<p>I have a slight economical quandary. I am currently in 11th grade and am in dire need of a new computer. My plan was to buy a laptop for college right after or late 12th grade. However, my current computer is practically worn out. It has lasted 6 years and does not cut it anymore. Should I survive 1 year using another computer or should I just invest in that laptop a little early? My ideal plan was as follows:</p>
<p>Late or end of 12th grade - Buy nice $1100+ Dell Laptop and retire current desktop. Goto college and laptop lasts for all 4 years. </p>
<p>Anyone understand my situation? Is it economical to buy my laptop now even though I want it to last a long time? Should I manage with my friend's computer or the librarys and buy my laptop before college so I can get the best bang for my buck? </p>
<p>All responses welcomed. ANy questions. PLease reply. Thanks for any help!</p>
<p>This is a forum for "bargin hunters" where people post all kinds of good deals they find. Most of the deals posted only last a day or two, especially the good laptop deals, but it's worth taking a few minutes every day to check. For example...</p>
<p>I'd say just find a really cheap computer (laptop, desktop, whatever) on ebay or at a local store for under $400. Then, after hs, buy your laptop a little bit later than you would have originally so you can save up the difference.</p>
<p>This is a company that I would personally recommend: Thoni Computers. They custom "create" computers from scratch to match your requirements but because of the way their payment system works, they are literally cheaper than any other company. You can max out a gaming rig or get a cheap, quality computer. You'd have to talk to a technition about the price range (from what I here though, they can make computers for $300-$400). The only way other than phone that you can contact them though is through AIM almost 24/7. Here is the sn: ThoniComputers (original isn't it?)</p>
<p>Send me a private message if you have any questions about the company (I am a current customer) or if you need any other good ideas. Well, I hope that helps!</p>
<p>"ThoniComputer"? What the hell is that. Considering google turned up 0 results for it, and that it it's run through AIM, it's probably</p>
<p>1) A scam
2) Some kids working from a garage</p>
<p>I would never buy a computer from such a source. If you want the cheapest money can buy, build your own computer. If you want a warrenty and customer service, go with a Dell.</p>
<p>In the first place, it is not run through AIM (that's one means of contact), it is run through Ebay (surprisingly) and its headquarters is in Orlando, FL. My dad has done business with them and they produced him a computer that was actually better than Alienware's newest. I am currently in the process of configuring a computer with them for hs too. </p>
<p>Their customer support is also top notch. Last night I called them at 3:15 AM (I couldn't sleep) and talked to their head technition (he had night duty). Contact them If you have any questions, or me for that matter.</p>
<p>PErsonally, my recommendation is Thoni Coputers, and it always will be whatever anyone says.</p>
<p>In response to what Durran said about building your own computer: many people do not know how or can make major errors during the construction. Therefore, they will have to revert to the next cheapest alternative. But homemade computers are also a great option if you know how to build them. If you are looking for the cheapest "well-known" company, my recommendation would be a Dell.</p>
<p>And I think you guys should all buy a mac. You never get viruses or spyware or adware, meaning you can save money on virus protection. You'll never get a "blue screen", and in fact, it will never crash. Not to mention, it looks better.</p>
<p>Because virus writers and hackers and all those evil people don't target mac users, who are like, 2% of the computer users population. Also, the Mac OSX version was written from scratch, and they spent ALOT of time preventing flaws...much better then Windows, I must say. Macs NEVER freeze or destroy your data. And you can buy a "mini mac" for $500...all you have to do is hook it up to your PC moniter and you have a mac! Not to mention, the ibook laptop is only $1,000 for a 12 inch and it would last year for many years...the powerbook laptop is $1500 and it is made of the same material as airplanes. Believe me, they last for a long time...it's worth the cost.
And for every PC software there is, there is a mac software that can match it or is better than it. In fact, Microsoft Word for Mac has more features then the PC version. Pretty much all software have a Mac counterpart, unless you want computer games.</p>
<p>I agree, Macs are typically better than most pcs, but not all. Did you ever wonder why gaming pcs (the type that needs the best components to function fluidly) are pcs? Why, because the performance pcs can achieve is a higher level. Check out the unbiased comparison benchmarks that you can easily find on Google if you look. Also check out PC vs Mac.</p>
<p>Macs are dreadful. My school has mac desktops and laptops, they all are dreadful. I have a compaq laptop R3230US, and I adore it. I got it for Christmas and has been awesome for what I've needed. The only downfall is bad battery life. Which, isn't actually a big deal since everywhere I go has an outlet available.
the iBook and powerbook both stink from my experience. I hate macs though. the mac users are the ones who send windows users viruses.</p>
<p>Buy a laptop at Best Buy and get the 3 yr warranty. Make sure the system is trailing edge (say, "smelleron" or AMD 2K) it'll still be better than what you've got. Take note of the mfg. warranty which will probably be less than 3 yrs. (maybe even a year then you're golden) then after the mfg. warranty expires take the laptop back for replacement credit (of course, only if it's not operative). Up to expiration of the mfg. warranty, Best Buy will ship the system back to the mfg. for repair which will take a few weeks (which you don't want) after the mfg. warranty expires but within their warranty range they will just replace with store credit rather than pay to fix. Make sure to ask about this scenario before you buy, they will tell you the same thing. This way, you'll have the rocks you need for school.</p>
<p>Build your own with parts from <a href="http://www.newegg.com%5B/url%5D">www.newegg.com</a> . They are cheap. If you can't build it yourself order the parts take it to a computer shop and they can do it for about 60 bux.</p>