Computer opinions, people?

[effervescible]

...I think my secondary hard drive just died.

This is not as bad as it sounds. It's the drive that was originally the primary for this computer until a couple of years ago, when it was having some issues and dialogue's daddy made it the secondary slave drive. Since yesterday, it's been a bit freeze-y, and now whenever I try and explore the files on that drive, it's all "lulz, you wanna format this drive? :D" Annoying, but I think all I had on that drive that I don't have on the main one were some video files.

Regardless, I think I'll head to the mall tomorrow. I've been wanting to get an external drive for rewritable, larger-scale backups for a while now, and it seems now is the time. But this makes me think I should also be looking at a new computer entirely. Not that I'm gonna run out and do that next week, but this one will be 6 in the spring, and I'd wanted to upgrade. (Y'all, it actually has a floppy drive. How quaint! I don't know if I've ever used it, mind you, but still.)

So I ask you, LJ--what's the best way to go about investigating a new computer? I have some specifics in mind. As much as I would love the convenience of a laptop, I log more hours on the computer at home, and a laptop feels very cramped to me. A nice shiny mac is likewise tempting, and I am not entirely ruling it out, but the gamer dork in me wants to stick with PC so I can get back to playing City of Heroes/Villains one of these days. I already have a swank monitor and related peripherals, so I don't need some pre-made package of everything put together, but I am also not even close to being familiar enough with a computer's guts to buy parts and build my own.

So where are the best places to investigate? Any recommendations/warnings? I know I'm NOT getting a Dell. Hahaha no. Other than that...not sure. I have $800 coming to me from some freelance work plus my $600 security deposit from the last apartment floating around. Obviously I want to sock as much of that into savings as I can, but I've got some wiggle room now that the car is paid for, painful as that was.

Give me thoughts? I give you kisses.

Comments

[wildwesternwind.livejournal.com]

I would say a Gateway, but Im currently having problems with my laptop so, thats a questionable one. The benefit though is if you have to use their Tech support, you can actually understand them. No more attempts at engrish there.

[loveotter.livejournal.com]

I have a desktop Gateway and it's worked like a dream for over two years now.

[sache.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... my advice for computer shopping. I can't tell you what brand because I've found that user issues are pretty much universal and no one brand is better than the next, really. (Except Vaio's are awesome, but expensive.) HOWEVER, do your preliminary shopping, at least, from Circuit City. I TOTALLY have a reason for this. That is... the guys that work there earn off of commission so they're a little more knowledgable (theoretically) and more importantly, more willing to give you a deal if you know how to haggle.

I will also say that if there's one available, spring for the extended warranty. I know that it's recommended to NOT buy it for most things but a) a computer is both important and expensive. And b) it's pretty much guaranteed that you'll need to use it at least once. (Hell, George/Jorge was using it yearly after the first two years.)

[wreakerofhavoc.livejournal.com]

Gateway = evil. I'm quite happy with my IBM Thinkpad, but they are way expensive. It was only the 30% discount I get through my alumni association that made it affordable. Maybe if you're just looking for a tower, it'll be affordable?

[jmcgarry.livejournal.com]

So I ask you, LJ--what's the best way to go about investigating a new computer?

A little more expensive laptop+docking station? You get the portability, plus at home the big keyboard/monitor. You could even keep your "swank" monitor.

My new machine was a Gateway, and {knock on wood} no problems. Most major brands will have no problems right away. What do you want to do with the computer?

[dialogue.livejournal.com]

Check out http://www.newegg.com/ . That's where I got my gaming PC for about 800 dollars (including the nice graphics card I bought to go with it.)

[lalieth.livejournal.com]

I've had my emachine for about 2.5 years and have had no problems. It's a great PC, emachine is all I'll ever buy, though I don't foresee having to buy a new one anytime soon.

[sarcasticval.livejournal.com]

*pets mac lovingly*