What kind of computer should I buy, or what should I look for in one?

Stand by Adv, I know a several of guys who are really good at this kind of thing so I will fwd this posting, then get back to you if anyone replies

QVC has been having some great desktop PC deals this month from both Dell and Hewlett Packard.

If I had the money and my computer was gasping its last breath, I'd probably go for one of those.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find new computers that still have the Windows XP operating system, so if you have yet to switch, you'll have a brief learning curve with the newer Windows 8.

As for what to look for, always buy the biggest hard drive, RAM and processor speed you can afford.

Here's a link to the CNET page on desktop computers and their reviews and recommendations:

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktop-computers/

Here's what CNET says about their pick for best All-In-One. They compare 3 brands.

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-xps-one-27/4505-3118_7-35485706.html

One thing you might do to help you prioritize your computer options, is make a list of the top 10 functions for which you use your computer.

If you are mostly typing, not browsing or playing games then you probably won't be keen for one of the newer touch-screen features of new computers.

If you are mostly storing media such as photos, music and videos then you'll want the highest screen resolution, hard drive storage and audio output you can afford.

If you are mostly playing games you'll want the fastest processor speed and RAM you can afford.

If you're doing about equal time of all those functions, then you'll have to decide which components you can compromise on to keep your computer affordable unless you want to to all out on each.

This is a great desktop buying guide from CNET:

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktop-computer-buying-guide/

Regarding the learning curve for switching from XP to Windows 8, here are some links that you may find informative:

http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/microsoft-windows-8/4505-3672_7-35321713-2.html

This is a cheatsheet someone developed to help reduce the learning curve:

http://lifehacker.com/get-over-windows-8s-learning-curve-with-this-cheat-she-493892772

http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Windows-8-For-Dummies.productCd-1118134613,navId-322466,descCd-description.html



By the way, word has it that an upgrade (Windows 8.1) is due out this summer and is supposed to drastically improve the user friendliness and reduce the learning curve. If you time your purchase right, you may be able to get a good deal on a Windows 8.0 version and benefit from a free upgrade to Windows 8.1.

Thank you for all the good information. I am very appreciative.

If it weren't for Windows 8, I would be following up on that right now. It has so much resistance in the business community that I'm expecting MS to come up with something more familiar. That, or they will just have to give up on the desktop portion of the OS business.