BUYING A COMPUTER

   First, I am not by any means an expert regarding computers.  I try to spend time researching what I buy, both to get a good price and especially in the hopes of not having problems later.  Over the years I've bought 2 laptops and 4 desktops.

   Much of what I pass on is information given to me from people who really do know.

1.  Buy good quality.  It has been recommended to me to buy Intel Motherboard and processors.

2.  Dont' buy the latest technology  For example, consider the difference in prices:

                   

Price  Speed   Cost/.1 extra Speed
$145      1.7G     400Mh  
$181 2.4       400Mh $5
$196 2.4       800Mh   
$244 2.6     800Mh $25
$305 2.8   800Mh $30
$452 3.0   800Mh  $74
$766 3.2   800Mh      $157

     As you see, the more you want the newest technology, the more it costs for the small amouht of extra processing speed.

3)   Consider having a system built for you from an on-line retailer.

My most recent system without a monitor or printer (I bought the 2.4 800mh) cost me $860 including shipping and a 3 year warranty.  I have been very happy with Dell's service.  However a very similar system would have been $1660.  That would have included about $250 in software and an operating system that I don't need.  I'm still $550 ahead.