Buying a new computer?

[xclicks]

Hello,

I am on the market for a new desktop. Looking for
something decent but do not want to spend alot of
money, of course.

I would like a complete package with monitor, Windows XP,
CD-RW, etc... Not just a tower with no operating system and
no monitor.

I would appreciate any suggestions or links to
good deals. So far I was considering Dell, but I may
just go shopping at the local Best Buy or something.

Regards,

[RocketJeff]

If you don't mind buying a 'refurbished' machine that usually has only a 90 day warranty, check out the machines at Computer Geeks Discount Outlet (http://www.compgeeks.com/).

Be sure you know what you're getting and can handle it (i.e. some machines come without an OS, but most do).

I bought my current notebook and desktop machines from them.

BTW - with shipping charges, it always has worked out cheaper getting a monitor locally rather then mail order.

Edit: correction - it looks like their current stock of machines all come without an OS. There stock seems to turn over every week, so you might want to check back.

[TKD Dude]

Dell have the best prices at the moment... (over here in Ireland anyway!!)

but I find the support on a hp system is unbeatable... next day replacement of parts or call out. For the extra couple of bucks its worth it. I would only buy from hp or dell or similar. They all come with OS (of your choice) as standard with monitor or flat screen... and as much or little RAM as you want.

If you are going to buy a cheaper ying yang machine, check the support/warranty on it..... dont want to be a few months down the line with a PC that wont boot due to hard disk failure or something!!! Dont learn the hard way!!

[xclicks]

This computer shopping is getting very frustrating!
Just like anything else now a days ... These companies
advertise prices that are just plain false! They advertise
a computer for $699 but then you find out if you want a
mouse it will really cost $1299.

Ok, I know I'm exaggerating but this is very frustrating.
Everyone makes the pricing as complicated as they can so
its too hard for the customer to compare the deal they
are getting. This is just down right wrong!

Buying a new computer is almost as bad as buying a new car!

Well now that I got that off my chest ... so far to me it seems
like the best deal I can find (package deal) is from gateway.
But I'm so confused at this point I would really appreciate
your thoughts on this package deal from gateway.
Here is the base unit ...
http://www.gateway.com/home/prod/hm_310s_proddetail.shtml

After adding a 17" flat panel monitor, the price comes to around $899.00

I have also been considering shopping around a little on eBay.


Thanks again,

[bdoc]

Originally posted by xclicks
This computer shopping is getting very frustrating!
Just like anything else now a days ... These companies
advertise prices that are just plain false! They advertise
a computer for $699 but then you find out if you want a
mouse it will really cost $1299.

They're all starting to be like that. Dell is getting especially bad in my opinion.


I have also been considering shopping around a little on eBay.

Be VERY careful if you're purchasing on eBay. The company I worked for sells notebooks on ebay, and from dealing with customers that have purchased off other sellers before coming to us I've heard some scarrrryyy stories.

I'm not saying that eBay is not a good place to shop (I think the company I worked for had a 99.5% positive rating overall ~ combined 2500+ feedbacks, and there are many others with similar ratings that sell computers), it actually can have some of the best prices around, however, keep in mind the old addage - If its too good to be true it probably is!

[jimnyc]

Give a look at http://www.tigerdirect.com

I've used them from a business perspective as well as personal and have never had a problem before.

They are better for the more experienced "builders" though, as you'll get MUCH better deals if you are willing to put things together yourself. Pre-built systems are quite competitive there too.

[satis]

Check out dellauctions.com. I was looking around on there for a laptop a while back. Prices seemed to beat Ebay by a tad (in general) and it's an official Dell site, so probably more reliable.

[bdoc]

Originally posted by satis
Check out dellauctions.com. I was looking around on there for a laptop a while back. Prices seemed to beat Ebay by a tad (in general) and it's an official Dell site, so probably more reliable.

Dell auction is a decent place to go.

You can also buy from Dell Financial Services (pretty much the same people that run Dell Auction) on eBay under the username: dell_financial_services.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=dell_financial_services&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50

[xclicks]

I think I've found a good deal and may buy it.
Check This out:

http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_dimen_desktops.htm

I am considering the Dimension 4100 base model
Right now it's only $749

Includes Color Printer, 17" Monitor, 80g Hard Drive, 512 mb ram
Plus the normal stuff ...

Sounds like a really great deal to me, what do you think?

Thanks

[bdoc]

They're doin' the free color printer promo this weekend too it looks like.