If you were going to buy an off the shelf desktop computer what would you buy and who from? I need to replace mine very soon and I'm not sure what to get. I do a lot of photo's, a few office programs, and would like good DVD/CD burning abilities.

Do any of you use your computers as PVR's?

 

I would highly recommend that you buy from Costco.com, keep the receipt and packaging. If you don't like it, you can return it for a full refund within 6 months.

Having said that, Costco (the stores) and Costco.com both offers a good lineup.

 

I'm happy with the Dell I bought for my parents a bit over a year ago. I bought it from www.dell.com Watch their sales and promotions and you should be able to find what you need fairly reasonably priced.

 

the HP media center's look pretty good.

if you are thinking about a mac i can help you with that

 

I second the HP else get the Dell. All depends on what your tech. ability is. You can always get a barebones kit and build to the spec you require.

 

Rich,

The nearest Costco is 5 hours north of me but I have a friend with a card so it might be worth a road trip to check them out in person.

It looks like the rest of you are saying HP or Dell and I've been leaning in that direction. I can't go Mac because it has to somewhat match up with my wifes office computers.

Will I notice any difference if I get a processor other than a Pentium?

 

In my experience, I've never noticed the difference. I've been running AMD Athlon chips for a few years now. And besides, memory is more important than processor speed these days anyway, IMO.

Oh, and my only experience with off the shelf machines has been through work (my personal PC is a mutt)...Dell has worked fine and the prices seem reasonable.

 

CG: it's best if you can use your friend's card number to order online - no need to go to the store.

 

dont be blinded by Pentium's widespread advertising, AMD is equal if not better IMO

HP is where its at

Kevin

 

just dont buy AMD Semprons, theyre just a marketing ploy. Get the AMD XP's, faster, and cheaper. I find that local computer (private businesses) are great. The warranty is decent and you dont get the bulk software bullcrap from companies like HP and Dell that end up slowing your computer down.