New computer: build or buy?

by . SantiMB .

I’m starting grad school in the fall and need a new laptop (PC). Nothing wildly like, not a gamer.

My b/f says I should have a computer “built” for me by Best Buy or a similar store. I was plotting on just getting a Dell. The model I want is a “Consumer Reports Best Buy” and seems to have everything I need. He says I can get all the same features and software for a lower price if I have it built.

Opinions, delight? Benefits and drawbacks of building vs. export (such as warranty protection)?

Also, if I do build, should I try to avoid Windows 7 (I use Vista and after implementing a couple of annoyance-reducing settings changes suggested online, I like it just fine).

Answer by HBpencil
Now’s a fantastic time to build your own pc. a excellent build is the following specs:
Core i3 530
4gb 1600mhz ram
radeon hd 5770
500gb hard drive
windows 7 home 64 bit

Windows 7 really is fantastic, looks excellent too. Not as quick as mac, but that’s not as quick as linux either so DON’T GET A MAC! overpriced mediocre hardware.

If you’re not into making a bet then go for a core i5 instead of i3 as it’s quad core.

Answer by cholley_dooo
your bf doesn’t know what he’s talking about, 1st best but cant build you one, Dell is no better than anything else.
if you needed a lot of specific software and hardware it could be cheaper to call dell or HP and get exactly what you need but, if you just need office, go to best buy and pick up any ancient brand that fits your budget, get windows 7, it’s the standard now and i have read numerous excellent write ups.

get either the intel centrino or AMD turion based lap tops best buy has a toshiba turion setup on sale this week $ 499

Answer by afraninoya
buy

Answer by Andrew
Hei Man!
Lemme Pitch in on This.
So U Want a Custom Built PC that would meet ur Needs?
So….. Grad School..
ud doubtless be browsing a lot in the internet… doing projects? Editing? Encoding?

You Doubtless Would need:
Quad Core Processor (More Cores Give More Speed. ud doubtless need speed.)

RAM (I recommend 4GIG RAM Straight away! coz computers are progressing so quick currently. and programs take a lotta toll outta your system. so 4gig just to be safe and secure that ur PC wont get outdated in a few months!)

Video Card (Well Anything Decent Will Do.. Radeon Will do.. But Nvidia will be a lot better.. for viewing videos.. editing videos.. etc… Nvidia GeForce 8000 Series is excellent! ranges from 256MB memory to 768MB Memory AMount. its DirectX 10 Compatible. in a few months DirectX10 will be a common requirements for programs)

OS (You should choose an In commission System Which ur already familiar with! though.. Windows Seven is just phenomenal… and ull like it! i tell ya! make sure it has 64 bit support… its also a new requirement for new programs like adobe.. etc… dont worry about windows 7 OS its the best out there! its not over priced, commonly used means ull get a lot of help when u get problems with it, and its very user friendly!)

So.. hope that kinda narrows ur options…
but if ur not really that hardcore into by ur Laptop(PC) in by integrated and new Programs.
then u can choose lower Specs for ur PC.. u can do Core i3… a much Simplier Video Card.. but i really recommend toughening up on the RAM and choose Windows 7 OS..

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I bought a 1992 Pontiac Bonneville with 64,000 miles in 2003 for $ 2,300. I just lost the water pump and had to spend $ 300 on the repair. When people hear this a lot of them say I should have bought new because I’m “wasting money” and all used cars are junk. Book value on the car was $ 3,500 when I bought it and I’ve only spent 600 on repairs (lost the AC compressor in 05′) so I figure I got a deal anyway. The only thing thats faulty on Bonnevilles is the cooling system and thats after 10+ being of use. All other components will last forever.
My parents spent 14,000 total on a 98′ Crown Vic and a 99′ Mazda p/u in 02′ they’ve only had 500 in repairs on each in nearly 5 being. They bought both from a reputable dealer and had them inspected.
It annoys me when people tell me spending 2900 total is worse than 20000 on a new vehicle. Don’t these people reckon? All of the vehicles we have bought have been consumer reports best buys for used cars. Not everyone desires to have a 7 year car loan!
It’s really irritating to have some weirder tell me that my paid-in-cash vehicle is worse than their paying-lots-of-interest fees on car. I just went into the suburbs from a rural area and get this a lot up here. Back home, no one said this to me.

I just got a high-paying job with a credit card company and although I can afford a new car I refuse to buy one. She’s pretty reliable so why would I want to go into debt just so I can keep up with the Jones’?

Answer by Cattlemanbob
Because they’re spoiled.

Answer by john b
When you buy a used car, chances are you are export other peoples problems. There are successes though, I bought a used car 2 being ago, and I have had no problems so far.

Answer by kat
excellent thinking with yourhead!! i agree!

used cars can be incredible if u do your research… nothing incorrect with new either but for those of us who cant afford it or would rather not make payments.. used is the way to go =)

Answer by norsmen
if the car was any excellent why did the first title-holder get rid of it.

Answer by notaclue
Right on sweetheart! I’m with you because I don’t like being owned by the billionaires in this country!
There’s nothing incorrect with owning used other than the perception issues! “Keeping up Appearances” ring any bells?
I reckon sometimes it’s a matter of “jealousy” too when someone is paying $ 600 a month car payment while you ride around in your 4 year ancient car payment free and the thing runs forever! Believe me, I’ve got one! A 1984 GMC in perfect condition that I bought when it was 5 being ancient and all I have ever done to it is a $ 1159 groundbreaking new replacement engine! The thing just keeps going and going, we use it for snowplowing, getting firewood, on the farm for each chore imaginable, parts truck at my repair shop and so on!
So, keep up the spirits and don’t worry what other people reckon! I have an ancient saying, “if you don’t like me or what I am then stay away”! I was here before without you and I’ll be here after wards without you! Firm believer of live and let live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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