What kind of computer should I buy?

Personally I wouldn’t go near second hand computers – not everything can be reset before resale (but then I would also wait till I could spend closer to $800). Desktops are always cheaper, so if you don’t need the portability of a laptop go for a desktop. Your best option may be to go to small computer shops and ask them each how good a computer they could build for you within your budget.

@FireMadeFlesh
O.K. What brand and model of computer if I had 800? Thanks!

@marialisa I have had an ACER desktop for over four years now, and it has treated me well. With a few upgrades it still caters for all my needs. They are now the most popular brand of computer in the world, and are quite cheap. I have had bad experiences in the past with Compaq laptops, so I would personally avoid their desktops too (although they may have improved in the last six years). Dell also has some fairly good deals for desktops (check what is available in your country).

I’ve purchased several second hand computers without problems; if you buy refurbished, you usually get a warranty as well. Dell Outlet, for example, has several priced in the neighborhood of $400.00. A basic webcam can be added for less than $20.00

I really like my Gateway notebook, has a built in webcam, cd/dvd player, all the usual stuff.

It is my 2nd Gateway, the first I tripped over and fractured the LCD a couple of years ago. It was over 3 years old and never had any issues.

At that price, you pretty much are limited to refurbs and you can forget about laptops with DVD players unless you want something with ancient specs. Your options vary a bit depending on where you are so I can’t get too detailed, especially since us Seattlites have options that other places don’t.

Personally, I got a Gateway desktop for about $500 with no monitor (I used my old one) or webcam (I don’t need one) and it as served me well thus far. I also got a mid-range Toshiba laptop for $500 and an external DVD burner for another $70.

You might be happier with lesser machines than what I got, but you can’t really get much cheaper than I went unless you want something that will need to be replaced next year or manage to find better sales than I did, so spend the extra $100 and know that you will get twice the computer for only 25% more money.

You can get a decent laptop for $400 – $500 new. why get a used one?

Another $100, maybe less if you look around a bit online or at places like Sam’s Club or Best Buy, will get you a new laptop or desktop. I wouldn’t buy a used or refurb, myself.

@Ben_Dover That depends on what you call “decent”. Most of the new laptops I saw for under $500 were barely faster than (or actually were) netbooks. Sometimes spending just a little more will prevent a lot of regret and disappointment. Trust me, if I’d saved $50 by going with the SU2700 or AMD CPU instead of the SU4100, I’d still be bitching my lungs out.

@Austinlad I got my $650 laptop for $500 from Costco, and my wife sees deals like that online all the time.
I have no issues with factory returns as they generally carry a full warranty. Sometimes they are unused new ones that merely cannot legally be sold as “new” because the box was opened or something.