What Type of Computer to Buy

If you want the best, most versatile, and most user friendly computer, go for the Mac! There is a reason why schools and creative industries are exclusively Mac users--they work the best! Customer service is great (though we've almost never used it), it is easy to use, Macs aren't virus targets, and they work great for photo and video editing. iphoto even allows you to design a photo album which Apple then prints and binds for you like a book. You choose the photos, captions, etc! A friend did this for her wedding album and I am in the process of creating babybooks for my three children through iphoto. Once you go Mac, you'll never go back!!

i just bought a new computer from walmart about 1 1/2 years ago. and i love it. i store tons of photos on my computer. and i have never had any problems with it.

A Mac. We switched over from a PC to Mac over 2 years ago. There is an area called iphoto that allows editing of photos, emailing, etc. that is fantastic. Also, there is iTunes and that's much used in our house. I have 3 children and my concern is their use of the computer online. We have never had any issues with unwanted pop-ups or other unwanted emails/junk. Also, we've never added Norton or other virus protect software because Macs aren't attacked as PC's are. The Mac is SO user friendly and I must say that I will not go back to a PC. Also, the tech support is wonderful. When we were unsure about our email set-up, we went to the Apple store and an employee walked us through the process. The Apple store offers free classes to use the Mac to its fullest potential and their phone customer service/tech support has been great. The only thing you will need to check into is if the scanner will work with the Mac. Our old printer works just fine with ours.

Anyway, that's my opinion. Good luck on your selection.

We switched to a Mac when my son was born and have loved them so much my DH has changed over his business computers as well. They are easy to use, reliable, more secure (fewer virus problems) and great for photos and music. I also do video on mine and added an external hard drive to allow for more storage capacity.

I work in IT and use PC's, but for home use, Mac is really a nice computer for home use. I'd look at Dell's packages which are custom made per customers needs. It's a nice feature and you'll end up with all the right ports, programs, storage space, etc for all you plan on doing with your computer. If you plan on playing games, you'll want too make sure you mention that to the sales associate so that they can make sure you have enough running space.

Also, start getting yourself comfortable with the idea that even if you buy the biggest and the best today, something bigger and better will comeout in a month, so once you make you're purchase, don't look back and be happy with it.

Just about any computer today meets the criteria you're looking for. I think what you need to look at are: hard drive space (music and photos take up tons of space) and processing power. A quick tour through dell.com lets you build your own computer, guides you through making choices that fit your family, and spits out a price at the end. I'm not necessarily a supporter of Dell but it would give you a starting point to have things explained as you choose them.

I'm actually a Macintosh user and would never switch--they are soooooooo easy to use, but do cost a little more.

Don't just buy the cheapest computer off the WalMart shelf!

Good luck!

My hubby and I just replaced our Desktop in January... of course my hubby was big on a laptop so we got a laptop that is meant to replace a desktop.

You can get some really good deals at the Dell Outlet. They have computers, laptops, everything. These are products that someone ordered but decided not to get so dell sells it at a lower price (Refurbished computers). You can't customize from the dell outlet but you will be able to find something to suit you. We got a great laptop for $900 that really cost $1500. They have cheaper options too.

Here is the web site:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/deskto...

Hope this helps. My dad and brothers have been using the dell outlet for at least 8 years and my hubby who is a penny pincher loved the options and prices.

Any new computer today will work.

I got mine from walmart a HP Pavillion alot of people will say a cheap piece of crap but it cost me $500 and I'm going strong 2.5 years later and all I do is music/photo stuff constantly and cruise the internet.

I have heard Emachines are junk but I've never really heard anything bad about other brands.

I know Dell is great brand just out of my budget.