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new computer question
Here's an easy one.....
I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. |
#2
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new computer question
Smarter and easier to visit Dell.com or HP.com. Do your
homework there. Get more options. Typically pay less. Some store salesman are good, patient, and deserve your business. Others are total scam artists selling all kinds of nonsense that sounds good. For example, if he recommends anything from Monster, or cables with gold plated connectors, then run for the hills. If any recommend a plug-in protector, just say no. Only option I strongly recommend is the optical mouse over a mechanical mouse. No one can say what features you 'need'. You have not provided anywhere near sufficient detail on all tasks that computer will do today and in the future. RB wrote: Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. |
#3
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new computer question
That's actually part of what I do where I work, I work for a non-profit orginization and I do research on what I can get for the least amount of money. I'd say at bare minimum you would want 512MB of memory, this is because you can do XP with 128, but it'
s slow as hell, it works fine with 256, but if all your doing is light office work 512 should keep you going without any upgrades for a while. You will want a hard drive that is at least 30GB because you want to back up your data, you also NEED some sort of backup media, zip drive, CD-Burner, USB hard drive, you will need this for again data backup and then all the other stuff is just pretty standard, your best bet is to buy at bestbuy or a computer store online, but I strongly sugest 512MB of memory, 30G B hard drive, and backup media. |
#4
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new computer question
What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com
Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. "RB" wrote in message ... | Here's an easy one..... | | I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, | keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word | processing. I have to get three competitive bids. | | What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for | OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to | Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. | | |
#5
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new computer question
A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they
provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. |
#6
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new computer question
IMO going to Walmart or Circuit City are not very good choices. Circuit City
over charges, and Walmart has low quality. Don't go to Best Buy either, for the same reasons. I suggest retail outlets such as MicroCenter or Frys. Also take a look at eBay or online companies such as Provantage or Newegg. Most important, figure out exactly what you want in advance (HD capacity, CPU speed, operating system, amount of RAM, peripheral devices such as a CD-RW or a DVD recorder). In general, since you intend on using Windows XP, I suggest 512 MB of RAM, at least a 2 GHZ CPU, and at least a 40 GB HD (Western Digital is a good brand), and a power supply of at least 350 watts. Also, for your office work, Microsoft Office is a good choice. It includes Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Powerpoint. By the way, desktop PCs are usually less expensive for the same capability than laptops. Good luck on your search. "RB" wrote in message ... Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. |
#7
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new computer question
Well said TOM, GATEWAY sucks big time...
-----Original Message----- A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. . |
#8
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new computer question
Well said TOM, GATEWAY sucks big time...
-----Original Message----- A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. . |
#9
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new computer question
Well said TOM, GATEWAY sucks big time...
-----Original Message----- A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. . |
#10
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new computer question
Well said TOM, GATEWAY sucks big time...
-----Original Message----- A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. . |
#11
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new computer question
Well said TOM, GATEWAY sucks big time...
-----Original Message----- A simple benchmark for any acceptable machine. Do they provide comprehensive diagnostics for their products - for free? If not, then remove it from a list of acceptable products. But Gateway was even more appalling. For example, memory may be sold in two chip or nine chip versions. BIOS must read data from SIMM and configure computer for either type. That means, for example, a 256Mb SIMM of either type should work in the machine. Or the manufacturer should make it clearly obvious which type does and does not work. Last Gateway would not work with the two chip SIMM. Gateway customer service could not even say same; instead blaming me from not buying memory from them. Discovered: BIOS only understood the nine chip version. BIOS upgrade even would not permit the two chip type to work. Gateway customer support instead lies to me about a few things related to this problem (mostly due to technical ignorance). Went to crucial.com to get an honest technical answer that Gateway could not provide. Take Gateway off of any list of acceptable products. What I saw years ago now explains why even the Country Stores may be closing. A company that cannot be technically honest and transparent today will not be a good computer company tomorrow. Gateway does not even provide diagnostics for their machines - the most damning fact. Jim Macklin wrote: What is your budget? I would suggest a Dell www.dell.com Any of their computers will do what you have described for very little money. The flat panel will be the most expensive part, and you should get a 17" to do your work, after all you'll be spending your time looking at it all the time. You can also try Gateway www.gateway.com but they are having some trouble and have had to close retail stores around the country, on-line ordering is so much more attractive. Gateway has also just bought eMachines. Is this for an office or a home and will it be on a LAN ? Don't expect the applications software to be included for free, applications are what makes a computer useful. Windows XP is just the operating system, to do word processing, mailings, desktop publishing, spreadsheets and databases you must purchase the programs you want. Office is the standard program and is very powerful. If you are going to have the computer at a business I would suggest that you get Windows XP Professional because it is designed for extra security and networking. With software, the computer and applications you'll spend about $1,000. You should consider a scanner and printer also, there are models that combine these in one box, but you might be better served with dedicated units. You might want to check with a local computer shop that can build and support your system if it will be a business, providing loaner printers and such if necessary. . |
#12
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new computer question
"RB" wrote in message ... Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. Support your local businesses.......It is too hard to find out what parts these bigbox stores have installed......Support; which is better drive across town or call to India..... |
#13
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new computer question
"RB" wrote in message ... Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. Support your local businesses.......It is too hard to find out what parts these bigbox stores have installed......Support; which is better drive across town or call to India..... |
#14
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new computer question
"RB" wrote in message ... Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. Support your local businesses.......It is too hard to find out what parts these bigbox stores have installed......Support; which is better drive across town or call to India..... |
#15
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new computer question
The computer companies, Dell included, are hiring out
tech support overseas putting techs here out of work. (If the companies here keep sending work overseas soon there will be no one here to buy anything since no one will be working and they will wonder why sells have dropped, eh.) When you call for support you may get a reading from a book and two techs will give you two different answers for the same problem (one may void your warranty, that's how bad it can be). There are horror stories at PC World and various other magazines and web sites about this. You may get someone whose English is so bad that you can't even understand them. It isn't what it used to be, that's why I build my own and have for years (it is easier to return one bad component). You may want to try a local computer store (mom and pop variety) since, lately, they have been getting better scores (PC World). Make sure that they have been in business for a good while and that they have a good standing with the BBB. Make sure you get everything in writing and what the length of the warranty and what the warranty contains. Make sure of their support. You can pick and choose your components this way - there on site and it is generally cheaper. Some will give you a discount if you are non-profit. My opinion only! "RB" wrote in message ... Here's an easy one..... I need to go buy a general purpose pc (full package to include mouse, keyboard, flat screen monitor), for light duty office email and word processing. I have to get three competitive bids. What features/specs, etc, should I be looking for (in addition to Win XP for OS) to be able to readily find an economical package? I figure going to Wal Wart, Circuit City, etc, but want to be comparing apples to apples. |
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