Do not buy from one of the top 5 computer makers (Dell, Compaq, HP, Gateway, Packard-Bell). You can get a better machine for the same price the same machine for cheaper by having the computer "white boxed", built from off the shelf components.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>Look at craigslist.org, I have seen many listings there.

While it is true that you will often find a better price for a new computer the "white boxed" method, there some important benefits to buying from a major computer maker.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>Many major computer makers offer automatic one-year warranties on all parts and labor for your computer, and options to extend that warranty. For example, when my screen broke on my Dell laptop, I simply reported it to Dell, who then delivered an empty padded box to me that I sent back to dell with my computer. I had my computer back in four days, all at no cost to me. This is a pretty nice service, considering that replacing the screen on my laptop would cost over $1000 for the part + labor costs.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>With "white boxed" machines, it is important to know exactly what parts they are putting into the machines, and to get the original manuals and driver disks. Often this documentation is not provided, which makes it more difficult if you need to troubleshoot a malfunction in your hardware. With computers from major manufacturers such as Dell or Compaq, each part within the computer is documented in the manual(s) they send, and is covered by their warrantees.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>I have ordered white-boxed machines when I knew the combination of hardware I wanted installed in the machine, and was prepared to assume more of the burden for troubleshooting and repair. White-boxed machines can be cheaper and of higher quality this way, but can add significantly to your total cost of ownership if you have to pay consultants when trouble strikes.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>Also, many major computer manufacturers have a "refurbished" section on their website, where they offered used computers for a significant discount. Often these computers come with the same warrantees as the new ones, and can be very competitively priced when compared to white-boxed systems.

Upgradeability. This has become the most important asset on all of our office computers, make sure to get a P II, or a P III. Again, www.giftsinkind.org secured brand new state of trhe art computers for us for about $500. Both P III's. About two weeks after we recieved the computers, i saw the same ones on the shelf at staples listed at $2,999.00. You should really check this out

Two tips:
<:LINEBREAK:>Two tips, that I would add:<:LINEBREAK:>1) Avoid those ads in the Sunday paper - "The computer will only cost you $199.99!!!!" You invariably have to sign up for three-four years of MSN and you get a cheap machine.
<:LINEBREAK:>2) Get what you need, not the fastest thing out there (unless you need it). If you are only getting a machine for simple computing, spending $2,000 on the latest machine is going to be a waste of money.<:LINEBREAK:>
My 2 cents...
<:LINEBREAK:>-Tom Jelen

As for a Mac, G3s and G4s are going pretty cheap these days- there was a big price drop at the beginning of the year. ("Pretty cheap" being up for debate). Things to keep in mind:<:LINEBREAK:>* Prices listed at Mac Warehouse, for example, do not include a monitor, which is different than if you buy your computer directly through Dell, again for example. However, this leaves you the option of buying a third party monitor (like Sony or someone even cheaper)- you DO NOT need to buy a Apple Studio Display.<:LINEBREAK:>* All new Macs do not include floppy disk drives. If you need a floppy drive, you will need to get a USB floppy drive.<:LINEBREAK:>* All new Macs come with modems and ethernet cards, so there's no need to "add" these to the price.<:LINEBREAK:>* iMacs are, due to their "cool" design, not very upgradeable. About the only thing you can do is add memory. Apple is trying to stay ahead of the game by automatically including everything it thinks you might need (digital video ports, DVD players, etc), but stay on top of what's included or not by check out the spec.<:LINEBREAK:>* Also, keep on top of the vagaries of each particular model. My faves:<:LINEBREAK:>Macintouch<:LINEBREAK:>MacResource<:LINEBREAK:>Macfixit

Personaly, I'm partual to building my own computers.<:LINEBREAK:>For shopping for commercial computers though, I wrote a handbook explaining "computer terms" for beginning computer shoppers. The website for this is www.ydarg.iwarp.com<:LINEBREAK:>Please feel free to send comments on my website if you like or dislike it.

I agree that there is merit in the clone/white box approach. I think you need a stable, reliable local vendor who is willing to talk with you about important stuff like the reliability histories of motherboards and hard drives, rather than trying to snow you with largely irrelevant performance information (PIII v. Celeron v. Athlon, 600 v. 700 mhz, etc.) You run the risk that the builder will disappear (this has happened to me) or stick you with low-quality components (this is happening to one of my clients who are gritting their way through the lifespans of 6 identical, junky clones). But ideally, you get clean, simple, standard systems built from easily replaceable generic parts.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>Personally, I am lacking a reliable local clone builder and currently recommending Dell refurbs purchased from their factory outlet. They have a wide selection, good prices, same-as-new warranties, reputedly good customer service, and I like the quality of design and assembly.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>As for choosing a level of performance, I like to look for the 50/20 break. At some point in the price continuum, you are going to be offered (roughly) a 50% performance or capacity improvement for 20% more money; at another, you will be asked to pay 50% more for a 20% improvement. The price/performance sweet spot is in between these two points.<:LINEBREAK:><:LINEBREAK:>And get twice as much RAM as you think you need.