Computer Debate

[Conmiro]

What is the best computer to get for the price range of $500-$749 at best buy?

I need a computer:

That is a desktop
With High ram
With average or large amounts of disk space
With a 19in or bigger monitor
That is able to play advanced games
That has Windows Vista Home premium
That can handle multi tasking
With Great internet speed
With Wireless Internet

[Sup3rkirby]

Since you are looking for a desktop you seem to be in luck for that range. Of course remember pricing and such constantly changes, but you posted this earlier today(well, really early this morning in my time zone), I can give you an up to date price.

I don't know if you have a brand preference, so I guess I'll just give you the best results, but I'll note my opinion as well. This really is an opinion topic anyways, since you used the word 'best'.


There is only one thing I must note. Desktops with wireless internet are not that common still. Yes, there are a good bit out there with that built in, but in most cases, a desktop computer will not have wireless internet pre-installed. But luckily, with your price range you can buy a wireless adapter for $50 or less and still be under budget.


http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd88800050004
This one is a Dell with 3 GB RAM and a 500 GB Hard Drive. You get a 19" widescreen lcd moniter. The only thing that might be a concern would be the graphics card on this PC. Most recent graphics cards can be configured so you can have higher video memory, but i can't say for this one.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd90500050003
If you are not a brand freak, then this is a good PC. At under $600, this PC has 2GB RAM and a 320 GB Hard Drive(which are both average I guess), but it has an intergrated nVidia graphics card. This will put you in a decent place for gaming. Not top of the line but probably good enough to play most games. This also has a 19" widescreen lcd.



Hmmm.... well, I might have to make another post later. Looking for good PC packages online is not easy. The best way is in the store or through the sale ad. I can't seem to find our sale ad. I'll get back on later and probably use the online sale ad. It is the best place to start looking for good PC packages.
Edit:
Hmmm... well I actually didn't see anything good in the ads. The first computer I listed(the Dell) was there however. It actually is not a bad deal and I believe that was just under $700(so a bit more after tax).

I did find this deal on a wireless USB adapter though.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1173577562601

This is a wireless N adapter. I don't know what kind of router you will be using, but I don't see it being much faster than this adapter. 300 Mbits /sec for $50 is a steal actually. Of course after taxes and all, the Dell PC with this adapter would actually put you a bit over $750. But All in all, it is a great bundle. I realize you were not looking for a printer, but in most cases when you get a moniter with a PC, you usually are bundled a printer as well. And simply buying a moniter and PC seperately will cost you a good bit more. But it isn't bad since you get a 3 in 1 print/copy/scanner here.

I wish I could have been a bit more help here but it seems this week isn't the best week for Best Buy computer deals...




Just as a side note. I am not a big Dell fan. Dell and Gateway are probably my least favorite PCs. I've owned and liked eMachines, Acer, HP and Compaq. Acer and HP are probably my favorite brands. Also, I'm not a bit Intel fan. But the reason isn't because I simply like AMD better, it is because AMD has 64 bit processors. and you don't need to be a guru to know 64 bit > 32 bit. So when I look for computers I try to find an AMD 64 processor. My last 3 computers have had them. I just think they work faster.

Also, that second eMachines only had 2GB of RAM but for $29-$34 you can buy 1GB of RAM from Best Buy. So keep that in mind since the eMachines had a better graphics card. I think the eMachines PC with another GB of RAM and that Wireless N USB Adapter is a great deal and should leave you happy. This is just my opinion. If you can wait a week PM me and I'll look at the new deals to see what you might be able to get.

[Spartan Erik]

Why does it have to be at Best Buy? Best Buy often has the Worst Buy when it comes to just about anything (unless it's on sale and you have gift cards to use).

For $500-749 I don't know if you can get a computer at Best Buy for a price that low. I suggest you visit www.dealcatcher.com and check out Dell.com's deals.. I got a VERY nice computer on a Dell deal:

$669 got me:
2 GB RAM, 2.33 GHz Core2Duo, 256 MB nVidia 8600GT, 80 GB SATA HDD, 22" LCD Widescreen Monitor, and Windows XP (much better than Vista)

Buying direct usually saves you more money than buying from retailers..

[Sup3rkirby]

Well, I got my newest PC from Best Buy and for just over $600(about $620 after tax) I got:
2 GB RAM, AMD Athlon 64 X2 Processor 4400+ (~2.3GHz), ATI Radeon X1250 Graphics(not sure what dedicated is but it is at 798 MB (shared)), 320 GB HDD, 19" LCD Wirescreen Moniter and Vista Premium.

XP vs. Vista is an ever going debate which really depends on the user. I've had no problems with Vista and prefer it simply because I am still able to do all the things I was in XP, but with a few new helpful functions and features. It all depends on who is using the OS. some people say Linux is better(and it is for them). Of course XP is supposed to lose support from MS rather soon(possibly end of '0.

The thing about buying direct is, a lot of times you won't save much(if anything) because you are buying only 1 PC. And with a lot of manufacturers, it doesn't save them money to make 1 PC individually, so you won't get an amazing deal as apposed to buying 100 of a PC.


You can get a good deal anywhere really. Best Buy, Circuit City, local stores, manufacturers, etc. It just depends on the time and such. Prices constantly change.


I do suspect there was a reason he asked about Best Buy. It is one thing to post and ask for computer advice when you are looking for a new computer, but to ask about one store in general makes me wonder. Maybe he's got reward zone coupons or something along those lines....

If Best Buy isn't a requirement then shuttle.com has some computers that can fit into that range. The KPC model is going to be the cheapest and you can customize it to your needs.

Also just customizing your PC in general from Dell or HP is an option if you can buy online. You won't have a bundle with a moniter but for maybe $550-$600 you can get the PC you want and then just go out and buy your moniter. Best Buy had an Acer 19" LCD Widescreen this week for $120. So these are just a few other options.

[Spartan Erik]

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...811&lid=697476

There's a pretty good deal from Dell.. I have seen better, but I still recommend you check this out before you waste money at Best Buy

I suggest you view this page daily for Dell deals:
http://www.dealcatcher.com/dell-home-coupons

[Sup3rkirby]

Conmiro, I would have to agree with Erik on that last post. A rather impressive deal. Upgrade the graphics card(for only $60) and you've got yourself a well fit PC for under $6oo, which leaves you money to buy a moniter seperately(the one bundled would be $190 for 19", but you can find a better deal).

[Spartan Erik]

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=brde2fd&s=bsd

There's a Vostro configuration available for a pretty good price too, but I believe this requires a business name as the Vostro line is for small business.

[Jarryd]

I feel the heat just as bad, i am an avid gamer, and really want the most out of my machines that i buy, the only problem i have is i don't have the money, otherwise i would be buying a very expensive machine, $3000 AUD+

As it is the Processor i want is just over $1000 AUD i think.

Like Erik said, it's probably best to buy direct rather than from retailers.

The problem these days is that technology is advancing so fast, that if you want to have the "best buy" all the time, you would need to be a millionare.

If i get the chance i will look into some computer parts for you, and setups.

See if we can't find something you like.

[rlodge]

Yeah, and now Dell is in trouble for their lousy customer support and business practices. I caught a little about the article below on the news and skimmed the article itself. Dell ain't all everyone thinks they are.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/27/del...ref=newssearch

[Smith6612]

Go build your own system. It's easier, and a lot cheaper than the big guys want you to pay. Plus, you can control what goes on with the computer. So if I were you, I'd go out and get the hardware you want from places like NewEgg or TigerDirect online, then put it together and build your system. My hand built system still destroys one of the highest Dell XPS systems in speed and performance, and pretty much any other computer out there unless you spend $4,000+ on it, then you may start to beat me. You won't be able to beat me in Hard Drive space though unless you get 3TB+ worth of drives :D

so yeah, build your own. It's easy, we can help you out and everything, and all of the hardware that you will buy will come with instruction manuals as well, so it'll be a breeze even for newbies. As for internet, get yourself a router if you don't have one, one that is fairly expensive, and if you don't have broadband, find a Cable/DSL/Fiber provider that will fit your need for speed (please at least get 1Mbps/128kbps on the speed if possible. 768kbps is bare minimum that I recommend) but has low latency and low conjestion. If there is no broadband, you're kind of out of luck as Wireless internet from cell phone carriers, municiple Wi-Fi, and satellite (don't go there, you'll regret it based on what i've heard at DSLReports) have HORRIBLE latency and caps.