Expert: Karl Zick - 11/15/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have recently purchased a 65" HDTV with an HDMI port in the rear. I would like to be able to watch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. as well as do general internet surfing on the tv. I am looking at used computers as I don't have much money to spend on a computer at this time. What do you recommend? Is there an operating system that would be best, hard drive size, memory requirements, etc. I would not be using it as my primary computer. I have my laptop for that. I have basic computer knowledge.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Frank,

Your question should not be what KIND of a computer to buy' but what FEATURES does it need'.  To answer the second question, you need a computer with a HDMI video output.  HDMI does not come standard on any computer I know of, but you can order a good HDMI video card for around $35 and use it to upgrade any computer with a PCI-e card slot in it.  PCI-e has been standard in computers for the past 10 years or so.

If you could find a computer around 4 or 5 years old with Windows XP, 2GB of RAM, and a 200GB hard drive, it should do the job with the HDMI card.  However, do NOT get a HP, Compaq, or eMachine computer or one with an Intel Celeron CPU in it {there is usually a little tag on front that tells you what the CPU is}.  You should be able to find a suitable one for under $200.

If you have any other questions, come back.

Karl in Corpus Christi, TX

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

QUESTION: What do you think about using the monitor out port on my laptop to go into a computer to tv converter box. I have seen them on E-Bay for around 30.00?

Is there a reason to stay away from the manufacturers or Celeron? Just curious.

Would I be better served just going to Wal-mart, Best Buy, etc on black Friday and purchasing a new unit rather than messing with purchasing a used unit off of EBay, etc.

You are a great help!

Thanks!

Answer
Hi again Frank,

The converter boxes you are looking at are intended to take a new cable (or satellite) digital signal from your cable company and convert it to an analog output that will play on old TV sets.  Don't think that would help you much.

The only TV tuner I would recommend is a PC card that is used as a TV tuner.  Just put it in an empty PCI slot, hook your coax cable to it and your computer becomes a TV set.  It can also be used to convert old VHS tapes to video files and DVD's.  This, of course only work if you bought a desktop PC.

Back to your first question, you can actually just use the VGA output on your laptop and go directly to the vga input on your TV set, using it as your monitor.  The only problem is you would be sacrificing a little quality - but it wouldn't really be noticeable. Try it and see how it works.

Last, the deals on new computers are usually on the 3 brands I said not to buy - HP, Compaq, and eMachines.  The failure rate and service are really bad on all of them.  As far as a Celeron CPU, they are slow and unstable.  Two mid-range computers that you may be able to get a good deal on new are ACER and Gateway.  I would rather have a used Sony though than either of the 5 new ones I just mentioned.  Last, while shopping look at the Dells.  Their web site can be a little overwhelming on selection, but I can probably find a good one for just over $300. If you are interested, let me know.