Computer Hope

Other => Other => Topic started by: FWFeecherman on February 15, 2010, 11:32:09 AM

Title: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: FWFeecherman on February 15, 2010, 11:32:09 AM
Hello all.  Love this forum I stumbled on.   Its great for guys like me. 

I am wanting to purchase a computer for my wife.  I use my laptop for work and she is constantly grabbing it when she can to get on the internet and things.   She does a lot of photo editing and uses a program called CS3.  She does a lot of photoype editing and things.   

I want to suprise her with a computer of her own, but don't really know what route to go or anything......laptop vs desktop, brand, build vs package etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.    I reviewed the buying tips and they helped some, but such a novice I am overwhelmed with all the info I come across.   

I'd like to get her a laptop so she can be on the move, something that can handle photo editing, wireless for the internet, and something that wont break the bank.........

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should be looking for???  Any suggestions on mimimum things I should consider as far as RAM etc?   Thanks for any info and I appreciate the time.  Have a good one!
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: patio on February 15, 2010, 03:41:56 PM
Budget ? ?

It's the best place to start...
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: FWFeecherman on February 15, 2010, 04:57:08 PM
Trying to stay under 700.00?  I'm probably dreamin though.
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: soybean on February 15, 2010, 06:22:12 PM
Trying to stay under 700.00?  I'm probably dreamin though.
Actually, I think you have plenty to choose from.  newegg.com has 106 models in the $500 - $750 price range (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2034940032%204021&name=%24500%20-%20%24750).  I'm not familiar with CS3 but, based on what I see at Adobe - Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection : System requirements  (http://store.adobe.com/store/en_us/popup/software/creativesuite/mastercollection/systemreqs.html), any of those on the newegg.com list will run it. 

Get at least 2GB of RAM, but many of the models in the list mentioned above have 3 or 4 GB.  You won't find anything nowadays with less than 2GB.  You can easily find models priced at $600 or less with 3 or 4GB. 

If you prepare a brick-and-mortar retailer, visit Staples, BestBuy, Office Depot, etc. 

Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: D.Paul on February 16, 2010, 01:48:14 PM
I've had great luck with Dell.  First they can build you a computer, to fit your needs.

You can also purchase an extended warranty.

Most important is the support, I have found  them to be excellent.  If you not into trouble shooting and fixing your own problems.
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: soybean on February 16, 2010, 09:39:38 PM
I've had great luck with Dell. 
Most important is the support, I have found  them to be excellent. 
If I recall correctly, I've heard other Dell users report quite poor support from Dell, at least for non-business users.
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: ganjaman on February 17, 2010, 03:21:41 AM
soybean
             I will second that. Us mortals at home get virtually no support, that's why we have to come to
CHF for help.
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: CBMatt on February 19, 2010, 06:05:50 AM
If you're willing to go up to $800, I saw a great deal at CostCo the other day.  I can't remember all of the details, but it was an HP with Windows 7, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, a fairly decent graphics card, and a good processing speed.  It also came with a very nice all-in-one HP printer.  If I had the extra $800 lying around, I would definitely snatch it up.  If you have a CostCo in your area and a membership (or know someone who does), it's worth looking into.  From what I can tell, it seems to only be offered in stores; I can't find it on their web site.

As for CS3...most of the programs in this suite will run on just about any new computer currently available.  My desktop is a couple of years old and it never gives me any trouble.


If I recall correctly, I've heard other Dell users report quite poor support from Dell, at least for non-business users.
I've never run into good support from any computer manufacturer.  But I can say that Dell is certainly among the worst.
Title: Re: Purchasing a new computer---any suggestions?
Post by: Deni Kaiser on February 21, 2010, 11:21:53 AM
Actually, I think you have plenty to choose from.  newegg.com has 106 models in the $500 - $750 price range (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2034940032%204021&name=%24500%20-%20%24750).  I'm not familiar with CS3 but, based on what I see at Adobe - Adobe Creative Suite 3 Master Collection : System requirements  (http://store.adobe.com/store/en_us/popup/software/creativesuite/mastercollection/systemreqs.html), any of those on the newegg.com list will run it. 

Get at least 2GB of RAM, but many of the models in the list mentioned above have 3 or 4 GB.  You won't find anything nowadays with less than 2GB.  You can easily find models priced at $600 or less with 3 or 4GB. 

If you prepare a brick-and-mortar retailer, visit Staples, BestBuy, Office Depot, etc.