Buying a new computer

[Zenith]

Any advice for buying a desktop system?

[freakyfemme]

One word:  LAPTOP.

Seriously, once you buy one, you'll wonder why anyone bothers to buy regular computers anymore.  I got mine for Christmas last year, and it's SO much easier to cart back and forth from home (Barrie) to school (Quebec) than my old desktop was.

[Zenith]

I've tried a laptop and they don't suit me. I destest the mouses ( or is that  mices ? ) that are on most of them and the keyboards drive me insane!!! I am a clumsy typer.

Also trying to upgrade or change hardware is a big hassle as some are top down configurations and are a pain to open. Plus I find buying parts for a laptop more expensive in the long run and some of the web based programs I run don't sync well with a laptop so a desktop is my best option. Laptops are great but they are not for me unfortunatly.

[Rei-chan]

I have always had good luck/support with Compaq PCs, and their website has an Australian version.  My old one (from 1999) still runs like a champ, but I wanted an upgrade, so I bought a newer model last summer and have had no problems.

I shudder at the idea of buying a Dell, after having to reload my Dad's OS after he allowed his machine to become overrun with viruses.  I seem to recall it taking 6 or 7 hours, and the tech support was atrocious.

[Ki]

I have to disagree with Willow about Compaq.  As a fellow computer builder, I remember trying to upgrade my dad's Compaq was a nightmare.  It had very few expansion slots, and the case was very difficult to get into.  I build my own usually too, and my current desktop is an HP (who merged with Compaq.)  It runs fine, and would be great if I didn't ever want to upgrade or expand it, but the case is really poorly designed.  It can only accommodate one hard drive, which is mounted oddly, and there's not much room in there to manuever while upgrading.  I can't even add an additional fan. 

If you can buy the parts that are wearing out and keep your case, which you seem to like, I'd go that route - it's worked best for me historically.  Even a motherboard and processor aren't too difficult to change if you've got experience building, and it seems you've got experience and knowledgable family available to help.  I am so building my next computer from the motherboard up again.

[hgd2]

We use an excellent guy here in Brisbane.  He runs a small computer shop in Southbank and he does sales etc too.  If you would like I can dig out his business details for you.  I would just call him up and discuss your needs and I'm sure he can arrange shipping.  Otherwise, I bought my current laptop from harvey norman which had very good and knowledgeable salespeople, but I'm not sure how you would go with a non-standard purchase.

[plutomoment]

I don't know about buying one in Australia, but with Dell it does not void the warranty to open up the case. We actually called them up to ask.

My husband and I usually build our own computers but we decided it would be easier to buy when we needed a new one this past Sept. We wouldn't have bothered if we couldn't open it up. You can customize when you build on the site and add stuff when you get it in. Customer service isn't a problem for us since he does hardware and networking for a university and I am software (former computer lab help desk worker, currently a technology teacher). But I have heard they aren't very helpful.