Advice? Reviews? Opinions?

[averygoodun42]

Geoff and I are figuring that our next major purchase, assuming nothing breaks in the house, will be a computer. One that doesn't take two to five minutes to think about opening any program, let alone completing a request/order.

We are not gamers (except for crosswords and the like), so we're not looking at high-end stuff. My main requirements are that the computer can run firefox, open office/Word and gimp, preferably all at the same time, though I'm willing to do two out of three. I'd also like a faster internet connection (maybe 100Mbps? Geoff's laptop has that...) and a decent video/graphics card so that I can watch youtube videos as I listen to them and such.

And it has to cost less than $500.

This looks good to me. We don't need a new monitor but for an extra $30, I'm willing to splurge on a flatscreen! (If that deal still exists when we have saved up the money.)


So my question: Do you, oh knowledgeable flist, know good or bad things about this computer, company or its components? I've looked through the reviews, and it seems like the good outweighs the bad, especially as we are NOT gamers (or working on insane mathematical models) and don't need a spiffy spaz of a machine. But if you know of a better computer for about the same price, I am all ears.

Thank you!

Comments

[rosedemon.livejournal.com]

I have an older model of this one.

I am quite fond of it. It has plenty of storage for my needs. I have yet to use the CD burner. Too lazy, I suppose.

I would get the larger screen. That is the only thing I really regret about this one. I could have upgraded to a larger one but cheaped out.

Edit: I believe you have HP support on this one too.

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Wow. I'm no expert but the specs on that look terrific to me. =)

[kribu.livejournal.com]

I have to admit I didn't even know Compaq Presarios were made any more - figured that was over once HP acquired Compaq. Shows what I know. *g* In any case, I had a Compaq Presario .. oh, some 10 years ago, and it was quite OK. And it was always considered a rather respectable brand, I think; not the absolute top, but decent everyday computers.

The specs look decent. It will certainly be more than good enough for Internet browsing, picture editing and any Office applications. Although I don't know how Windows 7 will work with any older programs you might have and want to run on it.

Just make sure the warranty's good. If it has any serious issues, those tend to show up right away. Not that longevity could ever be promised - any computer part can fail or just wear out in a few years. :-S