Computer idiot with 1000 bucks and no computer.

[West]

DONE.

Laptops are the best option, even if intended to use at home only.

HDMI serves little use on computers.

MacBooks aren't overpriced. Use one you will agree. Stick with budget laptop and see how long it lasts.

OS X Upgrades cost 29$, not $500 (Windows 7).

Windows = Millions of software options, most are crappy.
Mac = Fewer software options, most are good.

Computer illiterate people DO need macs. If you over think how to fix something on a mac, you failed. Just do what a 5 year old would do and the problem will be fixed.

You want an iPhone.

Originally Posted by gotta240

You say "don't cheap out" which I totally understand in concept. However, knowing so little about computers, i don't know what "cheap out" is. Its like telling your girlfriend to go buy an alternator but "dont cheap out".

Considering i'm NOT and never will use it for gaming/watching movies, what is your idea of not cheaping out? Is 600-700 on an HP with a 17" screen cheaping out? Do you have specific models or brands which you suggest? Please, no MACS though. Hopefully i'm not coming across as an ass, i really just dont know a damn thing about computers.

I understand what youre saying, but "not cheaping out" really does come down to one thing: dollars and cents. when you go to a shop to buy an alternator, its always something like "we have the bosch for 250 dollars, and the chinese brand for 99 with a lifetime warranty" -- oh, entice me more with the lifetime 99 dollar warranty deal. my view is, you'll spend a lifetime changing shitty alternators as opposed to just shelling out for a quality brand like Bosch.

Since you're a n00b (not trying to be a dick, but true).. it MAY be a good idea to (agh) buy a Mac. I mean, honestly.. buy something that is intuitive for YOU to use, thats what a computer was, has, and always should be. Its like a pair of fucking shoes. For some people, NIKE ballerific shoes are mandatory, old schoolers maybe want KSWISS. Everyone is different.

Me, I am a technical person who hates new (sucky) technology. Therefor, I am always hesitant of quote unquote UPGRADES because they seldom do anything than give me headaches. I prefer proven, older software that is reliable and headache free. I just downgraded from Quickbooks 2009 to 2007 for that same exact reason: pointless upgrade.

I could go on and on, but reality is you have to chose something that will have:
a) good build quality
b) meets your budget
c) you enjoy using
d) fairly easy to replace parts (never very easy on laptops), but ram and hdd should be easily accessible.
e) quick and easy repair/return.. hence the importance of local warranty coverage.
f) last, and most important: NO FUCKING CALLS TO INDIA. No offense Indians, but go fuck the corporate motherfuckers who offshore something as crucial as customer support. seriously, go fuck yourselves.

Originally Posted by SimpleS14

This crossed my mind before when I was chatting with a co-worker and checking out this motherboard:
It's a good idea, however (IMO) I don't think a built PC would be a good idea for the OP. Unless he has a friend that's willing to build the PC for him and attend to any issues or questions he has.

correct, custom build is only good if you're good at custom building. take the 240 community for example:
a) most are broke
b) most cut corners when it comes to servicing, maintaining their cars
c) most suck at engineering and fail to install a strut tower bar, let alone an sr20det

stay away from custom built unless you have balls and have that engineering knack. dont have a friend help you, he'll eventually get tired of fixing your shit and you'll end up becoming enemies.

edit: most importantly, always buy a good computer that makes watching porn fun. if you cant watch porn, the computer is practically useless. 90% of the computer's function should be on downloading, storing, and playing porn. good luck.

[Future240]

Originally Posted by West

DONE.

Laptops are the best option, even if intended to use at home only.

HDMI serves little use on computers.

MacBooks aren't overpriced. Use one you will agree. Stick with budget laptop and see how long it lasts.

OS X Upgrades cost 29$, not $500 (Windows 7).

Windows = Millions of software options, most are crappy.
Mac = Fewer software options, most are good.

Computer illiterate people DO need macs. If you over think how to fix something on a mac, you failed. Just do what a 5 year old would do and the problem will be fixed.

You want an iPhone.

Zomg West made a post.

No, just no. HDMI is great to have on a computer. We didn't offer any budget laptops, we offered him great ones. Most companies are offering Windows 7 for free with purchase of a laptop.

Computer illiterate people DO NOT NEED Macs. PC's are easier to deal with and in the run less expensive than a mac. A 5 year old would tell his parents his computer broke.

I agree on Iphone though, its tits.