Kids Computer ideas?

[WetWillie]

I am just about to pull the trigger on a couple of kids computers this morning.
My daughters love to play barbie and educational games on them. I was think ing about getting a couple of Dells with the free 15" flat screen display and printer. There like $680 out the door.
I know Dell has propriatary everything like power supplys and all that other stuff that breaks!
I would prefer some good working clones but realize I have like 4 days to do this??
Any ideas thoughts??

[HBjet]

Buy the Dells. I have bought 2 and love them. I wouldn't waste money on the extended warranty. I did and I have had nothing go wrong in 3 years. When I called tech support because my computer was running way too slow, I was on the phone with them for 2+ hours doing all these different things, and none of them fixed the problem. Called my brother, spent 30 minutes on the phone reversing everything Dell told me to do, and then did what he said to do (he's a computer guy) and my Dell has been running great ever since.
So, buy the computers, they are a great deal and its your call on the warranty.
HBjet

[phebus]

The Dell's are great, but if you get them, make sure you get the Indiaglish tutorial with them. If you don't have that, you won't stand a chance if you ever need technical support. :D

[phebus]

When I called tech support because my computer was running way too slow, I was on the phone with them for 2+ hours doing all these different things, and none of them fixed the problem. Called my brother, spent 30 minutes on the phone reversing everything Dell told me to do, and then did what he said to do (he's a computer guy) and my Dell has been running great ever since.HBjet
My desk top Dell has run slow ever since I got it. I finally just gave up on their tech support, and just have a slow computer. Was the fix your brother passed on a simple one? If so, please pass it along. I have tried everything I know to fix it.

[beer hunter]

My desk top Dell has run slow ever since I got it. I finally just gave up on their tech support, and just have a slow computer. Was the fix your brother passed on a simple one? If so, please pass it along. I have tried everything I know to fix it.
Phebus, often over a period of time if you've installed new software these programs will be pinned in your startup menu and will be running in the background sucking up memory and causing the computer to run markedly slower.
You can click on start, then click on run, then type in msconfig, then click the startup tab. Many of these programs that are checked don't need to be running all the time in the background.
Unfortunately I'm not sure which ones you need (if any) but I'll check with a friend who does know and repost later.
Here is the list of programs I've currently got pinned to the startup menu and my computer (Dell Dimension 8250 with 512mb RAM) is running great!
UpdReg
DSentry
mcvsshld
qttask
McUpdate
mcagent
mcmnhdlr
ViewMgr
mmtask
mcappins
msmsgs
ctfmon
CheckIt86
All these items have been checked...good luck :cool:

[100mbs]

Bill,
Stick with the Dell's. If you are worried about the things breaking get the extra warranty. If needed I will come over replace the parts for you, and will only charge you a six pack. :)

[Scream]

Dells are great...HOWEVER...don't discount the systems you can get at Costco...and here's why.
If, for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the product within the first year, you can take that bad boy back and get either all your money back or another computer of like cost...That being said, the changes yearly to personal computer systems means that you could potentially upgrade systems on a rotating basis. Costco does not require a legit reason for the exchage so you could basically keep up with technology for as little as $500.00...
Just a thought
Scream

[beer hunter]

Dells are great...HOWEVER...don't discount the systems you can get at Costco...and here's why.
If, for any reason you are not completely satisfied with the product within the first year, you can take that bad boy back and get either all your money back or another computer of like cost...That being said, the changes yearly to personal computer systems means that you could potentially upgrade systems on a rotating basis. Costco does not require a legit reason for the exchage so you could basically keep up with technology for as little as $500.00...
Just a thought
Scream
Great point Scream!
I like my Dell but dealing with their tech support has been a nightmare every time I've called :mad:

[NashvilleBound]

Wife just bought me the new Inspirion XPS from these guys...SMOKIN DEAL!!! They offer all sorts of stuff.... http://stores.ebay.com/Custom-Specialists-Notebook-Store I am sure they will save you tons...

[Scream]

Great point Scream!
I like my Dell but dealing with their tech support has been a nightmare every time I've called :mad:
Thanks...
Don't get me wrong. I own about 10 dells at work, and I love every one of them, but the whole take it back when ever you want issue has my attention now and I think I'll do the Costco thing next time I invest in technology.

[WetWillie]

Bill,
Stick with the Dell's. If you are worried about the things breaking get the extra warranty. If needed I will come over replace the parts for you, and will only charge you a six pack. :)
Cool Chuck! I hope all is well.
Scream I agree Costco is like the Nordstroms of the Warehouse store. There return policy is great. But they dont have any systems that cheap??
Thanks,
Dude your getting a Dell

[beer hunter]

Try Office Depot, we bought our son (ten years old) an E Machines computer with an Intel 330 celeron processor, 256 mb RAM, 60 gig hard drive, DVD-CD ROM burner, printer and 17" monitor for about $350.00 after rebates. :cool:

[ahhell]

I bought my boys the e-machine from costco, first one lasted a week :mad: but i think it was just my usual luck, returned it and the one we're on now is great...499.00 ....cant beat it , 'specially with the costco return dealio.
great for kids