topic Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer in Electronics

Need Help About Buying a New Computer

lovesallanimals — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:07:17 GMT

I have a Dell desk top. It is about 7 years old and seems to be getting a little quirky lately. I am not technically smart at all, just know how to use my computer for the basic things. Question, should I go to a store like PC Richards (which is near my house) and buy a new one or order one from Dell like I have in the past? Can all my info from this computer be transferred onto another Brand and if so, what do you all recommend. I don't know what is the best one, Dell, Apple, etc. I always have a guy from Geek Squad come into my house to set up my computer. Your help would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to wait until my computer actually dies, I want to have one ready to go if need be. Thank you.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

Mz iMac — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:18:57 GMT

@lovesallanimals "I am not technically smart at all, just know how to use my computer for the basic things."

You should check out the "computer for seniors." If you are a member of AARP, you get a steep discount.

https://www.mywowcomputer DOT com/

Just a thought if you want to stay in your comfort zone.....

FWIW......

I live in a 55+ community. We have a "computer room." All the computers are the "computer for senors."

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

Scooby Doo — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:35:11 GMT

I bought a new computer 18 months ago. I was hoping I could have the old one fixed so I looked around my area for an independent person who fixes computers. Found one that works for a company and does work on the side. I took my computer to him and he told me it wasn't worth the money to fix it. So he built me a new computer using components from different companies that he said would make it better than having just a Dell or HP. He built the whole thing for less money than a name brand and it has more powerful options and he gave me free programs. He also transferred everything from the old computer to the new. The cost was under $600.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

LizzieInSRQ — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 23:20:29 GMT

These are good questions. If you are still able to, back up stuff on a flash drive while you can...pictures documents etc. So that you can put them on your new computer.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

lovesallanimals — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 01:17:02 GMT

@LizzieInSRQ wrote:
These are good questions. If you are still able to, back up stuff on a flash drive while you can...pictures documents etc. So that you can put them on your new computer.

LizzieSRQ - that's a great idea. When I eventually get a new computer, I will ask the tech guy to back everything up for me.

I am still anxious to know what the best brand of a desk top is. Dell, Apple, Mac, etc.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

lovesallanimals — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 01:18:19 GMT

Thank you for all your helpful suggestions. Much appreciated.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

jackthebear — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 01:22:29 GMT

@lovesallanimals wrote:
@LizzieInSRQ wrote:
These are good questions. If you are still able to, back up stuff on a flash drive while you can...pictures documents etc. So that you can put them on your new computer.

LizzieSRQ - that's a great idea. When I eventually get a new computer, I will ask the tech guy to back everything up for me.

I am still anxious to know what the best brand of a desk top is. Dell, Apple, Mac, etc.

best is what you can afford

I love my MAC but not everyone wants to spend that much.

decide what you want to use it for, and budget

then go to the store

spend some time on the internet and research what your money will buy ,no point in buying a gaming pc when you don't game, and no point in buy too low ram etc

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

Nuttmeg — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:28:34 GMT

@jackthebear I agree a person has to buy what is comfortable for them.

@lovesallanimals

I am tech savvy like many people in this thread. I use a large tablet a my main online device

I use my tablet for reading emails, newspapers, shopping online and watching movies.

The difference some activities you use an app instead of a program.

An IPad 8th generation with 128GB of storage is the perfect device for most users

You would buy Apple Care with a tablet.

I buy Dell XPS computers. You can find them at the company site. You should contact the sales staff and ask for help building a system.

You will have to get assistance adding a CD/DVD drive, and buying a monitor.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

MoonieBaby — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:53:56 GMT

LOVE MY MAC!

It's easy, and intuitive.

....and I'm a computer dumb dumb!

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

glb613 — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 11:25:02 GMT

@lovesallanimals wrote:
I have a Dell desk top. It is about 7 years old and seems to be getting a little quirky lately. I am not technically smart at all, just know how to use my computer for the basic things. Question, should I go to a store like PC Richards (which is near my house) and buy a new one or order one from Dell like I have in the past? Can all my info from this computer be transferred onto another Brand and if so, what do you all recommend. I don't know what is the best one, Dell, Apple, etc. I always have a guy from Geek Squad come into my house to set up my computer. Your help would be greatly appreciated. I just don't want to wait until my computer actually dies, I want to have one ready to go if need be. Thank you.

I have a neighbor who is about as tech savvy and you. She recently bought a new computer from a local retailer and they not only set up her new computer but, they transfered all of her data for a small fee. They also did some basic training since Windows 10 was brand new to her. I would check out your local business and see how their prices compare to buying from Dell. While it may be slightly higher, if personal service is included, it may be worth it.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

AngelPuppy1 — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:06:46 GMT

DH and I have always used Apple products. I am not good with anything electronic - in fact, I am terrible! However, I think Apple products are very dependable and if you need assistance, they are great. I know they are more expensive, but they are very reliable and from our experience, they really hold up! We have an old desktop that has been going strong for years. We also have an Ipad and we use Iphones. We are thinking about getting a new either desktop or laptop. But I'm leaning toward a new desktop. Look on line and just check them out. Good luck and happy hunting!

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

SilleeMee — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:32:32 GMT

I bought a HP All-In-One desktop. It's a basic computer with everything I need. No tower, only one wire to plug in the power and it was the easiest thing I ever set up. I can even move it if I wanted because there's no tower. It also has an actual DVD player built in it, too. The camera can be hidden. It came with a wired keyboard and mouse but I have since replaced those with wireless. I got it from Walmart, item number is 730657746 ...if you want to take a look, it's top-rated!

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

diva1964 — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 13:32:33 GMT

Have you thought about a Chrome book? If you do not do any video editing why not? They are less expensive easy to use and it has built in virus protection. I have several in my home and love them for working at home and doing a zoom or anything else. I have had laptops and I would never go back to a windows device again. or there dreaded updates. Just a suggestion to you to look into. Happy shopping. [ I would never go with any Dell device the CS I have found is horrible.]

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

FranandZoe — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 15:43:19 GMT

I'm a Dell fan. We're on our second Dell desktop. And I love my Dell laptop - it's 11 1/2 years old and still going strong.

Bad experience with HP laptop for my grandson - died twice in the first year. Got a partial refund and got him a Dell.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

Cats3000 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 11:17:21 GMT

We are a Mac family. I'm posting this using my iMac, we have 2 iPhones and we've just traded an iPad for a MacBook Air. We also recommend Apple Care for the extra tech support and additional warranty coverage.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

CJC — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 12:25:25 GMT

I'm old as dirt and non tech. No kids living nearby to help me with tech stuff. I have had one generic and 2 Dell desktops over the years since 1996. Never had a problem with Dell CS. A year ago I purchased HP desktop from Best Buy for about $450. Kept my old monitor, mouse and keyboard because I'm comfortable with them. Also purchased their total tech program for $199/year which most tech savvy people will consider a waste of money. But the program gives me peace of mind. It includes Micro Trend security. They fix issues with all my devices, PC, iPad, iPhones. They also wall mount my tv's and service appliances. Geek Squad guy came to my house to set up PC. Transferred all info and photos and backed up everything. Also taught me the basics of Windows 10 since I'd been using Windows 7. Their CS has been great. I like the HP tower. It's smaller in size than my old Dell tower. Having an iMac would be nice, but Apple products are sooo expensive. I mostly use my desktop for online shopping. Everything, including my old ink jet printer, is hardwired. Works fine for me. My next tech purchase will be a new iPad with much more storage space than the 6 year old one I have now. Those Apple updates really eat up the space on my iPad. I'm excited because granddaughter is sending me her old Apple Watch which no longer updates, but it works fine. I'm going to use it to keep track of the miles I walk every day.

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

PickyPicky3 — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:56:53 GMT

@SilleeMee I bought the HP 22 All-In-One from Walmart on 1/31. Got it through curbside pickup along with my groceries. So far I'm happy with my choice, although I have not yet turned off my 7-year-old Dell Windows 8.1 laptop permanently. The Dell was at the point where every week some new quirk would develop.

I'm just having a little trouble readjusting to a mouse instead of a touchpad. I saw no reason to buy a touchscreen desktop.

Good luck with yours!

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

89135 — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 19:05:04 GMT

I also bought an HP ALL-in-One...Love it! Bought it from Best Buy when it was on sale in Dec 2019...A tech guy here in my community transfered everything over from my Windows 8 to Windows 10..

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

SilleeMee — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 19:29:17 GMT

@PickyPicky3 wrote:
@SilleeMee I bought the HP 22 All-In-One from Walmart on 1/31. Got it through curbside pickup along with my groceries. So far I'm happy with my choice, although I have not yet turned off my 7-year-old Dell Windows 8.1 laptop permanently. The Dell was at the point where every week some new quirk would develop.

I'm just having a little trouble readjusting to a mouse instead of a touchpad. I saw no reason to buy a touchscreen desktop.

Good luck with yours!

@PickyPicky3

I'm happy for you. I've had my HP AIO, the one I mentioned earlier, since August last year and I can't say anything bad about it. I don't need a touchscreen either, especially for a desktop. I got the white one and I love it. It looks so sleek on my desk.

I hope you will enjoy your new HP!

Re: Need Help About Buying a New Computer

PickyPicky3 — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 19:38:44 GMT

@SilleeMee I have finished doing all the updates but have not yet downloaded the newest version of Windows 10 Home which is available. Did you install that? Any issues?