Help! I have finally decided to actually buy a computer - what is

[leftyladyfrommo]

the best fast service for the best price?

I have AT&T phone service.

I am just going to get a kind of work horse computer set up - I have a little home business and it is growing enough that I really need to get some software to keep records for taxes. And to keep customer info. I also need to use e-mail. And probably need a scanner of some sort.

And there is not much sense putting that in without getting on the Internet, too.

Whats the best deal out there? (I don't have cable TV so I don't need that kind of package)

[REP]

1. iMac

It's got everything you need - internet ready, comes with a mailer program (Mail), and browser (Safari) and runs Microsoft Office X. Ready to use out of the box; a scanner and printer plugs right into it with no problems, and they're very easy to use. Any computer will work with any internet provider, so you don't need to worry about that.

[bif]

2. Mac-Or you'll be posting here about how many viruses you have

I don't understand why anyone would buy a PC. I've been on a Mac for 15 years and have NEVER had a virus. My friend gets them all the time and has to spend a ton of money getting rid of them. Sure a Mac may be more expensive--but in the long run, it's really worth it.

[dysfunctional press]

8. i've had my current pc for 3 years, and i've never had a virus.

and the anti-virus software i have is freeware- avast!. it's put out by a swedish company, and is absolutely the best stuff going.

[Chan790]

3. Well...

the two main choices for high-speed internet in most places are cable or DSL. (There are others if you live in the right metro market.)

If you're not willing to get cable internet because you don't have cable TV, then you'd be down to DSL. Usually, but not always, the best offer you're going to get on DSL is as part of a phone service package from your phone company. Call them (and call around to other DSL providers) and ask what they're offering... but also call the cable company even though you're not interested because they'll always try to beat each other so if you can say that the cable company is offering service at transfer rate Y for $xx.xx, the phone company will usually try to beat that offer either by offering a lower rate, offering higher-transfer rate for the same money or offering free equipment.

Dirty secret: Markup-over-actual-cost on high-speed internet is astronomical (in some places 1200%), higher on higher-speed connections.

[KitchenWitch]

12. Talk to the phone company about the DSL

[leftyladyfrommo]

4. OK - thanks. At least I know what to ask the guy for.

I hate this stuff. I am so not computer savy. I don't know where to begin to even ask. But I need something simple, fast and serviceable.

[REP]

5. Mac - Particularly the iMac - Is What You Need Then!

Super easy to use, right out of the box; no screwing with drivers for peripherals; elegant interface and it just works.

[leftyladyfrommo]

6. OK Dokey! Will look into that one. n/t

[dysfunctional press]

7. go with a pc...for your needs it would definitely be the best deal.

and since you have at&t, i would reccomend going with a dsl internet connection if it's available.

however- if you go with cable for internet, you can put a splitter in the line before the modem, and get basic cable tv for free.

[leftyladyfrommo]

13. Well, that would be a good deal.

I just have a 13" TV and no cable. But it would be nice to have basic cable.

[Auggie]

9. iMac

If it's for a home business it's tax deductable. Why not buy the best?

[XemaSab]

10. Steal the neighbor's wifi

Fast and free. :D

[LSK]

20. your still doing that?

:shrug:

[XemaSab]

21. Yup

:D

[Omphaloskepsis]

11. Please stop with the get a Mac shit..

Get a cheapo Dell. It sounds like you want cheap. Dell does cheap. Cheap in price and quality. The person asking the question is obviously a nOOb. They should get something any kid down the block can help fix.

I type this on a iMac. I might be the biggest Apple nerd in this place. I think this user should get a PC. And they need tax software. Unless they give more info.. I have to say PC.

[leftyladyfrommo]

14. I don't understand. Does IMac not have a PC?

I'm a computer idiot.

I have always worked on a Dell so that is really about all I know. But it seemed to work OK. We ran lots of programs on it at work and it was OK.

[LSK]

19. I agree, get a Cheap PC from Dell

[bullwinkle428]

22. What's wrong with a Mac mini? A pretty nice machine for $599,

although I realize you need to provide your own monitor, keyboard and mouse. You can buy all of those things for under $200, and then compare specs of the mini vs. the cheap Dell. For the few measly extra bucks, your're getting a superior OS, as opposed to the Dell where you'd have to choose between the "cutting edge" Vista :eyes: or the on-its-way-out XP OS. I'm on the verge of replacing my old Dell, and am only holding off waiting on the release of the Leopard OS...

[Omphaloskepsis]

24. It is a nice machine..

When someone asks thing like, "I don't understand. Does IMac not have a PC?" It is time to stick with what they know. A cheap dell will do the job. Like I said, I am a huge Apple nerd.

[GirlinContempt]

27. Because if you don't know anything about computers

but you need it to work with your little knowledge, stick with what you know. And what the vast majority of people who can help you know. And with the system that offers the most software variety.

[Spider Jerusalem]

15. You're talking about two different things

what you want is a broadband ISP; you should go with something like AT&T (may be branded as SBC Global) DSL (since you already have AT&T landline service) or Comcast cable internet (although I've heard horror stories from way too many people regarding the quality of Comcast's service and customer support to use them, personally).

As to a computer, I'd go with a PC; something like a Dell, as already recommended (since a PC is what you're already used to, there's no real learning curve involved, and any software you already have will still work, which it won't on a Mac).

[Auggie]

16. Haven't Dells had huge reliability issues?

[Spider Jerusalem]

17. Not really;

they've had a few issues with faulty batteries in their laptops; not a concern with a desktop machine (and their customer service tends to be among the best in the PC world).

[dysfunctional press]

23. I've had 3 dells, nary a problem with any of them.

the current one has been up almost 3 years, iirc.

[BuelahWitch]

18. I have a Compaq PC I absolutely love

My second PC was a Compaq, then I bought a Dell. When I had the funds to upgrade again I bought another Compaq. Maybe Windows ME was what made the Dell awful, but I like Compaq machines much better.
I'm going to chime in with the people recommending AT&T/SBC DSL. It's super and you get pretty good deals on it too if you have other services through them.

[Poiuyt]

25. Macintosh

Mac mini if you want to save some money, or an iMac if you want real simplicity. You won't regret getting a Mac

Contact ATT to see if they have DSL in your region

[GirlinContempt]

26. Ok, for the computer

I'm going to assume you're familiar with a PC based on reading this thread.
You *could* go the Dell route, another way (one I recommend) is ask your friends, family and co workers where they got their computers, if they thought the price was competitive, and how the service was.

Hopefully, you can find somewhere local that will build or have one for you that services in your home town. Often that's the best way to get good, worry free support. Fast, local, and usually price-comparable to Dell. Don't buy an HP or a Compaq. DO NOT BUY A SONY.

Dell is great for corporations and institutions in my experience, not so good for home. My good friend who does government IT for my entire province loves his Dells at work, but would never ever order one for home use. it is, however, a matter of personal preference.

See if you can get internet bundled with your home phone, often it's cheaper.