desktop computer finally gave up, need input

[anoblefox]

will likely go with Dell since they can still build with windows XP. How much memory, speed and hard drive do i need? I use a digital camera and use ACD pro software for photo stuff. Any advice will be welcomed.
By the way, we are both over 55 and do not play any sort of games on the computer, nor listen to I pod, etc. thanks, Ed

 

[samuelrp]

Get the most memory you can afford. Also, the hard drive should be large. It's not the applications you load that take up space, but rather the windows updates and programs which get larger each year.

 

[rm06]

My current and previous computer have been Dells if for no other reason than they have the better package deals. Memory is pretty cheap now, so load up but be aware that unless you are going to run a 64 bit operating system, 3.2 GB of memory is all a 32 bit system will recognize.

Hard drive space is always a premium though Dell does not have the best deals to be had in upgrading storage - you will likely be better off buying aftermarket storage (USB, NAS, etc.).

 

[cobra44]

With Windows XP - I like at least a 250 gig hard drive (prefer 500 gig).
1 gig of memory will usually be good enough. Get 2 gig if you can justify the extra cost.
As far as speed - at least a 2200 should be good.

 

[BigG-n-Tn]

I had my last one built. About a month ago actually. I had slipped away from that and had been buying the package deals because they were so affordable. The advantage to having one built is that you select the components and the software. You lose all of that bundled stuff that you never use that bogs your unit down. Plus it is not proprietary like the others so you don't have two systems running in the background. Usually if the current computer was relatively new, you can reuse your monitor, etc.
I had used Dells professionally for the last several years and have no real qualms with them.

 

[afriqueart]

I was "in" IT for years. I have a degree in Computer Science and an MBA in Org change and development. I know a little about computers!

I've had Dells, Acers, Toshibas as well as Apples, Franklins, TI's and Commodores (I think I had an Osborne years ago).

My last 2 computers have been from Vision Computers in Atlanta. Their prices are excellent, their products are name brand and high quality. Their customer support is the very best I've ever experienced, hands down! Their techs are in Atlanta and they speak english! Your phone call will be answered within seconds and they will be able to help you without going through a scripted conversation. They will build using any components you desire. If your heart is set on XP, stay with it but, Windows 7 is a boat load better than Vista and it's 2 generations more advanced (depends on your definition of advanced, I know) than XP. I've been running Vista for a couple of years and I can honestly say that I have no issues at all with it. It's stable and fast. I'll upgrade the laptop with Win7 but my trusty desktop will stick with Vista.

As far as the computer.......Upgrade the processor, at least 4 GB of memory, at least a 250 GB hard drive at 7200 RPM. If you listen to music, buy a sound card ($100.00) and buy a set of speakers for an extra fifty bucks (more if you care about higher quality sound).

I'll buy all my basic computer systems from Vision from now on. I buy my extra hardware needs from Newegg. I buy the occasional game or other software title from Amazon.

Put on Norton Systemworks and renew it every year for about $40 bucks and buy Spysweeper for about $30. If you call each company directly, they might be able to give you an extra year of service for a "deal."

Good luck!

 

[cmort666]

I don't recommend Dell. A few years ago, they're quality control went straight down the toilet. I had multiple customers have multiple failures in non-abusive environments. One customer's machine didn't last long enough to finish installing the software.

If for some reason you do go with Dell, get the extended service contract. The odds are you'll need it.

I build all of my systems. The only new brand name PC I ever bought was a Columbia in 1986. I always use ECS motherboards.

I refuse to touch Vista. I use XP. As noted previously, XP will at most, use 3gig of RAM. Get a 500gig hard drive. They're cheap.

 

[Jack Flash]

Personally, I like XP too, but if I were in the market for a new system I would go with the latest and greatest MS has to offer, which is Windows 7 right now.

Or get a Mac.

But if you want to stick with MS, you will eventually have to upgrade the OS anyway. Reports are that Vista is fine if you have enough RAM and W7 is even better.

I've always had good luck with Dell, but I would seriously look into another maker, considering all the bad press Dell has had over the last few years. (My current system is about 4 years old).

 

[KyWstJoe]

Geeks.com - Computer parts, Laptop computers, Desktop computers, Computer hardware

Great deals here!

 

[Brunen]

anoblefox - If all you do is surf the net, take some pictures, and do email, I highly suggest a Mac.

My father is 67, and has little patience for computers. I made him get a Mac. The initial cost was higher than other computers, and after the first month or two of growing pains, I no longer get calls about viruses, why things don't work, etc etc etc. We are going on 3 years problem free. I spent the 10 before that being tech support for him.

You can purchase a Mac mini, use your current screen/keyboard/mouse w/ zero issues, put on an external hard drive, and be out for less than a new PC. Furthermore, if you need MS Office, it is available, and while expensive, once you buy it, it's good for years.

I have owned my Mac mini for 3+ years and I've never used virus software, never had a virus, haven't frozen the computer or crashed. It works flawlessly. I am in my thirties and far from a techie, yet I have no issues.

Good luck with whatever you choose, I just pray you don't purchase Windows Vista for any reason, it is a horrible product.

 

[truckemup97]

I, too, shunned Vista initially. I bought Mom a new system when Vista came out, and it really sucked. However, I bought a new Toshiba laptop in February with Vista. Microsoft has all the bugs worked out and we now know what kind of system it takes to run it properly. I've had no problems whatsoever. BTW, if you're looking for a tough, inexpensive laptop, Toshiba is the only way to go, IMO.

 

[bmhiii]

Everybody has given you good advice. I'm running a year old Vista machine and have no problems. That being said, I'll go with 7 after it's been out a while. It just seems Microsoft puts their operating systems out and then tweak it for the next 6-12 months.

A step or 2 up in basic processor speed, 3-4 Gig memory, 320+ Gig hard drive at 7200 rpm, a decent video card with it's own memory, a speaker system with a baby sub woofer are my suggestions. Also pick up a USB hard drive to back up pics and documents on a monthly basis. Western Digital makes a pretty good one for $100 or less.

My Wally has marked all their Vista machines down for clearance. There's a few Toshiba laptops if that's what you want. I'm running a Compaq from Wally's early Christmas sale last year and love it.

Good luck!

 

[venomballistics]

Ive built every PC Ive used since the late 1900's
its the most cost effective way to have a no nonsense machine, free of fluff and devoid of the raw tonnage of OEM crapware stuffed into every off the shelf PC

 

[raveneap]

Well, about a year ago, my wife & I (I'm over 55 too - by about 16 years) found that our two desktops were dying of old age and beginning to show it. I'd sworn I'd never buy a laptop but we bought two HP dv9700 laptops/notebooks. 17" screen, came with Windows Vista (which, contrary to popular belief, has performed fine.) , 3 g ram, cd/dvd, wireless, and all of the other goodies usually found in good systems. I've been involved with computers since the late 60's (can anyone say IBM 360? ) and have found these HP's to be very good units.

 

[vytoland]

i just ordered a new dell. my old dell model dimension 8250 just ran out of speed. with all the new updates and programgs coming in, it has slowed down considerably.

i have been looking at the dell studio slim desktop and last week , dell had a package deal on it..............

intel core 2 quad
8 GB dual channel ram memory
750 GB hard drive
23" HD monitor
independent video card, keyboard, mouse
free next day shipping

being delivered this week

now, i want a new printer too. my current one refuses to print in yellow.

PRINTERS............who likes what (cannon, epson, HP, brother, lexmark) and WHY or WHY NOT?

 

[bellevance]

Easy. Get an iMac. Most reliable, invulnerable, pleasing, satisfying, versatile desktop computer and operating system going, hands down. Really.

 

[blastfact]

Build your own. Haven't bought a pre built desktop in 20+ years.

 

[montezumaz]

Got a Dell ... NEVER AGAIN ... its on it's FOURTH hard drive!

 

[2fingers]

Best Buy has some good prices on Gateway computer systems, 6gbDDR2 memory, 1TB HD, Windows 7,Intel Pentium Dual Core Processer E5300,DVD-CD-RW, for $509.00

 

[raveneap]

PRINTERS............who likes what (cannon, epson, HP, brother, lexmark) and WHY or WHY NOT?

Based on many years of buying printers and using them for every type of printing task, including lots of photos, I'd recommend HP printers. IMO they're top of the line. In fact, I'm running 3 of them now.