Computer Shopping

[CanadianGuitarist]

I realize this isn't a black and white topic, but what do I really need to know/look for when I shop for a computer this summer? I've looked at four or five online, but the specs, etc. are Chinese to me. Here's literally everything I do with my computer:

- A small handful of websites (here, Youtube, web banking, Facebook, CBC News or Toronto Star, TSN, ESPN).
- Porn, but that's mostly streaming as opposed to downloads.
- Ipod stuff.
- Work - uploading photos and adding text. I suspect the Image Upload program is pretty rudimentary.

I don't game or really download anything, so I have an idea I can cheap out quite a bit. I don't really use USB ports for anything (other than updating the IPod) as I don't have a printer and my current computer has a built-in card reader for work. I assume a handful of USB ports is pretty standard now anyway. I do like the idea of HDMI out to my television, but I'm told a lot of laptops aren't HDCP compliant?

I keep hearing Mac, but apart from the aforementioned porn, I think I'm relatively savvy enough to keep my computer safe (A free Ipad! What luck!), which seems to the major benefit Macs offer. Your thoughts?

 

[vivisectvi]

A Mac is way too pricey for what you want to do. I would go with one of the under $1000 laptops at Futureshop by Acer, Asus or even Toshiba. I did that with a Toshiba Satellite a couple of years ago and it was a good solution for just general Internet use and iPod connectivity.

 

[the max]

My computer cost under $450 three years ago. I ended up with a Dell. I use it for the same things you do.

 

[Master Thrasher]

We bought my mom a Dell last week at Best Buy for about $480. It has a large hard drive and a lot of RAM. It boots fairly quickly and is quiet.

 

[vivisectvi]

Good call on the Dell models, I forgot they had those ones under the $500 price point.

 

[Thoth]

These days Macs are getting quite a number of viruses. No guarantee owning a Mac will keep you safe.

 

[Master Thrasher]

I guess that's the downside of Mac's being more popular. People think they're more immune to virus because of this code in OSX: Viruses=Off. Turns out it doesn't work and Macs work like PCs.

 

[jimmy no nose]

The things that tend to drive computer prices up are all things that don't seem necessary for your needs. Top of the line graphics cards, the latest processors, etc. aren't really going to be a huge deal to you. RAM and hard drive space really don't cost you a ton. You can probably get something with 6 GB RAM and a 500-640 GB hard drive in the $500-$700 neighborhood pretty easily. You may even be able to go below $500 if you shop around.

 

[Thoth]

Do you want a laptop? If not, the cheapest you can do is to build it yourself. Going to take a wild guess and say if the specs are Chinese to you, you cannot do this.

Any cheapo 400 dollar desktop will do what you want, but keep in mind you get what you pay for, in more ways than one.

 

[CanadianGuitarist]

Do you want a laptop? If not, the cheapest you can do is to build it yourself. Going to take a wild guess and say if the specs are Chinese to you, you cannot do this.

Any cheapo 400 dollar desktop will do what you want, but keep in mind you get what you pay for, in more ways than one.

I've got a laptop now - it's a Toshiba from 2006. I honestly don't know the specs or anything of it. It's on its last legs, but I couldn't have asked for too much more out of it.

I'd prefer to keep a laptop as opposed to a desktop, but it's not the end of the world. Still, if there's been a few suggestions that a decent laptop for my needs can be had for around $500, I'd say that's ideal. I paid $750 for the Toshiba when I bought it new, so that was kind of the number I had in mind, but obviously, the cheaper the better (within reason).

 

[the max]

I realize you're a Canadian so this might be a loonie or two different in price but this is pretty much exactly what I have:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Inspiron+Laptop+/+AMD+E-Series+Processor+/+15.6%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+-+Black/3810198.p?id=1218433530911&skuId=3810198

Mine doesn't have an HDMI out but I've had it for three years and use it pretty much everyday.