The Lord has blessed us with a good sized tax refund this year.
My dh and I discussed it, and he agreed that I need a new computer (mine is 10 years old!).
So, what I'm looking for is input from those of you who have some computer savvy...what to avoid, what to look for.
I'm considering having it built to my specifications, but I need to figure out what those are.
I would like a basic model, with CD/DVD 'burning' capabilities.
I don't do much besides word processing, web surfing and email.
What would you suggest?
And I can't afford a Mac, so don't even go there!!!! 
What's your price range? You can start off with a basic model ($500) or you can deck the halls with it ($2000 and up). Any standard computer now-a-days will have cd/dvd burning capabilities except for the mini's (10-12 inch) laptops. Are we talking laptop or desktop? I'd recommend Dell or HP. These companies have served me and my company well. I just bought a new Dell Laptop myself. Some specs. to look for are: The better processors are the "i" series (i5, i6, i7); you will probably want something with at least 4GB of memory if you want it to last you several years.
Buy a cheap PC and install a real OS on it, like Linux!! No Viruses, No Spyware, No Malware, FREEDOM!!
OK, OK, that's just what I would do. I agree and would recommend Dell, they have nice price ranges that fit most budgets and have decent tech support. Hmm, I remember buying a low end Dell, wiping the hard drive and installing Ubuntu. I think Dell is shipping machines with Linux pre-installed now.
Ubuntu (Linux) is great... But I think Microsoft is still stealing the show. An example of this is that I work in Firefox (open source like Linux) myself but still have to use Internet Explorer for certain sites.
I agree with the tech support comment. DW's laptop needed a new cooling fan. After going through the typical "Yes the computer is plugged into the wall" I had someone in my house fixing it... Once again on the corporate side, I've also had parts replace pretty easily.
If it was me, I would get one with a top-notch video card, a gig of ram, and most importantly, a CPU (central processing unit) that has a heck of a lot of hertz (that's speed). I am not overly savvy on spec's.
OK here is my long answer now that I am rested and feeling better. 
Sis, don't spend the extra to have it built. You are just paying for labor which is covered in the cost of a OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) machine. Dell, HP, Gateway are all OEMs.
OK Now I already said get a Dell. good customer support and they also allow you to customize the machine on their website. Dell Website
You will get a good warranty as Eagle has pointed out. Go for at least a three year Dell warranty. After three years of good solid use, most components are going to fail anyway.
Now for some specs:
At least a 2.0ghz processor go for a 3.0 if you can get it.
A good video card with at least 1gb of RAM on board. (Built into the card)
4 GB of RAM
As large of a hard drive as you can afford. 500 gig are popular now and not real expensive.
Get at least a 20 inch LCD monitor. They are available for less than $200.00 right now.
And though wireless keyboards and mice are nice. You will continually be replacing batteries, they also are not in my opinion built as solid as a corded keyboard or mouse. I recommend Logitech for those. Now if Dell provides one in the package go ahead and get it. Logitech makes Dell branded keyboards and mice.
Or just send me the money and I will hook ya up for cost of parts and shipping. No labor involved at all or markup on the parts. Everything at my cost. 
Gary
(04-16-2010 06:52 AM)Gary Wrote: [ -> ]Get at least a 20 inch LCD monitor. They are available for less than $200.00 right now.
Get a flat-screen.
Quote:And though wireless keyboards and mice are nice. You will continually be replacing batteries, they also are not in my opinion built as solid as a corded keyboard or mouse. I recommend Logitech for those. Now if Dell provides one in the package go ahead and get it. Logitech makes Dell branded keyboards and mice.
I am using my first wireless keyboard and mouse and I am not sold on it. The through-the-air signal causes static in the speakers.
(04-16-2010 07:02 AM)Ronnie Wrote: [ -> ] (04-16-2010 06:52 AM)Gary Wrote: [ -> ]Get at least a 20 inch LCD monitor. They are available for less than $200.00 right now.
Get a flat-screen.
Quote:And though wireless keyboards and mice are nice. You will continually be replacing batteries, they also are not in my opinion built as solid as a corded keyboard or mouse. I recommend Logitech for those. Now if Dell provides one in the package go ahead and get it. Logitech makes Dell branded keyboards and mice.
I am using my first wireless keyboard and mouse and I am not sold on it. The through-the-air signal causes static in the speakers.
An LCD monitor is a flat screen or panel. The colors are so much richer on one.
Try moving your speakers up higher than mouse and keyboard, that might help with the static.
Gary
Thank you all for your input.
My price range is $400-$500, and I'm going to try to not go over.
I don't need all the bells and whistles, I just want a good, solid, dependable desktop computer. Cordless is not necessary.
Office 2007 is fine, I don't need anything more current. (EDIT: I can get a copy of Office 2007 at the university bookstore for $19.95, and a copy of Windows 7 for $29.95...legit!)
I don't want all those unneeded programs, and I want my harddrive copied over onto the new one, hence my thought about having my computer guys build one for me.
The thing I do not like about Dell is their printers: you have to buy ink cartridges through Dell, no store brands are available (at least they weren't two years ago when my boss had a Dell).
My current hard drive is 10 gig, and I've only used 2 gig of it...despite all the pictures and 'stuff' I save on it.
Thanks again!