New computer need help

[Tom Threetoes]

We're about to ditch this Web TV and buy us a new computer and was wondering where is the best place to buy one. We've been to computer stores and the prices were to high compared to the Best Buys and Circuit Citys we've visited. The problem with the electronics stores is they don't seem to have a very large selection to choose from. We need to find a good IP also, looks like we're stuck with dial up, because of our rural location. Being computer ignorant we need help. Tom

[Swampthing]

I saw a really good deal at Walmart the other day. It was a complete system in the $400 range.

[keith meador]

do you have wireless broadband available in your area? my aircard in my work computer is much faster than any dialup.

[MsgMills]

I've bought 4 new PC's since 97 and they have all come from Best Buy. Wouldn't go anywhere else to get one. Plus I always get the in-Home 3 year extended warranty. In case anything goes wrong, they have to come to my house and fix it. Not to mention if something breaks they replace it with what ever is present in the system, not a refurbished model. All new replacements.... Plus there C/S staff speaks 99.9 % English...which is a major reason I still deal with them.... Good Luck:)

[sixxfan26]

Check out the Dell website. I ordered a new computer from them early last year and it's awesome. They generally have some really great deals on PC's. But if you're looking for a super high end PC, they have financing available as well if you need it.

[letmfly]

We just bought our second laptop from Best Buy, we feel we get a descent deal there. We seem to get a new computer about every three to four years. We went with Toshiba again. It's nice to have wireless and use the laptop anywhere in the house. After you add the software and anti-this and anti-that the price can get up there.

[k-man]

As others have stated Walmart often has some pretty good deals on computers and I expect most retailers will soon be offering "back to school" type package deals. I've noticed that the big electronic stores advertised pricing is usually after rebates so if you wind up buying a computer that has rebates be sure to carefully read and follow the details exactly. Seems no matter the brand or where you purchase it, almost all pc's are now coming with the new Vista operating system preloaded. Been hearing some folks are having hardware/software compatibility issues with Vista though I have no doubt over time they'll eventually be corrected.

After using one of the big name Internet providers because of a 6 months free service promotion that came with my computer, I would highly recommend a smaller company called Toast.net for a dial-up service provider. Excellent pricing, above average service with very patient, helpful, and most importantly, english speaking support staff. No complaints at all for the three years I was with them and still would be if they only offered DSL in my area.
http://www.toast.net/services/dialup/

[Landguy]

Have you contacted BellSouth about your ISP? I was on dial-up for a long time not knowing that I could have high speed DSL. I made a call to BellSouth to switch my phone service and was told that I could get a DSL here. Now I'm surfing fast and happy. Might be worth a call if ya haven't already tried.

[Tom Threetoes]

Lotsa good info so far keep it comming. Owensboro and Evansville Best Buys had high end stuff and lesser brands but not much in the mid range prices. Called Dell and we're still debating what to buy. We have AT&T and no DSL out here. Checked broadband wireless and the prices were outragous. Earthlink and Toast dial up look interesting, gonna check them out. Thanks for all the interest I need the help, Tom

[teacher]

Bought my latest one two years ago from circuit city.. Haven't had any problems with yet.. We too are not able to get DSL in our area.. We have dial up Earthlink and it works great.. If I could get something faster though, I would in a heart beat.. You need to think about what all you will be using the computer for before you buy, memory, hard drive, DVD burner, etc.. I think Walmart is going to start carrying Dell.. Can't go wrong with Dell.. Best Buy and Circuit City compete hard with each other, so if you find something at one, the other will sell it for same price or maybe lower..

[C.L.Button]

I would not buy a Dell if they were the only ones making a computer ! :mad:

Check out their customer service reputation ! They got filed with a class action lawsuit by somebody this year ? I have computer buddys that feel the same way. Take that Dell and use it for a fence post target ! :D

Do you have Insight cable where you are ? I didn't read all the posts so it may have already been mentioned ?

[yeehaw21]

I have an HP Pavilion and have been satisfied with it. I would say you would be satisfied with it, especially just upgrading from WebTV.

As far as an ISP, I too cannot get broadband or DSL. I would double check in your area first, but if you are stuck with dial-up, I recommend Netscape. I thought it was faster than Earthlink, and I only pay $9.95/month. I have it deducted straight from my checkings account each month.

These may not be right for you, but hope something helps.