Buying a computer

[nissannewby]

So we have 3 laptops here that are knackered and are wanting a new platform. I think desktop would be the best option as we really dont need the mobility of a laptop.

Now we only really use the computer for storage of photos and documents. Also for getting on the net, shopping, printing.

So I would like some advice on what to look at. Brands, sizing, retailers etc.etc.

Thanks in advance all info appreciated.

[NissanGQ4.2]

Thinking anything new entry level these days would suit your needs Matt. A lot of it just comes down 2 personal choice when it comes 2 brands and sizing, I personally would stay away from major retailers like Harvey Norman etc and buy from a dedicated computer shop.

Run a SSD, Solid State Drive for your main drive and a 1TB minimum for storage, a lot of people run external drives for backing up everything but I still prefer my old pc with a removable drive bay.

Do you know how much in GB you have in photo's and documents already?

Im sure Nic would be able to lead you in the right direction

[rusty_nail]

hey mate,

Ok so whats your budget? Personally I never recommend buying an entry level PC, they are cheap but nasty and you will get no longer than a couple of years out of them im sure you can relate to the frustration of using cheap parts and being more of a hassle in the long run.

If you have your heart set on a laptop (i know you havent but im just going through your options) you should be able to pick up a mid-high end laptop with good punch but shitty battery life(is the higher powered processors chew the power quicker) from JBHIFI for less than $900. Typically it will be last seasons model but for someone with your needs that shouldnt be a problem. Dont get caught up in the looks of them either, look at the specs before you take note of what it looks like. You will want to look for something with an Intel i7 processor or an AMD A Series processor (both should have higher mHz somewhere above 2.5), Minimum 8GB RAM and 1TB HDD. A PC like that should last you up to about 5 years if you treat it nicely. I know Todd said SSD but you will sacrifice too much data sotrage so that would be a waste.

Now as for a desktop.

You can buy Pre-packaged desktops but no matter who you buy from you will pay extra for the assembly. Steer clear of any major retailer when it comes to desktops. These Guys i have found to be one of the more competitive online retailers, i have been buying from them for years so they are not a fly by nighter operation that will be impossible to follow up on warranties. They sell only gaming PCS(which just means they are in the higher end) and will do everything you need, a decent one should cost you $1299. i dont know how cluey you are with computers, as an alternative you can assemble your own one(i can tell you what to buy) which will be MUCH better than a pre assembled one for about $1000(or less if you wanna skimp on certain things). If you dont feel capable of doing that swing me some $ and ill assemble it for you and send it onto you. I can even sort you out with the software you would need to get yourself started.

anyway, thats alot to read so take your time, go through it all and let me know what you think.

cheers

Nic

[jff45]

Mat, I bought a Dell Optiplex desktop with a Core 2 Quad (just to indicate its age) probably 7 - 8 years ago and it's still running faultlessly here. Also have 2 other Dell monitors that have never had an issue.
I liked the idea that Dell sell directly so no in between retailer markup.

[NissanGQ4.2]

hey mate,

Ok so whats your budget? Personally I never recommend buying an entry level PC, they are cheap but nasty and you will get no longer than a couple of years out of them im sure you can relate to the frustration of using cheap parts and being more of a hassle in the long run.

OK maybe I should not of recommended an entry level but was under the impression that Matt won't be using it much so entry level would be sufficient for his needs

I know Todd said SSD but you will sacrifice too much data sotrage so that would be a waste.

I only mentioned SSD as he was talking desktop where additional storage is not as limited as a lap top

And I never know what I'm talking about hence why I mentioned the you

[rusty_nail]

I liked the idea that Dell sell directly so no in between retailer markup.

they are the retailer, they markup the parts... there is no difference between them and joe blow computer store that assemble the PC they make from parts... dell just put their logo on it.

OK maybe I should not of recommended an entry level but was under the impression that Matt won't be using it much so entry level would be sufficient for his needs

buy better it will last longer simple!

And I never know what I'm talking about hence why I mentioned the you

well at least you know that! haha

[Cuppa]

buy better it will last longer simple!

My old laptop, a 2007 model used for hours daily all it’s life is still going strong, now as my wife’s machine & happily running modern software. The one before that lasted for 7 years I’m hoping my 2014 model will be just as good.
I’m not suggesting that Macs are for all, but agree that buying something as high specced as you can afford will last longer & remain updatable for longer.

[rusty_nail]

My old laptop, a 2007 model used for hours daily all it’s life is still going strong, now as my wife’s machine & happily running modern software. The one before that lasted for 7 years I’m hoping my 2014 model will be just as good.
I’m not suggesting that Macs are for all, but agree that buying something as high specced as you can afford will last longer & remain updatable for longer.

FYI, macs are under spec'd, the only reason they run well is because the OS is very light weight. it is also the reason they phase them out easily, because they just increase the demands and minimum requirements of the newer software and boom its superceeded, no longer supported and makes you have to go buy a new PC

[jff45]

they are the retailer, they markup the parts... there is no difference between them and joe blow computer store that assemble the PC they make from parts... dell just put their logo on it.

HP and others also markup the parts don't they? Then they sell to Harvey Norman, Good Guys, etc who markup the whole thing.
Dell gets built in Asia with their labor costs while Joe Blow computer shop has to earn the wage level here..

I see a difference..

[rusty_nail]

HP and others also markup the parts don't they? Then they sell to Harvey Norman, Good Guys, etc who markup the whole thing.
Dell gets built in Asia with their labor costs while Joe Blow computer shop has to earn the wage level here..

I see a difference..

sure here is your difference:

Dell PC LINK the price(incase the link doesnt work) is $1099 but thats missing an SSD as they dont offer that option, the retail for a HDD like that is about $100, also consider that the RAM, PSU and storage HDD is the cheapest that Dell can purchase at the time. There are big differences between cheap RAM and expensive ram even though they may both be 4GB they are totally different(incase you didnt know). Total cost is around $1199 with inferior parts.

ALSO this is an overseas company so you are not supporting local business and chasing warranties with Dell is a PITA i know because i do it for a living in a high school and deal with HP and dell daily.

Joe Blow PC LINK better quality parts, Australian company, $1299 same warranty as Dell offer and much better after sales service.

i think the difference speaks for itself there.