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  1. #1
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    New computer. Need advise.

    Ok, first let me state, I am not into computers and will never be. They are not at all interesting to me, just the information that they can bring me.

    What I really don't want is a techical lecture that takes off with a few computer geeks talking to themselves. Hate to sound selfish, but this thread is about me and what I need. And right now I need help.

    Last time I bought a computer I had more money and just checked all the boxes and told them I wanted the Arnold Swartzanegger model so I have this totally outdated dual processor Dell, that in 14 years has used about 14% of its memory. Its getting close to useless and it has still cost me $314 a year. I want to take a different tact this time....

    Most bang for the buck! Replace sooner.....

    Reliability and service are important as well.

    I have been reading all day, took the day off, and I still have not reached a conclusion. I like Systemax and Lotus as they are at least assembled in the USA, but that is not a deal breaker either. Couldn't find out a lot about either company from anyone that did not sell them.

    Requirements? I am just using the internet to harass people on a few forums, looking for materials, and keeping track of my business, that not being so difficult a task these days. No gaming or graphic design so no big loads. I may tackle a cad program again when I get more time, but god knows when that will be.

    I have an idea that an Intel i3 and about 4-8 gb ram are about right, but feel free to straighten me out. I am thinking Windows 7 Pro, and I like the office programs I have now so adding that. Beyond that am I missing anything?

    Any screaming deals?

    Remember I am a computer illiterate, so talk slow....

    Thanks, Larry

  2. #2
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    Larry,

    The last few years we've been buying Dell computers from Costco.

    We find them to be a pretty good bang for the buck.

    Performance wise they've done ok.

    Good luck with it.

    PHM

  3. #3
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    why not buy a Dell as they have many models with some at the lower end the spectrum that will do exactly what you want...or HP for that matter.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Larry Edgerton View Post
    Ok, first let me state, I am not into computers and will never be. They are not at all interesting to me, just the information that they can bring me.

    What I really don't want is a techical lecture that takes off with a few computer geeks talking to themselves. Hate to sound selfish, but this thread is about me and what I need. And right now I need help.













    Last time I bought a computer I had more money and just checked all the boxes and told them I wanted the Arnold Swartzanegger model so I have this totally outdated dual processor Dell, that in 14 years has used about 14% of its memory. Its getting close to useless and it has still cost me $314 a year. I want to take a different tact this time....

    Most bang for the buck! Replace sooner.....

    Reliability and service are important as well.

    I have been reading all day, took the day off, and I still have not reached a conclusion. I like Systemax and Lotus as they are at least assembled in the USA, but that is not a deal breaker either. Couldn't find out a lot about either company from anyone that did not sell them.

    Requirements? I am just using the internet to harass people on a few forums, looking for materials, and keeping track of my business, that not being so difficult a task these days. No gaming or graphic design so no big loads. I may tackle a cad program again when I get more time, but god knows when that will be.

    I have an idea that an Intel i3 and about 4-8 gb ram are about right, but feel free to straighten me out. I am thinking Windows 7 Pro, and I like the office programs I have now so adding that. Beyond that am I missing anything?

    Any screaming deals?

    Remember I am a computer illiterate, so talk slow....

    Thanks, Larry

    Larry, I just bought this about 2 months ago and couldn't be happier.

    Check it out.

    Tim

  5. #5
    I started to relate my numerous and ridiculous experiences with Dell technical support but realized—they probably won’t believe a company could still be in business with such atrocious service.
    No Dell.jpg


  6. #6
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    I really like the HP machines available at Staples.

    A Dual core machine isn't exactly outdated. My system is a single core I built 8 years ago. Serves me fine.
    Double the memory in the one you have, vacuum the dust out of it while it's open, and you'll think you have a new machine.

    Adding memory MIGHT give your computer the hick-ups. The problem being Windows might think it's installed on a different machine. The memory addition changes the hardware signature.
    Backup all you want to save, and re-install the OS. That alone will speed a computer up.
    Last edited by Myk Rian; 03-05-2012 at 6:41 PM.
    Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

  7. #7
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    Myk, I'm still on Windows 98. Local geek looked at it and said it is not able to run Windows 7, and I am no longer able to update most things. My world keeps getting smaller.

    http://www.productshippingcenter.com...p?Base=1882595

    Here is one I was looking at to give an idea what I am after.

    Matt, good comments, may have kept me from my normal solution. I started out looking at cheap and was up over a grand. Well, maybe I will need that........

    Thanks, Larry

  8. #8
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    Your configuration looks pretty good, but I might make a couple changes. An I3 CPU, and Win 7 home Premium. The internal card reader is nice for transferring pictures from cameras.
    You can always install Open Office for free. It does the same as MS Office.
    Last edited by Myk Rian; 03-05-2012 at 7:06 PM.
    Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

  9. #9
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    Check out these at Staples. The most expensive is $450.

    http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p...product_444697
    http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p...product_432730
    http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-p...product_432775

    Then use the money you saved on the PC and buy a huge LED monitor. I just got one of these for work:
    http://www.staples.com/Acer-24-S242H...product_922460

    Open Office (now Libre Office as mentioned above) vs. MS Office--depends on the situation. Home use yes pretty much. Work, not so much, especially more esoteric features of Excel, macros, integration with other products, etc. Switching between them if you use one at home and one at work--awful. There's just enough differences to be really annoying. Kind of like Apple iOS vs. Android. I would be happy with either, but when I had both it was annoying.


  10. #10
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    http://www.pcrush.com/product/Deskto...57&clnk=765159

    Heres another one I was looking at. More what Myk was talking about.

    Matt, we don't have any Staples up here, just OfficeMax, and they have already ticked me off.

  11. #11
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    The last few years I have been video recording our Senior Center stage productions. I then edit and produce a DVD that most of the actors (150 sold last year) purchase for themselves and family, etc.
    After all, they can't see how the production turns out since they are in it.
    Anyway, that system at pcrush looks like something I would consider for working with those huge HiDef files my camcorder makes. Nice system that should carry you through many years of good service.

    By the way, some scenes from our productions are here. http://www.youtube.com/user/axlmyk
    I am Production Manager and lighting tech. Lots of fun.
    Last edited by Myk Rian; 03-05-2012 at 10:04 PM.
    Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

  12. #12
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    Myk,

    His computer is an OLD dual CPU machine, not dual-core.... totally different decades. It's well past its prime.

    Larry,

    Matt is on the right on with his suggestions. You won't need Pro, 4gb memory is fine, a quad-core may be over-kill for you, but will pretty much future-proof you for the life of the machine, and its pretty much standard hardware nowadays. If you ever need service, it'll most likely be an experience no matter what brand it is (think offshore support), but AFAIK Dell is still good about making things right for a machine still under warranty. HP, I haven't dealt with them in sometime, so I can't really say. Just remember, that most any computer bought today, most likely will NOT last as long as the one you currently have. It's the major down side to build it cheaper, cheaper, cheaper manufacturing.

    If you were close by, I'd simply build one for you. In my 20+ years with computers, I've never bought a pre-built desktop.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin W Johnson View Post
    Myk,
    His computer is an OLD dual CPU machine, not dual-core.... totally different decades. It's well past its prime.
    Kevin;
    If you had read the entire thread before commenting, you would know I am aware of that.
    Never, under any circumstances, consume a laxative and sleeping pill, on the same night

  14. #14
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    Larry, be mindful that your old programs may not run on the new machine. I have some that will, and some that won't. Win 7 Pro does get you the ability to run some older programs that the lesser Win 7's won't. If you will never use more than 4 gig of ram, go with the 32 bit version. If you want more, you have to go 64 bit.
    I've had good luck assembling my last 4 computers. My last one was built with Win 98, and was upgraded to Win 2K and was at least 10 years old when I replaced it. Still in my closet as it still works. May use it in the shop one day. My wife's first one was identical to my first one, but slightly slower processor. It is still working and runs her old DOS music education programs that won't run under XP. much less Win 7. Her current one is an early dual core running XP. My last one built last spring came in about 1000 bucks, and that includes a 24" monitor. Only thing I kept out of the old computer was a newer power supply that it didn't need. But this may be more than you want to tackle.
    I will say this, if I was doing the computer thing again with what I learned in the past year with the one I built, and the laptop I got last September, I'd opt for a more powerful laptop, and get a big monitor to plug into it for use at home. Jim.
    Coolmeadow Setters...Exclusively Irish! When Irish Eyes are smiling....They're usually up to something!!
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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim O'Dell View Post
    Larry, be mindful that your old programs may not run on the new machine. I have some that will, and some that won't. Win 7 Pro does get you the ability to run some older programs that the lesser Win 7's won't. If you will never use more than 4 gig of ram, go with the 32 bit version. If you want more, you have to go 64 bit.

    There's no cost savings with choosing 32bit over 64bit. 64bit would be future-proof, in the event he needs more than 4gb ram, as you cant do a simple upgrade from 32 bit to 64bit. But yes, he does need to be mindful that his some/most/all of his software may not run on Win 7.

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