Computer Shopping, need help Options

Buying new computers is like buying new cars, I suck at both. I'm looking for assistance in finding some good deals for *new* or referbished computers, desk tops or lap tops. My price range is 500 or lower.

Currently I got my eyes set on a Toshiba satellite note book. It sports an Intel Celeron M Processor 420, 512mb DDR (wtf? direct drive?) memory, 60 GB, reads/writes CDs/DVDs and has integrated 802.11 b/g wireless LAN, and a 17'' screen. Basically while reading this ad I see 420 and the thing cost 499.99 after rebates. I understand it has 60 GB, can burn CDs/dvds and has wireless internet capability. - all things that are attractive.

Next thing I'm looking at is a COMPAQ featuring an AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3500+, 512 DDR, 200 GB, DVD+R/dual layer/DVD+/-RWdrive w/ Lightscribe technology (huh?), Windows xp media edition 2005, 16'' flat screen. So I read this ad as being about the same thing except its 449.99 and a desk top as a pose to a notebook.

Of these two which is the better deal? And do any of you know of any better deals. Keep in mind I'm not interested in buying from individuals. I am only looking to buy through some company.

Neither one is particularly bad. They're not top of the line, but then again, you may not NEED top o'the line.

My questions are:
1) What do you use it for?
2) How long do you plan on keeping it? (Windows Vista comes out soon, its sysreqs are MASSIVE and will probably not run well on either one of your selected machines)
3) Laptop or Desktop? It makes a difference...seeing as you have one of each that you're considering, please go back to question 1).

I have a Toshiba Satellite. Mine's about five years old, running Win XP, 1.8GHz Celeron, 512M RAM, 30G hard drive. I have a DVD reader in it, but it only burns CDs. As I mainly use the CD drive for backing up files andp laying Samurai Shodown II and Bladerunner, and only very rarely taking DVD screencaps, it fits my needs just fine. It doesn't have a prayer in hell of running Vista, though, so I'll probably have to replace it in a year or so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Offhand, I'd venture the Toshiba, because I'm familiar w/the brand and mine has been through hell and back. My mother's laptop is a Compaq and she loves it. So...

You can also go someplace like PC Club, tell them what you need and how much you're willing to spend, and they can suggest models for you.

Hope it helps.

Why don't you build your own???
That way you can skip all those beautiful 'implants' given by the manufacturer. Motherboaeds are relatively cheap and if you get your own tower then you can make sure that you get what you need. I've ended up rebuilding my old dell but unfortunately am stuck with the original tower/box. Tight fit! Upgradable hard drives are also relatively cheap. What will you be using this thing for? Music, Video, gaming, artwork...? But then again, I'm not very computer savvy. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wheelchair.gif)

PS I moved this thread here as it is about the only place that you can talk about non-occult topics...I've canned posts like this before because we are supposed to be an Occult site...LOL!'Computers' are fairly arcane to me!

Darkmage has good points you should consider when buying a new PC. It really depends on your needs but I'll suggest you build the specs yourself instead of buying the branded one. I spend about $1250 on a custom spec about 7 years ago for a middle upper performance PC and I only have to upgrade my audio and video card last year. I'd say, spend as much as you can so you don't have to upgrade anything much in the coming years.

I recommend the Toshiba. We own two of them and we've been happy with how they've performed. Wireless internet access is becoming more and more common and you'll find it very handy when traveling. It's nice to be able to carry your own data with you anywhere you might decide to go. I switched from desktops to laptops about 3 years ago and I'll never go back.

1) What do you use it for?

College (notes, photography, online courses, technology classes) mainly but also games, file sharing, mulitmedia and communication. I'd also use it as personal journal (keep my dreams and what not).

2) How long do you plan on keeping it? (Windows Vista comes out soon, its sysreqs are MASSIVE and will probably not run well on either one of your selected machines)

Thats a good tid bit to keep in mind about windows. Basically I need something affordable to a low income college student that would be good for at least 3-5 years. Given the products change so fast anymore I'd be happy if it works around 3 years.

3) Laptop or Desktop? It makes a difference...seeing as you have one of each that you're considering, please go back to question

Personally I'd want the notebook. It is advantageous in that its portable, I could take notes with it in class and reduce the amount of paper I'd have to carry. I could use the wireless internet at coffee shops, kinkos or public libraries and not have to pay for internet at my home. It has the same performance as the desk top so aside from the lack of hard drive space it would do about what I'd need it to do. Considering most games I play have less then 1/2 a single GB, meaing 60 GB is plenty, and run on less than 500 ram the notebook is still my prefferance in this right.

The desktop is cheaper and I could print things at home for free. It would also be harder to steal because its somewhat secure in my house and the 1/3+ of the time I'm home it'd be guarded by a trigger happy Acid09 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shoot2.gif). Really my biggest consern over the note book is it getting ruined or stolen as well as the fact that these days people can intercept some wireless internet feeds and take control of computers, viruses worms etc and steal data.

I don't know though. I've heard some good things and some bad things about building your own computer. Just buying some el cheapo at some second hand store often doesn't have the text support and warrenties are limmited. On the other hand I can see what kinjo is saying about bitting the bullet and buying a good top of the line computer now and just up grading it as needed. Although if I go that route then I have to wait until I have funds.

Good stuff guys thanks for the tips its given me some new stuff to digest.

This post has been edited by Acid09: Jan 24 2007, 03:19 PM

Well, based on what you've told me about your needs, my advice is to scrape up the cash to buy a spanking new one in about six months. Vista should be out then, and they should be installing it on factory-built machines by then as well. The specs will be better too, and usually they start selling the late models at deep discounts in June and July in preparation for the new school year.

Also, I'd go for a laptop. If you're going to be dragging it all over town and using it in class, it just makes more sense. You can get locks and things that will chain it to your desk if you're worried about theft. Ask around, a lot of computer shops carry them.

Your not going to play to many newer games with one of those. Not sure how important that is to you?

Your not going to play to many newer games with one of those. Not sure how important that is to you?

Eegads! Who could live with out good graphics card? I spent alot on this Dell to get all the extras and I must admit it still chokes on %ick. I work in alot of incredibly rich peoples homes <electrician> and they all have Apples. They claim that it is way better than PC's. I am starting to believe it. Next time I spend a bunch of money on one of these things its gonna be an Apple.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebO...%2AmMHhmZEl6LfQ

I'm not too worried about any graphics cards. I wouldn't mind getting a decent one but not if I have to pay alot. I also did think about getting an apple but they're not cheap. I got this new game that pretty fresh called space empires IV (maybe VI? I'm dyslexic). Its a bad ass game to me but the computer its installed on doesn't allow the game to perform very well. Its frustrating to buy a game for $40 bucks, believing it does meet all the requirements (and the computer does meet the minimum reqs) just to have the game crap out on me. But oh well I have the game installed on a friends computer and it runs fine. At any rate performance is a good thing but not at a needlessly high price, especially if something I could upgrade in the future.

Right now I'm leaning towards buying a more expensive top of the line PC or apple and then upgrade it as needed.

Since your planning on school usage and documents and games a decent laptop.
but dont krhhmm i meen DON'T get vista.
well as for the eternal Intel v,s amd question.
AMD for games and programs using alot of memory Intel for light and fast programs.
as for your comment(as well as the fact that these days people can intercept some wireless internet feeds) there is noway to crack a good wpa psk encryption.comes automatically whit windows xp and upward.

But since i am this late to reply i think your already bought the laptop?