Is it more cost effective to buy a computer that exceeds my needs now?
365149
If it exceeds your needs it is a waste of money.  But if you think your needs will change it is usually better to get everything at once.  Especially if we are talking about a laptop.  They are almost impossible to upgrade after the purchace.\n\nI've been buying low end machines for years now.  I can't play the newest games at full speed but the machines are so much cheaper that I can replace them more often and still be ahead of the game.  So many people following the marketers and feel they need the best at whatever cost.  If your needs are met by a slower machine they are much more cost effective.
455327
Computers consist of many components, each of which is constantly being updated every 2-12 months.  Because of this, there is no way to specify what the latest model is right now, unless you specify the latest model of everything individually.  Even if you did that, not all of the individually newest parts can work together, for instance the newest and best ram may not work in the newest and best motherboard.  I would recommend going to dell or emachines and asking someone there what models they offer that could do what you need it to do.  Quite frankly the most powerful machines out there are way too overpowered and WAY too overpriced for 99.999% of people, so just find something that will do what you want, and you'll be happy.
738105
All Dell computers are less expensive.  I don't think you should overlook its performance over price, but get a computer that can handle the task you choose to perform on it.  Try visiting a store just to inquire what you exactly need.  I paid a lot more for a home PC than i really needed.  All that bundled software and 1GB of memory, I'm sure I'll never really use as I use my laptop more.
298056
Depends on what you are using the computer for.\nJust basic word processing and internet you prob don't need it.  Games, graphics, etc, then yes.\nhttp://www.crucial.com might help with prices.
582033
I think an assembled pc will always be better. You can change things as you want, you can upgrade as needed, warranty is per part and not per entire product, etc.
813914
Built my first computer,about as hard as a snap together model I used to build when I was little. Biggest worry, static electricity.\nSure, there are some cheap computers out there. But once you get what you want added on, you'll be surprised at how high that price will go. Not only that but upgrading certain things will be impossible or just a downright pain in the butt. \nIf you're looking for the minimum, just buy one. If you're looking to for something a little nicer with some goodies and may want to upgrade or add on as you go, build it yourself.\nAlso, if you have the time, check some of the deal websites out there, they can make things MUCH cheaper with rebates and sales for certain items. An example...you might find a hard drive you want for $80, but catch the deal and you might get a $40-$60 rebate. slickdeals.net is a favorite of mine.
82047
Yes.  Because you will most likely be buying better components to put in it.  Dell (and the others) will cheat you on several components like the network card, motherboard and possibly the memory meaning that they will use the cheapest and not necessarily best performing components out there.\n\nYou will also be able to buy better components and build it yourself for cheaper than you could get a Dell and I'm not talking about the $300 systems.  If you were looking at a Dell XPS in the $2500 range you could probably build something better for around $1400 to $1700.
166997
I don't know, if you have a staples store in your area, or not.. But, if you do, they always have computers, on sale..Watch your local flyer for some good deals..Most of the time, you can send in for rebates, from the maker of the computer, or from staples.. I bought this computer, in 2000, with windows 98SE on it, and it is still going, pretty good..It is a basic computer, I don't do any fast games, or things like that, but it has been good to me..I surf the web, and send emails..etc..Everyday normal use. It is a compaq, and I have got my moneys worth out of it..I payed around $400.00, with rebates etc..Hope you find, what you are looking for..Good Luck.. I am sorry, didn't read your question through..BUT, this will apply to a monitor, also..
989696
Stay away from Laptops. \n\nIf you are serious about gamming Laptops are not the way to go.\nThey produce way to much heat and are hard to upgrade. For around $600 You can get a pre built system with a 200 GB Hard Drive. 1 gig of Ram A DVD/CD Burner An AMD 3500+ processor.\n\nBut whatch out for the ATI or Intergrated Graphics. YOu can get a nice video card for arouns $150 more if you buy one with Intergrated Graphics in it.\n\nCheck out www.newegg.com if you want to build your own or looking for a video card.
1115415
Just get a Dell. You can save money by building it yourself or buying from TigerDirect, but if you ever run into problem. You are the techsupport, and good luck collecting any waranty from newegg or TigerDirect.
302809
Wait - Computers become obsolete in 3 years. That means, should you buy now, your system will be obsolete in 8 months... Think about it - $1k (or more,) going to waste at 4x the speed! :)\n\nI'm waiting too. So are millions of us! :)\n\nZ
1136918
any "alienware. com" computer is the best money can but there costly 800 min ,  10000 max
867501
Dell Inspiron or Toshiba lapotops are a good buy. But as someone rightly said; its a mix of your budget and computing needs.
975453
Get Alienware.....awesome machines....as long as you don't mind spending a little bit more for it. If money is an issue and you want something cheaper, I recommend a Dell. Don't go with Compaq or HP if you can avoid it, they are just proprietary, production machines.
1111300
Dear friend,\n\nYou have not specified your requirement for the computer use and the location, which both depends.\n\nIf its for your home use go for 2nd hand no prob\n\nBut for business purpose pls buy new one with atleast \n\n2.4 - 3.0 GHz, 512+ Ram, 915 GLV board, 17" monitor, DVD Combo (Writer if u need it).\n\nIf any else u require pls feel free to ask
706441
It's unfortunate but the machine (due to the newest changes in technology) is almost a thing of the past. Not only has the technology changed drastically, prices since 2001 have dropped tremendously. I now sell New Laptops with great processing time, sdram memory, video memory, wireless 802.11 ethernet, cd/dvd burner, etc for about $550. My advise to you would be to keep it and use it, I'm sure it works well, or do like me and donate it to the Home for Abused Women or Locks of Love (childrens cancer programs where it can really be used and the kids will love you forever.  Thanks for your time. Larry RadioShack 01-9590
470211
DO NOT buy the 400 dollar bargain machines!!!!!!!!!\n\nI do in-home technical support and too often the clients that purchase these machines complain that they run just like the old one in about 6 months.  The bargain PC's are great if you know how to upgrade the machine yourself and plan on doing so later.  If you dont know how to work on a PC then do yourself the favor of shelling out another 300 dollars to get the next model up.\n\nDual Channel is a Memory technology.  If you dont plan on gaming or doing any high powered video editing, you dont really need it.\n\nlook for the following:\n\nprocessor: 2.5GHz Pentium 4 and up, OR 2.0 GHz AMD Athlon and up.  You will not notice a difference between AMD and Intel processors.  They will function exactly the same. Typically, AMD processor machines are 20-50 dollars cheaper (or the same price with more bells and whistles) than a comparable Pentium machine.\n\nRAM (Memory): AT LEAST 512MB... try for higher if possible.\n\nHard Drive (storage space):  80GB and up.\n\nVideo Card: any video card made by intel is total junk!  If the machine advertises an intergrated intel video processor take it with a grain of salt.  integrated video processors use the computer's RAM which saps performance from your machine.  Try to find a PC with an Nvidia or ATI video card of some kind.  Most people will tell you that if you dont game this isnt necessary... Im telling you that youll sacrifice a bit of speed.  Remember, you can always install an Nvidia or ATI card later on fairly cheap and easy.\n\nCD/DVD burner:  standard these days.  most computers will come with them.  Just make sure that if you want to COPY CD's and DVD's that you have CD/DVD BURNER and a DVD READER drive.