OT: Buying new computer,tips & advice needed please

Well I finally decided to dump this old webtv and step-up to the real
world. It was ok for email & general surfing, but I need more now.(yes
I'm behind, I know)

I'm going to do my purchase at the local Best Buy. I'm looking at the
AMD Athlon 64 Proc. 3500+,Windows XP Media,1024MB DDR,200GB hard
dr.,dvd/cd burner etc.

Now I'm not sure which name to choose,emachines,compaq,gateway,hp?
Doesn't matter to me other than compaq is lowest at $529.,which also
has ATI RADEON Xpress 200 graphics,9-in-1 media reader, 17" flat screen
& photo printer. Is this a good set-up for a starter? Is the ATI
graphics good? Gateway uses nVIDIA 6100,any diff?

My needs will be basic to start,but I also will get a digital cam and
do some photoshopping,maybe throw stuff on ebay.Some gaming,but I
prefer pinball! I like the media center and what I can do with that.

Now I also wonder about their "extras". Add spyware,$39. In store
basic setup,includes XP updates,XP firewall config.,tweak mods(?)$29.
In store security setup,inc. antivirus inst.,program and definition
updates & basic setup,$84. In store advanced sec. setup,includes all
fore-mentioned,$118. Is this worth it,or should I just purchase the
anti-virus & spyware myself and install? The updates,as the salesman
told me,are free online,but I can "save the hassle" by paying them to
do all this. Sounds like when I bought my first pin from an op,and he
talked me into paying them to 'shop it'.Never again.

The salesman was helpful,but he is a salesman,and could be an
auctioneer with how fast he talked. Then there's the extended 3 yr
warranty.I think it was around $130. I usually stay away from those,but
on a computer? I don't know crap about working on one of those,so is
THAT worth it?

Many questions I know,but any help from you guys is REALLY
appriciated!!!! I will finally be able to view alot more and
faster!(and have spell-check!)

Don't know if it matters,but I only have dial-up here,so I will still
be somewhat limited.

Anything I missed or should get when I do the purchase?

Thanks again all, Ron

.

Relevant Pages

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    ... to consider the warranty from the manufacturer. ... > I'm going to do my purchase at the local Best Buy. ... > In store security setup,inc. ... Is this worth it,or should I just purchase the ...
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