re: Finally replacing my Windows XP computer(s)

quote:

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For a desktop, build your own at Fry's and never question otherwise. For a laptop, get an HP at Best Buy for like $700-$800. Go the cheap route at your own risk.

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Long time computer builder and website testing contributor here. Real world observations:

1. The average consumer doesn't need a high end machine. A standard box store mid grade is good enough for surfing, word processing, and the occasional spreadsheet. This covers about 75% of the computer using public. The most common programs that would push most consumers into needing more would be gaming or Photoshop, or a real need to have many applications running at one time.

2. You cannot build a machine cheaper than you can buy one, even with great deals from Newegg, Fry's, etc. Everybody THINKS they can but you can't - volume purchasing power is just too great. If you think you can build a great machine for less than $500, post your equipment list and links to the parts online, I'd like to see it. You can build an integrated mobo computer cheaper than that, but not a mid-tier or higher. Decent mobo is about $75-100, 16gb memory is about $100, and any mid-tier CPU will be $125-150... and you are already over $300 for just the core of your system. That doesn't include a decent power supply, drives, card readers, case, mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc etc etc. You simply can't build a decent system for less than $450-500.

3. There ARE plenty of good reasons for building one yourself, though. You can get great components that will last longer by building yoru system yourself. And of course, there is always the satisfaction aspect of doing it yourself. Just remember that YOU ARE THE TROUBLESHOOTING DEPARTMENT. I chose to build my wn computer and always have. But it's not for everyone. Buying is much much faster.

4. The best laptop bargains right now IMHO are off lease mid grade systems. I would look at gov't contract off lease used computers... maybe something like an HP Elitebook 8460 or similar. Many of these never even get undocked and have very light wear. You can get an HP 8460 with 14" screen, I5 CPU, 8gb memory, 1tB drive or 256gb SSD, Win 7/10 for less than $200 in very good condition. Best buy out there imho and the Elitebook or similar level of quality is words above what you'd find at WalMart. And repairable if ever needed. Dell and Lenovo both have similar quality lines. "Inexpensive" doesn't have to mean "cheap". Off lease "used" doesn't have to mean "bad condition". Just buy through Amazon or someone that will stand behind them reasonably.

5. Do buy the best you can afford. Set your budget as high as you can afford... and do the best you can within that budget. This applies equally to systems AND components if you build your own. There are systems out there for every price level that are effective.



JMHO.

This is on a 7½ year old HP Pavilion desktop running Windows 7.

I have $50 a month fiber optic Internet service with unlimited data.