desktop computer finally gave up, need input

[Super38]

My old PC crapped out after first of the year. I'd built everything until then. But I had neither the time or money to build new from scratch again.
So...I walked into Best Buy and walked out with an Acer. 4 gig memory, 7200rpm 640gig HD, Intel Duo Core precessor, Windows Vista, Lots of USB and memory stick ports front and back, CD/DVD RW. And it's a compact size so it fits on the desk. Added a wireless router so I could use my 10yo Dell laptop in the bedroom.
ymmv

 

[JcMack]

I've been buying used Dell's from a second hand computer guy. He's been around about 15 years. He works by himself in a large warehouse, so not a lot of overhead to drive up end user prices. I buy machines that are 4-5 years old used by offices either upgrading or closing. I buy Dells (desktops and laptops) because they're easy to work on and you will need to. Open a Dell and you will find the cheapest cabling and parts. But I have a lot of background in P.C. repair, so I don't care. If you want to Game you need the latest and greatest. I have many xp licenses and I'm happy with it, so I'm sticking with it.

 

[cmort666]

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.

There's a very apparent price point difference in HP printer quality.

An HP printer on the high side of $500 is probably going to work. Less than that, it's going to be junk, and junk of a design inferior to its competitors, especially with regard to paper feed.

NOBODY makes a cheap printer to match Brother. In fact, they're so cheap, it's usually cheaper to just buy another printer than to replace the drum assembly if it goes. I've got three of them. They're fast, cheap and give excellent quality.

 

[raveneap]

There's a very apparent price point difference in HP printer quality.

An HP printer on the high side of $500 is probably going to work. Less than that, it's going to be junk, and junk of a design inferior to its competitors, especially with regard to paper feed.

NOBODY makes a cheap printer to match Brother. In fact, they're so cheap, it's usually cheaper to just buy another printer than to replace the drum assembly if it goes. I've got three of them. They're fast, cheap and give excellent quality.

Well, guess I'm just lucky. Only one of my HP printers cost just over $ 300.00 several years ago; used primarily for photos, and the others were under $200.00. They have all performed great and are still doing so, even the old photosmart. But, if we all liked the same thing, there'd only be one.

 

[cmort666]

Well, guess I'm just lucky. Only one of my HP printers cost just over $ 300.00 several years ago; used primarily for photos, and the others were under $200.00. They have all performed great and are still doing so, even the old photosmart. But, if we all liked the same thing, there'd only be one.

Among other things, I install various printing devices for a living, so I get to see a LOT of other people's problems. The cheap HPs just don't hold up. My old boss bought an HP multifunction device and took it back within a couple of weeks. It would never reliably feed. It either fed NO sheets or 3-5.

He bought the better version of the Brother multifinction device which he previously had and has no problems with it.

 

[windjammer]

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.

What is the difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit system..? I've seen this a number of times, but really don't know what it means..

 

[cmort666]

What is the difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit system..? I've seen this a number of times, but really don't know what it means..

A 64 bit computer and operating system have a greater address space and can address more physical memory, but you have to have BOTH. If you've got a 32 bit processor or operating system, you could have 32gig of ram, and it'd still only see 3.2gig of it. It's like having a 200hp engine, but having a gear train that won't let you go any faster with 200hp than 75hp.