Travel Technology - Where to buy a computer in the U.S. (in-store, online, direct, etc.)

I would like to find out where is a good place to buy a computer. Doesn't matter if it is online, in-store, direct from the manufacturer. As long as the quality is good with good warranty and support and they don;t put a load of crap in it. I have tried Best Buy and I will never buy a computer from there again. They put so much crap on your system and when I turned it on, many things went wrong. They did not even honor it for return so I had to make several calls to different departments. I have no plans either to buy from Dell anytime soon. Back in the day (2000 or so), their computers were well built. Lasted me about 8 years with occasional problems. Now they only last half the time with constant problems. I'm a bit skeptical if I should buy from sites like amazon.com, tigerdirect.com, etc. Any help appreciated. Cheers

Depends if you're talking Windows or Mac - I'll start with the easy one. Also, it sounds like you don't like the junk on your computer. Who does? This is usually a function of the manufacturer, however-

Mac - Not sue about mileage malls here, but there are certain advantages when you buy at an apple store, such as free transfer of your data. I'm not sure of your tech knowledge, so don't know how important that may be for you. Mac computers don't come with the junk software you talk about, and have great build quality. The weakness can be warranty - no accidental warranty available direct. :-( On the positive, they do have Apple stores all over where you can get help.

Windows - First off, I think nearly all Windows machines come with the junk you're talking about. I know many people that take the restore disc (which usually doesn't have the junk) and restore the computer right after they get it. This not only eliminates the junk software, but also serves as a test of the restoration discs - a very good thing to do. Another option is a piece of software that uninstalls most/all of the junk. I have used this several times before: http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/ Just be sure to click download at the top an NOT the download button that says "Advertisement" near it.

Additionally, do note that a company like Dell doesn't have consistency amongst series in terms of build quality. In other words, their inexpensive consumer-focused "Inspiron" series are relative junk. I wouldn't wish one of those on anyone I work with. Their enterprise-level Latitude are pretty decent, although I think their quality has decreased a bit over the past few years. I think the important thing to note here is that a $500 computer from the local office store is not going to be right for you if you want anything that will last and have good support.

If you provide more of what you're looking for in terms of your machine, support, etc. I can provide more information for you. Good luck in your purchase, and let us all know how it works out for you!

I'm looking for a Windows based system as I don't have a clue on how to use a Mac. :o I have had several Dell Dimension's in the past, and they really lasted me along time. At the moment, Im looking for a notebook that is powerful, easy to carry and that turns on quick. I'll be using it mostly for browing, email, skype and maybe some music listening and youtube when I'm idle at the airport. But I would like to know a good if not best place I can get it. I know the manufacturers installs some additional junk but not to the extent of Best Buy. Thats why I'm avoiding them.

I'm looking for a Windows based system as I don't have a clue on how to use a Mac. :o I have had several Dell Dimension's in the past, and they really lasted me along time. At the moment, Im looking for a notebook that is powerful, easy to carry and that turns on quick. I'll be using it mostly for browing, email, skype and maybe some music listening and youtube when I'm idle at the airport. But I would like to know a good if not best place I can get it. I know the manufacturers installs some additional junk but not to the extent of Best Buy. Thats why I'm avoiding them.Dell Vostro series avoids most of the crapware, and so does Lenovo with ThinkPads.

Dell is always good, though I have not been overly happy with their model decisions in the past few months of what they are selling and what they are discontinuing.

If you are looking for a great price, from time to time Microsoft.com has some incredible deals, like every two or three months. The deals only last a day or two, so you need to jump in quick.

While it won't be much help until next week (closed for passover) B and H at www.bhphotovideo.com offers good prices, and doesn't add anything to the machines.

I'm looking for a Windows based system

Take a look at the computers at the Microsoft Store (http://www.microsoftstore.com) with Windows Signature.

Windows Signature (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.MicrosoftSignature) is an optimized OS install free of crapware, etc. You can probably do the same thing yourself or look for options that some companies offer that eliminate the crapware. Sony used to do it, but you had to order it from the web site only to get it.

It's ridiculous that you have to go out of your way to get a highly optimized system free of crapware.

-David

The link I posted is a direct link to the Microsoft Store, but it looks like it ends up going to an affiliate link first. Who is inserting that affiliate link into the stream?

The link I posted is a direct link to the Microsoft Store, but it looks like it ends up going to an affiliate link first. Who is inserting that affiliate link into the stream?

You mean the PromoID? I think Microsoft's website is adding that itself. Probably some redirect system that adds on the current promo to the bare URL.

joe

You mean the PromoID? I think Microsoft's website is adding that itself. Probably some redirect system that adds on the current promo to the bare URL.

joe

api.viglink.com/...

It could be the store itself I suppose.

That's Digital River. They use to be a reseller, but for the last couple of years they have actually run the Microsoft Online Store.

If you go to microsoftstore dot com you go through the tracking link before going into the store, if you go to Microsoft and click down off the purchase menu to computers you do not see their link flash by before entering the store.

Microsoft saved their butts after Symantic left them and brought their store back in house, without Microsoft they probably would not have stayed in business, investors were getting quite nervous.

That's Digital River. They use to be a reseller, but for the last couple of years they have actually run the Microsoft Online Store.


thanks. among other things, I wanted to make sure I wasn't posting a compromised link, which would have been odd in this case.

-David

Windows Signature (http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbPage.MicrosoftSignature) is an optimized OS install free of crapware, etc.

This is awesome! How did I not know this exists??


It's ridiculous that you have to go out of your way to get a highly optimized system free of crapware.

You're right - ironic that most Windows computers are "non-signature."

you can get a catalogue from tiger direct. i think best buy, if they are still in business has good value in their promo machines. you have to do a bit of work to find a good value machine, then just buy the box from them. frequently the weekly special is a good deal. all you want is a few buzz words on the machine, like MB of memory, quad core processor, terabite or so of HD..everything else needed is on the machine. do not take one that has bells and whistles to jack the price.

after you get it, download decrapifier and run it. that gets rid of most of the freeby. stuff. also delete all the other free test/trial software.

there is nothing wrong with amd processors. save $100 with no intel name.

try to find a machine with USB 3 on it.it is nice.

Build your own. Buy the operating system. Buy the applications. Then set it up the way you like it. CompUSA is a good place to find the parts if you want to see them first. Newegg is best for online parts.

I'm currenly looking for a notebook at the moment.

I would still load the os and applications myself. This avoids all the junk the manufacturers install.

I'm currenly looking for a notebook at the moment.

as has already been said, the things you are looking for (or specifically: looking to avoid) are not a product of the actual reseller.

you said you are unfamiliar with mac/apple, but if you put in the very low-effort required to familiarized with it, i can almost guarantee you will be much happier in the long run. i've tinkered with windows based systems for 20 years and still use one in my professional life. personal use -- and im traveling right now -- a mac.

so pick up an apple laptop from their physical store or apple.com or amazon.com

to answer your question directly, you shouldnt have any reservations buying from amazon.com, tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, etc

to answer your question directly, you shouldnt have any reservations buying from amazon.com, tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, etc
Not sure what that means. :confused::o

Good advice so far. Sad that we have to jump thru so many hoops just to get a useable machine. With that said, locally built (small mom/pop/geek shop) could be a viable alternative. OR a geeky friend could build one for a pizza and a couple 2 ltrs :D
Tech (software) support is just a 'Google' away :)

Build your own. Buy the operating system. Buy the applications. Then set it up the way you like it. CompUSA is a good place to find the parts if you want to see them first. Newegg is best for online parts.

i found the price of components to far exceed the price of a completed box with similar pieces.

I usually go to one of the big-box stores (Best Buy, Staples) and take a look at them. One of the issues for me is to be able to touch the keyboard, play with the trackpad and see the screen. Some of the island keyboards are not good for me, and some are reasonable. Once I find the model then I usually start at the manufacturer's site and customize a machine for my specs (memory, drive, etc). The brick and mortar stores usually only have one or two configurations and they aren't usually the max.

I usually go to one of the big-box stores (Best Buy, Staples) and take a look at them. One of the issues for me is to be able to touch the keyboard, play with the trackpad and see the screen. Some of the island keyboards are not good for me, and some are reasonable. Once I find the model then I usually start at the manufacturer's site and customize a machine for my specs (memory, drive, etc). The brick and mortar stores usually only have one or two configurations and they aren't usually the max.
Thats what I like to do. Go the store, take a up-close look at it to see the features, styling, etc. And when I like the model, go to the manufacturer's website and get it there. Unfortunately, some manufacturers don't have that option where you can get it directly from them like acer. You have to go to a reseller.:(:td:

i found the price of components to far exceed the price of a completed box with similar pieces.

Could be. I have never checked on this. It depends on how much control you want over things. I have never in 37 years of messing with small computers every bought one already made. I always roll my own.

Thats what I like to do. Go the store, take a up-close look at it to see the features, styling, etc. And when I like the model, go to the manufacturer's website and get it there. Unfortunately, some manufacturers don't have that option where you can get it directly from them like acer. You have to go to a reseller.:(:td:

many model numbers are only made for a big box store like Best Buy, so you cannot look them up or compare like for like.

Sign up for the Dell outlet emails , they often send out discount coupons on the already discounted models on the Dell outlet website,

Dell Vostro series avoids most of the crapware, and so does Lenovo with ThinkPads.Have you looked at Lenovo X220 or T420? think Lenovo might also have a smaller lighter machine (X1?) just out. You can buy on lenovo website direct which gives you chance to reconfigure to spec you prefer but many resellers on amazon, ebay etc. also offer good packages. Watch out for extra software costs. Also newegg seems to come up a lot for good pricing on computers and equipment. If you'd consider changing to Mac, good feedback on Mac Air for combo of competence and lightness.

i found the price of components to far exceed the price of a completed box with similar pieces.Ummmm just like a car, or a motorbike :D

Not sure what that means. :confused::o
nothing you mentioned has to do with the retailer--best buy included.

1. retailers generally dont modify the computers (i.e. add their own software/crapware to branded computers)
2. best buy & amazon & most other stores/mail order have 30 day return policy (what exact problems did you have before)
3. thousands of people buy computer from these retailers every day. i have no hesitation buying from there or recommending people to buy from there

nothing you mentioned has to do with the retailer--best buy included.

1. retailers generally dont modify the computers (i.e. add their own software/crapware to branded computers)
2. best buy & amazon & most other stores/mail order have 30 day return policy (what exact problems did you have before)
3. thousands of people buy computer from these retailers every day. i have no hesitation buying from there or recommending people to buy from there
I purchased a Toshiba saltellite from Circuit City and an HP notebook from best buy a few years back and I ended up getting "lemons". The laptobs just died on me a few months later. The first time I turned it on, it was running sluggish already. So im a little skeptcal now buying from them again.