Need some advice...

[sue]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this site and am so glad I found it. I'm trying to become a bit more computer wise and this seems to be a great place to learn.
Forgive me if this question is a bit general and probably a bit lame. I am interested in getting a new computer. The one I have now is my first and I bought it from a friend's brother who worked at CompUSA. Apparently he was building them up himself. Anyway its a bit outdated and slow.
My computer needs revolve around email, a bit of websurfing, creating simple documents, downloading digital still photos, making flyers and invitations, the typical novice stuff. However, I am going to get a digital video camera soon and will be trying out some basic video editing, so I need to make sure that whatever computer system that I buy will be appropriate for that use down the line. I would like to transfer to DVD.
I have looked a bit at the Dell site and I know that many folks suggest that it is better to build your own computer. I checked that out to on this site and it really does seem like something I would like to try one day, just not right now.
Would anyone care to advise me on this matter? Should I go with Dell? If so, with my needs in mind can anyone make specific suggestions as far as exactly what I should focus on versus what I shouldn't be too concerned about regarding various components? Also what do I need to have to be able to download music from the internet and then use it in the video editing? I'm a bit confused about the whole CD R/W, etc...Sorry
Any help would truly be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[el_novato]

Welcome to the 'Mech Sue...Many of us here will agree that if you absolutely positively without a doubt have to buy prebuilt, Dell is the better system. The main reason many of us choose to build our own is we build according to what are needs are now. In your case, you would be better of building now. Many prebuilt computers leave you little, if any, room for upgrades down the road. Price a custom build and then head over to Dell and build as close to the custom build and the savings will be very little if any. Anyhow...we're here to help you...I'm sure someone else will come along and add some input.

Check out this thread for more info on prebuilt and building your own.

Hth...

e.n.

[Panama Red]

Welcome to PC Mech, Sue. Dell is often ranked number one among the prebuilt machines but of late one area has slipped for them - support. Many home users are dissatisfied with the offshore support that Dell uses in Banglador, India. So many business users complained that Dell has brought that support back to the US.

Dell is also among the manufacturers that chose to use a non-standard form factor for their wiring between the power supply and motherboard. This prevents upgrading either item at a later date. Often times folks want to use a higher quality video card than comes standard. To their dismay, they discover that either their motherboard doesn't have an AGP slot or the power supply is too low in wattage to support a high end card. For the same kind of money as you'd spend on a Dell, you can build your own using parts custom selected for your needs. And you'd be able to easily upgrade as your needs change. If you must by prebuilt, go with Dell, but if you can summon the courage to do it yourself, we're here to help you do it. It's much easier than you think.

[LawyerRon]

Hi Sue,
If you're primarily interested in "using" a computer, go with the Dell. When you factor in the bundled software, etc, they are a really good value. On the other hand, if you're primarily interested in "learning" about computers, building your own is the only way to go.

[Spartan]

Hey el novato just noticed we are neighbors. I am in Corpus.

I think Dell is a good machine just don't believe that you are going to get one for those really low prices they advertise. By the time you add on the stuff that will make the computer shine it will end up costing about what all the others cost. By all means stay away from E Machines. in my experience they are not worth a flip. I have heard good and bad about Gateway (many here seem to not like them) but I have no firsthand with them.

-Spartan

[rapidarp]

Originally Posted by Spartan Hey el novato just noticed we are neighbors. I am in Corpus. I think Dell is a good machine just don't believe that you are going to get one for those really low prices they advertise. By the time you add on the stuff that will make the computer shine it will end up costing about what all the others cost. By all means stay away from E Machines. in my experience they are not worth a flip. I have heard good and bad about Gateway (many here seem to not like them) but I have no firsthand with them. -Spartan

Welcome sue.

I agree with Spartan there. Keep away from Emachines. I got one as a christmas gift one year and had several troubles with it throughout the time I had it. I, too, have heard bad things about Gateway; their machines are crap basically. Dell would be your best choice. Good luck.

[kram 2.0]

Welcome to PC Mech forums Sue

I agree with all above - Dell's the generally accepted best choice. I've grown an personal sense of antipathy towards Compaq though - I've had to go through 4 of them breaking down every time. Not something that ensures quality IMO...now it's HP-Compaq.

kram

[Cricket]

Another option is to go down to your local neighborhood computer shop and see if they do custom builds (most do) and talk to them about your needs. Get a parts list or spec sheet from them and come back here and we can tell you if the computer they recommend is a good one or not.

The good thing with a custom computer from a shop is it's basically a home built PC that uses standard off the shelf parts (like we would build), no proprietary parts. And tech and warranty support would be close by.

Or you could ask around to see if anyone knows someone who builds computers where you live (that's how I get most of my "customers"...by word of mouth).

Cricket

[sue]

Thank you for the great responses.
My gut and my sense of adventure tell me to be bold and brave and build my own computer. I do think I'll give it a try!
There is a pretty good computer store (or so I'm told) close by that might be a good resource. Right next door are a Circuit City and a CompUSA, so I guess that might be a great place to start.
I'll try to pay them a visit this weekend and see what comes next. I will check back in as Cricket suggested and see what comes next.
Thanks again.

[glc]

Once you get your computer speced out, you can save money by ordering the parts from one or more of the quality online distributors such as Newegg, MWave, ZipZoomFly, Directron, and Provantage. Please do share your specs with us, we can steer you away from components that are substandard in our experiences and suggest good substitutes. On the other side of the coin, purchasing the *same* components locally may cost more, but you do have the advantage of someone local who may be willing to help if you have problems.