Advice on buying new computer?

I need a new computer for home use. Mainly for paying bills on line %26amp; accessing the web. I have a teenager who also uses it for homework.


Is a name brand like ';Dell'; any more reliable than a no name custom made by a hometown computer store. What specifics do I need to get. Any advice would be appreciated!


a hometown computer store.Advice on buying new computer?
Dell is a good brand, and would cost more, but not necessarily more reliable. If you just want a computer to pay bill and play on the web, and for your teenager to do homework, a custom built computer could be better (and cheaper) for you as you dont get things you dont need.





Here is what i would get:





Dual core processor


160 GB or more Hard Drive


CD/DVD Drive


2 GB RAM


A Built in graphics card is OK (but if you will be playing games as well, a better graphics card is recommended. e.g GeForce 8600GT)





Hope that helps.Advice on buying new computer?
Go to BestBuy they are the ideal store for your questions and needs. Ask the sales clerk for a computer/laptop that's best suited to your needs.





However all computers are ideal for your needs its just that most it depends on what you want t customize you computer for. If you are a gaming fan then your computers physical parts (hardware are going to be customized). In your case you want a laptop/desktop to do some admin work and cruising the web. The computers applications (Software) will be all that you need.





Brand wise I trust HP computers. Im a PC fan and im not big on Macs.
If all you need is to get on the internet and do homework any new computer will do just fine. It's best to go cheap because it will loose most of it's value in a few years when new technology comes out. One thing to keep in mind about low end computers is that they come bundled with a bunch of useless software that boggs them down and makes them slow. Just uninstall the programs you never use or upgrade the ram and they will work great.
If you get a Dell you would always have the technical support if something goes wrong. If you get a custom one, it would probably be better and cheaper than ordering a pre built PC from dell or any other place. If there were problems you could take it back to the store I bet, and it might be easier to deal with them instead of tech support.
Dell is not a bad choice as you can also customize the machine according to your needs.





If you go for a Vista get a RAM not more than 2 GB whereas on an XP 1GB would do fine. 160 GB hdd is a fair size. For your purpose Core 2 Duo processor wud be good enuff.





Going for a locally assembled machine is not a bad idea but for the after service. My guess is local machine will nt come with a warranty on the parts or service which is important but if you do go for it, it will work out cheaper.
I would go to a local computer store see what they can hook you up with, also if you can get a boot drive that only has the things need for your sons homework on it that would give you less lag for billing.
I would say not to buy a laptop, because in my person experience. The touch pads getting annoying and stuck. Buy a dell, dell's are very good for price, and speed, they are very useful. I have one and its great!
Ok, so you don't need a top notch speed computer then. I suggest a HP Pavilion a6700z series. Its for everyday use. But then again you don't have to go with my answer.
you can buy a mini atx, little laptops, 64 gig, 3gb ram memory for 300 dollars.