Was your computer new when you bought it or did you have it built?

We had our first machine built to our specifications by a company in Texas. That was back in 1991. Since then, my husband has built or rebuilt every machine we've owned except the laptop I am typing on at the moment. I bought this Dell from my son almost 3 years ago when it was 3 years old. Don't think he could build a laptop. But he's great at keeping our PC's updated! He has done everyone my daughter has owned, except for the laptops we bought her two older teenagers when they finished high school.

Mine was actually a gift. A laptop straight out of the box, I am hoping to get a new one soon which I think I am going to have special built so I get the things I need and use, and none of the stuff I never use.

It sounds great! I am using a DIY computer and it works well.I love DIY: I change my OS and software frequently, I have just installed Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows XP/Vista on my computer,and it works well.Here is my blog with some pieces on Ubuntu:http://ovi618.blogspot.com/

i love my little laptop. i've had tons of pc's come and go that were desktops. every time you move, then its a hassle. this time it was easy to move my pc. just in the case and go. anywhere.

I have it built from our sponsor. The parts were all brand new that time so I think it's a mix to the options from your answer. It's a good deal though. It was 40% cheaper than its original price tag.

I bought mine brand new. The pc store where I got mine, offers several pc packages but I asked assistance from them to build my own pc because I have a budget to contend with and also because for sure, they have a better technical know-how which devices are compatible with another. You're the ones shelling out money so, I think you have to be in control of the negotiation for you to get what you really wanted.

I worked with my geek. She talked and talked, comparing the pros and cons, and decided that I was just as well off with a Dell as a Gateway. No, the Apples weren't even considered....

My computer came loaded with what my son wanted on it. He gave it to me when he bought a new one. I am blessed because I did not have to be put in the head lock for 2K.

Our desktop was bought and brought home. When we got the laptops though we got in touch with my son's friend who now lives in Norway and has such good knowledge about computers, we got advice from him as to what we should get. So we ordered our laptops with the options we wanted but don't ask me what all because I have no idea.

Our computer was also bought new. Its performance has been satisfactory. But I mostly use my laptop. Its performance is excellent.

I bought my computer at Circuit City. Before this one, I tended to order Gateway computers and tell them what I wanted on it. Actually, I think it's less expensive to just walk in a store and pick out a computer and it isn't that difficult to uninstall what you don't want. If I have any trouble getting rid of any of the programs, I call the 800 number and get help with it. I'v already done that twice with my Sony Vaio. Take care.

mine was built. it is a dtk & it's been a real good one. only things the guy i bought it from left town in the middle of the night if u get my meaning.

I have not bought a computer IN a store since I was a sales manager for a long ago store retailer, ComputerLand. I'm fairly lucky having a son in the industry. When I get ready to buy online, my son advises me of the configuration I need and then I buy through the manufacturers website. We also search for manufacturer discount coupons. This works terrific for me but I realize not everyone has s relative in the industry to help them with this. But in general, for the specifics of your question 1) either learn to say no in a way that you can feel confident about it or 2) search for a computer company in your town who is primarily interested in service but also happens to build computers too or 3) find a friend to go with you who can say NO.

I bought the PC new.It was ok for about 2 years,but after that it became slow.I hope I will buy a new one next year

I do not have any advice, but I am interested in seeing if someone else does. I have never thought of having one built for me.

My best advice is to make friends with a computer geek who will be willing to help you and answer many of what he or she will consider to be stupid questions from a newbie. I have a friend who is a computer geek, so he always helps me. My first computer was built by him- with just the basics because I was pretty illiterate. As I learned and my needs changed, he helped me determine what I needed, picked it out and installed it for me. Now I have a laptop, which came loaded with useless software. He guided me through setting in up, helped me determine what I did and didn't need, and now it is my own custom version of a floor model. I've never had to deal with sales people or getting everything but what I need. My geek handles all that for me.

Neither, I bought mine second hand from someone at work, who worked in the information technology department. It came with everything apart from a screen. To begin with, I had an old-fashioned cathode-ray tube monitor, but just under two years ago, I got a 19 inch flat screen monitor. It runs very well and I have no immediate plans to upgrade or replace. This set-up cost under £700 and so was no where near $2000! The pound/ dollar rate has yo-yoed a lot in that time, so difficult to be precise! As to advice, it really depends on what type of usage you are going to have. Laptops seem very cheap and reasonable. They are easily portable, so you can take them with you almost anywhere, what with the wide availability of mobile internet. Against laptop, are the fact, they are not so ergonomic and user friendly, in that it can be easier to get various repetitive strain injury and muscle strain etc in that the seating situation is not always so good. Hope that is of some help!

I've had two computers. Both were Gateway's and purchased new. My laptop that I use now is almost four years old. I use them until they aren't any good any longer...lol. I have no advice on getting one built.

Actually, when it comes to computer, it's my hubby who does the thing. He bought it the same way with you. But I have a friend who is a computer expert and he said, it is better to buy computer that is having it built. I mean he used to buy the parts and install it himself. with that, he knows what is in there and how it works. I plan to hire him to help me next time I'll buy new.

I built it. got the parts from the stores nad built it at home iwth my friends and it was afun experience and they are WAY BTTER THEN THE NORMAL PC'S