help me choose a PC (dell/hp/compaq/eMachines)

[SKYLINEGTR33MWJ]

there's nothing like gettting advice from the pros here at TechIMO, so let me just spit it out. >>

>> i need advice towards buying myself a new pc this christmas, im on a budget but wont sacrifice performance for price! what system do you recommend. -- DELL - HP - COMPAQ - GATEWAY - eMachines i wont even mention SONY (expensive!)

i was looking at DELL 4600 pc with 256ram 64mb video 2.6 P4 with 40gb drive and a 17'' CRT for est. $888

and also looking at HP models with 256ram 64mb video 2.6 P4ht with 80gb drive and 17'' CRT for est $900

Compaq is offering the same thing for $900 except that they threw in 512ram

i dotn know what to buy !! plz help

i need this pc for home/office NO games... but 64mb video just to
be safe.... really need that 256ram and 80gb drive

I CAN"T SPEND MORE THAN $900 and will not accept a CELERON processor... or

i heard AMD is not good

[duffyone]

... HP has a nice priced unit.... a320n. By itself $699. with a HP monitor and printer $749

AMD Athlon XP processor 2800+ with QuantiSpeed¿ architecture* and 333MHz frontside bus Operates at 2.08GHz 512MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM for multitasking power, expandable to 2.0GB 16x maximum speed DVD-ROM drive; 48x24x48 CD-RW drive.

[John Prophet]

I have sold Dells and compaqs and have worked on plenty other brands of comps.

I sold a compaq Presario 6000z once..I thought it had a nice look to it and it didnt have some wimpy power supply like an HP.

The Dells, if I am still correct, use proprietary motherboard and power supplies....so that is something to keep in mind.

Dell is cool as far as they dont seem to put a ton of junk in your startup folder like compaq or HP does...just remember that as well...when you buy from a big name place like Dell or HP or compaq..be ready to do a little configuration mainly gettin grid of their gay stuff like startup help programs and all that nooby stuff that only slows you down.

[John Prophet]

"... HP has a nice priced unit.... a320n. By itself $699. with a HP monitor and printer $749"

does anyone know if HP still use the little gay microatx power supply?

[XxCowOfChaosxX]

build your own, you'll get a 1337 system with all that 1007 you have

[MrPurple]

Hmm, I thought that HP and Compaq were one and the same now. In fact we have purchased several HPCompaq systems at work.
Dell is always nice if you get the right deals and cupones and codes

[Gettinbye]

If you're not looking for high-end gaming, and trying to save a few bucks, I'd recommend AMD all the way. (actually, I'd recommend AMD anyway ) You'll get ALOT more "bang for yer buck" if you build it yourself(you could build a "dream machine" for $800-$900). I run a barton 2800+ myself and have had ZERO problems with it.
Dell is a pretty good brand-they have good (although overpriced) hardware and excellent tech support. I'm not a fan of Gateway or HP-have seen instances where their software did not "play nice" with windows and/or other software.
With Christmas coming, and prices overall dropping, you can get a very nice box for the $$ you're looking to spend. Newegg is a good place to see what things are going for. When you think you've decided, you might post back and see if anyone can find a better deal for ya. Best of luck....

[John Prophet]

oh my, I just noticed emachines listed....uhh, do yourself a favor and get a real comp..dont consider emachines.

[Omardeth]

if ya don't wanna build a system yourself , the cheapest way to go to get the best machine possible . i would say just get a dell then . i think you will get the best product from them and you can always get a pretty good system from them for about 7-800$

[Shifter2101]

EMachines!!!???....

Dont bother... You WILL Regret It!!!