Computer Buying Advice Needed

[Yellow Shoes]

I am using a Compaq Pentium 2 Windows 98 computer.

A new computer will be the family Christmas gift this year.

My computer needs are modest--e-mail, word processing (I need to have WORD), internet use, checkbook balancing (I use MSMoney, but don't mind switching to Quicken).

OK--I figure that any new computer will blow the socks off what I have--even the $300 ones.

I would like to spend around $700 for the whole thing--computer, monitor (the older bigger ones are fine--don't need the flat ones), speakers. Is that a realistic amount to spend?

I have a laser printer that is nearly 10 years old (HP Laser jet 4L) and still works great. Will it be compatible with a newer machine? (If I need something in color, I print it at work, so b&w is just fine at home)

Don't need a scanner. Not going to digital photography in the forseeable future.

Any recommendations?
Anyone with a prediction about whether I should wait until January?


Thanks for helping a slightly out-of-touch middle aged woman.

 

[attisb]

HP has a good one available for $350. You can customize, but the settings that they have provided are good for what you want to do and then some. You can add a 17" monitor for 99 to it if you would like. The only thing about this computer is that you have to buy it online from HP. That is one way that they keep the costs down. At the moment HP is offering free shipping and a free 7 in 1 card reader (useful if you own a digital camera) and free upgrade to a 7200 rpm hard drive (Good if you are doing home video editing)

Just so you know I am a computer consultant so I can help with any computer questions that you might have.

HP Shopping Page

 

[dizneykev]

I would suggest going to the Dell website and finding what you want. I think for $700 you will find things to be more than adequate for what you want to do. I have dealt with Dell quite a bit and find that their service, help and reliability are on par or better than any other place out there. Most cities even have a Dell store in their Mall if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Dizneykev


Enjoy your new toy. If you can get a new ink jet color printer for a real good price w/ your system, go ahead and get it, it will save you some $ in the long run and you will find you use the color morenthan you think you will.

 

[MajinBuu]

Not a recommendation but a tip:
CompUSA and Best Buy (at least I think Best Buy) should take your current computer as a trade in to cut the cost a little.

 

[Testtrack321]

Don't go Dell, today they said they won't help customers removed installed spyware off their computers, even stuff installed by Dell! (Spyware reports back what you do on your computer to ad agencies).

Now, I have to admit, I'm a Mac fan. If you don't mind moving away from the dark side, there are nice entry level eMacs that include 17" Monitors, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and combo drive (DVD & CD-RW) for around $799. Also, Appleworks is very much like Word, and it can support .doc files and even save to them.

 

[DisneyCP2000]

Here's a basic pc from dell. It'll cost you $707...and even less if you add in the $50 rebate(varies). Just plug in this E-
Value code 6V417 - D24CIS

although thier sales vary from week to week but it usually a swap between a free upgrade in memory (faster pc) or an free upgrade from cd player to cd writer. Plus there are different rebates each week.

Dell's got fast assembly time and fast FREE shipping. Got my pc in less than a week last year...especially right before Xmas. Plus with this setup(6V417 - D24CIS) you get all the items you need. MS-Office Small buisness edition has Word and Money in it. The majority of PCs nowadays are internet ready so that shouldn't be a problem.

On a side note...if your old monitor's still got life in it, you can always opt to buy a pc without a new monitor. You'd end up saving another 50 from dell. Just change the option to No monitor.

happy holidays!

 

[maelstrom]

Don't buy a Dell!! I have had a horrible time with my last two Dell computers.

I say: buy a Mac! You can get an eMac for pretty cheap, even with a superdrive.

 

[tigsmom]

We have e Dell's...everyone in our family has them. We had to send the laptop back...no problem. It was gone for 10 days, broken ports were replaced and the warranty was updated.

 

[Yellow Shoes]

Here's something I read about Windows XP Home--is it true?

It comes with WordPerfect rather than MS Word.

Right now my work and children's schools use WORD, so I see this as a problem.

Even if they're supposed to be compatible, you and I know that it isn't always the case.

(What ends up happening often is that we will compose a document at home, save to disk, and print at work/school. I have also had professors request papers to be sent as WORD attachments rather than turning in a hard copy.)

So, basically, with XP Home, I will incur another $100 expense to add Word. Is that correct? What happened to the days when a new computer had 2000 software titles pre-loaded? Or do you just get 2000 ads pre-loaded today?

Thanks for all your suggestions. My head is swimming. But I am a first-born over-planner and I can't help it.

 

[kal1484]

We've had everything. Do NOT go Mac. The kid's schoolwork will be impossible to do on macs. Teachers want you to use WORD. I actually have never had a Dell, but I know tons of people who have them. They are VERY nice, and the replacement is very good. I have an e-machine, my ex got it for me, it works very well, but I'm not sure how you would find one. My HP worked very well, the only problem was that it broke after I believe 5 years, and was cheaper to replace with a new one. We also have a compaq. I don't use this one, but it hasn't given us any troubles that we haven't caused (sisters downloaded a virus)


As for the Word and etc, your computer may come with it, however if not, you can get Microsoft XP For students, it's cheaper than the regular, and basically the same thing.

:sohappy:

 

[tigsmom]

We have Office Suite...its not compatable with Word. Do a Word doc on the laptop...transfer the file to a disc & pop it into the desktop...won't recognize it. :brick:
Check everything out first. I just got an email from Dell (and its on TV, too) Desktops are starting at $499 after rebate.

Picking out a computer was one of my worst nightmares...Good Luck. :wave:

 

[Testtrack321]

Originally posted by wdwprincess03
We've had everything. Do NOT go Mac. The kid's schoolwork will be impossible to do on macs. Teachers want you to use WORD.

Sorry, but not only does Word come for Mac now, but I use Appleworks on my Mac and use Word on PC and I can share documents between them. I just have to save as .doc on my Mac and it's fine. Same with PowerPoint, Keynote saves as Powerpoint. Appleworks also saves into Excell and others.

I have to say GO MAC. Not oonly does Mac not have the viruses and flaws that PC has, they also run better. It dosn't treat you like an idiot like on XP.

 

[kal1484]

Originally posted by Testtrack321
Sorry, but not only does Word come for Mac now, but I use Appleworks on my Mac and use Word on PC and I can share documents between them. I just have to save as .doc on my Mac and it's fine. Same with PowerPoint, Keynote saves as Powerpoint. Appleworks also saves into Excell and others.

I have to say GO MAC. Not oonly does Mac not have the viruses and flaws that PC has, they also run better. It dosn't treat you like an idiot like on XP.

Ahh, see I didn't know this. But my vote is still with something other than a Mac, depending on the kids. If they are younger, going from the two differnent types of computers may be difficult. Just my opinion

 

[NowInc]

Originally posted by Testtrack321


I have to say GO MAC. Not oonly does Mac not have the viruses and flaws that PC has, they also run better. It dosn't treat you like an idiot like on XP.

...and youd have no software!

Want proof? go to any computer store and try and find the mac section..its TINY.

Macs are a novelty item...like a pet rock. They serve no real purpose anymore, just die hard fanatics and people who think they are "pretty". They DONT run better (i can post about 3 dozen links showing benchmarks prooving this), and in most cases are more unstable than the average PC.

Macs DO get viruses by the way...

Oh..and the MacOS has always treated the user like an "idiot"..but its also not "idiot proof"...its real damn easy to mess up yer mac by accidently clicking the wrong thing.

(lets not turn this into another PC vs Mac discussion...those never end pretty)

 

[mkt]

don't get a dell...

I got one last year for xmas, and the first thing I did was reformat it and install everything I owned instead of their garbage. Their build quality is good, but that's it... if I could get one without an OS installed, I would.

as for the mac issue... most of us know where I stand on the debate. Let's just say I've gotten a Mac to start with a frown instead of a smile before.

 

[Lil'mermaid]

Originally posted by tigsmom
We have Office Suite...its not compatable with Word. Do a Word doc on the laptop...transfer the file to a disc & pop it into the desktop...won't recognize it. :brick:

Ya know I STILL havent figured out why it does that when you use it... I have no problems... Maybe my laptop just loves me more?

 

[kal1484]

Originally posted by Lil'mermaid
Ya know I STILL havent figured out why it does that when you use it... I have no problems... Maybe my laptop just loves me more?

:lol: Mother-Daughter, gotta love it!

 

[tigsmom]

Originally posted by wdwprincess03
:lol: Mother-Daughter, gotta love it!

 

[stitch rocks]

ok here's my two cents... i live on campus for about three years and the past 3 years... u have tried to fix...HP's and compaqs... let me tell u... they are both made by the same maker... and they both are horrible computers (so when i read that u shoudl get a compaq instead of an HP i was rotfl) the computer worth getting is a dell... i have not delt with any problems and so far the only thing i had to fix on them is when someone would download certain things that shall be unnamed on to there computers which really messes it up... (i.e. lots of pop ups and unwanted programs) as for word... yeah all windows computers come with work instead... if u still have the software for word on ur current computer u can install it to ur new one... if not ask people at work or ur friends to see if they have microsoft office.. that includes word and excel... hope this helps

 

[Testtrack321]

Originally posted by NowInc
...and youd have no software!

Want proof? go to any computer store and try and find the mac section..its TINY.

Macs are a novelty item...like a pet rock. They serve no real purpose anymore, just die hard fanatics and people who think they are "pretty". They DONT run better (i can post about 3 dozen links showing benchmarks prooving this), and in most cases are more unstable than the average PC.

Macs DO get viruses by the way...

Oh..and the MacOS has always treated the user like an "idiot"..but its also not "idiot proof"...its real damn easy to mess up yer mac by accidently clicking the wrong thing.

(lets not turn this into another PC vs Mac discussion...those never end pretty)

Well, it turned from me suggesting a Mac to you guys slamming it, so I guess you don't need to tell us it, you already started it.

As for the 'average computer store', they only care about PCs now, I know that, I could care less. But if you look online there are large amounts of Mac software.

I know Macs get viruses, anything can get a virus. The simple thing is that getting a PC you have more people targeting you exploiting more dangerous holes.

As for the speed, comparing scolling Word on both computers and other rediculous tests, it's obvious that you can't compare the two. Simple as that.

If they are more unstable and worse, how come my 3 year old OSX iBook can run 3 weeks without shut-down or any major hick-ups, while my PC constantly acts up, even after installing the Service Pacs, new updates, and other crap. I use a Mac because I can do things, and much better than any PC. If you think otherwise that's fine, but I've made the mistake once on buying a PC, and I'm NEVER going to make it again. EVER.