Help! Please tell me which computer to buy

[bellgamin]

My present computer runs great but I would have major problems if it got seriously broken. There are certain daily email messages & online transactions that must always be accessible to me if at all possible.

I have a system disk image, of course -- but that doesn't protect me from such things as motherboard failure etc.

Therefore, I want to buy an inexpensive back-up computer to access email & internet should my main home computer go belly up. I would only need to use the back-up computer for however long it would take me to get my main computer repaired or replaced. I suppose that even a Notebook computer might be okay.

I would greatly appreciate recommendations from you folks -- what to buy (make & model), where to buy it, suggested reasonable price, etc.

Any suggestions will be VERY much appreciated!

Aloha from Hawaii,
bellgamin

[JRViejo]

bellgamin, for what you want, you can't beat these Netbooks and their prices. See newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2034940772&bop=And&Order=PRICE) but I would suggest as a minimum: 1 GB RAM and 120 GB Hard Drive. Have fun!

[wtsinnc]

Hello bellgamin;

You're almost certainly going to get a number of diverse but well-intentioned answers to your question because anyone who responds will offer what they would do.

-First-

What do you currently have (brand, model, form factor, and what OS are you using) ?

[pugmug]

Don't buy one,build one and that way you get only what you want and need.

[Brian K]

bellgamin,

Buy a second hand computer for $10. Any computer.

[djohn]

Aloha Mr.Bellgamin. Some folks swear by brands But IMO Dell,HP Acer,E-Machines IMO its only a shell with a name on it its whats inside that counts but of course some are more solid then others especially laptops.I would suggest take a drive to wallyworld that would be walmart they have some decent package deals on Desktops.Example I have seen some complete with tower,lcd Keyboard and mouse for aprox a little over $500.00 USD.If you want New and Not used and do not want to build it your self,this would probably be the least expensive choice.I have seen used ones on ebay that start low on bids but normally end up closing not far from new if not the same, Not worth it.My friend runs a local pc shop repair/Sales he has clean used ones priced halfway to a new one with limited time warrany such as 30 days maybe ninety.Just something to consider.Check price.check specs inside and even check reviews on make and model.just my 02

[wtsinnc]

A source for refurbished computers and peripherals, most with a warranty, many with Windows OS.

http://www.hcditrading.com/Shop/Control/fp/SFV/29664

[djohn]

-{ Quote: "A source for refurbished computers and peripherals, most with a warranty, many with Windows OS.

http://www.hcditrading.com/Shop/Control/fp/SFV/29664" }-
Hey now there is good prices on the towers thats worth it considering you can extend the warranty that is cheap and covers return shipping.

[bellgamin]

So far, THIS one (http://www.amazon.com/1000HA-10-Inch-Netbook-Processor-Battery/dp/B001GIPSAC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top#) looks good to me.

[JRViejo]

bellgamin, that 6 cell battery, 10" screen plus free shipping, makes it a winner! Great price when compared to newegg.com (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220443) and no free shipping.

[JimIT]

Bell,

That laptop looks perfect.

I would use the following criteria:

1. Set your max price.
2. Get the most Processor/RAM/HDD for that price that you can.

As long as you stick to those two things, you'll be fine, no matter what branda you choose.

Good luck.

[YeOldeStonecat]

If a laptop is what you desire...and budget is of concern....

Get a good business grade laptop from a factory refurbish store.

My favorite laptop is IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad T and X series. Every 2 years or so, because I use my laptop so much...gets taken with me everywhere to clients sites, but I don't feel like spending 2 grand each time...I get a refurbished one from an IBM Factory Outlet. They take laptops from cancelled orders, and lease turn ins. The used ones from leases are refurbished...they arrive to you looking brand new. Still have good warranty left. Last year I picked up a T60P Core2Duo, 256 meg ATI graphics, 4 gigs of RAM, 7,200rpm hard drive model...normally it would have been about $2,200 new..I got it about 9 months old, for under 700 bucks. Was a lease turned in, factory refurb...fresh new keyboard, the laptop really appeared brand new.

Dell also has a factory refurb site...can get some nice Latitudes there.

I'll take a good business grade laptop like a Thinkpad or Latitude that's 1 year old, over some 999 dollar brand new home grade PC, any day of the year.

[eniqmah]

Right,
Why not buy Shadow Protect for $80. It's a rip off, but has hardware independent imaging, or however that is correctly referred to.