for Sept. 10, 2003

Hi, All;

This week: I want a new PC--What should I get? Part - 1

I get this question several times a year, and I always have to ask two questions in return "What do you use your PC for? And how much do you want to spend?" I just bought a new fast PC and knew that I wanted a desktop model versus a laptop, faster than 2 gigahurtz, for a very low price. So I got on the Internet and went to several name brand PC websites and to a few low cost sites. With the name brand sites (Dell, Compaq, HP, etc.) I found they had good advertised prices, but when you went to order a PC, you had to purchase "package deals" that raised the cost out of my budget. I did not need/want a new monitor, printer and extended warranty. I just wanted a new computer with no extra cost frills. So I went to one of the late night TV infomercial advertisers and found that they had computers in my price range, but who had heard of the brand name? Well, I trusted the reputation of the business, based on the looks of their website, their infomercial, and the privacy, warranty, and return statements stated on the website in addition to how long they have been in business in a very competitive industry. Most PC's are all assembled the same way with the same parts no matter where you by one, so I purchased a 2.2 gigahertz off-brand PC. I received it in less than four days over a weekend, and even though instructions on installation and setup weren't included and the complimentary bundled software was not worth using, I like the PC. It is fast and seems to be very stable. That is my recent experience with purchasing a new PC. Next week we'll continue answering these questions for you.

'Til next week, (ComputerFAQ#155)

Robert

Sept. 10, 2003 What New Computer Should I Buy?

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July 12, 2000 Computer Definitions

July 26, 2000 More Computer Definitions

August 02, 2000 Defining Bits, Bytes and Hex

August 09, 2000 Internet Service Providers (ISP)

August 16, 2000 Backup up your PC

August 23, 2000 Backup Devices.

August 30, 2000 What is the slowest PC for Internet Access

September 06, 2000 PC Nomenclature

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September 20, 2000What Happens at boot up

October 04, 2000Desktop Areas

October 18, 2000Start Button

October 25, 2000Display Made Bigger

November 01, 2000 More Monitor Controls

November 15, 2000 Right Click Display Menu

November 22, 2000 More on Desktop Menus

November 29, 2000 More on Desktop Menus

December 06, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 1

December 13, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 2

December 20, 2000 Desktop Properties Menu - part 3