Need Some Computer Advice For A Friend

[LixyChick]

A dear friend has a daughter who will be attending college this year. My friend is so proud as her daughter is the very first in her family to ever attend college. The daughter wants to go into the field of Forensic Science. My friend wants to buy her a computer to get her started. My friend doesn't have much money but wants the best for what she has. Let's say........under $1000.00. Well.....way under, if possible.

I know computers are a matter of personal preference.......like cars (Chevy, Ford, Buick).......but I need to give her some unbiased advice......not advice from a site that sells a specific brand. Please help in any way you can by way of advice as to what a freshman student would need in the way of computer equiptment. What companies have the best support.....etc.! If you have a fave brand, that's ok to list as well......but tell me why! I need all the info I can gather so she can make a somewhat educated buy!

TY for all of your help in advance! I told her I would ask you here......she agreed this would be better than going on computer sites for say........Compaq......as they would be biased and I knew I could get better advice here!

Oh....and one more thing.....

Please list the worst computers as well.....and why!

Thanks so much guys!

[Tess]

Had a Compaq, and hated it. Have an IBM now. Better service and quality. Compaq has a bunch a useless stuff that eats up memory. Parts started falling off (the computer, not mine).

I wouldn't buy another Compaq. Hope this helps.

[Oldfart]

Spend the money on a medium level IBM, new enough to

still have some warranty.

[kleclere]

Also look at Dell rated best tech support and some nice prices.

[FussyPucker]

Well I'd have to say go for Dell too.......of course you can always go for a none branded computer which would be cheaper but you're not going to get the technical backup and warranty support you will with a company such as Dell..

I've worked with Compaq desktops and they're OK but not great.. I have to say their servers ROCK !..........but that's not important right now lol

[BIBI]

I have been investigating buying a new computer and so far DELL seems like the best deal for the buck......

[Wombat]

For what it's worth I'd steer well clear of all the package deals on offer from the corporate big boys , that includes Compaq , Dell , IBM , Hewlett Packard , Acer etc as they charge you top dollar and their systems are all brand dependant to varying degrees .In other words they all use their own components that are unique to their respective systems which means you are pretty much hamstrung when it comes to fixing glitches with your software or upgrading .Having their own components(and hence- drivers) and brand specific Operating systems* is bad enough but they will only supply you with "product recovery" discs which means that you can't just do a file search on your windows disc and fix a corrupt file when you get your first "blue screen of death" or the whole thing freezes, cos you don't get one (and you WILL get it with XP the first time you install some program or utility that XP doesn't like-and they all come with XP these days). Instead you'll have to put in your "product recovery" discs and they will wipe your hard drive and reinstall all the original software thus nuking all your personal files and updates that you spent hours online downloading. Not only that but, depending on the brand ,you may not be able to even add aftermarket components like sound or video cards etc., as is the case with Compaq ,as you can't get into the bios to disable the onboard components.
If it was my money I'd be going to an reputable independant computer specialist store and have them build a system to your requirements.They'll give you a warranty and it'll be alot cheaper initially. As for tech support , I'm sure there's enough computer geeks at her collage that could sort out any dramas she might have if they arise. Tell the shop what you want and how much you have to spend and they can build you a system that will use components that you can easily update and upgrade as you can afford it and as the software updates become available etc. Apart from that the other advantage is that you can nominate what operating system you want to use and you will have a system disc that is separate from the component drivers which will allow you to firstly repair the OS without having to wipe the hard drive and secondly it allows you to add and upgrade components as you see fit and/or can afford to.

As for which Operating system to use there is much debate but personally I'd go with Windows 2000 . It is the most stable of all the OS's and is well suited for a work environment as apposed to gaming. Some may argue that XP is better but I put it to you that W2K has been released alot longer than XP and therefore has had most of the bugs ironed out of it where as XP still has a ways to go on that score plus there is still the compatability issue to look at .There are many programs (especially older ones that simply won't run on XP where as just about all software will run under W2k. If you choose to go with XP at least with the retail version you will be able to upgrade and update easily . As an example ; a friend of mine bought a Compaq system recently with Compaqs version of XP home on it and I tried to do a simple upgrade to a retail version of XPpro but the whole system went haywire as none of the drivers were compatable with the Compaq hardware so in the end we were forced to use the product recovery discs and start again.
As an aside ; my mate has had to start fresh half a dozen times so far because his Compaq OEM version of XP home has crashed or frozen and he's only had his computer 4 weeks!!

Well , that's my 2 cents worth . I hope it helps.




*All the big brands get Windows that is slightly modified and tweaked to suit their own hardware thus making it impossible for the buyer to upgrade or switch to another OS as a retail version will always be missing critical drivers and software specific to the brand.

[BlondeCurlGirl]

I can't really recommend a brand of PC to buy, but as a college student, I found it really helpful to have a laptop my first couple of years. A lot of the dorms now have some sort of drawer or locker that actually locks with a key or combination, and I would always store my laptop in my one lockable dresser drawer. Laptops are great for taking to class if you get a professor who would make you fall behind in notes otherwise-if you are a relatively fast keyboarder, it is a heck of a lot easier to take notes this way. It is also convenient to take this along and work on a paper at the library or any other place you may need to-I'd often take mine home on the weekends and get a lot more work done otherwise. I have since gotten myself a desktop as well, since I needed more advanced programs to do some of the graphic design elements to my PR assignments, and other software I needed-but for the first couple of years when you are just taking basic requirements, I'd definitely recommend a laptop. Just be very careful to lock it up. Laptops AND Desktops are just about the #1 stolen item in the dorms around here.

[BlondeCurlGirl]

Before I forget, too...

Make sure you suggest to get a computer that is equipped with an eternet card before your friend leaves the store with it, whether it be a desktop or laptop. These are essential for accessing the internet networks that colleges have in their dorms, and without it pre-installed at the store or factory, a good majority of college tech-support offices will not help you put it in due to liability issues.

[DallasLiving]

From personal experience, like your comment, Lixy. Computers are like cars....two people can buy the same computer and one can work perfectly and the other can be a total lemon.

I have heard alot of good reports about Dells. IBM's come in a close 2nd to what I have heard.

If this is gonna be their main computer the best bet is to go with a pre-packaged one. Preferrably a newer one so that they will be able to call immediately and get help to keep it running if something goes wrong.

For personal reasons of working on them, I don't like HP's because they are very proprietary on different things.

But as far as desktops, she should be able to get a fairly good one for under 1000. The price of them have dropped dramatically in the past couple of years. Not that long ago, I saw an add for a Sony Vaio for under 900. That is the one I wish I had the money at the time to buy. Laptops will run you a little more, but she will be able to take it with her when she leaves her dorm to head home so doesn't have to worry about it coming up missing.

Hope this helps you some.

[dude33]

Even an older IBM will be superior than some newer brands. IBM computers seem to be configured better and run faster with lower rams etc.. My older IBM (5 years) runs as fast as my bosses(2 yrs) newer computer.

[Sharni]

[color=blue]Bilbo & I have an IBM and a Compaq....the IBM gave us no end of grief...and IBM service sucks bigtime!!! After 2 years & 2 replacement computers(cause it kept frying the motherboards)we finally got the damn thing running as it should.

The Compaq on the other hand has been an absolute dream

We checked out a lot of systems til we chose this one...and we did not want one with recovery disks (see Wombats comment for why)...But!

Recovery disks have come a long way....the Compaq has a partitioned drive which stores the recovery information...if you want to get rid of this partition...the computer burns you a set of recovery disks...
The newer recovery system does not wipe your entire system...how do we know...we tested it in store before we bought it....it replaces damaged files but leaves your personal files intact!!!

The Compaq came with XP....but then i'm a supporter of XP...i love it...we have not had any problems with it that couldn't be fixed with some minor tweaking or updating of Drivers and such...

Though ultimately it comes down to personal choice[color]

[Aqua]

I would agree with Wombat that if you go to a independent computer dealer you're likely to find the best price and have it built to your spec's and receive a warranty. Then you will have less problems if you need to upgrade. I work on computers all the time, and there isn't a thing much more annoying than needing to upgrade an HP or Compaq... what a pain. Too much proprietary crap! With the independent dealer, they will take care of the hardware issues that arise under warranty. As far as software issues, just mention your problem in a computer lab at college and there will be a handful of geeks (like me :p ) ready, willing, and able to fix the problem. As far as the operating system, given that this is a college student with a new computer, she probably won't have a need for old programs and her system will be built with compatible hardware so it should work fine. ;) Also, as BCG mentioned, make sure it has an Ethernet card, or network card, which it probably will, most systems these days do. If they decide to go with a corporate system, I would go with Dell.

[maestro]

to add my 2 pennorth, as an IT professional, I would whoe-heartedly agree with Wombat and Aqua. I have had nothing but problems with branded machines. Give me a clone anytime

[Scarecrow]

I have to go with Wombat, Aqua and maestro to find an independent computer dealer. I built mine and am now run windows xp pro and its a dream. It doesn't freeze up on me yaaaaaa

[Irish]

I know nothing about computers.My wife got a Gateway 2000 and
thats what I'm learning on.I would suggest asking a computer
repairman.A friend of my oldest daughter,runs a computer repair
business.My oldest daughter(secretary)is the secretary for the
mayor of Dover,N.H.The guy does all of the business for the towns
computers.That's how she met him.They can tell you the reliability
of different brands.Also,which are most dependable. Irish

[LixyChick]

And may I also say........WOW!

I am overwhelmed! Reason? I can understand most...(ok, not most but some) of what is explained here.......and I am making a copy of all of it to pass on to my friend. She'll be as thankful as I am! I'll go over, with her, the parts I do understand and she can ask any geek friends of hers about all the things we feel we missed the mark on.

Did I mention that I think you guys are terrific? Geezzzzzzz!

H@rd Rock......Duly Noted hun! I have a Compaq....and for what I use it for it is terrific! But then.......there are considerations I noted above as well.....and I will take it all under advisement! TY for helping!

Oldfart......Duly Noted as well! And I am sure she will do her homework as to her daughters needs! TY for your help!

kleclere......Yes! I had heard that too! But then again......what do I know? LOL! I'll pass on the advice hun! TY for helping!

FussyPucker.....LOL! TY for the info hun! I'll pass it along! Seems a general concensus......wherever I go!

BIBI.......I have seen some great deals by way of money with Dell as well! One was as low as $495.00. But I don't know what was included.....and this is the thing my friend will have to check into. TY for your help!

Wombat........WOWsers hun! This is where I became overwhelmed! Not that I didn't understand everthing (though I admit I didn't catch it all) but that you took the time and effort to try and explain each and every detail of your suggestions..........this was wonderful information! I did know about the components of a name brand such as Dell and Gateway.....and the exclusivity of their parts! My sisters and a friend of ours Gateway systems crashed and all hell broke loose! I've never really heard a good thing about Gateway anyway.....so that was already out of the question. I don't think my friends daughter is as well versed in delving into everything that you listed...........but the OS is very important and I will pass along all the information you've given me and she can have what we don't understand......decyphered! I have Millenium and so far so good......but that's just me! Anyway........*BIG HUGS* for taking the time to get all this info down here! You've helped so much! TY, TY!

BCG........Great info as well hun! Yes, she already has a laptop....but an older one......and my friend has tried to question her daughter as to her satisfaction with it without ruining this surprise. Oh, I don't think I mentioned......this computer will be a "special" gift and a surprise. I'm so excited..........WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! LOL! But I digress. Anyway, her daughter won't be staying in a dorm for the first year (or is it the first two years.......hmmmm?.....not sure!) She'll be "working" her way through college and relying on grants and scholarships to get her though for a while. And she will be living in her new apartment (with her boyfriend). But after that she will need to either upgrade or already have the Ethernet card......so, GREAT ADVICE! TY sweety!

Dallas Living........See above for what I said about laptops. I'm thinking mostly of the word processor's on desktop PC's and I know my "package" has all I would need in the beginning. But I reiterate..........what the hell do I know! LOL! TY so much for your advice!

dude33.......Hmmmmmm? Great advice! I will pass it along and we'll sort it all out. Maybe we should go to a store and just play and play with them all! TY so much for helping!

Sharni......I know to which you speak as to the recovery system in a Compaq! Great advice! I too love my Compaq......but I'm not gonna jinx it by raving. I'll pass along the shared info and let her be the judge..........but I agree with you G/F! TY so much!

Aqua.......I've read this three times now and I know it may sound stupid but......well.......you know me.......I gotta ask! Independent dealer? What........like Staples, Best Buy? Ok......ok.....stop laughing and just get back to me on that.....LOL! TY hunny!

maestro......Will advise and I TY for contributing sweety!

Scarecrow.......Ok....OK......I get it! LOL! If only I could figure the independent dealer part???? OMG! ROFLMFAO! TY so much for your help as well hun!

Irish.......Oh! Great idea! Almost missed your reply as well.....was typing and posted my reply....then I discovered your reply! TY so much hun!

[Bilbo]

My 2cents:

Not going to brand bash, I'll give the same advice, that I've given to all that have asked!!

When you are looking to purchase your first computer, please realise the speed at which changes are made and discovered with in the industry.
Talk to as many ppl as you possibly can, find which type of systems that they run, programs used, and for what reason.

Then sit down and decided firstly what YOU want the computer to do. How much storage memory you NEED, how much accessable memory you NEED. do you need the system to be multi lingual, not just in Language but with programs you require to complete the tasks you've identified as priority.
Once you have the requirements that you NEED for the computer you want. DOUBLE EVERYTHING...... this will as least give you a system that will keep pace with your growing requirements(particulary with students)for a number of years before a major upgrade is required.
Never lose focus that a computer is only a tool to assist you with your work, it is an extention of your capabilities, you control it's information, it does not control yours.

If I can help Lixy I'll be glad to

[Wombat]

By "independant" I/we mean that instead of going to the big chain stores or national or discount outlets who sell the "corporate" systems (IBM,Compaq,Dell etc.) you instead go and find the local guys who would have set up their own little shop (and sometimes not so little) somewhere ,usually away from the malls and main street shopping districts as the big boys would have muscled them out , and they'll call themselves "Such & Such Computer Centre "or "Joes computers" or something like that and their advertising will say they can build to order as well as offer packages which would include the usual peripherals like printer and scanner etc.
But don't just go with the first one you come across , be sure to shop around first cos if you walk in cold and they think you don't know shit then they could slug you top dollar and you wouldn't know any different.

Hope this helps .

Cheers
Wombat

[Aqua]

Yes Lixy, the Independent Dealer would be the opposite of a Best Buy or Staples... They tend to be a lot smaller store, with little software and mostly hardware. They will advertise barebones systems (which usually consist of a case, motherboard, processor, and chip), and complete systems. Look around to see if there are any local computer publications (often free) and look through the ads. They are usually full of ads from Independent Dealers... good lucK!!

[LixyChick]

TY, TY, TY Bilbo, Wombat and Aqua! Splains a lot......and I actually understand it too! LOL!

As I stated above Bilbo.....my friend wants this computer to be a surprise for her daughter. Might sound corny and maybe even not be advisible.....but she strongly wants to make this purchse and have it set up in her daughters new apartment so that when she walks in she'll shit her friggin trousers! Her daughter has NO idea that my friend has saved some money to specifically buy her a computer. As far as daughter knows......she'll be at the library more than she'll ever see her apartment.

And......as far as knowing exactly what a novice wants in a home computer......I don't know what questions to ask my friend as far as what her daughter wants because as I said.......she is the first in the family to attend college and I don't even think she, herself, would know the answer to that. I guess this is precisely why I came here, to post this question to everyone here. I know how smart everyone is here and I know there are college students as well. Thus far..........all the advice given has been an immense help!

I curtsey to your knowledge! TY everyone!

[Good in the sac]

First of all be aware that a lot of computer companies offer really good deal for students through the school bookstore.
As for going for a generic type pc made at a small storefront operation, I'd sat don't.
They can be great systems at a great price but a lot of times these guys that put them together don't know what they're doing and don't back up there work. It's for people who really know hat they are doing and have done the research on each and every component. I've never heard a bad thing about Dell or Gateway.
You're best bet would be to look at PC world (especialy back issues!) and become familiar with all the good and not so good systems.

[Scarecrow]

Lixy any package deal(Dell, ect...) will have the software to get her started. Such as(no don't say it) microsoft (choke) word and microooooooooooo... (that companys) works.

[LixyChick]

Good in the sac.......Welcum to Pixies! And TY for some input (no pun intended...LOL!) I agree with you about Dell....never heard a bad thing ....yet!? But I have personal knowledge about Gateway and so I won't even try and recommend it. If I can't back something....I don't sell it! I also agree.....as with anything, experience breeds knowledge! And in the price range I am having to consider and the experience I know her daughter has little of......I so far am thinking my friend should buy a package that includes: the puter, the monitor, speakers, keyboard, a printer, and possibly a scanner (or if she saves enough on the deal and it's not included...to purchase one seperately that may be a combo fax/scanner). TY so much for replying and have fun on the sites babe!

Scarecrow.........OMG hun! Don't hurt yourself over there! LOL! I think I agree.........."daughter" is just getting started. She is smart enough to get into college........but far from being a rocket scientist (or in her case....a forensic scientist). She needs basics with expansion capabilities.........but this is not to say that down the road she won't need to upgrade. Hey! We all had to start somewhere! All I keep thinking of is..........."Oh, hell! I'm gonna spring for the works for my friends daughter"! I can afford it........but I know the pride my friend will feel in doing this "something special" from her heart to her daughters education. OK.....It has to be said here........this daughter (the oldest of my friends three children) was born to my friend at a time in her life when her family had shunned her in her shame. They said she should abort "it" and never speak of "it" again. She refused with every fiber of her soul and raised "daughter" alone for many years thereafter. For some strange reason friend and daughter were suddenly accepted back into the family. "Daughter" is now the pride of the family and my friend wants to show her how much she loved/loves her.......in as many small ways as she can! Regardless of what the family thought of my friends first born.........my friend never wavered in that love......no matter how little she had to help her make it!

*Sorry....didn't mean to make this a tear jerker*

Did I mention how terrific I think you all are for helping me help my friend? You are all incredible! TY so much!

[whitehorse]

I have an HP, and wouldn't buy another. I would have to say best price, quality, and support.....Dell.

[LixyChick]

So far so good everyone! I've passed on all the info from above and went to a few puter sites to get some info on the tech stuff to give her some knowledge when she and I go comparison shopping.

TY whitehorse! Again......I am gonna help her comparison shop and Dell is on the list!

TY to everyone! I'll keep you all informed and if I have anymore questions......I hope you don't mind my bumping this thread to ask!

BBS with new info!