I've been asked to enter a contest at new computer store whereby I need to indicate if I really wanted to build a computer what would I choose - not really, but this is what my Mother is telling me since our son want's to get mom a new desktop computer. My DH gave in and told me what was happening which I knew anyway since my Mother could never remember the "new" computer stores name. So, he wants me to find something I truly want. So, here's where I need help. I need advice on the technical aspect of my choice that I've narrowed and why I may want to change something. I'm not sure if my choices are good ones or not and don't want to rely on the sales person's recommendations.

Acer AX3810-U1802 Desktop PC - Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.5GHz, 6GB DDR3, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - this computer appears to only allow an upgrade of memory to 8GB. Which is ok since I do use an external hard drive. My only reason for choosing this one is the sales person indicated the Intel Core 2 Quad is a better processor than the next computer. My only downside to this one is it's called a MiniTower. Could be nice, but I've read very small areas inside if you want to upgrade any internal hardware.

HP Pavilion p6597c Desktop PC - AMD Athlon ll X4 630 2.8GHz, 6GB DDR3, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - this computer allows future upgrades up to 16GB's of memory. Nice feature of an HP is that my laptop is an HP and my two printers are both HP's - though I'm not completely sold on "names", so it's not a deal breaker for me.

Now me being a skeptic thinks the only reason the sales person is recommending the Acer is because it cost a little bit more and he's on commission. :cool:

I'm needing to make a decision today, so if anyone has any comments good or bad, I would sincerely appreciate them. Your feedback will help me make my decision. Thank you!

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The Doctor's Rx
"The Doctor's Prescription for Success"

Hi Robin, that's a sweet story

I'm not a big fan of Acer computers / hardware - laptop, desktop or otherwise based on previous bad experiences with multiple machines. We won't buy another Acer, ever again.

We have and have had a few HP (laptop) computers and they've always outlived our lifestyle and performed well. Whenever we're in the market for a new Windows machine we look at Sony VAIO and HP.

I'd go for the HP based on my own personal experience, and if it's less expensive, all the better! Intel Core is ideal, but if the rest of the machine is faulty it won't make much difference.

I hope that helps! Looking forward to learning what you get

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Thanks Tess for your reply. Our son actually has an Acer laptop that's been excellent for him. Only one hitch in the last four years that happened recently. He restored the laptop to originaly factory settings and it's working strong again. Let's hope one more year until he transfers colleges.

My only hitch is the HP isn't HDMI and they say the AMD Athlon II processor in the HP is not as good as the Intel Core 2 Quad that the Acer has. After seeking reviews online, it appears that these two processors are very comparable and only make a huge difference if you're a "gamer" which I'm not.

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The Doctor's Rx
"The Doctor's Prescription for Success"

Which model did you end up going for and how are you liking the new machine?

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I don't know if you already have a machine but I wanted to lend some of my vast IT experience in this for you.

Acer's are considered a "cheap" but more common brand. Meaning they can function well, but are cheaply made. Simply put you get what you pay for, they can be more affordable and sometimes a work horse but more often than not they can crash.

I suggest anything with a good warranty and an Intel Processor. Intel currently handles multi-tasking better than anything else out there for the moment (gamer or not). AMD and Intel have a long history of which I will not get into.

Your graphics card doesn't matter since you will not use the machine for gaming, but what you do want is the following: Windows 7, at least 4 gigs of memory, Intel processor (again they are better for multitasking), and USB 2.0. You don't need HDMI especially if you will not be doing high end graphics or playing video games.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

One of the questions we identified when purchasing our latest computer was "What are you using it for?" This is a large deciding factor. Purchase one that will give you the best performance for how you work. For what we do, I looked for mobility, large hard drive space, and more RAM.

Everyone has their preferences and opinions on what is "best". What it comes down to is that by the time you purchase one and get it setup the way you want, it's out of date. Due to how quickly technology advances, computers now days are good for about 3-4yrs (regardless of what brand). Computers do crash, but most of the time that is due to USER ERROR, not computer design. If you have concerns, purchase a warranty just in case.

Currently we have 6 computers in our home, all different types and brands. They are useful for each purpose and the one we have had the longest is 4-5 years old. That one is getting replaced in the next couple of months.

Also, a friend of mine has a computer repair business and he advised me that he has been getting alot of calls to "fix" HPs lately. No details on what the issues were though.

Good luck

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Carolan @ Seguine Enterprises
www.seguine.info