That's it I'm going to buy I new computer!!

Six yrs ago my company gave all its employees free computers.
A couple of weeks ago I "tried" to upgrade to windows 2000.
To make a long story short-I'm am taking my current computer to a friend who will "fix it" for me. That's what I get for not reading before upgrading!!
Anyhow my company offers discounts with Dell/HP/Compac...
Since my job end Sept 30th I don't have lots of time to waste.
I know that there are many people that could advise me on what brand is best.
I'm a basic computer type of person. I don't need lots of features. Mainly internet surfing/email and playing w/my digital camera.
As a sample I "customized a Compac Presario SR1020T and my price would be just about $700 before shipping.
So what manufacturer should I go with as I plan on keeping one around for a fews years. Again my choices are HP/Compac/Dell.
I value everyone's input!!!

I would recommend one with windows XP, the other windows versions have tons of problems. And a combination cd-rom player/writer/dvd player, this is quite easily and economically done. Get at least and 80mb harddrive and an extra memory card.
If you're getting desktop, go with one of those slim flat screen monitors.
See if you can get a hard drive with the USB port at the front, it's a damn nuisance out the back. You can get ones that take digital camera memory cards as well.

Done know if you can get all this on your budget but that would be MY wish list

You go, girl! Can't tell you about a brand per se, as the DH puts ours together from parts he buys, so I guess they're the "Jones Brand" . Is your friend into that sort of thing? You might ask about having something like that done to get you a "custom" computer that does just what you want it to, and does it well, without paying for stuff you'll never use, and will also be easily upgradeable. Within reason anyway, there always comes a time when it's best to start over.

I myself would reccommend a Mac, just because you make the extra money back in having a computer that doesn't crash every 5 minutes and has virtually no security problems and will actually last the full5 years they tell you it will last....and I can guarantee you that you can kiss the 'blue screen of death' that I've seen on every PC I've ever used...but from those choices, I'd say Dell. I have a friend who is IN LOVE with her Dell laptop...she has one of the upper-level models and has had no problems with it. On the other hand, the Inspiron laptops tend to overheat and melt the innards of teh computer...that's happened to 3 of my friends now. However, my family had an HP that HATED us when I was in high school...we're talking, like, blue screen of death every couple days. I have no experience with Compac.

I had a Compaq Laptop for almost 10 years, heavy as a brick but infallible and great customer support

If you're going to get a PC, go with Dell...that's what we have here at work. Good customer support, lots of room and mine has worked well with high-res documents and graphics.

Dell, definitely Dell. But whatever you choose, be careful.

Don't think about the bare bones you need just for right now, think about what the needs could be in the future. A computer that will "last" is one that can easily grow with this quickly changing and advancing technology.

My hubby knows more than I do, he's a very trusted and respected tech. He says that some brands put out pc's with proprietary hardware, meaning that if something breaks or you want to upgrade, you have to go with that company's hardware... which depending on location could mean ordering parts or being forced to go to an authorized repair place who still might have to order parts... no picking one up at Best Buy.

Buy a pc with few options installed but be sure it can accommodate those types of changes. Don't skimp on the processor though. If you do decide to upgrade in the future, you can't go very fast with lawn mower wheels on your Mustang

Dell is the only one I trust for sure. We've crammed more upgrades into ours to the point you can barely still call it a Dell .

I work for a computer consultant and we sell all our clients Dells. They are pretty happy and their Tech Support isn't bad (compared to others).

I got my BF's Dell Laptop as a hand-me-down, it's like 6 years old and is as heavy as a brick (bf works in sfx so it had to be high end for the time) but it still runs ok.

I honestly don't have much experience with HP or Compaq since we never deal with them.

My desktop is a Mac though.

I would also recommend a mac, the only downside to them is that if you want any upgrades apple makes it sure that you cant do any unless they do it for you. So if your really into getting alot of memory or putting in a different video card that apple doesnt sell you may not like it. But i've had mine for 2 years and it runs like it is brand new

I go with which ever one you can get the 64 bit AMD Processor in. and het a big hard drive and a gig of RAM The other stuff you can add later but also spend the money for atleast a 17 in flatscreen.

Originally Posted by amanda8501

I would also recommend a mac, the only downside to them is ...

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My husband would fight you to the death on that. I, myself, have a British friend on a mac that I do web design for... and we're constantly having file compatibility issues. With most offices nowadays on MS systems, I can't in good faith recommend a mac... especially if you ever intend on bringing home any office work.

I won't get into the debate on Microsoft... but I will say this...

Not only is Windows XP far superior to 98, which left people completely locked up (XP doesn't lock up, individual programs might but the OS keeps kicking), but Windows Vista (now in Beta testing and is very cool) has a lot of mac-esque characteristics and may convert those of the bitten fruit religeon

Originally Posted by BigKittenDaddy

I go with which ever one you can get the 64 bit AMD Processor in. and het a big hard drive and a gig of RAM The other stuff you can add later but also spend the money for atleast a 17 in flatscreen.

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Oh, sweetie... you're deprived! I have a 17" primary with the desktop "stretched" over another 19". Once you go dual monitor, you can never go back...


And to think, Hubby has his desktop stretched over THREE 19 inchers at work. Oh, the envy...

Dell if you're getting a PC, Compaq if you're getting a laptop