Solve : PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER?

1.	Solve : PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER?
Answer» Our church has been using donated computers for some time. We have finally decided to purchase a new desktop system. However, the task is choosing the amongst the available processors with the speed, memory, and operating systems for our needs. We have a LEXMARK copier and we plan to add WIRELESS internet to AT&T phone system. Any suggestions as to what we should be looking for in a complete system? Thanks. rhbc2A dual-core processor such as the (older) ATHLON X2 5600+/Pentium D 830 would be sufficient for office use. What are the specs of the donated computers you are looking to choose between? Wireless internet from a phone system requires a DSL Modem hooked up to a router-alternatively you can buy an all-in-one modem+router device such as this: http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=567 A Lexmark copier would work on most any computer in the world today-Windows/Mac has integrated support for printers/copiers and shouldn't be a problem. You did not say what PROGRAMS and OS you have used up to now. What have you used up top now? A non-profit organization often has little need for intense computer power. Your best resources are the people who volunteer to work with you. If frugal use of funds is a requirement, or perceived as a requirement, care must be taken to not over-invest in something your people think is unstable. My recommendation, if I were one of your people, would be to investigate the purchase of refurbished computers from Dell. They carry the same warranty as a new computer at a significantly lower price. Also. they come with bolder versions of software that your people may actually prefer. There's a pretty good computer buying guide here. http://blog.smartcomputing.us/buying-computer-guide-2011/ Seems to be in English INSTEAD of assuming you know the ways of the nerd. I just purchased a new computer, and honestly, I was at a loss. I did some research online and still didn't feel comfortable shelling out money for a computer. My coworker found this one source guide and shared it with me. She said she found it online http://www.ebay.com/itm/170685939390?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 I was able to save money using it... didn't realize you didn't have to pay full price, etc. Good luck! Quote from: rhbc2 on August 15, 2011, 10:38:05 PM However, the task is choosing the amongst the available processors with the speed, memory, and operating systems for our needs. Don't forget about the system manufacturer and the support available from that manufacturer. I own/have owned several brands of machines with various configurations REGARDING hardware, but, based on my experience, system manufacturer product support is as much of an issue as what hardware is in it. JMO I'm tempted to post some brands I will not purchase in the future based on my experience with those brands in the past, and their lack of customer support, but it may be better to let you research this subject yourself. Remember your search engine is your friend. Using it 'pre-purchase' can save you some big headaches 'post-purchase'. My 2 cents. You never mentioned your budget, and that's one of the most important things.If you really want a new PC, budget is not the objective. As i mentioned earlier, off-lease PCs carry the same warranty as new PCs at a large discount. Speed and storage and resolution are no longer issues for general work. Only if you are into sophisticated action games does it make any difference. The Desktop PCs sold today are five times faster than ones sold ten years ago, And ten years ago the software for general use was just about the same as what we have now. There is nothing really new. So, choose a PC because you like the color. Or it is a great value. Or some intangible perception pleasure it gives you to open a box with a brand new toy. The all should carny a warranty of about the same duration. But be prudent. Make sure the item really has a standard warranty. Some 'discount' items do not have full warranties in some stores. For reference, check the prices in Tiger Direct and compare to other stores. I personally believe you should shop at a local store, Better chance of getting a full refund if the item is not suitable.

Answer»

Our church has been using donated computers for some time. We have finally decided to purchase a new desktop system. However, the task is choosing the amongst the available processors with the speed, memory, and operating systems for our needs. We have a LEXMARK copier and we plan to add WIRELESS internet to AT&T phone system. Any suggestions as to what we should be looking for in a complete system? Thanks. rhbc2A dual-core processor such as the (older) ATHLON X2 5600+/Pentium D 830 would be sufficient for office use. What are the specs of the donated computers you are looking to choose between?

Wireless internet from a phone system requires a DSL Modem hooked up to a router-alternatively you can buy an all-in-one modem+router device such as this:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=567

A Lexmark copier would work on most any computer in the world today-Windows/Mac has integrated support for printers/copiers and shouldn't be a problem. You did not say what PROGRAMS and OS you have used up to now. What have you used up top now?

A non-profit organization often has little need for intense computer power. Your best resources are the people who volunteer to work with you. If frugal use of funds is a requirement, or perceived as a requirement, care must be taken to not over-invest in something your people think is unstable.

My recommendation, if I were one of your people, would be to investigate the purchase of refurbished computers from Dell. They carry the same warranty as a new computer at a significantly lower price. Also. they come with bolder versions of software that your people may actually prefer.

There's a pretty good computer buying guide here. http://blog.smartcomputing.us/buying-computer-guide-2011/ Seems to be in English INSTEAD of assuming you know the ways of the nerd. I just purchased a new computer, and honestly, I was at a loss. I did some research online and still didn't feel comfortable shelling out money for a computer. My coworker found this one source guide and shared it with me. She said she found it online http://www.ebay.com/itm/170685939390?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I was able to save money using it... didn't realize you didn't have to pay full price, etc.

Good luck!
Quote from: rhbc2 on August 15, 2011, 10:38:05 PM

However, the task is choosing the amongst the available processors with the speed, memory, and operating systems for our needs.

Don't forget about the system manufacturer and the support available from that manufacturer. I own/have owned several brands of machines with various configurations REGARDING hardware, but, based on my experience, system manufacturer product support is as much of an issue as what hardware is in it. JMO
I'm tempted to post some brands I will not purchase in the future based on my experience with those brands in the past, and their lack of customer support, but it may be better to let you research this subject yourself. Remember your search engine is your friend. Using it 'pre-purchase' can save you some big headaches 'post-purchase'.
My 2 cents. You never mentioned your budget, and that's one of the most important things.If you really want a new PC, budget is not the objective. As i mentioned earlier, off-lease PCs carry the same warranty as new PCs at a large discount.
Speed and storage and resolution are no longer issues for general work. Only if you are into sophisticated action games does it make any difference. The Desktop PCs sold today are five times faster than ones sold ten years ago, And ten years ago the software for general use was just about the same as what we have now. There is nothing really new.

So, choose a PC because you like the color. Or it is a great value. Or some intangible perception pleasure it gives you to open a box with a brand new toy. The all should carny a warranty of about the same duration.

But be prudent. Make sure the item really has a standard warranty. Some 'discount' items do not have full warranties in some stores. For reference, check the prices in Tiger Direct and compare to other stores.

I personally believe you should shop at a local store, Better chance of getting a full refund if the item is not suitable.

Solve : PURCHASING A NEW COMPUTER?

Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions

Reply to Comment