http://www.microcenter.com/
Posted on 02/17/2016 2:00:49 PM PST by Hot Tabasco
I'm looking to purchase a new computer and would like some advice.
SSD = solid state drive.
bttt
If you got a lot of old software you want to load onto the computer don’t get Windows 10, you will probably have to get all new software if you do.
If you do not mind a used computer, Apple sells refurbished near current machines at their online store.
http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/mac
If you are not minding an older mac but can’t afford the Apple prices, Check out OWC (MacSales) for some more reasonable prices on older machines
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Apple_Systems/Used/Macs_and_Tablets
Judging from the lightweight use you say you have (websurfing and Word/Excel) I’d go for a laptop. The convenience of being able to take it anywhere is huge, once you do. If you go with one, I recommend a 3 button/scrolling wireless mouse for convenience. Pick one with at least a 17” screen and a comfortably sized keyboard.
That said, I prefer a desktop for higher end programs, such as graphic editors (like PhotoShop), which benefit from lager monitor real estate and dual monitor set ups, and assorted input devices. Overkill for your usage, though.
I prefer Apple products, since mine have been great quality and lasted, compared to various Windows boxes and laptops, which rarely seem to last more than 3 yrs. for me. But, you pay a premium for quality hardware, regardless of brand.
Since you are in Michigan, if your profile is up to date, then visit a Micro Center store. Make friends with the oldest Mac sales rep there, and start up a conversation about where you are and want to go.
We haven't discussed affordability, but please do not buy the cheapest unit that you find. Unless you want to repeat the process in 2-3 years.
After a lifetime in DOS and Winders, I will make the jump to Mac after the next series of announcements in April. Win 10 has just enough security and technical holes as to make it unwanted. Not unusable just unwanted.
For you situation, look at the Mac Minis. Talk to the Micro Center sales rep about clearance and returns. I no longer buy any refurbs anywhere unless from Apple or Micro Center (and only Apple refurbs).
There are several websites that track Apple product changes. One is here:
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Mac
You sound like you tend to keep your computers a long time. A 10 year old Mac is a usable device. A 10 year old Windows box is junk. I have a stack of them in the garage.
Make the jump, you won't be sorry.
“I’ve purchased at least 3 PC’s on Tiger Direct....
Never had a problem....”
You will now. They went out of business last month. Picked up some computer utility hardware for under $5 a piece.
Did not know that!!
Thank you for your advice. I'm clueless on what you mean by a "Micro Center Store". Are you referring to an Apple store and if so, then there is one in a local shopping mall near by.........
http://www.microcenter.com/
Yeah, that last order I got barely made it here. The box had a bunch of its single layer of tape unstuck around the box. The top flap could fold in. But everything was inside and in clamshell plastic packages, so no harm.
TigerDirect still exists in name as a B2B website run by PCM marketing. Tiger Direct sold all its retail store and facilities. The last 3 stores and the Napierville IL distribution center along with their brand name were sold for a paltry $14 mil. are gone. Something’s shady there.
I think the original owners are still making buys and pushing products into the B2B site. Imo Tiger Direct B2B may just be a shell or front company for the original buyers who are acting as resellers of deals they come across which they then push to PCM’s marketing’s B2B “TigerDirect Business” website.
Or I could just say “Amazon.com”.
Thank you Nascar.......FWIW, the more responses, the more confusing it's getting.......LOL!
Frys is another one. Not sure if in Mich.
We have one here in Indianapolis.
frys.com
They have a location in the Detroit suburb of Madison Heights, at 32800 Concord Drive. Wasn't sure how far that was from where you are.
There are many good Apple stores, and if you live in a small town far from Detroit, many excellent Apple retailers.
And there is always mail order.
It maybe time for a road trip to see the “Apple way”, but please take a hard look at moving to Apple before buying yet another PC.
If you really decide to get a PC, freepmail me. I'll send you one for free. It may be kinda old but it will leave here running.
Just understand that there is little follow up tech support. I'm just burnt out fixing old, slow virus ridden PCs.
If you want a guaranteed system with reputable help and do not mind waiting for a sale in order to save a bit, try here:
http://promotions.newegg.com/neemail/latest/index-landing.aspx
I tend to prefer refurbished HP Business models, mostly desktops because of their reliability, but I have a couple of their laptops and one or two Dell laptops as well for business travels and manufacturing controls.
Lenovo products seem to be quite reliable as well.
Toshibas are not recommended (YMMV).
If you buy an expensive new one, it’ll be obsolete in 6 months. So, buy an off lease used one and save 80% of the price. It’ll still be much more powerful than the one you would still be using if it hadn’t failed. I get off lease Dells. They have good support, and you can get a Win 10 box, core 2 duo for about a hundred bucks.
Oh yes, if all you wish to do is browse the web, email, webchat, draw on your computer and then print it out along with other things like greeting cards, spreadsheets, and documents, then yes, an Apple will do quite well for you.
More expensive than a PC, however. That being said, Newegg is always having a sale on refurb HP business machines that can do all of that and more, for less than 200 dollars, and if you wish you can install and dual-boot Linux to get even more mileage out of your machine.
A bit more of a learning curve than with the Apple option, but then again every time you have “upgraded” from one Windoze version to the next you have had to re-learn how to use your computer all over again so it is not all that difficult if people have been doing it for years now.
Simply depends upon your ultimate useage for the machine. For most people, browsing, emailing, and occasionally printing are all they really require their machines for.
My Dell crapped out about a year and a half ago, fried motherboard. A friend recommended Apple Mac, I was hesitant but took the plunge and bought a 15” Macbook Pro Laptop. Took awhile to learn the OS but now I love it, no viruses, fast as lightening. They are pricey but if you have the means I highly recommend it.
I am particular about typing, since I *can* type fast - if I am used to a keyboard. They move keys here and there - annoying. That is what I look for first.
Why not get ONE OF EACH !
I search on line the various places, and in the left hand list of the various selections and options, see lots of Win7 still around. Stick with Win 7 !!!!!!!!!
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