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New computer??

Fri, 21/07/2006 - 8:55pm — Amy

Ok, so after struggling with my 2 old computers for one time too many, I've decided to take the plunge and buy a new computer.
I think a laptop would be best for me, for a few reasons, one of which would be the fact that I don't have to get it delivered or try to find some way to get it home, like I would a desktop.

My problem now is, which one to buy Puzzled: Puzzled:
There's a few that are on special at the moment, which end up being between $789 and $900 after cashback on some of them.
The brands are Acer, Toshiba and Compaq; from what I've seen so far. They're all pretty similar in functions etc.

I could really use some ideas/tips/opinions on this, please!!!

‹ Weary traveller :( The great knitting lesson - at 'meet the MC' day ›
Sat, 22/07/2006 - 1:33pm — Ren

New computer??

It depends what you want to use it for. I have an acer & i've never had any problems with it. HP's are good too but i would avoid Dell, had one of those & it wasn't very good. A friend of mine who works in IT also says avoid Dell. Happy shopping Laughing out loud

Sun, 23/07/2006 - 1:26pm — Abbey

New computer??

Try to get a dual layer DVD burner, at least 40 gigabyte hard drive and as many USB2 ports as you can (though, that can be remedied Smiling) Also make sure they throw in a good software bundle with an XP disk and Nero (the rest is probably downloadable)

Our circle has a Dell and 2 Acers. They are all pretty good, but one of the Acers has lost its inbuilt network capability. Its very odd as its used as a desktop and very rarely at that, I would have expected one of the other 2 to have had the problems. I've heard some lousy things about Dell, but we haven't had a problem with ours. That being said though, I'd go with an Acer myself.

Friends of ours have a Toshiba that is so old it looks like a kids toy, but its still soldiering on Smiling

Sun, 23/07/2006 - 4:47pm — Amy

New computer??

Well my old laptop is a Toshiba too, and I think it kind of looks like a kids toy too, difference is it's not too good with the soldiering on!!

Can I ask why you suggest a dual layer dvd burner? On a laptop those are pretty pricey at the moment, although the cheapest one I've seen seems to be just about the price range I was looking at, it's $999 at Officeworks, however I'm not entirely sure its a dual layer dvd burner, it just says dvd burner.

Why is this all so confusing to me??? Puzzled: Puzzled

Mon, 24/07/2006 - 2:09am — Abbey

New computer??

only because it'll save you having to upgrade.

Programs and files are just getting more and more verbose in their code, meaning you need more room to store them. The graphics are getting heavier and 3D is about to come in in a big way. You are never going to need less storage with the way things are going, the more the better.

Getting a laptop now means you are catching the last wave before dual-processors are necessary to run the standard windows operating system (Windows Vista, currently in beta release and very very bulky) which *should* mean that you can use that as a bargaining point should you want to give a shop incentive to upgrade you to something a bit snazzier for the same cost

Have you checked out more generic places like www.arc.com.au? I've gotten my last 2 machines from there, and the prices are pretty impressive. Not sure if they do laptops, but I know there is a place in Homebush that has a good reputation and is pretty cheap, I'll look up the address.

Tue, 25/07/2006 - 7:19pm — Amy

New computer??

Ok, so now I've looked at www.arc.com.au, and at a few other places like them I found online. Unfortunately I seem to be more confused than ever now!!
I think I'll also look at the 2 computer places in Campbelltown, see what they're like too. I might also go to Liverpool where Arc have a store, see what kind of prices I can get.
I think you're right about the dvd burner too.
Oh, and what's your opinion of XP Home vs Professional??

Now to unmuddle my brain, and work out what to spend my money on!!!

Tue, 01/08/2006 - 6:39pm — Amy

New computer??

Ok, I don't want to bug more about this, but just a couple of questions before I go spending my money (which has to happen soon, I'm ready to throw this desktop off the balcony!! Evil )

1. What speed dvd burner should I be looking for?
2. XP home or Pro?
3. Are Intel Celeron M processors ok?
4. Should Office be included?
5. What do you think is a decent price for a laptop?

Sorry about the questions, I just don't have anyone else to ask stuff like this. (My brother is of the opinion that I don't need a computer at all, because I don't know anything about them...and as far as my dad, he doesn't know that I have the money to buy a computer, and wouldn't want me to spend my money on a brand new computer. Evil )

Tue, 01/08/2006 - 9:16pm — Abbey

New computer??

1) Jerry says "buy a Pioneer DVR-110D *OR* DVR-111D which should be about $60-$80 tops " which are pretty good value and very reliable. My writer is 8x speed, but for the best writes you set it as low as you can stand as that reduces the risks of making pretty coasters. I had a sony and I killed it, I now have a Gigabyte which is a cheaper brand but according to the road testing in the computer magazines, they are one of the best value for money, however they are pretty comparable to the Pioneers and out of the two i'd go Pioneer.

2) May as well go Home, I don't think there is a great deal of difference. If you have a valid student card you should be able to get the student edition.

3) Perfectly fine. Price should have dropped on those recently also so there should be a good deal to be had.

4) If its not you can get a free version called Openoffice from SunMicrosystems. It will open all MS documents, but the settings are slightly different so your formatting will be j-u-s-t out of whack. If you can get office included, all the better. If its a dealbreaker, there are alternatives.

5)Variable. I'd say definitely under 2K because you can get one for $1999 at Aldi a few times a year. (which incidentally is pretty whizbang except that it runs a bit hot.)

Hope that helps you on your quest! (btw, i have 2 spare floppy drives here that i'm not using so you are welcome to one of those too Smiling)

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