[DougLikesBMW]

^Are Apple people really still using the "viruses" scare tactic in 2013?

All you have to do is download Microsoft Security Essentials and you'll never get a virus...It's unintrusive and never gets in my way.

[kmarei]

iMac and run boot camp with windows 7
Great hardware and great looks
And you can split your stuff
Keep music and pics on iMac
Other stuff on windows etc

If you don't want to spend a lot
Get the refurbished iMac from the online apple store
With 1 year warranty, same as new

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by DougLikesBMW

^Are Apple people really still using the "viruses" scare tactic in 2013?

All you have to do is download Microsoft Security Essentials and you'll never get a virus...It's unintrusive and never gets in my way.

I've tested Microsoft security essentials at work
Had quite a few infected pcs
So I don't use it anymore
I'm using webroot secure anywhere
Best anti virus I've used in a long time
And not expensive

[Templar]

I have no issues with Microsoft Security Essentials.

I'm also not an idiot and don't click on every link I see.

[Colt]

Originally Posted by Templar

I have no issues with Microsoft Security Essentials.

I'm also not an idiot and don't click on every link I see.

+1

Custom desktop > all. Last place I would go for a computer is Best Buy, that's for sure.

[schoy]

Build your own. I just followed the directions on mysuperpc.com. Once I had everything assembled in one place, I was done in 3 hours, from start to surfing. Once you understand how your pc works, when a component breaks (like a hard drive that died on me a couple months back), it was simple to replace.

[Billup]

Originally Posted by 1LRM3

thanks man... i did not even think of you tube for watching a build...that is an idea. what company do y'all deal with for parts....

Definitely go with a desktop, and if you are technically savy, it really isn't that difficult to build something top notch, that will defeat a comparably priced pre-made unit. Also, this is just me, but I have used Windows 8 once, and despised it. It seems to be lacking all the characteristics I've known to grow and love since Windows 95. I feel Windows 7 is a lot more user friendly, and easier to function, but I could just be biased. The computer market now is stretched across a wide margin, and you can get a great simple desktop for basic stuff that will last years and years with proper maintenance and keeping any junk to a bare minimum. Before my desktop I used my XPS laptop and still to this day performs as the day I bought it, and it is 8 years old now.

[Saintor]

Desktop and I suggest (1) not to overbuy and (2) spend more on the display.

An 3rd gen i3 is more than adequate for most users, unless you have a deal that you can't pass.

In addition to my clone 2008, I bought an Acer i3-2120 in 2011 and it feels great. I added a video card, it was cheap and the w7 64-bit license was included.

A Dell Inspiron 660 i3 or i5 is a great deal these days. I would add a video card HD6670 for 65$ and be done.

For whatever reason, I don't feel that my computer with an Intel SSD is significantly quicker and I would stick with a 7200rpm HDD.

[1LRM3]

thanks all for the ideas and tips... all set now... interesting process....

[Hawkeye]

Custom desktop gets expensive for me cause it is always like "I could have this video card... Or for $50 more I could get this way better one". That adds up when you do it for multiple components.

Anymore I just have an older MacBook Air and it is perfect for my more casual use now. I use windows 7 through parallels when needed.

It is nice cause I can use it anywhere I am, very easy to carry around, and with Apple TV I can use my HDTV as a monitor wirelessly and easily.

Perfect for me as a casual user. Only need a desktop if you are trying to stay sub $500 or are a power gamer or something IMO.

[My335iTT]

Seems like you just need the basics. Dont waste your time and try to build something. I would just buy something ready to go (i5 or lower end i7). Use newegg for some great reviews and most times great prices. Stay with Windows 7 no questions asked!