[Dana]

Since we have so many knowledgeable members here, please reply to this thread with replies on tips for people looking to buy a new home pc.

This could be a great resource for those shopping for something and not sure how much memory, hard drive space, etc. that they need.

My first piece of advice would be that you should ensure you get decent warranties with the computer. Many big brands used to offer 1 year on site, two years return to depot meaning that if a problem happens in the first year, they'll come to your house to fix it, and after that you send it in for up to two years. I don't think warranties are as robust these days so keep the warranty in mind when spending money as well as the support contract. You want support that's 24/7 because as we all know, problems happen at 2:am, not from 9am-5pm, typically.

Also, when looking at the computer, spend money on cold, hard capabilities. Pretty colours, or a fancy mouse or keyboard won't get you nearly as far as a faster processor or more memory. Mice (mouses? lol) and keyboards are cheap.

Next..

[diddy1]

Be sure to have a good and safe place to put it first. ESPECIALLY if you have kids.

Thank You

[m3talc0re]

Best advice: You get what you pay for.

[StarLab]

The only problem with warranty on pre-built computers (such as Dell) is the minute you open the case (if you are not an authorized technician) you void the warranty. (By ripping that little paper tab on the back of the case which reads, "Warranty void if removed")

So, if you want to throw a fax modem in the system, you have 2 choices. First, pay through the nose to have a technician to undo 2 screws and slide a card in, or second, take your chances and void the warranty by doing it yourself.

Personally, I have always assembled my own systems. I am yet to buy a pre-built system, or a brand name system. Not to mention, in the end you get more bang for your buck by selecting the components you want. Also, there is always the thrill of blowing something up! ;)

I am yet to find a pre-built system that has everything I want. Most bundles excel in one area, while lacking in others.

[Dana]

Good advice, Starlab as far as those who like to do their own tinkering with their pcs.
I guess the warranty comes mostly into play with people that have NO know-how on computers.
We have family friends that bought up old computers with out warranties and because I worked for a computer company they were on the phone to me daily for weeks after they first got it with questions. I tried to advise that just because I worked for a computer company...I wasn't a tech support person nor a systems engineer (lol) and that they really should've bought something new with tech support because they didn't even know how to get online by themselves.

[StarLab]

I used to work for Ridge Computers here in town about 10 years ago. I remember putting together the first "store-build" 486 system in Lindsay. I was so nervous handling all those shiney new parts.

I would go into the store at night and build systems for them. (Was just part time work) I personally knew most of the people who bought these systems, so when a problem came up, did they phone the store? NO! They phoned me!

I actually know of one of those systems still being used. I guess I built them good. :)

[Dana]

Great story, Starlab!
It's rare these days when things actually last..You really do get what you pay for as M3talcore said above..
Sometimes great deals come along though..

[iruldaworld]

I advice you to go on with a assembled system.Get a dual core processor(My recommendation -AMD athlon -dual core).Get a nice motherboard(My recommendation is ASUS mother board) .After that get a good cabinet and a good Harddisk. You should also invest in a quality mouse ,monitor and the usual stuff...

[tianlei]

Don't get more than you need. It's nice to have the fastest processors around and the best graphics card and stuff like that, but if you don't need them then it's just a waste of money.

[computer.man]

Make sure the comp has a L1 L2 cache.Get a harddisk with plenty of space.Buy a motherboard which supports 800Mhz ram.If you wish you can invest in a dual core processor.