction when I need a break.) About 85% of my laptop use is for work...ppt, client presentations, online demos, email, spreadsheets, research, database stuff. The other 15% is for personal--email, research, music. I don't watch movies on it, and I'm not a gamer, even though the laptop I have would accommodate both fairly well, I would have had a different set of reqs for that type of usage.

All things considered, I narrowed my choices to two...a Dell Latitude D810 or Toshiba Satellite M35X-S329 and went with the Toshiba, simply because I've been a Dell Latitude user for 10 years through three machines. (I upgraded simply for the technology enhancements and decrease in weight, not due to any problems.) I just wanted a change for a couple of years, the Toshiba does have a wider screen that I like, and I have not had any issues or problems)

Sony also makes a good laptop, but I prefer the touch and feel of the keys on the Dells and Toshibas opposed to Sony and HP's. There is a difference, but I don't know of anyone else having this issue with the Sony key board.

I purchased my Toshiba at a local Best Buy when they were having a good deal, and purchsed a repair warrenty. If you ever purchase a Toshiba with warrenty from a big warehouse-type retailer like Best Buy, DO NOT take it there for repairs. Call Toshiba, and get the contact information for the small, indepently owned businesses who are Authorized Toshiba repair firms. If you take it to a Best Buy, they will box it up, send it away and you won't see it for a minimun of 3 weeks. The turnaround time at the smaller authorized company for me was 24 hours and I got it back in 10 hours.

One more comment....I tried the Dell Inspiron 600 and 700m series, and sent both back within a few days. The left side palm rest heats up to an uncomfortable level for me. After a few hours of use, even with breaks, my palm area under my thumb actually hurt, and the pain lasted several hours. I thought I was sensitive until I read other reviews about people having the same experience. As I stated earlier, I really just wanted a little change after a decade of Latitudes, and the little m series Inspirons looked cute and fun. (And I got to pick my own cover!) I have about two more years until I hit the 2.5 year mark, which is when I usually upgrade, so who knows what I'll end up with next.

Long Post....boring to anyone not looking to purchase a new lappy, but I hope this helps you.

free skin care · Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:21 pm

Hi Debra,

EDS and skin care research is a destressor for me too. Wink

Thanks for the post-- I really appreciate it! Your desired specs sound a lot like mine. I want a machine that performs well but isn't a big chug-a-lug to carry around. I am currently looking for a job (so stressful and I'm so anxious!) but if I end up where I want I will need something like this.

I was looking into Toshibas too. I looked up your laptop on cnet and the review says that it has "poor battery life and subpar performance render it suitable only for very basic home use." ( http://reviews.cnet.com/Toshiba_Satellite_M35X_S329_Pentium_M_725_1_6_GHz_15_4_TFT/4505-3121_7-31156461.html ) Have you found this to be true?

Here's the problem with reading reviews and why I find them so confusing... sometimes I find that a review will state a few cons but then they are negated by the individual consumer reviews. What should I listen to? (rhetorical question).

What is your take on the Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 ?

Thanks again for your input! Smile

free skin care · Thu Jan 12, 2006 2:17 pm

amnis,

Hi...I know what you mean about the reviews. I was obsessed with researching laptops for nearly five months....ordered two, sent them both back...my husband would just shake his head and laugh at me. I tend to believe reviews from users...and if you read enough, you'll know which reviews are credible. There are a couple of notebook forums that have plenty of reviews of all the different laptops, which are good if you can take the time to search and read:

http://www.notebookforums.com/

http://www.notebookreview.com/

My Toshiba has worked great for me, other than a minor hardware issue with the connector that was easily fixed. I do believe that the Dell Latitudes are more rugged, but the Toshiba has held up very well, and I've had mine for nine months.

One of my consultants, a programmer, has a Toshiba Qosmio, and loves it. I'm not sure what model she has.

Good luck with the job search. It takes time. Take care and let me know if you have any more questions.

Deb

free skin care · Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:58 pm

Dare I suggest a mac? The entry level imacs are pretty cheap, increadibly easy to use (hence me having one Laughing

) and do all the stuff you want, plus they don't crash and you don't get viruses. Alternatively, if you already have a monitor, the mini macs are dirt cheap, tiny and look cool.

I'll run for cover now Very Happy

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