Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Online or live, and where? Consider typical factors like shipping time, cost, selection, warranties, financing, etc. Some choices are:

-Best Buy
-Circuit City
-Fry's Electronics
-Newegg.com
-Fatwallet.com
-Dell or Gateway type stores
-Other


Also, Dell seems to be the brand of choice as far as desktop PC's, but not necessarily for laptops. Any recommendations there too?

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Build your own.

Failing that, get a good deal on a Dell through SlickDeals.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Building my own's not an option. I don't have the technical expertise and I'd rather have the available support offered by a reputable vendor and/or brand name.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

I bought my system from http://www.pugetsystems.com. (no relation). I did a lot of research and the company is tops at putting together a custom system from the best stock parts.

They also have excellent technical support (I think its for the life of the computer). I bought a system 3 years ago and they just helped me with an upgrade problem, getting knowlegable same day responses.

Email them or give them a call and they will help you configure a system. It will cost more than, say Dell (which makes very good computers). The big advantage of a custom computer is that they are very upgradeable. Most off-the-shelf systems have limited upgrade ability. I know this from experience.

I can not advise you in regards to laptops.

PM me if you want to discuss this further.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Get the 40% off Deal from Fatwallet on Dell right now if you want a desktop. I really can't see you beating that anywhere. Better hurry though.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Get the 40% off Deal from Fatwallet on Dell right now if you want a desktop. I really can't see you beating that anywhere. Better hurry though.

[/ QUOTE ]
explain I'm a computer donk and need a new one. I always assumed building your own was the cheapest/best value.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I always assumed building your own was the cheapest/best value.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not. You generally have much more control over what you get, and can put in top-shelf components, so to speak. You will not beat some of dell's prices if you're trying to build it yourself.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I always assumed building your own was the cheapest/best value.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not. You generally have much more control over what you get, and can put in top-shelf components, so to speak. You will not beat some of dell's prices if you're trying to build it yourself.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ok thanks I will go through them, how do I get this 40% think though?

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Take a look at this thread in the Slickdeals forums. The thread mentions a specific computer, but look at the bottom of the first post and you'll see the coupon codes that can be used for Dimension desktops priced $999 and above.

Slickdeals.net and Fatwallet are the forums to watch for news on Dell deals.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Building my own's not an option. I don't have the technical expertise and I'd rather have the available support offered by a reputable vendor and/or brand name.

[/ QUOTE ]

Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

You are neglecting the the fact that once you build your own computer, you will then have the technical expertise, once the job is complete. Manufacturer support is probably the most overrated comodity in this industry - if you build it yourself, you can support yourself in most situations.


dave.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

[/ QUOTE ]

Like the case pins that attach to the motherboard for power, reset, LED, HD indicator?

How about primary/secondary IDE channels and Slave/Master/Channel Select settings?

Building a computer is easy enough for someone who has reasonably good dexterity and comprehension, but most people are stupid.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
but most people are stupid.


[/ QUOTE ]
I think thats harsh. Most people have't a clue how complicated a computer is. Those that can build one probably don't realise how much they actually do know. Whether they are stupid well...that is diffent issue. [img]/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img]

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

People don't build their own computer because it is cheaper. They build their own so they have full control over the components put in the system. (Because they buy from the OEMs in volume, Dell can get components cheaper than you can). E.g., Dell used to have a terrible selection of video cards, so you only had a choice of the top of the line or the bottom of the line, no in between. I've heard that they've improved since then.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Because they buy from the OEMs in volume, Dell can get components cheaper than you can

[/ QUOTE ]

From everything I've read (and I read lots of trade magazines), that is only part of the story. Dell gets most of their profit from the float on the parts. That is to say, Dell usually gets paid for the computer in advance, before delivery. They pay for the parts 30-90 days out or more. The money is put into some interest generating fund. A few percent on billions adds up fast. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

There are some pretty ridiculous bargains at Dell right now. I got $750 off a laptop I bought this week using a coupon from fatwallet. Now I just have to wait for it to arrive . . . .

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
a laptop I bought this week

[/ QUOTE ]

What did you end up with? Just curious.

P.S. I told you Dell was ready to deal this time of year. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Building is easy - components can only fit where they are supposed to.

[/ QUOTE ]

Like the case pins that attach to the motherboard for power, reset, LED, HD indicator?

How about primary/secondary IDE channels and Slave/Master/Channel Select settings?

Building a computer is easy enough for someone who has reasonably good dexterity and comprehension, but most people are stupid.

[/ QUOTE ]

as I've said before, building a PC is a good solution for people who want or need the latest/greatest or are very picky about their needs. or for people who enjoy building and tinkering as a hobby.

everybody else is just better off buying a nice Dell for $300 or $400, which you can do with coupons.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
a laptop I bought this week

[/ QUOTE ]

What did you end up with? Just curious.

P.S. I told you Dell was ready to deal this time of year. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Here's what I got. Note the nice coupon I found:


Inspiron E1705
Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300E (1.66GHz/667MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 Qty: 1
Unit Price: $2,362.00
Inspiron E1705 Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2300E (1.66GHz/667MHz FSB)

LCD Panel 17 inch UltraSharp™ Wide Screen UXGA Display with TrueLife™

Memory 1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz

Video Card 256MB ATI MOBILITY™ RADEON® X1400 HyperMemory

Hard Drive 100GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005

Network Card Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0

Combo/DVD+RW Drives FREE!8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability

Sound Options Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD Audio

Wireless Networking Cards Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)

Office Software (not included in Windows XP) Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Word, Excel, and Outlook email

Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) SAVE! McAfee Security Center VirusScan, Firewall, Spyware Removal, 36 Month

Primary Battery 80 WHr 9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Carrying Cases Dell Nylon Deluxe Carrying Case

Hardware Warranty 2Yr Ltd Warranty, 2Yr At-Home Service, and 2Yr HW Warranty Support

Wireless Personal Networking Card Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Internal(2.0 + Enhanced Data Rate)


Inspiron affiliate offer $750 off $1999 or more (before tax, restocking fees, shipping and handling)
Expires on 2006-06-08 10:59:59 - $750.00

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS AND COUPONS
Dell Home Customers: Free Ground Shipping on Dell Inspiron System orders!
Expires on 2006-06-08 11:59:59 - $19.00

Sub-Total $1,612.00
Shipping Discount -$19.00
Shipping $ 0.00
Tax $11.70
Total $1,623.70

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Selling my Dell 9300 if anyone is interested. 1.86Ghz, 80gig harddrive, 256mb video, 17" 1900x1200, 512 ram, 3 year warranty and more... pm me

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Opps, I just realized I cant do that. Sry. (theres no edit button or delete post button)

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

It's hard to save any money building your own vs. buying pre-made, especially if you have to buy Windows XP.

I've built my own computers for over 15 years, and I bought my first pre-built on this year from Circuit City. Gateway with AMD X2 3800+, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, DVD-RW, Geforce 7600GS (I bought this separately), plus case, media reader, and Windows XP Media Center 2005 for $800 after tax.

You can't buy all of these components on Newegg for any cheaper. This is a great online poker box, btw. Dual core is the only way to go these days.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

I have bought every computer and computer part from eBay for the last three years. I don't know much about fatwallet and such, but from a quick look, I can tell you for a fact there are better deals on Dell Dimensions on eBay right now,

$600 - E510, Dual Core (3 Ghz), 1GB DDR2 RAM, dual DVD drives w/ writing ability, 256MB Radeon Vid Card that supports two monitors, building the same on Dell will be like $1200 and take $350 off of that and eBay is still way better.

Re: Where\'s the best place to buy a new computer?
 

Just to confuse things more, even though I only have a few data points here are some of my experiences with electronics, online and real stores and eBay which I hope will help.

I, plus two other people that I know, have all bought moderately expensive electronics on eBay that turned out to be big headaches. In my case the item was working but oh so slightly broken and not repeatable. I was real tempted to say it worked well enough. From past experience I knew that could be a big mistake. I filed a complaint and after a month, eBay ruled in my favor. I returned the item for a full refund. It was a hassle though. Of the other two, one bought a computer that kept crashing once every day or two; the other a large screen TV that shortly stopped working. They both had busy lives. After a few failed attempts contacting the seller they let things slip. Soon it was past the time eBay would help. They both now have expensive paper weights. (Yes, they could probably have done what I did but they didn’t and shouldn’t have had to.) The people they bought from had good prices and what appeared to be great feedback but not 100%.

To be fair, I have also bought many items on eBay for low prices that worked flawlessly. They were great deals. (Ex. The 3.4 Pentium chip in the computer I am using) I have also bought problem items where the seller immediately fixed the problem to my complete satisfaction.

IMHO, after one too many headaches, unless there is a big price differential, I buy from reputable companies that have good (and clear) return policies. For electronics online, newegg and tigerdirect. (I am sure there are others) I bought a $245 video card from tiger. It failed after 8 months while still under manufacturer’s warranty. I got an RMA. They didn’t stock the card anymore and I shortly received a check for $245 plus the shipping cost. A little down time but no hassle.

For stores I like (if I can get the good price) Best Buy, Staples, and Circuit City, all of which have for most items, satisfaction guaranteed returns. The time varies based on the item and store but I have returned things like disk drives, video card and power supplies after a week or two that I was not happy with. These stores generally do not give big discounts but will price match and sometimes have really terrific sale prices, coupons, and/or rebates. Again I am sure there are other stores with good Customer Service.

These stores also sell, on many items, replacement warranties which for some items are a great deal. For example I just returned to Staples an almost two year old cannon printer (which I bought on sale) that was old, dirty, and had some banding when it printed. Within half an hour, since the printer was no longer manufactured, they issued me a full credit for the price I paid. What a deal. The credit + some cash and now I have a new HP laser printer (also on sale). My daughter had a similar experience with her almost two year old digital camera at Best Buy. She had kept the receipt that showed the original price and extended warranty, all the parts, and pieces plus the box. It took about a half hour but they issued a credit for the paid price $399 (even though the camera had dropped $100 a few months after she bought it) which she used to buy a new and better camera.

I will also add that before make purchases like these I will usually do review and price research. Like poker, you have to look at the decision in context.

These are my experience. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Since I can not help a lot with poker (compared with most of the people populating the forum) I’ll try to help someone make good electronics’ buying choices.