I'm considering buying a new computer, laptop more..
My money limits are from $500-$1000.
I'm looking for a computer that doesn't have a risk for viruses, can run some games(CounterStrike), and can run basic programs like FireFox and Aim, Skype, etc.. without a problem.

I've asked many people and I keep getting different responses.

People say to get Dell, Acer, Mac, Toshiba, Sony, Alienware...

I'm really avoiding dell because my current computer has its disk tray not working (doesn't read) and they never sent me a Reformat disk.. Really bad service.


I want some suggestions and possible model names?
My bf was telling me to get a macbook.
I want a mac, but then they are not compatible(sp?) with a lot of software programs.
Any help??

You want a laptop for less than $1,000 that will play games? Not in the real world. I mean, those under a grand will probably play games, but not well, and not what you will want.

Dell doesn't send you a "reformat disk" unless you pay extra for it. Neither does HP, Lenovo, and most others. They have what you might call a "reformat partition". Information on how to use that is all over the Dell website.

Also, you are writing off a company because of a bad CD Rom drive? Seriously? If everyone did that then there wouldn't be any CD Rom Manufacturers out there cuz those things go bad, and often. If it has moving parts, it WILL break - no matter who makes it.

If you want a mac, get a mac, but good luck finding one in your price range. Also, it likely wont play the games you want to play. Thats just how it works.

Alienware is WAY out of your price range.

This just plain does not exist. While there are less problems for Macs and linux, the problems exist. Smart user + Good protection is far better than trying to figure out a new OS and finding programs for said OS.

You don't have to be negative..

This post has been edited by xx_remix: Apr 18 2007, 08:30 AM

The point was not to be negative, it was to point out that your expectations were not realistic. If you want to buy a new computer and you have specific needs or wants, you have to expect that it may not meet the price range you want. In that case, you need to either adjust your needs or your price range.

One of the main reasons this site came about was the proliferation of viruses and other malware. We try to educate people in how to keep their computers safe and healthy, because there isn't a magical computer that will do that on its own.

Your best bet would be to come up with the specifications you want and then perform some comparison pricing among the different vendors. This may also help you adjust your needs to your budget, or vice versa.

Well it seems she isn't looking for the best computer in the world, but just a decent one. I am no expert or anything, but I can use my educated knowledge to try and help you, xx_remix. You don't need anything real expensive, since your budget is a max of about $1,000. You could buy this PC: Gamer Infinity SLI GT PC. Of course it isn't the best, but its good enough for what you're wanting to do. Counter-Strike isn't a very intensive game, and the graphics card in that PC should be good enough. Anyways, if you aren't happy with that, you can customize any computer from that site, to fit your needs. Anyways, as Sari, and ScHwErV stated, getting a really nice computer for under $1,000 is extremely difficult. Another thing, Alienware prices are too high. I don't advise going and getting a computer from there. Macs, are very good computers, but can be pricy, and are incompatible with a lot of software.

Many companies including Dell now offer linux as an option which is a free and very secure OS, in terms of malware im aware of nothing more than a handful of "to prove i can" viruses so if security is your concern a linux OS (Acer also i think offer them along with a couple of other companies), also linux has a range of games that are pretty good and free that are usually openGL updates of older games that will run well some good ones depends on your tastes and whether you like a casual game online or whether you are a serious gamer.

$1000 will maybe just get you a laptop that will play some older games or some of the better made ones on lower settings, depends on how much you play games and the kind of games you like. Most computers even really cheap ones will play original counter-strike, source requires something better but anything with semi decent ATI or Nvidia Gfx solution will manage it on lower settings and you are increasingly getting them on cheaper laptops. Also there are some new ATI integrated solutions coming out that could be cheap enough or will lower prices of laptops with the older chips.

Brand is less important than spec allot of companies can have a mix of really good and really rubbish laptops so you really have to judge them as you find them, Acer are where i usually start because they have very consistent high quality and low price but after that its whatever you can find or get a good deal on. A PC would get you more power but you would probably have to build it yourself.

I wouldnt worry about ScHwErV he is always like that. Look around see what you can get for your money go to somewhere like cyberpower, dell etc. and find out what you get for the cash and we can tell you whats best for your needs.

I am not looking for a really nice computer.
I play games on rare occasion, and i just want the computer to be able to run the game without having it freeze up or anything, im not looking for a computer specified for just games.


The reason I said alienware is because I visited there website and came upon this laptop

http://alienware.com/product_detail_pages/...ode=SKU-DEFAULT

This post has been edited by xx_remix: Apr 18 2007, 04:15 PM

I like sentias if i was getting a new laptop i would probably get one myself(they just look amazing and the quality is good) the GMA950 is a half decent integrated solution but it wont do much gaming at all its a working laptop and a working graphics chip you really need a half decent ATI or nvidia solution for any level of playing games you could maybe just afford something with an x1400 if you shop around and maybe get a deal/voucher .

Factual? Correct? No BS? Straight forward information? For once, you are correct.

Rootkits that take over webservers and are used in massive ddos attacks are a "to prove I can" virus? Lets leave the malware advice to the experts shall we?


I just built the exact same laptop over at dell for $100 less (the Dell had a DVD +/- RW rather than a CDRW/DVD).

Well then, what are the minimum requirements I should be looking for in a laptop?
If you were able to create one on Dell, what did you put in it?

I am asking this because my knowledge of computer parts is very limited.

The laptop I built was right off the http://www.dell.com/tv website. Its the first one listed. I didn't even customize it, it already had the exact same specs from the alienware computer, just cheaper and with a better optical drive.

For occasional gaming and mostly work, I would go with that laptop and just upgrade the RAM to spend up some of the rest of your $1,000 budget. It will be worth it in the end, no matter what computer you go with.

Also, I just want to ask.
I was told not to get Windows Vista basic, but premium.. why?

Should I get premium or XP if i were to customize it.

Because basic is really just a slightly modified version of XP. Everything everyone was anticipating is in Vista premium and up, such things as Aero.
It really doesn't matter which one you get, but I'd personally go with windows Vista home Premium considering every laptop has Vista and you'll just make things harder on yourself to find a laptop with XP. Vista is just another selling point used by manufactures to get you to upgrade to the "next best thing".
James

This post has been edited by james_8970: Apr 21 2007, 04:28 PM

Come on now you guys, all he's asking for is help there's no need for this. ScHwErV I think thats a little harsh to say for once he is correct, he is a great contribution to this forum as are you. As the quote in my signature states "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
James

This post has been edited by james_8970: Apr 21 2007, 04:35 PM

Please stick to the topic at hand, or do not post.