PC shopping

[Bryan]

I'm going to buy a new PC.  Suggestions are appreciated.  I'm looking for up to date.  Price range $500-$700.  I've thought about this one.

http://www.shopping.hp.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/WFS/HP-HHO-Site/en_US/-/USD/ViewProduct-Start?SKU=C1T74AV&rwCatalog=Desktops&rwCategory=HP-Pavilion&clearFlag=T

[WeatherWitness]

I am also thinking about getting a new laptop (PC) for Christmas this year.  Any recommendations?  This is probably going to narrow down the list a lot (perhaps too much for you all), but I would like to stay away from Dell and HP, as I have had serious problems with those makes in the past.

[Donovan]

I am also thinking about getting a new laptop (PC) for Christmas this year.  Any recommendations?  This is probably going to narrow down the list a lot (perhaps too much for you all), but I would like to stay away from Dell and HP, as I have had serious problems with those makes in the past.

Try with Lenovo. Their products have really caught my eye lately, at least with the Windows 8 products. They've moved up to #1 seller/maker of PC's taking the spot from HP and quite a few of their new products look to be worth it. One particular item (it might not suit your needs) I would like to have would be their YogaPad 13. Check around and see what you find.  Note that I have not seen these new devices in person. Samsung or Asus (not Acer)  may also check out in the laptops section of things. They both seem to be on the rise in the computer industry.

[twcclassics]

...but I would like to stay away from Dell and HP, as I have had serious problems with those makes in the past.

Same here. My last computer purchase was a new laptop a year or two ago. I went with Asus and love it. So far no problems.

[Mike M]

If you're looking for the best desktop, build your own.

As for laptops, I've always went with HPs. Never had many problems with them.

[Bryan]

Which processor is better, AMD or Intel?  My HP is 10 years old and only purchases I've made are just updates.  So I'm undecided if I should try another brand.

[Donovan]

Bryan, either one are great brands (although I bet some here would disagree). I in my personal uses prefer Intel, mainly because I'm more familiar with their products. I also would caution you to stay away from anything lower than 2.8ghz (for dual core) or 2.4(for quad core) as they'll likely be slow to carry-out tasks. Also, when looking into hard drives, stay away from 5400rpm drives and go for the 7200rpm or SSD. As for graphics, try to find something higher than 512mb and non-integrated if you can. Some of these choices may help you pick a computer that will last a bit longer than if you choose the lower-spec models.

The one you linked to looks okay. On that model, my only advice would be to upgrade the graphics card to one of the higher options (if you like to game or design and such). I'd say go for the 1GB card, just to be safe.

[twcclassics]

Which processor is better, AMD or Intel?  My HP is 10 years old and only purchases I've made are just updates.  So I'm undecided if I should try another brand.

I've always gone with AMD, except with my previous laptop. But that's only b/c I went with the cheap option, which had a Celeron processor.

[Bryan]

I think this might be the one.  With a few update.  I would need a TV tuner to capture video right?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Desktops/HP-ENVY-All-in-One/C1U39AV;pgid=c7twGfjc0ptSRpIq7ZUcoGXQ0000d6hh6oI9;sid=WuDmJ-8sUIACK7-SWttPrzcjUDtrjOX310ui5Bq5UDtrjGRXgsv6wyYu?HP-ENVY-h8-1400z-Desktop-PC

[jtmal0723]

I think this might be the one.  With a few update.  I would need a TV tuner to capture video right?

http://www.shopping.hp.com/en_US/home-office/-/products/Desktops/HP-ENVY-All-in-One/C1U39AV;pgid=c7twGfjc0ptSRpIq7ZUcoGXQ0000d6hh6oI9;sid=WuDmJ-8sUIACK7-SWttPrzcjUDtrjOX310ui5Bq5UDtrjGRXgsv6wyYu?HP-ENVY-h8-1400z-Desktop-PC

I am quite impressed with the specs of that tower. Yes, you would need a tv tuner card. You would have to find out what slots are available in the machine to be sure you purchase the right type of card for this machine.

[Bryan]

I think this might be the one.  With a few update.  I would need a TV tuner to capture video right?

I am quite impressed with the specs of that tower. Yes, you would need a tv tuner card. You would have to find out what slots are available in the machine to be sure you purchase the right type of card for this machine.

Thanks, I had HP put in a TV tuner.  It wasn't that much to add it.