I'm currently in the market for a new system and wondered if anyone had a web site they use to review new systems. I've used CNET in the past and like how it gives ratings of the systems from 1-10, 10 being top of the line. I'm not picky about the system. I don't game. The system would be for school, web browsing, photo storage, and email. Appreciate any input you can give. Thanks!

What do you currently have?
My old MMX 250 MHz PC will do what you need.
Are you looking for home build or store bought?

We can fix this, but you're gonna need a butter knife, a roll of duct tape, and a car battery

I'm running a 1999 gateway with 98SE. I would prefer store bought due to the fact of warranty and possible support, unless you can persuade me otherwise. I'm not too computer savvy.

Very wrote I would prefer store bought due to the fact of warranty and possible support.

As a matter of fact, the general consensus of the CN regular helpers is: Do Not Buy brand name PC. One reason is that the system is so proprietary that you may have difficulties upgrading it. Another reason is you will not get native Windows XP CD, which can at times be your lifesaver. Having said this, the choice is yours.

i_XpUser

If your last Gateway was IYO reliable and you are not too computer savvy, Circuit City has a Media Center PC that's plenty more than you need.

Gateway is also one of the few OEM's that supply you with a full OS installation disc usually masqueraded as restore disc II.

B4 you criticize a bigger man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, you're a mile away, and you have his shoes.

G'Afternoon sabertooth!

If this is true (OS installation disc masqueraded as Gateway restore disc), then I would say it's the right line of PC to buy at the store!

P.S. Thanks for responding to my quiz regarding Drive Image.

i_XpUser

To all who responded, thanks for the good advice. I'll be doing some more research and diving right in. Verv

My honost opinion (if you don't want to home build) Go to a local dealer and by their computer as they are most likely upgradeable, and if you do enough research you can find out what hardware they use and how reliable that hardware is. At the very least your support is right in your own home town. It might be a little more pricey, but most probably worth it in the long run.
Good luck in whatever you decide.

We can fix this, but you're gonna need a butter knife, a roll of duct tape, and a car battery

For the larger percentage of home PC users, OEM is the best option by far. It is very often more affordable, usually free techsupport, one vendor warranty and a PC loaded a buttload of eye candy software bundle.

Now if you want to bridge the gap between an OEM's like Gateway, Dell and Sir Computer Geek's shop on main street, you can try vendors like CyberPower, but IMHO getting a bigger hard drive, adding more memory to your '99 Gateway and broadband internet is all you need.

@ XpUser,

So what did you resort to Ghost?

B4 you criticize a bigger man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, you're a mile away, and you have his shoes.

Hi Sabertooth,

Yes I'm still sticking with Ghost 2003. I also have Casper as a standby in case Ghost doesn't work.

i_XpUser

If you are still considering a big OEM like Dell or Gateway (or any others for that matter), you would be wise to check actual customer satisfaction reports at the following website: http://www.resellerratings.com/