Need Desktop Computer Purchase advice

**CyberJJJ** · 10-31-2011, 04:07 PM

Our home computers have been laptops the last few years, but we have been somewhat hard on those. I am considering the next purchase being a desktop, then use some of the savings over the laptop to buy an iPad for my bride. Any advice?

The desktop will primarily be used for:

- Kids homework (they are in 8th, 7th & 5th grades)
- Internet surfing
- e-mail
- holding pictures from digital camera
- need USB storage ports and DVD writable
- kids play some games, but nothing highend as we have a PS3.

**brianhos** · 10-31-2011, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by CyberJJJ

Our home computers have been laptops the last few years, but we have been somewhat hard on those. I am considering the next purchase being a desktop, then use some of the savings over the laptop to buy an iPad for my bride. Any advice?

The desktop will primarily be used for:

- Kids homework (they are in 8th, 7th & 5th grades)
- Internet surfing
- e-mail
- holding pictures from digital camera
- need USB storage ports and DVD writable
- kids play some games, but nothing highend as we have a PS3.

Sounds like you need a very very basic model. Go to slickdeals and see what the deal of the day is for dell.

**Cy4Patriots** · 10-31-2011, 09:24 PM

Originally Posted by brianhos

Sounds like you need a very very basic model. Go to slickdeals and see what the deal of the day is for HP.

FIFY

**MaccloNe** · 10-31-2011, 09:56 PM

Buy a iMac. I have had mine for 6 years, done 3 OS upgrades. Never got a virus, blue screen or hardware problem. They just work and kids prefer them.

**ianoconnor** · 10-31-2011, 09:56 PM

Check out the Dell Outlet, too. Dell Outlet | Refurbished Computers, Laptops, PCs & More | Dell

**boone7247** · 10-31-2011, 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by MaccloNe

Buy a iMac. I have had mine for 6 years, done 3 OS upgrades. Never got a virus, blue screen or hardware problem. They just work and kids prefer them.

+1

**kilgore_trout** · 10-31-2011, 10:00 PM

Any old black friday special should do those sort of things for ya.

**Skipple** · 10-31-2011, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by MaccloNe

Buy a iMac. I have had mine for 6 years, done 3 OS upgrades. Never got a virus, blue screen or hardware problem. They just work and kids prefer them.

He said he wanted to save money and use money left over to buy something, not spend 2-3x more on a computer and not buy a laptop or anything with the no money left over.

Apple - iMac - The ultimate all-in-one desktop computer. Starting at $1199! What a bargain! It does most things the PC can do AND it comes with an awesome apple logo! No viruses(tm) but you can bet compatibility problems with your child's school PCs and with their friend's PCs.

The best part is you can teach your kid how to use a computer that's used by 8% of the world and ever shrinking, all for a low cost of only twice or three times the price of a PC.

As the user above said, slickdeals, find something decent, nearly anything would do.

**ianoconnor** · 10-31-2011, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Skipple

He said he wanted to save money and use money left over to buy something, not spend 2-3x more on a computer and not buy a laptop or anything with the no money left over.

Apple - iMac - The ultimate all-in-one desktop computer. Starting at $1199! What a bargain! It does most things the PC can do AND it comes with an awesome apple logo! No viruses(tm) but you can bet compatibility problems with your child's school PCs and with their friend's PCs.

The best part is you can teach your kid how to use a computer that's used by 8% of the world and ever shrinking, all for a low cost of only twice or three times the price of a PC.

As the user above said, slickdeals, find something decent, nearly anything would do.

But his kids would be the coolest kids around...

**Ficklone02** · 10-31-2011, 10:21 PM

I got a good deal on an HP from www.deals2buy.com

Everyday they have an assortment of good deals on various products.

**TyClone** · 10-31-2011, 10:22 PM

Apple is the way to go if you want to invest in a great product. You get what you pay for. Apple provides functionality, security and yes, coolness factors. Windows is old school.

**jcal2001** · 10-31-2011, 10:25 PM

In my opinion, it's worth spending a bit extra on an iMac. It will last longer than your typical PC, support many future software updates, likely never get a virus, and work wonderfully with that future iPad (especially with iCloud). For the hardware, software, outstanding customer service, and experience you receive, it's worth the extra month of saving. This comes from a former PC user, by the way. Also, in response to a previous post, the market share is only increasing, both in the consumer and corporate markets.

**MaccloNe** · 10-31-2011, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by Skipple

He said he wanted to save money and use money left over to buy something, not spend 2-3x more on a computer and not buy a laptop or anything with the no money left over.

Apple - iMac - The ultimate all-in-one desktop computer. Starting at $1199! What a bargain! It does most things the PC can do AND it comes with an awesome apple logo! No viruses(tm) but you can bet compatibility problems with your child's school PCs and with their friend's PCs.

The best part is you can teach your kid how to use a computer that's used by 8% of the world and ever shrinking, all for a low cost of only twice or three times the price of a PC.

As the user above said, slickdeals, find something decent, nearly anything would do.

I run Office on my Mac, so that comment is baseless.

Shrinking? How can that be true when they increase market share every quarter.

If you want to buy a Ugo, you can. But would you prefer a decent car that will be reliable and last? I would buy a Ford or Chevy over a Ugo.

You can buy a refurbished model to save some bucks. Calculate the cost over 6 - 10 years and you will see that the Mac costs less over the long term. I have been in IT for 30 years and had several WIntel PCs, but got tired of the issues and failures.

Th Mac mini is way less than what you quoted.