New Computer

[CimminyCricket]

My seven year old computer finally died on me. When I mean died, I mean that there was a loud pop and it stopped working. It won't work, a few things are melted together, and I think it's time to just get a new one.
Or a semi new one. I'd like one that'll last as long as this one did. But that's nice and cheap. Any suggestions?

[Renmiri]

My new HP laptop is pretty nifty and average priced. Stay away from Dells!!!

[rubah]

dell laptops aren't too shabby, but HP have some sleek ones out.

(getamac)

[o_O]

Don't go within ten metres of a Dell. From my experience with laptops, Asus are fairly good, Acer are great and Toshiba are great too.

What I really recommend though is to choose your components yourself. Check for computer retailers in your area (not chain stores) and they'll more than likely be able to help you build your own. Most will do the assembly for free.

[Discord]

Toshiba and ASUS (don't confuse with Acer) are my favourites. Sony is also IMHO very, very good, though some people will probably tell you quite a few scary stories about them in the next few posts.

[Flying Mullet]

Are you in the market for a desktop or a laptop?

[CimminyCricket]

Either or really.

[Mirage]

I didn't have the best of experiences with my Acer, tbh.

[bipper]

Newegg.com - Buy Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
ZipZoomFly

build your own Imho, you get the best bang for your buck, and if you want to go cheap, you sure can As far as prefabs go, falcon NW, but a cheap good - I would say HP.

[Namelessfengir]

i'll go with building your own also or if you have a repair shop in your area they'll have a few custom built or rebuild boxes there on the other hand if you get stuff from newegg you could build your own box ie just the tower and then hook up your old peripherals to it (monitor mouse printer keyboard) and it would be cheaper then buying a whole new complete system

namelessfengir network database professional

[Discord]

I'd advice against building your own PC for three reasons:

1.) It's not as easy as it might sound and unless you know what you're doing, don't bother.
2.) You will very often get better deals by buying a ready one. You'll get a whole bunch of demo-versions, ad-cds and so forth with it, which eventually lower the price. Even more the case, certain shops give you special deals, for whatever reason, or by selling the PCs in large numbers lower their costs (Economic Law of Mass Production).
3.) If you build you own PC and it does end up working, it's far from probable that your choice of the components will not result in a significant loss of power. Shop-chains, usually know what they're doing.

Though if you do feel lucky, try building one. However, it will not be cheaper.

[crono_logical]

The problem with buying a ready made brand-name one I find is all the crap preinstalled that makes it so cheap - to be honest I don't find it worth the hassle removing it all to get the machine clean again

Local computer retailers or computer fairs I find are good for cheap custom-made ones with decent brand name components, and some will build it for you on the spot so you don't have to worry about it

[ZeZipster]

If you're getting into gaming: build it, overclock it.
If you're going to just use it: buy any computer from any company that has warranties.

HP Pavilions are getting good reviews right now.

Personally, if I was going to get a new computer I'd throw 2,000 down on a gaming computer. Get an nice E6600 overclocked to 3.5 like my friend just recently did.

[Renmiri]

Building your own is definitely better IF you know what you are doing. But bear in mind you will have no warranty and will have to do every fix yourself.

Considering you are about to travel far away (July right ?) I'd go for a premade one from a big company. Much easier to find service for it in Germany or wherever it is they will ship you.

[Baloki]

Building your own is definitely better IF you know what you are doing. But bear in mind you will have no warranty and will have to do every fix yourself.

Most problems on a pre-made you will have to fix your self or send off to a 'big company' for 2 to 3 weeks and they usually charge you for parts as that's not usually covered by warranties. If your going to buy a premade one do as Cl_out says and get it from a small local shop who will be more willing to help you fix it for free and on the spot if you take it in.