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Choosing a Computer for Beginners

What should new computer users look for in a computer? What PCs are good for basic websurfing and word processing? Share your insights and help everyone make the best decision!



Member advice on Choosing a Computer for Beginners Showing 200 per page
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by opinionated3

opinionated3 is a Top Reviewer on Epinions
Apr 03 '00 Software requirements vs. Software recommendations
I recommend before buying any software, you read the box and check out the system requirements and also look for the recommended configuration.... read full review
Very Helpful

by opinionated3

opinionated3 is a Top Reviewer on Epinions
Apr 02 '00 Don't fall into the its loaded trap
Pay close attention to what the manufacturers pack into the next PC purchase to avoid over spending on your computer.... read full review
Very Helpful

by opinionated3

opinionated3 is a Top Reviewer on Epinions
Jun 11 '00 Cheaper is not always best
... read full review
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by opinionated3

opinionated3 is a Top Reviewer on Epinions
Apr 14 '00 Dont always look for the lowest price
... read full review
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by Gr8ful

Gr8ful is a Lead on Epinions
Oct 02 '00 "Would you like some fries with that?"
... read full review
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by Gr8ful

Gr8ful is a Lead on Epinions
Jun 14 '00 Computer salesmen ~ Do they know what they're talking about?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by nad_masters

nad_masters is a Top Reviewer on Epinions
Feb 17 '03 What do YOU want to do?
The perfect PC is elusive, but you may already own it!... read full review
Very Helpful

by Gr8ful

Gr8ful is a Lead on Epinions
May 19 '00 The importance of asking questions
... read full review
Very Helpful

by rice75
Jul 17 '03 Building your own, Part #2: Putting Everything Together.
Choosing to build your own can be daunting, but this guide should provide some help to guide you down the right path.... read full review
Very Helpful

by rice75
Jul 15 '03 Building your own, Part #1: Picking all the right parts.
Just do it. Take the plunge and build your own system!... read full review
Very Helpful

by rice75
May 12 '03 Should I buy or should I build?
Hopefully this fits in this category. There isn't an advice section for Buy vs. Build.... read full review
Very Helpful

by sweetsue_98
Jul 23 '00 Is That Extented Warranty Worth The Money?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by WulfsDen
May 25 '02 Home Computers for Bunnies.
There has never been a better time to buy a home computer. A system that would have cost $3000-4000 a few years ago costs less than $1000 today.... read full review
Very Helpful

by sweetsue_98
Mar 11 '01 Your Computer Is Only As Good As The Merchant You Buy It From!
You are not just buying a computer, but the service and support of the store you purchased it from.... read full review
Very Helpful

by onabreak2
Jun 26 '00 Take the Phone Off The Hook And Turn Out The Lights
... read full review
Very Helpful

by mike24
Sep 30 '00 P.C. Horrors (sexy and erotic?)
Be careful who you buy from. Trust only reputable dealers.... read full review
Very Helpful

by vicwang
Oct 17 '00 YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!
When it comes to PC's, "conventional wisdom" is everywhere. Unfortunately, a lot of it is 100% false, and this article explains why.... read full review
Very Helpful

by vicwang
Nov 11 '00 All Aboard: In Defense of Integrated Components
... read full review
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by MARIEROY
Jul 27 '00 Computer Widow: It's 3 a.m. and hubby's not home yet!!!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by lizzamay
Mar 16 '00 Buyer Beware: CompUSA
... read full review
Very Helpful

by daedric
Oct 09 '00 The Complete Idiots Guide to Buying a New Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by rejs
Dec 08 '00 Be Sure It's Upgradeable
... read full review
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by daedric
Oct 06 '00 A Simple Guide to Buying a Computer
... read full review
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by Lighthouse
May 01 '00 DO NOT take it to CompUSA for service
... read full review
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by moneymaker2000
Dec 20 '00 It does not compute...not yet anyway!
... read full review
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by bwyckoff1
Dec 20 '00 Barb vs.Schlock Outfit Inc.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by EnderZ
Aug 23 '00 A step by step guide to purchasing and configuring your computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by norwaynick
Aug 28 '01 Perfect computer for beginners
Whenever getting a beginner a computer remember to look for customer service, a long warranty, and also follow a budget. ... read full review
Very Helpful

by p2tpeoples
Aug 06 '01 Beggining for Begginers, Version 2.0
Get a friend to help you out and shop around.... read full review
Very Helpful

by lavoisier
Feb 06 '02 Planning to Buy a Computer for under $1000?
If you're planning to buy a computer on a tight budget, you don't have to be confined by obstacles like integrated video.... read full review
Very Helpful

by isong
Apr 26 '00 What am I Looking For in a Computer?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Susie-34668
Nov 11 '00 Pay just $24.95 a month.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by computernut
Mar 17 '01 PC System Recommendations - Updated 10-2-01
When computer 'specs' look like the legal fine print on your car insurance forms, it helps to be told what you need, and how much it will cost you...... read full review
Very Helpful

by Versius
Apr 08 '00 Bang for the Buck.
Just a few hints. Brought up to date.... read full review
Very Helpful

by shoehorny
Mar 02 '01 Ten Points to Consider in Buying a New Computer
Has your old computer got you down? Then check this out! Ten things to consider about buying a new computer!... read full review
Very Helpful

by sweetcece
Jul 01 '00 New Computer? - Be Aware, Then Compare
... read full review
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by happy2000usa
Jan 13 '00 The Day the Tiger Ate Nate
... read full review
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by hm8080
Dec 27 '00 Complete budget home-office solution for less than $1500!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by hacknq
Feb 01 '00 Who are you calling an Idiot or Dummy?
... read full review
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by EEBaum
Jan 10 '00 The Best, the Worst, and the Necessary
... read full review
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by Profilewriter
Mar 17 '00 Superstores? Not! But Circuit City is best of the lot
... read full review
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by sohailg
Feb 20 '00 Buying a Computer for Beginners *REVISED*
... read full review
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by ryanbowman
Jul 29 '00 What do you want to do today?
... read full review
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by AngelKnight
Mar 22 '00 Some advice for beginners...
... read full review
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by psugrowler
Nov 26 '00 Perfect PC for Beginners: Get the best system the 1st time!!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by thepanther
Apr 24 '01 You need a "Balanced" System
Having a balanced system can save you money by preventing components from "hanging around"... read full review
Very Helpful

by DarbyWalters
Dec 02 '00 Be a Tiger.Direct.com Shopper-Info and Prices-Memory, CPU,Hard Drive,Modems,Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by MsHooterville
Jun 11 '00 Beware of those "0 Interest Nothing Down" Ads!
... read full review
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by healdkw
Dec 29 '99 Where to Find the Lowest Prices
... read full review
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by boden11
Dec 22 '00 Listen up newbies--new computer advice!
... read full review
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by Stryke01
Jan 29 '00 Tomorrow's World.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Action_Snark
Jun 21 '01 Snark's Guide to Computing 101
Choose your hardware and software carefully. Gauge what you need, and then get your computer to match that. Be sure to backup data, and keep the computer secure.... read full review
Very Helpful

by Ascholten
Apr 11 '00 What you REALLY need in a computer
... read full review
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by dkarmol
Mar 26 '00 Get the advertised price- or better
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Ibanezz
Jan 18 '00 So it's your first computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by x97schinkel
Oct 17 '00 How do I go about buying the Right PC for ME?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by sklundgren
Dec 30 '99 Mac or PC?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by SummerBabe
Jul 25 '00 What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Bought My First System
... read full review
Very Helpful

by happy2000usa
Jan 11 '00 Mad Alice and the 486
... read full review
Very Helpful

by amerpie
Jul 14 '00 "I'll take one of those" vs. Years of Research
... read full review
Very Helpful

by dkoepke49
Jun 15 '00 Retail, or not, that is the question.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Psyberslam
Feb 27 '00 Want the Biggest Bang for Your Buck? SHOP AROUND!!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by lid
Jun 10 '00 The Beginner's Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by hm8080
Dec 26 '00 Buying your first printer, things you need to know...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by p2tpeoples
Dec 10 '00 Beginning for Beginners
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Digerati
Dec 14 '99 The Easy To Understand Guide To Buying Your First Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Destinys-Child
Aug 22 '00 Buying a PC - Step by Step Guide
... read full review
Very Helpful

by manjarres
Dec 26 '99 Buying a brand or not?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by REDDEVILP
Jul 23 '00 "PC shopping for Dummies"
... read full review
Very Helpful

by JD_Zoerman
Mar 30 '00 Understanding Computer Specs
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Barginfinder
Apr 20 '00 Best Bet - "Best Buy"
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Xiag
Jun 02 '00 Navigating the sea of choices....
... read full review
Very Helpful

by katrena
Jun 26 '00 The Fastest Today Won't Be the Fastest Tomorrow
... read full review
Very Helpful

by sohailg
Jul 03 '00 The truth on Internet Rebates!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by computernut
Mar 30 '01 What's up with Computer Geeks??
In this day and age, it helps to know a computer geek or two.... read full review
Very Helpful

by jcgraphics
Jan 17 '00 PC vs. Mac... which should I get?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by gjax
Dec 13 '99 What are you going to do with your little baby.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by holykam
Jun 13 '00 Are You Going Crazy With All These Computer Questions? Well, Relief Is Here!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by dragonmoney
Jun 13 '00 Your Journey Through the Minefield
... read full review
Very Helpful

by espencer
Jan 14 '00 FREE COMPUTER* (*after rebate)
... read full review
Very Helpful

by auric
Apr 22 '00 But its the name and processor that matters, right?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by yueming
Jan 21 '00 What is a good PC for you
... read full review
Very Helpful

by quackykrackrz
Apr 14 '00 Don't get scammed by that "good deal".
... read full review
Very Helpful

by diversityink
Jun 10 '00 So you're a new guy, huh?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by anastacya
Feb 07 '00 I Ran Naked Through Best Buy....
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Bucksnort
Dec 31 '99 advice for the guy who sells them
... read full review
Very Helpful

by cicibaxter
Mar 23 '00 I-OPENER Craze: What's the Fuss All About Explained
... read full review
Very Helpful

by seacow
Jul 09 '00 How to keep tech support from laughing at you
... read full review
Very Helpful

by pulshrq
Dec 03 '00 Buying a PC that fits YOU!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by prattguy
Jun 12 '00 Don't get caught on those IP discounts!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by apollick
Feb 16 '00 Don't get in a hurry!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by yummers888
Apr 28 '00 Average User Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by dunk51
Mar 21 '00 Walk Before You Run:
... read full review
Very Helpful

by darkgoddess997
Apr 26 '00 Computer buying advice from a self proclaimed computer geek.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by daviddennis
Jul 26 '00 Macos, Linux, Windows? How to pick your PC
... read full review
Very Helpful

by paramendra
Jun 07 '00 What I am really waiting for: How many years would that be?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Digerati
Jan 14 '00 The Scams They Run...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by J_L_Haupt
Apr 24 '00 Netpliance I-Opener....$99.99
... read full review
Very Helpful

by obnox
Jun 18 '00 Is An Extended Warranty Right For You?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by fasteddieg
Jan 23 '00 A Beginner's Guide to buying a computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by clburdette
Nov 04 '00 The Art of Being a Cheapskate
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Draggar
Jul 27 '01 Is your salesperson good?
Shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions!... read full review
Very Helpful

by BadgerFan
Sep 26 '00 Extended Warranties: Friend or Foe?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by fixxxerny
Mar 30 '01 Do Yourself a Favor: Ask Someone You Trust
There are four steps, the most important being to get the advice of someone you can trust. ... read full review
Very Helpful

by Kristoff
Dec 26 '00 Make it simple
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Lady_Pythia
May 16 '00 Common Sense Is Your Best Allie
... read full review
Very Helpful

by chatac
Aug 03 '00 Works For Me For Now
... read full review
Very Helpful

by DavidWeisman
Mar 12 '00 Mail Order or from a local store?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by munchkin
Aug 03 '00 How NOT to buy a computer
... read full review
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by andrevm
May 02 '00 What's important for you?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by hd7crash
Mar 03 '00 Great Computers At Great Prices(where to buy)
... read full review
Very Helpful

by junebug531
May 06 '00 NEVER buy a Packard Hell, uh I mean a Packard Bell
... read full review
Very Helpful

by dv8
Mar 05 '00 The 5 Step Program
... read full review
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by Secret_Shopper
Jun 12 '00 From a computer geek: Tips on buying your first computer
... read full review
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by stevelarrison
Mar 22 '00 Be careful, it is a jungle out there
... read full review
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by manjarres
Jan 06 '00 Buying an AMD athlon now?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by TEDDID
Jun 05 '00 Gateway
... read full review
Very Helpful

by neofusion
Mar 24 '01 You Get What You Pay For...Usually. (Part 2: Motherboards)
Perhaps one of the most vital components in your system gets the least respect, your motherboard. Check out my rules of thumb gleaned from my experience in the industry. ... read full review
Very Helpful

by tag_1234
Mar 16 '00 Don't get stuck with a lemon
... read full review
Very Helpful

by inthestars
Mar 17 '00 How Will You Use Your New PC?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by jzak
Mar 31 '00 Congratulations! It's a New Computer!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Diversion4U
Apr 26 '01 A nifty little handbook for buying a computer
It's not as hard as it looks...you can do it!... read full review
Very Helpful

by phungus
Jan 03 '00 Does low price = low quality? Sometimes...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by 7ofus
Jan 23 '00 IBM Aptiva 190E
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Digerati
Jan 09 '00 What to look for in a mouse
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Digerati
Jan 09 '00 What to look for in a Modem
... read full review
Very Helpful

by djthedj
Apr 27 '00 Compaq for Dummies- Your insiders guide to the largest computer manufacturer in the world.
Compaq Computer Corporation is a diverse company with diverse products. Don't just choose the first thing you see that looks good! They have something to meet your needs.... read full review
Very Helpful

by Poet_of_Dreams
Oct 09 '01 What to look for when buying a computer.
Based on users that I've worked with, a 500 megahertz processor, with 128 megabytes of memory, and a 10 gigabyte hard drive was more than adequate.... read full review
Very Helpful

by backlund
Aug 18 '00 It's time to upgrade, but your computer is too old to upgrade
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Lmunro1268
Jun 22 '00 Looking For a Bargain PC?
... read full review
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by ljrunner
Mar 24 '00 Just do it.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by euniverse1
Oct 09 '00 Good Prices, Good Service
... read full review
Very Helpful

by momslink5
Feb 04 '00 Education is a must!!~
... read full review
Very Helpful

by TonyP6
Dec 12 '99 Easy Advice on Buying a Computer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by macenthe
Jun 13 '00 Mr. Unsuspecting Consumer Goes Shopping
... read full review
Very Helpful

by showard
Jul 22 '00 You can't go wrong (or right)
... read full review
Very Helpful

by doninsocal
Mar 14 '01 Are you Paying too much for your new computer??
The most important thing is to remember to buy what you need, not what they want to sell you. Those of you in California, try Fry's Electronics. ... read full review
Very Helpful

by bruce.li
Oct 24 '00 How select a satisfied desktop
... read full review
Very Helpful

by OCBTracker
May 09 '00 Solitaire Is Your Friend
... read full review
Very Helpful

by jmey
Feb 14 '00 SERVICE is the key....
... read full review
Very Helpful

by jmey
Feb 14 '00 Asking the RIGHT questions
... read full review
Very Helpful

by bmccoy
Nov 25 '00 You get what you pay for
... read full review
Very Helpful

by MsHooterville
Dec 12 '00 Keywords: Memory, Speed and BIG GIG
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Rickie_
Apr 12 '00 Selecting a computer with the help of feng shui
... read full review
Very Helpful

by kfree
Jun 13 '00 Did I Spend Enough or Too Much?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Renee_S.
Jun 19 '00 Packing Your Computer For A Move
... read full review
Very Helpful

by spoalanm
Mar 12 '00 Get A Little Help From Your Friends.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by leegarson
Mar 31 '00 Things have changed in five years...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by excalibur21
Jan 26 '00 COMPAQ- A Company FOR the people!!!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Meta4Wzrd
Apr 23 '00 Beginner?, Squeeze your wallet tight
... read full review
Very Helpful

by kigle
Dec 02 '00 What if People Weren't First: A Second Look at Buying a Gateway
... read full review
Very Helpful

by vicwang
Mar 25 '00 What you DON'T know about buying a PC...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by spoalanm
Jun 06 '00 A Few Beginner Tips.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by tehnet37
Dec 31 '99 Won't i get cheated ?
Spend as little as possible. That minimises the amount at risk.... read full review
Very Helpful

by jared_ellars
Jul 12 '00 Be a smart shopper
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Cyberllama
Jan 24 '00 Choose the Laptop That's Right for You
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Mmodrows
Jun 18 '00 Purchasing Your First Computer
... read full review
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by ReviewDog
May 12 '00 iMac will be The Apple of your eye
... read full review
Very Helpful

by ronako
Jul 17 '00 Which computer should I get?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by skymountan
Mar 16 '00 Gobi--New or Used?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by T.Rob
Sep 26 '00 Beware the mass-market tripe!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by jatznic
Mar 20 '00 Would you like a DVD with that order?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by david_n_dc
Jan 21 '00 Best Buy? I think not...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by zer0
Apr 04 '00 Advice for Getting a New PC for a Gamer
... read full review
Very Helpful

by KimJ
Aug 05 '00 Know what you want!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by artic00cat
May 08 '00 What is right for you????
... read full review
Very Helpful

by GetUpThere
Sep 05 '00 The Only Thing You Need To Know To Buy Your First Computer!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by ShadeeJake
Jan 01 '01 Salesman Offers Honest Suggestions
... read full review
Very Helpful

by misterME
Apr 03 '00 PC Shopping 101
... read full review
Very Helpful

by kid33
Jul 12 '00 Fact and Fiction
... read full review
Very Helpful

by cptsulu
Jul 08 '00 Dell: The Official Manufacturer for Newbies
... read full review
Very Helpful

by omkarpimp
Jul 26 '00 Buying a computer for beginners
... read full review
Very Helpful

by adonna
Jun 08 '00 First Computer? Buy USED!!!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by AsWeSeeIt
Jan 26 '00 Dell, Gateway, or save some money?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by ConvinceMe
Jul 27 '00 First of All, I Think You Should Get A Pentium
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Ahab1973
Nov 21 '00 Where should you buy?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by espencer
Jan 18 '00 PC vs Mac (it's like electronic cola wars!)
... read full review
Very Helpful

by KaitiesMommy
Jul 07 '00 Buying A Computer 101
... read full review
Very Helpful

by shortyduck
Mar 01 '00 Webtv for the beginner
... read full review
Very Helpful

by MrsHall
Nov 20 '00 PeoplesPC ...Buy the Support!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by GuiltybyAssoci
Dec 23 '99 THE PLAIN AND SIMPLE TRUTH part 1
... read full review
Very Helpful

by LondonOllie
May 13 '00 Mac's are the way to go...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by starmate5
Jan 07 '00 Maybe They Never Mentioned...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by justrlj02
Jan 31 '00 "off-brands are FINE
... read full review
Very Helpful

by blecornu
Jan 10 '00 Do I get a PC or a MAC
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Plushman15
Feb 07 '00 How much storage you need for your computer.
... read full review
Very Helpful

by Nightshade_01
Jun 05 '01 Don't let the big beige box scare you.
The big gray box doesn't have to be scary.... read full review
Very Helpful

by Draggar
Sep 21 '00 Second Look: Add-ons and peripherals
... read full review
Very Helpful

by neofusion
Mar 17 '01 You Get What You Pay For...Usually.
It's what's inside that counts! Know exactly what you're getting for your money, and if you find it for less (all other things being equal), then go for it!... read full review
Very Helpful

by grgervais
Dec 16 '99 grgervais
... read full review
Very Helpful

by clburdette
May 02 '00 How to buy the RIGHT computer for under $1000
... read full review
Very Helpful

by slipline
Feb 26 '00 Dont Get Burned by the Salesman!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by fastest2
Dec 14 '99 Buy it custom built
... read full review
Very Helpful

by duenor
Nov 05 '00 Fall 2000 Value Computer Buying Guide : Why, where, and how much...
... read full review
Very Helpful

by parallax
Dec 10 '00 Go for name-brand, not no-brand
... read full review
Very Helpful

by famousgrouse
Nov 11 '00 Counterpoint to Integrated Motherboards
... read full review
Very Helpful

by almwiz
Apr 20 '00 Don't Stifle the Beginner!
... read full review
Very Helpful

by MasterShooter
Apr 09 '00 Your FIRST time @ computers
... read full review
Very Helpful

by thewebguy
Apr 14 '00 Over 50 and buying your first computer?
... read full review
Very Helpful

by mistrtonee
Oct 01 '00 What the Stores Don't Tell You
... read full review
Very Helpful
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