So I'm looking to buy a computer...

and I know that there are a lot of very, very well-informed people who frequent this site. I don't know much about systems requirements myself, or what brand names are good, or what size and/or features I'll need. So basically, I don't know where to start.

I'd looking to spend between $1500 and $2000. I'd like a desktop PC. I'm mainly interested in using it for school stuff, so I'd like the Microsoft Office Suite (2002 or XP) as well as Internet Explorer.

What's the best printer for the lowest cost? I'm thinking laser, but how expensive is that compared to a good inkjet?

In terms of monitor, my bf really has his heart set on a 17" LCD. What are the pros/cons of this. Are any other sizes better?

For other peripheral devices, CD burner (is there such a thing as a CD/DVD burner?). Scanner not necessary.

We'll also want good (but not necessarily great) video and sound quality (I generally don't listen to CDs or watch DVDs on the computer).

I'd like to have a lot of memory and the flexibility to accommodate upgrades.

And, I DON'T want a Mac (no offense, it's just a matter of personal preference).

So, computer dummy I am, what are my options? Do I go with a Dell? Get somebody to build it for me (i.e. Staples or somewhere else????).

Any help appreciated!

 

Dell will give you everything you want, plus a warranty.

www.dell.com

 

PM and I'll price you up something if you want....

I also have a warranty

 

You should be able to get a decent system for that price range.

 

if you can't get a good system for that price then you are getting taken for all you are worth. I picked up a good gaming less than a year ago for 1300 and it does everything and more than you would need it for.

I got it from Intellegent Choice Computers in Bridgewater....they seem to be good with warrenty as well. They replaced my wireless keyboard a few days ago

Not trying to pimp them or anything....

 

With onsite service for the entire warranty period?

 

Onsite service on Dell products in Canada isn't all that great..There is like one Dell tech for all of Atlantic Canada isn't there?

 

I'm not sure about there being one tech, I'd think that was a bit.. retarded.

Onsite is through 3rd party maintainers, so if you don't get your service then call and request another TPM.

Why do you say it's not all that great?

 

I say its not that great because usually they ask you to just send it off to get fixed anyways just like HP and Compaq does...

I could be wrong though, but thats what my buddy had to do when his dells harddrive went...

 

I overheard that Dell was getting rid of their extended warranty plans for their Laptops.....

Any truth to that Pat????

 

Thanks for the feedback so far. So are we saying yay or nay for Dell? Seeing as it doesn't look like I'm going to be messing around with it too much...how well do Dells handle upgrades and installing new stuff (peripheral and apps)?

 

Oh, and any comments on the printer/monitor/burner questions?

Thanks again.

 

Then he didn't purchase the onsite plan. Your buddy got a return-to-depot warranty on his system. If you get the onsite service, you'll get onsite service. That's all there is to it. You don't get to be the best by lying to all your customers.

No, they aren't getting rid of onsite for laptops.

 

Talk to Boots, I know him from when he work with me. I had him price a few different systems all quality stuff with good prices. My buyers fell through so I didn't end up buying from him. My next system will be purchased through him for sure.

PM Boots.

 

Pat, Dell tried to hire me as one of their "techs" here in Atlantic Canada.... I said no and they still kept calling me giving me appointments to go to people's houses.... I wonder if they ever realized I refused

 

Boots,

Dell doesn't actually employ any Techs.

 

Well they employ a 3rd party contracter who hire techs

My job would have been to do on-site support and Dell-At-Home installs

 

Yeah, which is misrepresenting Dell by saying that *they* did this.

Unisys or Getronics?

 

I didn't really read through the whole original post... but as a Certified Dell Technician I'd have to say they are great machines if all you need is a standalone basic computing box, that will never get upgraded, moded, or molested in any way, shape, or form.

At my work we have an on-site warranty contract with Dell, and they are great. They will show up next day to fix whatever, and will send parts over night.

We couldn't be happier with the service. Our only issue.... is that we feel we shouldn't need the service as often as we do, if you know what I mean.

 

Actually most of our systems can easily be upgraded, like the one at my house for example.. you just have to know which ones to buy "Dimension 8000 or 4000 series

 

I'd say that's the key to it all.... And I don't know how I'd ever find out what's in these things if I didn't have Premier Access.

 

Your best bet is to PM boots or anybody else for that matter that can get the parts at wholesale and build your own.I buy most of my parts from www.greenlyph.com. His prices are pretty damn good.

How about this http://www.robotnik.com/computer/powerwerknew.html