Expert: Rony Krell - 11/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: Need a new computer. Want American made.
Want to use existing components: HP printer and scanner, ViewSonic monitor.
Where and what to buy?
Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Loren,

Here are some guidelines:
I would reccomend HP (but Dell is not a bad alternative if you have a discounted price).
THE BIG QUESTION IS: HOW MUCH MONEY ARE YOU WILLING TO SPEND.
You can get desktops for as little as 200 dollars and as much as 20,000 dollars (I know, a bit extreme).

So follow up and give me more details..

thx,
Rony

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

QUESTION: Hi,
I understand.
Kind of want to stay around the $700, range as a ceiling if that's possible, and still get a decent machine.
Looking at: Gateway GT5630E, Dell Inspiron 1531-DTP-H003W
Compaq Presario SR5262NX
Gateway GM5626
I'd be interested in your comments.
thanks

Answer
Hey Loren, I could not find the Inspiron, but concerning the other three: some recommendations

1. I bought a compaq presario a few years ago. After only two months, the computer COMPLETELY DIED. So unless you can get an incredible deal, I would recommend not buying Compaq.

2. Compared with the two gateways, the Presario has several disadvantages: first of all, it was unclear if it uses AMD or Intel Processors (I'm pretty sure it is Intel though). The Presario comes with no room for upgrading your memory (and only comes with 2gb), no video card, and a 320gb hard drive. However, it costs about 200 dollars less than the other two.

3. If you compare the two gateways: the GT and GM, you will see that for about the same price, the GM gives you A LOT more! The only advantage that the GT has is that the processor is much more advanced. However in all other area, the GT is far behind. It has only 1GB of Ram (which will slow it to a crawl, even with a quad core processor), no video card (thats what integrated graphics means), and 250gb hard drive (which is not terrible, but you should get a bit more).

3. In contrast, the GT only has one real disadvantage, the processor. If you want to see for yourself, go to intel.com -> desktop processors -> compare desktop processors. You will see every single processor intel has ever made and can compare them. Nevertheless, the GT has 3GB memory (which is excellent), a 256mb video card (not astounding, but much better than the other two), a 500gb hard drive (all you will ever need unless you have tons of photos / videos) (and by tons I mean TONS). Finally, it also has a TV Tuner which will allow you to record and watch tv on your computer (an extra bonus that neither of the other two have).


BOTTOM LINE: I was unable to find the Dell specifiactions, so out of the other three:
1. There should be no reason to get the Gateway GM. It has terrible upgradeability etc.
2. For almost the same price, you can get the GT. If you have the money, it is a no-brainer.
3. If you don't have the money / prefer to spend 200 dollars less, get the compaq. I already told you my experience with them, but hey, it was only one computer.

By the way, sorry for taking so long to respond,
Rony