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Comments
17
Subscribe to commentsfmartinez761Feb 17th 2010 7:32AM
Excellent Article. This is one of the best.
AliceFeb 17th 2010 8:00AM
If you are looking for a new desktop, consider buying an HP. Make sure it has a QUAD 4 processor with at least 4 GB or more of RAM. If you use two monitors, have it installed or do it yourself, a new Graphics card and 600 watt power supply. This PC will last for many years. Don't consider the Best Buy Geek Squad insurance since many people are complaining they are ripping off customers, including myself.
wulffbaneFeb 17th 2010 3:32PM
I have to disagree about the Best Buy extended warranty, unless you bought a top quality product that rarely needs servicing. I wouldn't put HP into that category. I'm someone who NEVER buys extended warranties, but when it came to my first laptop a little voice told me to do it. I'm very glad I did.
Here's why:
I don't know how HP's desktops stack up against their laptops, but HP's laptops are JUNK. I bought one in 2003(model zt3010), that had to be sent back 3 times to BB due to failing hardware. In the end (2006) they gave me a new dv9035, duo core with 2 GB memory with all the bells and whistles. I didn't have to pay a dime.
But..... due to that lesson I did but another 3-year contract, and this one had to be sent back twice (with about 5 things wrong with it). I didn't get a new laptop this time, however, they fixed everything and I got some upgraded parts the laptop didn't have before. I would recommend an extended warranty with any laptop.
**I've only ever built my own desktops, and if their laptops/desktops are anything like their motherboards, I would recommend **ASUS** products.
ALL of my desktops I built using ASUS motherboards are STILL running and some past their point of obsolescence (1997,1998,1999,2000,2001).
CoopFeb 17th 2010 10:22AM
I can't believe you didn't mention card slots for video and photo memory cards, and USB ports. This makes a big difference in usability, and not all factory PCs are equal in this area.
DecemberisttFeb 17th 2010 3:32PM
Great article!
get down girlFeb 17th 2010 3:34PM
Great article!
John CullenFeb 17th 2010 3:45PM
I found your AMD assesment a little intel sided. As if you check windows 7 experiance index ratings on similer priced intel v/s amd you will find quite a price difference for processor ratings of less than a .2 on most 500.00 - 850.00 desktop systems. More bang for the buck with comparable ratings
terrenceFeb 17th 2010 11:33PM
@John Cullen
I agree that AMD does have some good bang-for-your-buck options at the lower end. However benchmarks back up my statement that AMD can't compete with Intel's best offerings.
The top of the line AMD processor, the Phenom X4 II 965 BE, sells for only $20 less than the Core i5 750 which is faster and uses less power. And that is low end of the Core i5 line.
If that is the best the company has to offer it's kind of hard to recommend its products.
TonyMar 5th 2010 1:00AM
The i7's trash the AMD X4's in every benchmark, ever.
asonofsicilyFeb 17th 2010 7:58PM
Unless you MUST have portability, don't bother with a netbook or even a so called "desktop replacement" laptop.
As for a desktop, don't buy any of the commercial crap that's sold at the big box or typical consumer electronics stores - take the time to learn how to build your own EXACTLY the way you want it with EXACTLY what you need, and save $$$ by doing that.
jmfamt78Feb 18th 2010 9:40PM
AMD over Intel any day.
AMD processors can multitask better than Intel are faster.
AMD handle information like a 4" water pipe, Intel handle information like a 1" water pipe. Would you want speed or volume?
I also agree, Geek Squad (Ripoff squad) they are a scam and a ripoff.
rsfmorgansFeb 18th 2010 10:44PM
Wulffbane, I agree completely with you. I have an HP laptop purchased in 2006 that has been sent back three times in the last year to have the motherboard repaired, and it just quit working again the other day. From what I've heard from the repair people, HPs are the worst brand to buy as they frequently have motherboard problems and HP typically tries to charge the customers to replace the defective parts with identical defective parts that will fail again. Fortunately, I have another laptop that's not an HP. The next time I'm in the market, HP will not even be considered.
pjFeb 18th 2010 11:03PM
When do we play D n D????I'm having a geek attack!!!!
SuzeFeb 18th 2010 11:11PM
What is an Invalid URL & why has it messed up my computer?
John CullenFeb 18th 2010 11:41PM
TERRENCE Next time you are at a computer sales display please run a windows index on amd and intel with similar motherboard graphics and same speed and amount of memory. You will find the 179.00 amd competes and ranks just fine against the 900 .00 intel I7 or theoff the chart 9 series. I have a CPU AMD|PH II X4 940 BLK 3.0G RT and windows index for processing is a 7.3 out of a 7.9. For 159.00 thats pretty impressive.
COBRYMar 2nd 2010 1:39AM
what ever myou do do not buy a HP, if youlike spending hurs on the phone talking to india then using your computer buy a HP, stay with DELL, or SONY, even MACS would be 10 tiimes better stick with what consumer reprts say is good and HP, th printers are good but there computer lap tops and desk tops are human fecies. I mean it I wrend tou so if your buy a HP and get sc888ed then you deserve it fr not listend hey folks HP machines are doodoo
COBRYMar 2nd 2010 1:46AM
I bought a HO macne and it was the worst customer service and wants they sell you the poop they run and hide then they say call customer serivice and there in India, and all they do is take over your mahine and put it back to facoryt condition
and it does not fix problem they put you on hold and nevr call you back, HP IS JUNK, AND THEY WILL TREAT YOU LIKE THAT AFTER YOU BUY IT. BIG WARNING TO ALL OUT THER DO NOT BUY A HP DESKTOP OR LAPTOP, DELL SI GOOD AND SONY, EVEN MACS BEAT ALL. i WARNED YOU BECAUSE I HAVE 1ST HAND EXPERINCE DEALING WITH THESE A99HOLES AND BELEIVE ME THEY SOLD A 2000 DOLLAR PIECE OF SH99. BLUE SCREENS AND DROPS INFORMATION I HAD TO SEND IT IN ALRADY FOR A NEW MOTHER BOARD. BELEIVE ME FOKS STAY AWAT FROM HP THERE LIKE THE TOYOTA RUNAWAY PIECE OF DOODOO. RED CONUSMER REPORTS STAY WITH HIGHER QULAITYMACHINES IT IS WORTH IN IN THE LONG RUN, I ALWAYS HEARD OF PEOPLE HAVING TROUBLE WITH HP AND NOW I SEE WHY I BOUGHT ONE AND ITS BEEN A NIGHT MARE SINCE DAY 1