Please take pity and help me, campers. I need a new computer. This thing is 7 years old, finicky as hell, and I swear things were faster in the days of dial-up.
The cougar in me is ready to trade up to a newer, younger, hotter model.
I just have no clue what to look for. Like, specs and stuff. I know RAM (that's memory, right?) is important. But that's about it. I'm afraid if I go to the computer store they will sell me a bunch of stuff I don't need, just to run the price up and get a good commission.
I like working on the desktop, and they're cheaper than a laptop, right? Plus I need a big screen for my blind eyes, and I can't work without a mouse.
I know I want a PC and not a Mac. I need somthing that can play videos without locking up, and that can hold my extensive fanfic collection (I swear, I save every story I read these days). My son likes to play games and live on youtube. So good graphics would be nice. I don't make videos, just watch them. We really only use it for the internet and Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Although I really hope to get Photoshop on my new computer.
I'd like to stay between $500-700, and I will need a new monitor and keyboard, not just the tower.
I've always had a Dell and I've been happy with them, except I hate calling their customer service and being routed....offshore. We get an employee discount for Dell at work, but I'm also open to Gateway and others.
If anyone can help me out and advise me what to look for, or what questions to ask the sales people so I don't get taken for a ride I would really appreciate it :-)