HELP! I need new computer ideas

[springparrot]

I promised I would buy Ryan a new computer.
Seems the hinge broke on his. It still works, but he can't close his lap top.

So, what do ya'll suggest for a regular use computer...he doesn't game, so he just needs something to use for college papers, surf the net, etc.

Thanks!

[maid memories]

I promised I would buy Ryan a new computer.
Seems the hinge broke on his. It still works, but he can't close his lap top.

So, what do ya'll suggest for a regular use computer...he doesn't game, so he just needs something to use for college papers, surf the net, etc.

Thanks!

Lots of people are hardcore Macaphiles and if I had the money, I'd probably have one, too. As it is, I've been using HP Pavilion notebooks for a few years now (including work) and I love them. You can pick them up for decent prices and I've had really good experiences with mine thus far.

[springparrot]

We all have Dells right now.
Just wondered if there was something better with more to offer for the price?

[maid memories]

Check into some HPs. I think you might be able to get more for your money there.

[springparrot]

Check into some HPs. I think you might be able to get more for your money there.

Thanks!
Will do

[tigzoe]

I love my mac and would never go PC again. My macbook is a lot faster than my work PC (Dell), and they are both 3 years old. If you can swing it, apple does sell refurbished macbooks and such on their website. And you can get really good deals on them.

[JollyMon66]

Radio Shack TRS-80...
OK just kidding but that was the first computer I used. I would vote for the Apple Mac...I think you can't go wrong with that.

[nutmeg]

I second the Mac thoughts.....though I got a rather inexpensive Dell for my last laptop.
Since my computer is used mostly for BN and and to type the schedules for work, I didn't need anything fancy.

Husband has a Mac that he loves.

[sunseeker]

I have a Mac and I'll never go back. You have NO issues with a Mac. No threats of viruses, etc.

If you can wait until tax free weekend you can save a ton. Also, if you go through the Apple Education Store, you can save about $100. AND then on tax free weekend - they offered free shipping PLUS I got a free iPod touch. All in all I think I save about $250 and then got the iPod touch. I've heard that if you go into the Apple store, you can get the education discount as well.

[oph]

I have a Mac and I'll never go back. You have NO issues with a Mac. No threats of viruses, etc.

If you can wait until tax free weekend you can save a ton. Also, if you go through the Apple Education Store, you can save about $100. AND then on tax free weekend - they offered free shipping PLUS I got a free iPod touch. All in all I think I save about $250 and then got the iPod touch. I've heard that if you go into the Apple store, you can get the education discount as well.

That is a false sense of security as there are well know attacks in the virus and malware world against Mac-based units. If you really want a Mac just install FreeBDS on a Wintel and choose a user interface. It is widely publicized by Apple's developers that their OS X is just a Graphical User Interface running on top of a BSD-based Unix.

As for a reliable PC they are all built the same. You can get one for less than $500 or you can spend over $2000 depending on what pieces you choose but they all use the same components, including Apple, the variable is just the warranty.

[Hockey Mon]

You sort of have two things to deal with:
1. Mac vs PC
2. If PC, what type?

For Mac vs PC, Mac users love their computers (in almost a fanatical unhealthy sort of way ). They have a great UI and are becoming more and more main stream everyday. Do they get viruses? Technically yes, they can. BUT, they tend not to because:
1. The underlying part of the OS has been around much longer than any Windows product (~15yrs) and has had alot of the kinks worked out.
2. There are a lot more Windows computers out there and if you want to write a virus to be disruptive, go for maximum gain.
And, as with anything, there is a learning curve when using something new. This isn't necessarily a good or bad thing, it just is a statement of fact. Some people will say this curve is an easy one to overcome but that's everyone's opinion. *My opinion was some things were easier but man, I could not burn a CD to save my life on my Mac.*

As for what type of PC (if you go that route), buy what you feel comfortable with. Stick with a known brand; you can't go wrong with either an HP or a Dell. Everyone is always having deals, Staples, Costco, Best Buy, etc so try not to beat yourself up finding the best price, it will take you months. Sometimes the extras they offer, software, hardware like a mouse or keyboard are good deals. See if your soon can get software or even the hardware through school; sometime they offer an education institution price.

I own a Dell Desktop (an XPS); I bought it in October of 2008. It's been great. Of course, one of the two hard drives died about 3 months out of warrenty so take that for what it's worth.
I also own an HP laptop that I like but am having some strange OS issues which I'm trying to resolve. I had no problem when I first got it about 6 months ago. I think it has something to do with Adobe and flash.

I could go on but you are probably nodding off right about now. Good luck with your purchase.

[tigzoe]

You sort of have two things to deal with:
1. Mac vs PC
2. If PC, what type?

For Mac vs PC, Mac users love their computers (in almost a fanatical unhealthy sort of way ). They have a great UI and are becoming more and more main stream everyday. Do they get viruses? Technically yes, they can. BUT, they tend not to because:
1. The underlying part of the OS has been around much longer than any Windows product (~15yrs) and has had alot of the kinks worked out.
2. There are a lot more Windows computers out there and if you want to write a virus to be disruptive, go for maximum gain.
And, as with anything, there is a learning curve when using something new. This isn't necessarily a good or bad thing, it just is a statement of fact. Some people will say this curve is an easy one to overcome but that's everyone's opinion. *My opinion was some things were easier but man, I could not burn a CD to save my life on my Mac.*

As for what type of PC (if you go that route), buy what you feel comfortable with. Stick with a known brand; you can't go wrong with either an HP or a Dell. Everyone is always having deals, Staples, Costco, Best Buy, etc so try not to beat yourself up finding the best price, it will take you months. Sometimes the extras they offer, software, hardware like a mouse or keyboard are good deals. See if your soon can get software or even the hardware through school; sometime they offer an education institution price.

I own a Dell Desktop (an XPS); I bought it in October of 2008. It's been great. Of course, one of the two hard drives died about 3 months out of warrenty so take that for what it's worth.
I also own an HP laptop that I like but am having some strange OS issues which I'm trying to resolve. I had no problem when I first got it about 6 months ago. I think it has something to do with Adobe and flash.

I could go on but you are probably nodding off right about now. Good luck with your purchase.

HAHA! Yeah, I drank the Kool Aid about 12 years ago.

[sunseeker]

I have a Mac and I'll never go back. You have NO issues with a Mac. No threats of viruses, etc.

If you can wait until tax free weekend you can save a ton. Also, if you go through the Apple Education Store, you can save about $100. AND then on tax free weekend - they offered free shipping PLUS I got a free iPod touch. All in all I think I save about $250 and then got the iPod touch. I've heard that if you go into the Apple store, you can get the education discount as well.

That is a false sense of security as there are well know attacks in the virus and malware world against Mac-based units. If you really want a Mac just install FreeBDS on a Wintel and choose a user interface. It is widely publicized by Apple's developers that their OS X is just a Graphical User Interface running on top of a BSD-based Unix.

Your computer speak went over my head!! LOL! I should have phrased it (like my friend who repairs computers including Macs) "less of a thread of viruses". My brother has had his macbook for 9 years and has no viruses. I have had mine for 5 and no viruses. I love my Mac and will never own another PC.

[Hockey Mon]

I have a Mac and I'll never go back. You have NO issues with a Mac. No threats of viruses, etc.

If you can wait until tax free weekend you can save a ton. Also, if you go through the Apple Education Store, you can save about $100. AND then on tax free weekend - they offered free shipping PLUS I got a free iPod touch. All in all I think I save about $250 and then got the iPod touch. I've heard that if you go into the Apple store, you can get the education discount as well.

That is a false sense of security as there are well know attacks in the virus and malware world against Mac-based units. If you really want a Mac just install FreeBDS on a Wintel and choose a user interface. It is widely publicized by Apple's developers that their OS X is just a Graphical User Interface running on top of a BSD-based Unix.

Your computer speak went over my head!! LOL! I should have phrased it (like my friend who repairs computers including Macs) "less of a thread of viruses". My brother has had his macbook for 9 years and has no viruses. I have had mine for 5 and no viruses. I love my Mac and will never own another PC.

There are very few absolutes in the computer world, just ask any tech guy and they may say "well, there was this one time when we made a small change that should not have affected anything and 4 hours later...". Point being Macs can and do get viruses but Windows boxes are much easier to hack.

[springparrot]

Thanks everyone.

I have found a few I like, but it is his computer

[East Texas Parrothead]

I'm looking, too, so I'm going to tag along in the conversation ... we have MACs at work and I hate them ... well, maybe not them ... maybe it's just the software we're forced to run to lay out the paper (QUARK) ... I really hate it. It's so touchy.

[springparrot]

I'm looking, too, so I'm going to tag along in the conversation ... we have MACs at work and I hate them ... well, maybe not them ... maybe it's just the software we're forced to run to lay out the paper (QUARK) ... I really hate it. It's so touchy.

(((Terry))) you are welcome to join in the discussion.
Maybe we will end up buying the same computers

[conched]

I have NO idea if this computer is worth it, but I can move it around and be pretty mobile with it.

It is the CLICK: Dell ONE 2305

I love the 23 inch screen and the wireless mouse and keyboard and internet. I watch all the stuff I want on the computer screen. And the sound is great. So far all the itunes stuff works great on it.

I have had a few issues with Facebook, but I think it is only because I play with BEJEWELED and that causes a few issues. Photobucket sometimes does too.

[springparrot]

I have NO idea if this computer is worth it, but I can move it around and be pretty mobile with it.

It is the CLICK: Dell ONE 2305

I love the 23 inch screen and the wireless mouse and keyboard and internet. I watch all the stuff I want on the computer screen. And the sound is great. So far all the itunes stuff works great on it.

I have had a few issues with Facebook, but I think it is only because I play with BEJEWELED and that causes a few issues. Photobucket sometimes does too.

Ohhhh Nancy---pretty!!!!!

I think he wants a laptop, but I'll suggest this to him

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Drank the Kool-Aid... Own a MacBook and LOVE IT.