Buy a new computer

I would appreciate help deciding what computer I need. I surf the web,
e-mail, and watch an occasional video. I don't save a lot of photos, but I do have a music library (691 songs, 2.53GB). I'm not a gamer, don't download pix from a digital camera, don't store a lot of data files. I don't care about a lot of applications, or any gee-whiz kind of stuff (I wouldn't know what to do with it). I just want to surf the web without growing a beard while doing it!
Thank you for any and all suggestions.

 

What is your budget?

 

Sorry, I forgot that part. Around $400.
Thanks

 

Do you own an operating system?

You could build yourself a nice little PC for $400 but if you don't have an OS then you have to add that into your price and then you might be better off just buying a pre-build.

Something like (and these are not fully research, just a guide)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147195

Or with better graphics...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103237

Here's the list I got those from, this is a US site, if you are in Canada just go to newegg.ca

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2032280010 5009&bop=And&Order=PRICE

However if you really want to build your own then you should look at things you already own, such as hard drive, dvd drive, case and power supply etc, if you can eliminate these things from your "Needs list" then you have more money to spend on things like motherboard and OS.

 

This will depend more upon your connection speed and a properly set-up browser, anti-virus, firewall. As long as you have enough RAM. Most Win7 systems are coming with a minimum of 3 Gig now, many have more. If you keep you autorun programs managed to a minimum, use a lite anti-virus like Avast, you would probably even do fine with 2 Gig, (that may draw some disagreement here), like that Compaq in Ned's second link. Just keep it slim and don't start putting a lot of applications on it and you'll be fine for doing what you described. :wave:wave:wave

 

Brandy is right, Win 7 runs fine on 2gb of ram, I've done it.
3GB is better obviously but just for what you are wanting to do, as Brandy said Avast and not trying to run 10 different things at once, 2GB is fine.
When I put win 7 on my 2gb system with an X2 6000+ cpu I was running games fine, the extra GB of RAM I put in made a difference but not a huge difference, it acted more like a buffer for when things got heavy and allowed me to run 10 different progs at once lol
Plus getting a 2gb system and then spending $25 on an extra 1gb of ram is an option.

 

I saw an emachine brand at walmart that looked like what I need. Is it a good enough brand? $398

 

Do you have a model number so we can look at it? Anyways, most if not all machines made these days will do what you want.

I'm more worried about your internet connection which does not depend on your computer unless it's like from the early 90's. Let us know what your advertised speed is and visit speedtest.com to see your actual performance. Is it DSL or cable? Maybe your modem is at fault unless you have dial-up.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I have one more question that I'm sure is the dumbest of all. I put all the files I want to transfer to my new computer (my documents and music) onto a flash drive and it amounted to 3.73GB. When you chose GB, does that mean the total of all your files or just what you have running at any given time

 

These are the two I am comparing

$298.00
eMachines EL1333G-01w Desktop PC with AMD Athlon 2850e Processor & Windows 7 Home Premium
•AMD Athlon 2850e processor
1.8GHz, 512KB L2 Cache
•2GB (2 x 1024MB) DDR2 dual-channel memory (expandable to 4GB)
Enough memory to handle today's most memory-hungry applications
•320GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive
Store your music, videos, photos and documents with plenty of space to spare
•16X DVD Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Play and create CDs and DVDs with this double-layer DVD/CD burner drive
•Wired Ethernet
Connect the eMachines Desktop PC to a broadband modem with 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN
•NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE integrated graphics

Additional Features:
•Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
•9 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x PS/2 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, 5 x audio jacks, 1 x Ethernet (RJ-45) port
•220W AC power supply included

Software:
•Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
•Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial
•Norton Internet Security 2009 Trial
•eMachines Recovery Management
•Other software from Adobe, Google, WildTangent and more

$398.00
eMachines ET1331G-05w Desktop PC with AMD Athlon II X2 Dual-Core Processor 250U & Windows 7 Home Premium
Multitask with ease on the eMachines Desktop PC. It features dual-core performance, 4GB memory, plenty of storage space and expansion capabilities with the eMachines quality and price you expect. This stylish Windows 7 PC delivers a truly immersive digital experience and makes it easy to create a music library, edit and store digital photos. Plus, the eMachines Desktop PC lets you manage finances, surf the Internet and keep in touch with friends and family.
eMachines Desktop PC:
•AMD Athlon II X2 dual-core processor 250U
1.6 GHz, 2MB Total Cache
•4GB (2 x 2048MB) DDR2 dual-channel memory (expandable to 8GB)
Enough memory to handle today's most memory-hungry applications
•750GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive
Store your music, videos, photos and documents with plenty of space to spare
•16X DVD Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Play and create CDs and DVDs with this double-layer DVD/CD burner drive
•Wired Ethernet
Connect the eMachines Desktop PC to a broadband modem with 10/100 Ethernet LAN
•NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE integrated graphics

Additional Features:
•Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
•6 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x PS/2 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, 6 x audio jacks, 1 x Ethernet (RJ-45) port
•300W AC power supply included

Software:
•Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
•Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial
•Norton Internet Security 2009 Trial
•eMachines Recovery Management
•Other software from Adobe, Google, WildTangent and more

•AMD Athlon II X2 dual-core processor 250U
1.6 GHz, 2MB Total Cache
•4GB (2 x 2048MB) DDR2 dual-channel memory (expandable to 8GB)
Enough memory to handle today's most memory-hungry applications
•750GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive
Store your music, videos, photos and documents with plenty of space to spare
•16X DVD Super Multi Double-Layer Drive
Play and create CDs and DVDs with this double-layer DVD/CD burner drive
•Wired Ethernet
Connect the eMachines Desktop PC to a broadband modem with 10/100 Ethernet LAN
•NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE integrated graphics

Additional Features:
•Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
•6 x USB 2.0 ports, 2 x PS/2 ports, 1 x VGA port, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, 6 x audio jacks, 1 x Ethernet (RJ-45) port
•300W AC power supply included

Software:
•Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
•Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial
•Norton Internet Security 2009 Trial
•eMachines Recovery Management
•Other software from Adobe, Google, WildTangent and more

 

In this case it is just what you have running at the time.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is, as the name suggests, the computer's short-term memory. The data that you want to load is moved from the hard drive to the RAM, and is then processed by the processor when it is ready. The results of the processing are then moved back to the RAM. The primary reason for the extra step is that RAM is a heck of a lot faster to access than a hard drive, meaning that open programs respond quicker etc.

You only need RAM for what you have open at the time, which at the very least will be the operating system (windows).

For what you wish to do either of the systems would be fine, although if you get the first one I would get an extra GB of RAM for around $30.

 

Does a basic user really need 3 GB ram? I think 2 GB is enough. my old pc is win 7 home pre with a P4 and it runs fine.

 

I would go with the second option (the one for $398.00) because it has a better processor, a much larger hard drive and 2GB more RAM. That's worth the extra $100 bucks to me. However if you don't want to spend the extra, the cheaper one will do the job and I know everyone has been saying that it will run with 2 GB and it will but IMO it will run a lot smoother with 4 GB. My Win 7 came with 4 GB and it runs like a dream. I don't do anything other than surf, watch movies and upload my pictures to facebook :-D

 

I agree with you here. The upgrade is worth the money.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883109040 this seems like a much better deal to me.

 

Both really good choices!

But Collin's is much better, the CPU is significantly faster, and remember with oem machines, you cant OC, so you are stuck with stock, the rest of the machine is pretty similar so IMO get Collins'.

 

I don't think he wants to oc. I think he is just looking for a decent pc.

 

Yes, i guessed that, but i was saying that your choice had a 2.8ghz CPU, the other had a 1.8Ghz CPU, and if he got the 1.8 then there would be no way of making it go any quicker.

Therefor, the 2.8Ghz deal is a much better one.

 

The Compact at Newegg sounds good to me. I don't know what OC is, but if it's a better deal for the same money, that's always a plus. Am I to assume that you think Newegg is ok to order from? Thanks to all

 

Yes, newegg is ok to order from. I've order some stuff from there myself.

 

OC is overclocking, the process of making a processor run faster than the manufacturer sold it to do. i don't recomend you venturing into it just yet, you can end up in a mess of blue screens Etc, it was just an idea.

I've never used them myself as i live in the UK, but Newegg seems to be VERY popular on this forum.

 

Ya, newegg is very popular in the states and one of the best in customer service. As to OC'ing wombie should not and probably couldn't as the BIOS would be locked. Anyways, he has absolutely no reason to OC and probably not want to either.

 

Thanks to everyone! It's great to have a place to go for information from those in the know...

 

I forgot I need a new monitor! Any suggestions?? Thanks!

 

What size?

Budget?

 

Since you brought up the part about the monitor, I just thought I'd let you know that I've bought 3 re-furbished PC's (2 laptops and a desktop) from Dell and they all run beautifully(except for one but it's my own fault because I cracked the LCD screen on one of the laptops, now it's just a huge paperweight until I get money to buy a new screen rolleyes) and I just looked at the selection of re-furbed desktops and found some nice ones with in your price range like this one.

The nice thing about buying the re-furbs is they give you an option to purchase a monitor (re-furbed too) at a reduced price because you are purchasing a tower. The ones I saw for that model PC I linked above ranged in price from $105.00 to $159.00. It's a good deal for the money to me and haven't had any problems with them (which is why I got the laptops there because I was very satisfied with the desktop). Just something to think about

 

I appreciate the info about the refurbished computers. I'm not big on buying used anything, especially something I know nothing about. I'm sure I could get a bargain, but I'm a little scared off...

Size & Budget....I think I understand 17" is about as small as you want to go and as far as budget, the least expensive I can get with a good pix considering I don't do any gaming or photo printing and don't need anything fancy. Hi-def anything (tv, etc) I don't care about....
Thanks!

 

Hi Wombie, you can get a nice 19" widescreen for about $100. I have an Acer and it is massive on top of my desk.

Any one of those comps that you mentioned will more than do what you need it to do.

I would side with majority and go with choice #2, just in case your needs change and you need a little more umpf!

Sometimes, too much is better than not enough.

If you bought the 1st one and then decided that you need more juice, you end up cracking it open and upgrading anyway.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Good advice coming from someone who can't leave well enough alone.

My system has morphed a few times since I built it last March.

 

I understand your fear about buying refurbished (which actually isn't really used, well it is but they make it back to factory settings as if it were a brand new PC) and I was nervous myself but honestly if I had any problems with them I wouldn't have bought 2 more (why you might ask does one girl need 3 computers? LOL) I just thought I would put the idea out there in case you were interested.

 

I'd go with the compaq form newegg.

I think a monitor like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009185 would be good

If you want to spend $15 more for 20 inch http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009158

 

Pclover's suggestion is a good'un, i'll through one in right in the middle (size wise) 19",http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254023 and is the same price as the 17".

 

Wombie, a 19" widescreen is pretty big. I originally wanted a 23", but the seller ran out and I had to go down a few sizes to stay within the budget.

I can't say I'm disappointed, but that 23" would have been awesome.

Here's a pic of mine next to a 1/2 gallon of Turkey Hill Iced tea, to give you some size perspective.
The Logitech speakers are 6" tall.
Still trying to get used to the new camera. :-o

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v713/b44t/003.jpg

 

I'm going to go with pclovers suggestion about the compaq and the 20" acer monitor. I can get the monitor from amazon for $17 less than newegg. Is it worth paying the extra to buy from newegg?

 

I'd say so but it's up to you. I've had great experiences at newegg. If you get something broken and then go to the customer service they pay to ship your item back if you want a replacement item. They have the best customer service.

 

Good choices. I've bought from New Egg and they have always been good to me.

That Compaq will do everything that you need and more and you will not be disappointed with a 20" monitor.

Good luck and please post back after you get your new comp up and running.

 

Good customer service is pretty rare these days, great customer service is practically non-existant! It's worth the extra money to me upfront so I don't have to worry about problems later. Thanks everybody for your time and information. I'm on my way to the website to order!!!

 

Well I got my computer and monitor set up. I love it! It's fast! I'm still playing with windows 7. The only thing I don't like about the monitor is that some of the web pages are a little small. I've been messing with resolution, enlarging text, etc and it's ok. I used the magnifier and it works but the letters aren't as clear. Anyway I LOVE it! I need to get a adapter plug for my printer, no big deal. Some of them are kinda pricy. I'm not sure if they all work with my printer or not hp deskjet 540. Just another big thank you to all of you. I really appreciate your help and advice!!:clap

 

Great news!

Does your printer have a connection like the one below?

If so, then you need a cable like the on below. They should be around £3, $5.

http://www.intelligentcomputersolutionsnc.com/shop/images/usb_printer.jpg

 

It looks like I'm going to have to get a new printer. Mine isn't Windows 7 compatible. I think I'm going to get another cheap deskjet. I rarely print anything and never print photos.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16828115523 should be good for you. Cheap cost efficient.

 

I've convinced my daughter to start buying "disposable" printers. You can get a new printer for less than the cost of replacing both ink cartridges on most other printers.
The color cartridge usually lasts 2X as long as the black, for what she does.
When she runs out of the color and needs to replace both, she just gets a new printer for less than the cost of new ink.
We put the old printers out with the trash and someone usually comes by and picks them up.
They get a free printer and we get the satisfaction of knowing that it is not just ending up in the dump.
Win, win.

 

I know what you mean! The ink is outrageous! I rarely print anything and certainly nothing meaningful. I was thinking about the one suggested by pclover. Maybe even the deskjet scan/print/copy. My husband thinks it would be nice to have the extras. I think less is best....
Thanks again for your input.

BTW: The ink that comes with the printer, is it a full cartridge? I thought I read that some are only partially filled.

 

Should be a full cartridge.

My daughter was going out to buy ink for her Canon printer that would have cost her $45 for both black and color.
I looked online and found her this printer, which was a step up from what she had: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-Pixma-MP250-Photo-All-In-One-Inkjet-Printer-Copier-Scanner/12534987

Very nice printer at a great price.

 

You could go down the disposable printer route, but i think that could be unreliable at times with a new printer every month but if i was you i would get a decent Brother printer that has cheap cartridges, like this one below.

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Brother_DCP_115C_Printer__6493444

There was no point in me posting a purchasable link, as i am the UK.

 

Now me personally, I go for a little better of an office machine and usually get a few years out of them.

My daughter will go through about 3X to 4X as much paper as I do, maybe even more.

The disposable printer idea for OP was mainly because they stated that they don't really do that much printing, so a cheaper throw away might just be what the doctor ordered.

I'm still on the original ink cartridges in wifey's HP printer, that came with the computer bundle that I bought probably 3 years ago, maybe even longer, don't really recall the exact date.
When they die out, I will most definitely buy another disposable printer for her.

I do, however try to stick with the same brands, to make getting used to them as little easier.

For me, it's just a matter of being frugal (cheap)!! :-D

 

I bought the Canon all-in-one and just got it hooked up. Everything was easy. It IS pretty noisy, which isnt' a problem except that it sounds like it's tearing apart! I'll get used to that....Thanks again to everyone for your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future and I sure no where to go for answers!