I bought a dell from costco.. they had an xps for 1600. there were cheaper ones as well.

The last two PCs I've bought were both ordered online from Dell, and they've been solid machines. I've also ordered stuff like keyboards, mice and wrist/mouse pads from them.

I have bought 2 refurbs from Amazon and they have been solid. No issues at all.

I've bought from Costco but their specs are for the general public. The last 3 laptops I bought were direct from Dell. I'm considering Lenovo for my next one as they're more features for the dollar.

I've bought my last 2 from COSTCO. Both were/are HP. The price and options were even better than I could get through HP's discount program which I was able to use through my former employer's relationship as one of HP's biggest suppliers. (88%+ chance that my former employer's brand/logo is on the right side of your laptop's keyboard at this very minute!) If not it is probably "inside"

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by Flash-LB:
Costco or Fry's Electronics depending on who has the better buy.

Fry's is long gone .. aren't they?

For what it's worth, I won't do business with Fry's. Built several computers with parts from them. The last one, I bought an "open box" motherboard and CPU. I went to assemble it and discovered that the motherboard had a few bent pins and wouldn't mount the CPU. I very carefully straightened a few with some needle-nose pliers and got the CPU mounted. Wouldn't POST. I tried to return the motherboard, and they said it was damaged and wouldn't take it back. I said "no shit it's damaged, I bought it that way and couldn't get it to work." They said it was on me. Basically, buyer beware and I should have known better than to buy open box anything that sensitive. Several hundred dollar learning experience. Don't be me.

If you're rolling your own, buy the parts off Newegg. If not, go to Costco, they support their products like nobody's business.

Build your own it's easier than you thought, the hardest part is hook up the cpu cooler the rest is piece of cake.

Dell Outlet. They have some pretty good deals. When you see a machine that meets your needs, you may have to order it quick.

I have bought 4 computers from Lenovo directly from their website. They were fantastic, fast delivery a wide assortment and they have some great specials. They are new units and not refurbs.

I’ll second the recommendation for Micro Center. Looks like there’s one about an hour away from the OP.

Bought my gaming PC from there a year and a half ago and it’s still going strong.

I got my last laptop and tower set up at BJ"s in leominster. Lenovo brand laptop and HP tower. Both are a few years old now and have no issues.
I'm two towns over from you in Templeton

Thanks. I’ll research all the options. Looks like there are plenty. Microcenter is out unless they ship. Cambridge is not an hour from anywhere. It’s an hour in traffic once you get anywhere close. Lol.

I got my daughter a good gaming desktop from CDW. No issues, great service.


https://www.cdw.com/

I would only but the business lines from hp or dell.

I like HP over tell but Dell is often willing to cut more of a deal than HP>

Call them direct and talk to the business sales.

The home lines are meant to be disposable every couple of years.

I usually decommission the business lines as obsolete but still running fibe

I would only buy the business lines from hp or dell.

I like HP over tell but Dell is often willing to cut more of a deal than HP.

Call them direct and talk to the business sales.

The home lines are meant to be disposable every couple of years.

I usually decommission the business lines as obsolete but still running fine

Got my parents a Dell at Costco when it was on sale recently. $500ish, down from $750

Apple: direct from apple or Costco.

Dell: Costco or direct from Dell. Note that direct from Dell may offer additional models and configurations than a retail store.

Mrs. Mike just ordered a new laptop directly from dell, three days for shipping.

Do you have specific specifications on the computer you buy?
For example for editing photos I built pretty much a high end gaming machine so I had maximum storage, fast processor, fast video card, and an insane amount of random access memory.

If you have specifics find a small shop to build it for you.

If you don't have specifics go to Costco, or BH PHoto, or any other big box store.

quote:

Originally posted by sig226fan:
First place I start if not buying direct from Dell, is Microcenter. These guys are hands down the best resource for me on anything computer or technology related. Have great prices and blow Fry’s out of the water for electronics.

Looks like they have a store in Cambridge, MA. Hopefully close to your neck of the woods.

I bought two computers from them the last 22 years and been very happy. You tell them your needs and applications and they will give you several choices.