hey i know some of you people know a lot more about this stuff than i do so help a brotha out!

my parents need a new desktop and isp. since they are clueless, i told them id make the decisions for them. plus, whenever i visit them, it is unbelievably annoying using their shitty computer and slow ass connection.

the computer is only used for very basic things: internet access and email, word processing and excel, and a bit of photo editing. my mom also said she wants learn how to design flyers and brochers. faxing capability is also desired. so they just need a very basic machine. as they are clueless, i think that good tech support would be helpful for them.

i checked out the june 2006 issue of consumer reports which conveniently has a special article on desktops. for general use computers, they chose:

1. HP pavilion a1310y 2.93GHz pentium 4 517 $600
2. Dell dimension E510 2.8GHz pentium D 800 $750
3. eMachines T6216 2GHz AMD Athlon 64 3200+ $500
4. Gateway DX100X 3.06GHz Intel Celeron D 346 $780
5. Dell Dimension B110 Celeron D 346 $590

they chose the HP and eMachines as they best buys.

imo, these are all overkill for what the machine will be used for. any suggestions on these or other setups?

any comments on getting an apple and running xp via beta? stupid question, but can you use a mouse with left and right click and a scroll with this setup?

also, i realize that internet provider selection varies from location to location (they live in boulder), but any providers that you guys like? for what reasons?

where is the loove?! seriously stop being too busy

if you're buying a pre-built Dell is the only way to go.

HP/Compaq all use many proprietary parts in their computers so when something breaks (out of warranty) you have to pay a premium to replace it (because only their part will work).

Gateway/Emachines are cheap POS's.

thanks, will take that into consideration. what do you think about running xp on an apple?

I used to work for Dell and I just bought a gateway. Mine is running fine. the only reason to buy a Dell is for the warranty. Everybody builds a piece of shit. There's no money in something that last's forever, But Dell does support their piece of shit better than ANYBODY.

I think "why are you buying an apple?"

do you want/need OSX? If not then you're just paying a (super) premium to run XP.

There's no point in buying an Apple to run XP, now if you buy an Apple to run OSX and need Windows functionality (though I can't think of what for other than games...and for gaming buying an Apple is stirpit) then it makes sense.

get a dell.

gateway/emachines are the same company..

as for an isp?

any of the local cable providers should be fine.

havent been online in a while but wanted to say thanks for the help