Opinions for a new computer

[chewie8008]

Hey just trying to get opinions on options for a new computer. I am really just wanting a new tower(no moniter, keyboard etc). But it seems like most retail stores only sell them in packages.

I have a Compaq now and like it better than Dell and Gateway. I especially dislike Dell(parents have one).

Anyways, I was looking for something kinda cheap nothing outrageously expensive. At rip off stores like Circuit City they have a Compaq w/ AMD Athlon 2.4g proc. 512 DDR SDRAM 200G harddrive for like $529. I looked at newegg, but they seem to have a lot of no names. I am not a computer expert(as you can tell by the brand I claim to like). But basically i'm used to my old 40gig 1.4 or 1.6 proc 128MB compaq. So this computer is better than my current.

Let me know if you guys know of any deals. As I know places like CC and Best Buy don't sell the best of equipment. I'm just scared to put one together myself or have someone do it.

Thanks.

[redwudz]

It's not really that hard to put a computer together. There are sites that guide you through step by step. When you buy a manufactured computer from the major companies, they are generally made with the cheapest parts they can find.

If you build one you may not save money, but you can get much better quality. Take a look at a AMD 2800 X64 754 CPU, 512MB memory, a couple of SATA hardrives and the DVD burner of your choice. You should be able to put one together for about $500.

But if you want a preassembled computer, there are a lot of companies other than the ones you mentioned that make good machines. Look in a couple of the major PC magazines and take your pick.

[TooLFooL]

do you have a "fry's electronics" near you? man, they have these 'generic' specials: for $249 you get a 2.6 P4, 128 g ram, dvd-rom/cd-rw combo, with windows xp home, nero OEM, powerDVD, AND keyboard, mouse and speakers! of course you will need more ram, but they sell 512 DDR for $40-$50!
www.frys.com
check it out, new ad breaks every friday!

[smearbrick1]

Why don't you like Dell? Not pretty enough? If you buy the right Dell (stay away from anything that uses shared RAM and onboard video), the PCs are great for the money. I've had 3 now, and they are great. I've had a Dimension 8100, a Dimension 8400, and an Inspirion 600m.

Good stuff.

Not the best.

But... good.

[TooLFooL]

also now's really the time to get one... major 'back to school' specials going on if you look around. i've seen full-blown HP media centers for $500! again, not the best, but a great deal for the money

[erdons]

remember your dell gets put together in about 5 minutes, i wonder how delicate they are with all your components while assembling your piece of sh*t, i mean dell.

[Soopafresh]

I saw a $700.00 AMD 3200 512MB with 17" LCD Monitor on www.newegg.com


Pretty good deal. You might want a better video card, like a 6600 from Nvidia,

[jackal70058]

I have Gateway computer now. I got it May. My dad has Compaq, he says he not like it. But it very durable, he take it everywhere and all beat up but still works. Dropped it, left in airport, and use outside but still works. No bad computer.

I don't know, about Dell. Some people like, but other do not. Very expensive, same computer cost less inthe store.