Best Computer??

[muscle96ss]

I am typing this currently from my wifes laptop as my computer is broken. I have a Sony Vaio desktop that 4 or 5 years ago was top of the line(has TV tuner, can record TV, etc...). Rather than getting it fixed I am considering getting a new one and having my data transferred to the new one. I am clueless when it comes to computers but know that there are some pretty kowledgeble people on this board. Based on quality what brands would you recommend and what brands would you avoid?? Also what specs would be considered good(I would be keeping my Sony monitor and HP Fax/Printer?Scanner and basically getting a new hard drive)? I play a lot of poker online on Pokerstars and save every hand I play to a program that operates at the same time I am playing(called heads-up display) so I need something that can handle that and be smooth.

 

[bigpaparn]

just bought my wife a compaq presario for mothers day from bestbuy for 375.00 online and very impressed...

 

[alecaf]

apple will have the best computer out there, just might be a little pricey .

 

[awelch]

well as far as pre-built computers go I'd say Alienware, Falcon Northwest, or Sager... Although they probably aren't necessary for your needs.

 

[HOTROCKS]

The one with the best warranty .
They all are usually obsolete in 3 years anyways

 

[EasyEJL]

a $400-500 dell every 2-3 years is most likely your best bet. Never gets old enough to have parts failures, isn't too expensive, and each time a new operating system comes out you get it on the next computer you buy so you always stay current.

 

[norbit09]

So true..

The one with the best warranty .
They all are usually obsolete in 3 years anyways

 

[mooshue]

you are kind of asking whats the best protein to buy, everyone wants something different!!

I personally as an it manager with 10 years experience would first ask yourself what you want this machine to do for you. If you are happy with everything being fed to you and 1 click type things to get where you want, then the pc's you see at wal mart and best buy will do you just fine, even though they are probably the worst quality in the industry. Typically HP and Compaq (same company now)

I have always built my own systems up until the last few years, now i go for the fastest shit i can get crammed into the smallest case and whoever has that is what i buy, typically at fry's. All other items that used to come inside the pc can be attached externally via usb like burners, tv tuners, extra drives, etc...

Most of the home based users i know seem to be very pleased with dell. I purchase all dell systems for our business, warranty is great, i get the parts the next morning without any shit from their service people. Their XPS line should do you nicely, you can customize everything down to the color of your mouse if you are into that.

If you don't know much about computers, i would stick with a name brand company with a warranty, otherwise you are screwed if something happens because you won't know how to fix it.
While the systems listed above are perfectly fine, alienware and the like arent really for the novice.

 

[espskillz]

You know there are so many computer companies out there that can make an awesome computer with these great specs but what really sets them apart is there support and warranty. Dell In my experience has been the best in this and can not be beat. you can but a computer for 400 bucks on the internet that looks good has some good specs but what are you really getting a 30 day return period and problems that you have to come outa pocket with when it breaks?

Dell all the way.