Need Opinion on

Self

[notaliberal]

I would like to buy a new computer and I do not know what to buy. I was looking at the Sony VGC-V517G 17 " TV-PC or the Gateway all in one Computer. I do not plan on using it for anything in particular, but I would like one more powerful than what I have now. I would appreciate any information. Please not to technical. Thanks

[HAL9000]

I suggest taking a look at the new $499 Mac mini. It would be a fine machine to operate with an iPod.

You can add it to your existing Gateway system and use a KVM switch to alternate your keyboard, mouse and monitor between your PC and Mac at the touch of a button.

There is free software available for Mac to record Internet radio stations for transfer to an iPod.

[HAL9000]

Speaking of iPods, here is the latest rumor:

iPod mini moves to color screen with pending update

[HAL9000]

Sorry, I meant to say your existing Dell system, not Gateway.

[Khurkris]

My advice is to go to your local computer shop, thats been in business for more than 5 years, and ask them to build one to your liking. Ask them to use all name brand components (they probably will anyway) and do all of the driver updates for you before you pick it up.
This has several advantages.
They will be there when you need help and it will most likely bee free.
They will know what you have when you call them.
They will be there for emergencies if they occur.
They will have a human face, not a foreign call center.
You will be helping your local economy.
They can and will do any upgrades as soon as you want/need them.
They will have answers to your questions and probably a cup of coffee.

Just my advice. I've been doing this for both home & office for 10 yrs now and have never regretted it.

[The Other Harry]

> My advice is to go to your local computer shop, thats
> been in business for more than 5 years, and ask them to
> build one to your liking. Ask them to use all name brand > components (they probably will anyway) and do all of the
> driver updates for you before you pick it up.

I think this is good advice.

I used to enjoy messing around with computers. I don't anymore. If something goes wrong, these days I prefer to just call up the local guy I bought mine from and ask him to come over and fix it. He doesn't charge me much, and he gets it done right the first time.

[Beckwith]

Take a serious look at a Mac.

Gag. Too expensive for a first time user. Great if you want to draw pictures.

[Beckwith]

Dell.

Inexpensive. Component driven. Only need to buy what you want.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

What do you have now? That would make a recommendation much easier. Even still, take a look at what is available for seriously short money at the eMachines website. They have some fine, fine units and they have great support. You may like it. I love them and never have had a lick of trouble from the 3 that I've owned over the years. Some here will pooh pooh them. But they are good machines.

[ThePythonicCow]

I've been buying and setting up computers for friends and relatives and coworkers for years. I've setup Linux, Windows and Mac boxes, large and small. I've got a half dozen computers in the room with me right now, of all such flavors.

My number one tip, for many years now is ResellerRatings.com:

Buy online, from a top rated reseller. You get to work with the best of the best, for service, selection and price, world wide.

Here are some ratings of better known, and of some of the top rated, vendors:

Envision	9.89
Crucial (memory)	9.70
Newegg.com	9.68
Monarch Computer	9.26
ZipZoomFly	8.86
Tiger Direct	7.27
Apple Store	7.16
J&R Computers	7.07
Amazon.com	7.00
Fry's (Outpost)	6.87
Staples	5.96
Dell	4.48
Hewlett Packard	4.13
Overstock.com	3.82
Circuit City	2.94
CompUSA	2.59
Gateway	2.25
Best Buy	1.98

At one time or another, I or a family member has purchased from all of the above but two. The above ratings (except for Apple) are based on hundreds or thousands of customers, each, and do a good job of sorting the good from chaff.

Pick one of the top rated resellers. Both Envision and Monarch Computer sell fully built, ready to use systems. Some companies have high ratings, but based on just one or a handful of reviews, which doesn't tell you much.

Dell is a bit split personality - they do well by their business customers, but have a spottier record selling to individuals.

Stay away from those in the bottom half, unless you know exactly what you are doing, and don't mind dealing with poor or pushy service and a mix of good and not so good product, at sometimes fair and sometimes unfair pricing.

[ThePythonicCow]

eMachines has a lifetime rating at ResellerRatings.com of 2.79, and a rating over the last six months of 1.88, on just 4 reviews.

I would recommend staying away from them.

[ThePythonicCow]

Compaq

They have been merged with HP, which is having some difficulties. The ResellerRatings.com rating for HP lifetime is 4.13, but it has fallen to just 0.71 in the last six months, on 7 reviews. Ouch.

Beware.

[Happygal]

DO NOT buy a Gateway!

[ThePythonicCow]

You're right about Gateway.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I have a Commodore 64 I will sell you----

With tape drive?

[bigsigh]

please allow a macaholic to say thanx for posting those ratings.

[Unknown Freeper]

Hal, thank you for that link. I am debating getting an iPod and preferred the mini except for the issue with screen color. Now if it moves to color and with the larger drive, this will work just right.

[Unknown Freeper]

Apple 17" PowerBook.

You will fall in love.

And, yes, I can do everything I can do on my ThinkPad with Windows 2000. And just in case, I got Virtual PC for the Mac with Windows 2000 Professional which I haven't had to use. I have Office for the Mac which is even better than the Windows versions.

[HAL9000]

The latest rumor about the new iPods is that they will be released tomorrow.

But at this stage - it's only a rumor.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Why do you use such an old operating system on a (relatively) newish computer?

[NYC GOP Chick]

Interesting rumor. But would they really drop the price of the mini like that site claims?