Anyone got any advice re buying a new computer??

[GWW]

My current computer (Hewlett Packard) is about 5 years old now and starting to run very slowly. I know virtually zilch about technical things to do with computers, but have been advised by someone who knows a little bit, that it wouldn't be feasible for a partial upgrade, instead the most cost effective thing would be to buy a new computer.

Can anyone recommend a good computer shop (2 i've been advised to consider are Harvey Norman although i have my doubts about them, and IT Warehouse which I believe is in Grote Street) in the CBD (somewhere i can go in my work lunchtime), as well as a good brand/package that may be worth purchasing. I dont do any major downloading (music/movies etc), and only really use my PC to use forums such as this one, email etc, as well as msn/yahoo chat. So i dont need anything overly sophisticated.

I've heard mixed reviews about Vista, and am also unsure whether or not i should get this incorporated into the package as well.

Any advice much appreciated.

[heater31]

I have been informed by a former Microsoft employee (so he told me) that the macs are streets ahead of anything mircosoft can produce. Don't know if to believe him or not but the new macs do look a bit unusal as the whole unit is packed into the monitor casing these days

[Psyber]

The first thing I would do is have a look at how full the HDD is and if it has minimal free space remove some files until there is at least 25% free. Then do a full virus and spyware sweep, followed by a thorough defragmentation. Those things are the most common cause of a computer that was fine when you bought it slowing down.

If that doesn't return the computer to it former speed then you start wondering about faulty components.

After that more RAM and a faster video card are relatively economical steps - if your motherboard can handle them.

If it can't a new computer starts to look like the way to go, but demand XP Pro not Vista unless they'll give you Ultimate for a very good price. Don't spend money on big name brands - the components all come from the same companies any way, but look for one whose maker/distributor is in your state in case of problems, so that if the retailer folds you still have somewhere to go. Dell are OK but if dealing with them you do need to consider paying for the extended and on site warranty as sending it back to Sydney every time a problem arose would be a pain.

You usually get a better machine for the money from small shops rather than big retailers who usually charge the same prices for older machines they have had in stock for a while and try to justify it with a brand name.

I managed to resurrect an old P4 2.4GHz machine by giving it a new Motherboard I bought for $75 because the old one had a fine crack in it that opened in some temperature conditions, but it was a case of finding a source for the mobo and fitting it myself to make it worth bothering.

[GWW]

Thanks for the info

[smac]

PM Dissident. I reckon that's the best advice anyone here (aside from Diss himself) could give you.

[Dutchy]

Also if considering a laptop most emplyers let you package them under your salary therefore saving whatever you tax rate is...

[Dissident]

My current computer (Hewlett Packard) is about 5 years old now and starting to run very slowly. I know virtually zilch about technical things to do with computers, but have been advised by someone who knows a little bit, that it wouldn't be feasible for a partial upgrade, instead the most cost effective thing would be to buy a new computer.

Can anyone recommend a good computer shop (2 i've been advised to consider are Harvey Norman although i have my doubts about them, and IT Warehouse which I believe is in Grote Street) in the CBD (somewhere i can go in my work lunchtime), as well as a good brand/package that may be worth purchasing. I dont do any major downloading (music/movies etc), and only really use my PC to use forums such as this one, email etc, as well as msn/yahoo chat. So i dont need anything overly sophisticated.

I've heard mixed reviews about Vista, and am also unsure whether or not i should get this incorporated into the package as well.

Any advice much appreciated.

Don't go to Harvey Norman, or any place like that. Don't get a "brand name" (*cough*, Brand?) at all.
What are the specs (if you can find them) of your current PC?
Where are you located?

[GWW]

Thanks to the people who have provided advice/info.

I've now sent Dissident a PM

[Grahaml]

Fell free to PM me if you want more advise. Worked for a wholesaler in Adelaide in their warranty department as a technician for 4 1/2 years from 2001-2006. Could help you avoid wasting time and money, and put you onto some retailers of repute, second hand stores that might be able to help with older stuff and who to avoid! Same goes for anyone wanting a bit of friendly advise.

[Dissident]

Fell free to PM me if you want more advise. Worked for a wholesaler in Adelaide in their warranty department as a technician for 4 1/2 years from 2001-2006. Could help you avoid wasting time and money, and put you onto some retailers of repute, second hand stores that might be able to help with older stuff and who to avoid! Same goes for anyone wanting a bit of friendly advise.

Haha, Graham from Leader?

[Grahaml]

Well, now that you know me, who are you?

[Dissident]

Well, now that you know me, who are you?

No, you wouldn't know me mate
I have an account at Leader, have for almost 10 years now.
But not a high volume customer!

[Grahaml]

Hmm, what is/was your trading name? I may remember you by that. Hope I treated you ok then.

[Psyber]

I ran a small reseller operation in Adelaide too in the mid-late 1990s mostly dealing with Kerntech, Omega, Profound, Legend, Westan, and occasionally Hitech. These days in Melbourne we deal with Altech, BlueChipIT, and about six other local sources. We maintained a connection with Omega until they fell over, and we are still registered with Hitech in SA, but their pricing never was what you would call competitive!

However, we are relatively small as it is not my primary occupation, and is more a consultancy than a reseller operation.

[Grahaml]

Most of Omega's business went straight over to Leader (that's what I was told at least) because one of their sales managers was recruited. I wasn't ever really involved in the sales side of things, just the warranty side. I got a different point of view though. Good chance to see how things really stack up, especially in terms of reliability and where to get the best after sales service.

Both Bluechip and Altech were good to deal with, but information on our dealings with them is a "trade secret" or something like that, so the exact nature of that relationship (not that it was anything terribly interesting) I can't get into, but I do know of them.

[Dissident]

Hmm, what is/was your trading name? I may remember you by that. Hope I treated you ok then.

DSX

[Grahaml]

It rings a bell, but can't think of when I might have actually dealt with you. Is IT your main business, or just a sideline? Or just a way to get cheap computer parts?

[Dissident]

It rings a bell, but can't think of when I might have actually dealt with you. Is IT your main business, or just a sideline? Or just a way to get cheap computer parts?

Two of them.
When we registered it 10 years ago it was to get cheaper parts (before that we had a mate who had an account with Edge). Now it's a sideline business, making PCs/upgrades etc (along with web design)

[Psyber]

Most of Omega's business went straight over to Leader (that's what I was told at least) because one of their sales managers was recruited. I wasn't ever really involved in the sales side of things, just the warranty side. I got a different point of view though. Good chance to see how things really stack up, especially in terms of reliability and where to get the best after sales service.

Both Bluechip and Altech were good to deal with, but information on our dealings with them is a "trade secret" or something like that, so the exact nature of that relationship (not that it was anything terribly interesting) I can't get into, but I do know of them.

The Victorian state manager from Omega is now with National Computer Supplies, a small OEM with a focus on higher end business orientated products. He contacted me when he joined them, and, as a intro, had their tech handle some warranty issues from Omega for me free of charge.

Over here CPL are sometimes marketing systems to the public cheaper than our nominal buy price from Altech. Altech admit they supply them, but swear they aren't selling to them cheaper than anyone else for the volume... do I believe them..?? They are often based on about to be discontinued components, so I suspect they have some sort of clearance deal going. I have found Altech a bit troublesome/rigid to deal with, too, so I expect we'll source elsewhere. Bluechip are usually a bit pricey for systems so we only use them for monitors and some components.