What desktop should I get?

[awallen23]

I'm looking to buy a nice desktop, in the $900-1,200 range, for basic use including some gaming but not much, music, productivity software, etc. I've heard many bad things in the past about Dell, so I'm thinking about avoiding them. Please let me know any recommendations. Thanks!

[mairving]

Dell is fine. It's much better than some of the others out there. You could always build you one since you have a pretty good budget. You might even consider a laptop if you need portability.

[kev7555]

You could build a much better computer then a Dell on that budget. Then you would also get everything you want, customized!!


-Kev

[glc]

You could build a much better computer then a Dell on that budget.

Only if you are building a gamer.

[doubledragon5]

Build your own, it not hard to do and very rewarding when it is all finished.. Do a lot of reading here, you will learn a lot, and realize it is not that hard to do..

[minsonngo]

I agree with building your own... look around here http://www.pcmech.com/forum/build-your-own-pc/ and you will see many threads with custom build lists that may suit your needs and budget.


Look here for a good article on "To Build or Buy": http://www.pcmech.com/show/build/756/

Here is a good starter guide if you want to build: http://www.pcmech.com/show/build/282/

[calmius]

I've heard only bad things about Dell. I recommend get something like Gateway of HP if its desktop you want and not to build your own.

I guess in your situation its skill and availability of time in question. If you have time to build your own I would build. With the budget you mention you can get super duper nice computer for like $900. Just make sure to ask questions on this forum.

Originally Posted by awallen23 I'm looking to buy a nice desktop, in the $900-1,200 range, for basic use including some gaming but not much, music, productivity software, etc. I've heard many bad things in the past about Dell, so I'm thinking about avoiding them. Please let me know any recommendations. Thanks!

[Staren]

Originally Posted by calmius I've heard only bad things about Dell. I recommend get something like Gateway of HP if its desktop you want and not to build your own.

You would actually suggest a Gateway period shocks me, but over a Dell?! HPs are *ok* if you can get the crapware off, but out of maybe 8 or 9 Gateways I've had to deal with I've had exact;y one that didn't go south on me.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by awallen23 I'm looking to buy a nice desktop, in the $900-1,200 range, for basic use including some gaming but not much, music, productivity software, etc. I've heard many bad things in the past about Dell, so I'm thinking about avoiding them. Please let me know any recommendations.

DELL computers aren't that bad but if you want to stay away from them and don't want to build your own computer, then take a look at the HP computers.

Cricket

[doubledragon5]

I have a six yr old dell that my daughter uses and she hasn't had any problems with it yet.. My inlaw has a 4yr old gateway and he has had nothing but problems.. Dell is far better than Gateway.. They only thing Gateway offers over Dell is complete US customer support...

[Avalanche941]

I agree with kev. On that budget, you could build a great computer, what with 2GB of ddr2 getting near $60, and the C2D/X2 price reductions.

[Technology]

Originally Posted by doubledragon5 I have a six yr old dell that my daughter uses and she hasn't had any problems with it yet.. My inlaw has a 4yr old gateway and he has had nothing but problems.. Dell is far better than Gateway.. They only thing Gateway offers over Dell is complete US customer support...

i disagree i think its the person not the computer in most cases...ALL prebuilt computers have potential for problems and all come with cheap budget parts. after that its up to the user to maintain it.

My uncle has a gateway that is 10 yrs old. and still running strong with sum upgrades of course (maintaining it). Its nickname is the Dinosaur.

[minsonngo]

^ Thats also very true.

But... everyone has their own experiences and preferences... there are brands out there that are good and others that are not so good. Just take your time to do your research and you will be fine.

[Disgrace]

Originally Posted by Technology My uncle has a gateway that is 10 yrs old. and still running strong with sum upgrades of course (maintaining it). Its nickname is the Dinosaur.

My dad has a Gateway which is 11 years old and going strong as well! Seems like they have good longevity.

[doubledragon5]

Originally Posted by Technology i disagree i think its the person not the computer in most cases...ALL prebuilt computers have potential for problems and all come with cheap budget parts. after that its up to the user to maintain it. My uncle has a gateway that is 10 yrs old. and still running strong with sum upgrades of course (maintaining it). Its nickname is the Dinosaur.

Um in this case it is the PC.. I'm the one who replaced the mb, cup, and psu in this machine.. So it was not the user.. My first Dell, before I started building was a problem for the first 6 months. Then was swapped for the refurbished one my daughter has which is problem free.. Are you going to say it was the user.. Personally you shouldn't judge whether it is a PC problem or a user problem unless you know the facts about a particular situation...

[minsonngo]

Originally Posted by doubledragon5 Um in this case it is the PC.. I'm the one who replaced the mb, cup, and psu in this ****** machine.. So it was not the user.. My first Dell, before I started building was a problem for the first 6 months. Then was swapped for the refurbished one my daughter has which is problem free.. Are you going to say it was the user.. Personally you shouldn't judge whether it is a PC problem or a user problem unless you know the facts about a particular situation...

This thread is getting just a little too heated now.

[Alaron]

__Moderator Note__

I have to agree with minsonngo on that comment. Folks, let's all calm down a bit.

Dragon, I edited the poor language out of your post. These are family friendly boards.

awallen23, I apologize for your thread running off track. The bottom line is that everyone is going to have their own opinions and experience with what has worked for them in the past. While I would also suggest building your own, we can help, choosing any of the big names has the potential to be great, or have problems. It is often the luck of the draw.

[awallen23]

Thanks for all the input guys... I can see that purchasing a desktop is almost completely based on personal preferences and past experience. I'm actually trying to help a friend pick out a computer, and he does not want to build it and I simply don't have the time to build one for him otherwise I would. I know you can get a much better pc for a better price if you build it. Thanks again!

[freakitchen]

In that case, awallen, buy your friend a PC based on what he needs rather than setting that (quite high) budget and trying to find a system that matches it on a cost basis. For a non-gaming, but still high-performing system, you should look into a system that has a dual core processor, with 2GB of RAM and perhaps a low-end dedicated video card (something that doesn't utilise system RAM). We can advise you on this score if you link us to some pre-built systems.

As you've probably seen from this thread, brand choice is not an objective thing. My experience on these forums, and personally, is that Dell use quality components and have decent support. No manufacturer is perfect.

[doubledragon5]

Sorry Ya I got just a little heated.. I should know better than to let a comment ruffle my feathers...