Expert: Karl Zick - 9/10/2007

Question
QUESTION: Are there any good quality computers out there made in the US with US service?

ANSWER: Hi Julie,

The trick is to buy a computer that doesn't break :o)

Here is my 2 cents worth on buying a new computer:

1.  NEVER buy a Compaq, HP, or eMachine brand computer.
2.  When you find a brand you like, DO NOT buy a model with a CELERON or SEMPRON processor in it.
3.  You will get a better price on a computer with an AMD Athlon processor in it than an Intel Pentium - and the AMD will perform better.
4.  Don't worry about hard drive size whie shopping.  80GB is PLENTY.
5.  Do not buy any software ad-ons like MS Office or McAfee anti-virus.  You can always do better on software someplace else.

As far as brands and service, Dell is about as good as any - but their tech support is in India (like most companies).  Personally, I think the Indian guys are brilliant.
Other deals and brands come and go.  At the moment, Circuit City has a package hard to beat on an ACER Aspire-and that is where I am sending all my friends and clients.


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

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  If I follow up with another question.  I am trying to decide desktop or laptop.  Any pros or cons?

Answer
Hi again Julie,

Up until about 18 months ago, a good laptop was around 3X the price of a desktop - and that discouraged a lot of laptop shoppers.  Today, you can buy a great desktop system with a 19" flat panel monitor for about $550 - and an equivalent laptop for $600.  Taking price out of the equation, look at things like how much space you have to set it up in, what external stuff do you want to plug into it, do you want to take it with you on trips or a walk in the park, etc.  If you want to be mobile, get a notebook.  If you want a "workstation' at home, get a desktop.

The main issue to consider is your Internet/e-mail capability.  A workstation hooks to a modem set up by your provider and you are always on line.  A notebook isn't quite that simple.  All new notebooks come with a wireless Internet connector - but you have to be in range of a transmitter to use it.  They also have a jack that will let you plug into your providers modem (same as a desktop), but you have to be within cable length to use it.  There are work-arounds here, but I need to know your final scenario to advise you.