Computers

[Hot dog]

Ok I was finally going to take the plunge last weekend and buy a computer. I don't know much about them and never owned one. I thought I did some research and found out Dell seems to be pretty good via consumer reports they said the inspiron 531 was the consumer reports best buy and I looked online and found coupons and a way to configure it because I really don't understand what all that stuff means. I went to a Dell store and the guy was telling me that the 530 was much better and he would recommend that and didn't really like the 531 and then was telling me there were no coupons on Dell.com and that is one of the places I saw the deal. so the 531 has a AMD Athlon 64x2 dual core and the 530 has a intel I can't remember what it is I really don't know what it all means but I think it means it is faster and can run two programs at once Is that necessary? Help and try to use language a child could understand cause that is where I am with this. Thanks

[Broken Arrow]

Well, I'll try to explain it the way I understand it anyway.

The absolutely best advice I can give about computers is to honestly know what you plan to do with your computer.

Yes, the "In thing" right now are dual-core CPUs. However, while Windows XP and Vista does run dual core at the OS level, it is not always true for the applications that you will use. For example, if you're into graphic arts, then yes, you'll want dual core as Photoshop will run it. However, if you're just planning to surf the web and do some email and Excel, then one of those cores are just going to be wasted.

The same is true in terms CPU bits. The cores are 64-bit, Windows XP and Vista will handle that, but many applications out there are still 32 bits! And to accomodate that, the CPUs actually run in emulation! But that's done transparently on the OS level, so we don't ever notice the difference.

When it's all said and done, I believe the raw benchmarks still favor the dual cores, but you know what? Depending on your needs, single cores-- at a Great Price right now-- are all you really need and can be just as responsive.

But again, all this depends on what you will honestly use the computer for. If your needs aren't that much, you can save yourself a massive amount of money and still come out with a very responsive computer.

For example, knowing that I only need a computer for basic, everyday uses (and may someday serve as a gateway or server), I built my own desktop computer within $200! In fact, I could've built it cheaper, but I thought it was worth spending a little extra to just the right kind of components.

It's also a low-power PC that uses roughly 1/10th of today's regular CPUs, which translates to much less heat. Less heat also translates to less need for fans, which translates to even less power consumption as well as less noise. Really, it's quite good for what I am looking for. And yes, it's very responsive for doing what it was originally intended, which is basic, everyday computing.

Hope that helps.

[eisor]

I agree that it really depends on what you need to do with it.

Dell's are okay computers. But, if you don't plan on doing too much with it, then it'll probably be a great computer for you.

Will the PC come with Windows XP or Windows Vista?

XP needs at least 512 RAM to run the best.

I don't know the specifics for Vista, but I'm sure it needs at least 512, if not 1gb.

If you just plan to use the PC for basic web-surging, word processing and other minor tasks. You should be completely fine with the AMD. But, that is just my opinion.

Have you looked into local companies that build computers? I know this place near us that my family has bought computers from for years. My company uses them as well. It's usually cheaper to build a computer than purchase one. Plus, you'll have more control over the software installed. Dell likes to install a bunch of stuff on their computers.

[project15]

It's usually cheaper to build a computer than purchase one. Plus, you'll have more control over the software installed. Dell likes to install a bunch of stuff on their computers.

That's not really the case anymore for budget PCs. The $150 operating system probably won't allow you to build a PC for under $500 like what Dell offers. However, if you were spending $1500 on a PC, you could probably build one with the same specs for cheaper than a Dell or HP. And without the crapware you mentioned!

[project15]

Dell for $389 with a 19" widescreen flatpanel

Slickdeals.net

[Broken Arrow]

For XP, I've been told that you need 1gbs to run well. 2gbs for Vista. But that's not asking much nowadays....

As for the CPU comparisons, I believe the Intel version of their dual core is soundly defeating anything AMD is offering right now, and as such, they're commanding a premium price. AMD isn't too shabby, again, depending on one's needs, but to remain competitive, they've slashed their prices appropriately.

But depending on needs, both can and will get the job done....

[Hot dog]

What kind or do I need a warranty? of course the salesman was trying to sell me 3 years of in home should I get any of this and then also McAfee 3 years then it can cost to have them install it for you there were so many choices when I went to configure it I didn't know what I needed and what I didn't. There is a coupon for $350 off a system that costs $999 or more after you configure it so I could make lots of upgrades I actually found something on line that told you what a good configuration would be cause I don't know.

[eisor]

You don't need McAfee. You can download free opensource antivirus software from either one of these sites:

ClamWin Free Antivirus - free open source Antivirus for Windows - Home
AVG Free Advisor - Free antivirus and anti-spyware downloads

And, you can get free spyware software from these sites:

The home of Spybot-S&D!
Ad-Aware @ Lavasoft - The Original Anti-Spyware Company - Lavasoft

As for a warranty, I don't have any advice, but I can give you my experience. I have a Dell laptop which I bought 3+ years ago. I originally purchased the 2 year warranty. Since then, I've extended it 2 more years. When it expires next year, I'll probably extend it for the last year. (They only allow you to have a max 5 yr warranty.) Why have I been extending it? B/c things keep breaking. Due to a design flaw, I've had one part replaced at least 8 times already. They took my specific model off the market only a few short months after I bought it. I've had to have the CD rom drive replaced just months after buying it. I've had the keyboard replaced, the powercord replaced and the harddrive replaced. If I remember correctly, that is it. But, I'm about to get my mouse touchpad replaced because it has stopped responding.

I treat my laptop very well. It's just that Dell doesn't provide the highest quality product. I'm not sure about the desktops, but this is my experience with the laptop.

That being said, their customer service has been great. They've never hesitated to replace the parts.

One last thing...my sister has a dell and her wireless card stopped worked approx. 2 months after she bought it. She had the mail in warranty and we had to send her laptop back via DHL. Well, DHL lost it. It took over a month to get a replacement. But, the replacement was a MUCH better computer. More memory, bigger hard drive, better CD-ROM drive, etc.

[sweeps]

Great suggestions from eisor. I use AVG, Spybot and Ad Aware. Also if you get Yahoo Toolbar, it comes with Norton Spyware Scan.

[Broken Arrow]

What kind or do I need a warranty? of course the salesman was trying to sell me 3 years of in home should I get any of this and then also McAfee 3 years then it can cost to have them install it for you there were so many choices when I went to configure it I didn't know what I needed and what I didn't.

Warranty. Honestly? You don't need it. That's how a lot of retailers are making their money off of unsuspecting consumers. This is especially true with desktop computers, where most desktops will spend their days sitting still somewhere, being fairly unlikely to get damaged.

A stronger case can be made for laptops and mobile devices, since they tend to be more fragile and get moved around quite a bit, increasing the chances of an accidental drop.

McAfee. 3 years is nice, but afterwards, you will have to pay roughly $40 a year to continue their services. Also, I think it's highway robbery for anyone to install that kind of software for you. It's very simple, I promise.

AVG is what I use as well. I guess the only thing is it can take a while to scan your entire computer, and during that time, it's best not to use your computer for anything else. Ideally, it would be best to schedule your regular scans overnight, while you're sleeping. That or better yet, using free online services, since web giants such as Yahoo or Google are the ones footing the bill.

[safari]

A stronger case can be made for laptops and mobile devices, since they tend to be more fragile and get moved around quite a bit, increasing the chances of an accidental drop.

Regular warranty does not cover physical damages resulting from a drop, spilled coffee, etc. There is a special warranty you'll have to buy for things like that, which will be in addition to your service contract.

[Hypersion]

Buy the computer with a CC. This will automatically double your warranty.

[Hot dog]

I forgot about the cc thing. Is there a specific one I need to use? Is it American Express?