Expert: Karl Zick - 10/5/2011

Question
QUESTION: I really really need to buy a new computer. My current computer has got to be a good 8 to 10 years old now and runs on Windows XP which is on the verge of being completely incompatible with most things as WIN95/98 are, and for over a year I have had it freeze up on me intermittenly when I move the mouse at the wrong time, or click something before something else finishes loading, etc. It is a complete mess, and I need something new before this thing self-destructs so I can transfer over everything that will work on a newer computer. What are the pros and cons of the current brands of computers? I would like a computer that can run photo editing software, web design software, language software, video games, and handle internet well. What do you think I should get? After you give me your opinion on what would be an overall good desktop computer we can go into specifics.

ANSWER: Hi James,

My favorite desktop these days is a Lenovo manufactured by IBM.  You can usually get a fairly hi-end model at Amazon for around $400 - and you can't beat Amazon's service.  At the moment, I like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-H420-77521RU-Desktop-Black/dp/B00519AP6E/ref=sr_1_1.  The smaller, cheaper Lenovo IdeaCentres are nice machines also but it is difficult to upgrade them.

Dell makes a decent computer also, but the selection on their web site is so large most people don't know where to start.  If you are interested, I would be happy to recommend one.

Another great machine is a Sony - but they are a little pricey.

Stay away from Compaq's, HP's, eMachines, and ACERs - I've had bad experiences with all of them.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm partial to Dells. My current one is a Dell, and I like when things can be customized. And as you stated their website is confusing. I don't even know if my browser was able to run their step through process. lol. I just need a computer with the keyboard, screen, two DVD burners (One that can burn to and read dual-layer DVD), and a standard disc drive. I'd like it to connect to the internet well, and have generally high processing speed. I assume storage will not be an issue these days. My current computer has more than I ever needed. What do you think I should get? How much do you think it might set me back?

ANSWER: Hi again James,

Here is a very nice Dell Inspiron 570 for only $340:  http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=ddcwba11&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&c.  It has an AMD Athlon CPU that I am very fond of but only 1 DVD burner and only 2GB of RAM.  The DVD burner however reads dual layer DVD's and does everything else you would need.  You can order a 2nd DVD burner from Amazon or someplace for about $20 but I don't know what you would need it for.  Also, you can buy 1GB DDR3 RAM boards for about $5 from Amazon and Dell wants $45 for them.  Last, it has no monitor but you can add an 18.5 inch Dell for $70.  If you want something larger, I would go to Amazon and look at a Samsung or equivalent.

Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It will read dual-layers but will it write to them? I just assumed two laser light disc drives are standard on most personal computers? My older computer that has Windows 95 has a CD player and a writeable DVD drive (plus a zip disk drive). I assumed it was good if I wanted to copy a DVD directly from one drive to the other without keeping permanent storage on the computer itself? As for all these things at Amazon I would love to save money, but I don't have the slightest idea on how to install computer parts. Might it be better to just let Dell put it together before they ship it?

Answer
Years ago Dell made their PC's with a DVD PLAYER and a CD PLAYER/BURNER.  At the time DVD burners were too expensive to add to a standard PC.  About 5 years ago DVD burner technology became simple and the first CD/DVD burners/players hit the market for around $150.  Now they ALL play and burn CD's and DVD's (both dual and single layer) of either +R or -R, read only or rewritable formats and cost about $20.  When you copy a DVD your PC copy's the information into RAM from the original, asks you to but in a blank disk, and creates the copy on the blank from the RAM image.  Therefore, you only need one burner for the process - and no PC on the market these days comes with 2 DVD burners.

The 2GB of RAM that comes standard on the computer I recommended should be plenty for any application you want to run.  If you want to spend another $45 for 1 more GB of RAM though, just click on the RAM button on the customize page and select it.