Replacing a Dead Computer

[grampska]

I've heard good things about Dell, but I have an HP laptop which I got free with a $20,000 continuing education program. I've had no problems with it (unrelated to the constant power surges my house gets). An HP is actually the highest ranked laptop right now on this site.

Before this laptop my main computer was one I bought in 1994. Of course, it slowly evolved and I replaced various parts of it every year. I would never go back to a desktop again.

Here's my breakdown:
Laptops:
Pros - portability, built in UPS
Cons - can be expensive to buy, expensive to fix, questionable Linux compatibility, SWMBO likes to steal it

Desktop:
Pros - more bang for the buck, games, cheaper and easier to fix and upgrade
Cons - not portable, size

Windows:
Pros - everything's supported, brainless operation
Cons - expensive, spyware, viruses, it's like shopping at Walmart

Linux:
Pros - free as in speech and beer, can be faster than Windows or a Mac, more customizable, non-conformist factor
Cons - less hardware support, things don't just work, i.e. Netflix's streaming capabilities

Mac:
Pros - OS looks cool, makes you one of the "cool kids"
Cons - expensive, laptops have constant hardware problems, makes you one of the "cool kids"

 

[TxBrew]

I really like Dell. I currently have 3 desktops and 1 laptop from Dell. Knock on wood they all work just like the day I got them and have never had a part failure.

I've always had the best experience with support and in fact everytime they give you a followup call to make sure everything is still fine.

I've heard horror stories but I'm really happy with Dell.

 

[scottthorn]

woot has a computer for sale right now.

Quite a bargain at $359.99 (+$5 shipping)! That computer has VERY decent specs:

200GB harddrive
2.4gHz AMD processor
1GB RAM
DVD burner (w/Lightscribe )
Built-in card reader

The downside is the warranty - only 90 days. If I wasn't spending all my extra income on brewing, I'd pick one up...

http://www.woot.com

Remember, they only sell one item per day and when they sell out it's gone forever...

 

[olllllo]

Gone forever.
Unless it appears in a woot off.

 

[sause]

Actually to match intel in performance u need the top of the line dual core amd to get the same performance as the second from bottom core-2-duo. Right now intel is kicking amd's ass.

I've seen matchups go both ways but most go to AMD. Wierd since they are testing the ame things but come up different results.

 

[scottthorn]

Gone forever.
Unless it appears in a woot off.

Still shows available when I refresh....

 

[olllllo]

Still shows available when I refresh....

I was referring to the post above mine that stated one product per day then it's gone forever. Yes, it's still there.

 

[Rick91981]

I've seen matchups go both ways but most go to AMD. Wierd since they are testing the ame things but come up different results.

You were likely looking at comparisons of AMD to the old Dual Core Pentium D and not the Core2Duo. Prior to the Core2Duo, AMD held the performace crown. Now that the Core2Duo is out, Intel wipes the flood with AMD. That is until AMD comes out with something next. It will always bounce back and force. But with what is out currently, C2D is the way to go.

 

[stout55]

Check out Dells site www.dell.com they have deals from 359-649 right now.
And with Laptops if the screen goes out they cost to much to replace and as far as ever thing else in a laptop, there is not much U can upgade.
keith
Technology Support Specialist,Network Admin
Novell,Groupwise,Zenworks
A+,MCP

 

[sAvAgE]

Well Since you already make your own beer. why not go out on a limb and build your own PC? It's not that hard.
It's Cheaper, you get what you actually want and you deal with manufacturers warranty.

And best of all, YOU get to CHOOSE what operating system goes on it Except for OSX