Build or buy

[Lead_Dog]

DILEMMA-
I have a Dimension 1100 with xp pro sp3. Approx 4-5 years old.
When I bought this computer I wiped the drive to get rid of all the Dell crap.
Used for home/home business. Not a big game player.
I would like something faster/newer.
Here is where I'm stuck. Do I buy a second computer(PC) or build one?
Dilemma 2-
Should I buy or build a PC or try my hand at a notebook/laptop?
Although I don't get out much a laptop could come in handy at times.
I'm pretty handy, can I learn and repair notebook computers pretty easy? Are they expandable?
Are there videos (preferably free) on repairing notebook/laptops?

Money is not a problem. I don'y have any...ok I have some.

Ideas?

[jdeb]

1. I would build one because you can build to your exact use or needs. We can help you with the hardware selection based on your use and budget. We only recommend high quality, reliable hardware on this forum. In terms of building yourself, we have excellent guides and members on here to help you along the way. If your budget is really low, we may direct you towards an OEM system, we usually recommend the Dell Outlet for that. I usually direct people towards Lenovo Outlet.

2. Laptops are pretty proprietary so you want to get it right the first time. They are limited in terms of upgrade, usually memory and hard drives. Decide what you are going to use it for and how much. It sounds as if you are considering a desktop replacement, so that will put you in a higher bracket in terms of cost. The recommended desktop replacements on this site are Dell Latitudes, Lenovo Thinkpads, and Asus. If you are planning on a laptop to be used as a desktop be sure to buy a docking station with it.

Desktop PC's are generally less money, more powerful and offer a better upgrade path. If you are looking to go mobile, then the addition of a "lease turn in" type laptop from Lenovo or Dell are better options because of the lower cost and limited use. I personally never have owned a brand new laptop, I always have bought a lease turn in and have had great luck with them. My current laptop is a Lenovo X60 that I bought for 199.99. I dropped in 2 gigs of additional memory (40.00) and a new battery (75.00) and it serves me well, I have had it for three years and never had a problem with it and I use it almost every day.

In terms of repairing laptops, Dell Latitudes and IBM Thinkpads are the best. They are well built and designed and are very durable. In the event something does break, they are easy to take apart and repair. You can download their service manuals which will guide you through the disassemble and reassembly with detailed steps and pictures.

[Lead_Dog]

Originally Posted by jdeb 1. I would build one because you can build to your exact use or needs. We can help you with the hardware selection based on your use and budget. We only recommend high quality, reliable hardware on this forum. In terms of building yourself, we have excellent guides and members on here to help you along the way. If your budget is really low, we may direct you towards an OEM system, we usually recommend the Dell Outlet for that. I usually direct people towards Lenovo Outlet. 2. Laptops are pretty proprietary so you want to get it right the first time. They are limited in terms of upgrade, usually memory and hard drives. Decide what you are going to use it for and how much. It sounds as if you are considering a desktop replacement, so that will put you in a higher bracket in terms of cost. The recommended desktop replacements on this site are Dell Latitudes, Lenovo Thinkpads, and Asus. If you are planning on a laptop to be used as a desktop be sure to buy a docking station with it. Desktop PC's are generally less money, more powerful and offer a better upgrade path. If you are looking to go mobile, then the addition of a "lease turn in" type laptop from Lenovo or Dell are better options because of the lower cost and limited use. I personally never have owned a brand new laptop, I always have bought a lease turn in and have had great luck with them. My current laptop is a Lenovo X60 that I bought for 199.99. I dropped in 2 gigs of additional memory (40.00) and a new battery (75.00) and it serves me well, I have had it for three years and never had a problem with it and I use it almost every day. In terms of repairing laptops, Dell Latitudes and IBM Thinkpads are the best. They are well built and designed and are very durable. In the event something does break, they are easy to take apart and repair. You can download their service manuals which will guide you through the disassemble and reassembly with detailed steps and pictures.

I am looking at the whole thing as a second computer. The new one if a PC will become the main computer. The Dell 1100 I have now would be a secondary. If I go notebook/laptop....I'm not sure which would be main. I have not used notebooks so I have little knowledge of their capabilities.

I plan is to use windows 7 OS

[Lead_Dog]

Another thought (consideration) is home automation

[Lead_Dog]

In your answer you say Dell Latitude and IBM Thinkpads are best for repairing. What about your Lenova? Is it easy to fix/upgrade?


You have been very helpfull. Thank you. Loren


PS: I:ll be bugging you some more most likely

[quartet-man]

Lenovo bought out IBM. I don't know whether he said IBM out of habit, or if he were talking older machines bought used. However, I think it has been around 4-5 years since the changeover.

Edit:
BTW, just FYI (I am not a mod), they want you to edit previous comments to change or add than to make several consecutive ones real close together time-wise. It keeps thread lengths shorter. You can do like me and type in EDIT above the addition so people who have read the most recent comment might notice there is more. However, as quickly as you made the other posts, no one else may have seen them yet anyhow.

[glc]

Laptops, regardless of brand, are very limited in their upgrade possibilities. Other than adding ram and replacing hard drives, that's about it. The better business grade laptops such as those mentioned are generally designed for relatively easy removal and replacement of failed parts with OEM replacements, and both Dell and Lenovo have the detailed service manuals for them available online.

Note that IBM Thinkpads are now Lenovo Thinkpads. IBM sold off their laptop and PC business to Lenovo several years ago.

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A couple of administrative notes - please use the EDIT button to add to your post if you think of something you need to add rather than make a new reply a couple of minutes later. I also removed your e-mail address from your first post, it's never a good idea to post it in an open forum. I also moved the thread from the introductions forum to the BYOPC forum.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Lead_Dog In your answer you say Dell Latitude and IBM Thinkpads are best for repairing. What about your Lenova? Is it easy to fix/upgrade? You have been very helpfull. Thank you. Loren PS: I:ll be bugging you some more most likely

Sorry about that, IBM/Lenovo same thing. Lenovo used to be IBM

If you do build a desktop, it will be able to handle any home automation software or devices you require.