[Villages PL]

A friend of mine wants to know: Where's the best place to shop for a computer if you don't know very much about computers? Where can one find a sales person with the patience to explain what's needed and how to set one up and get it running? What about online service etc..

Before shopping: Is there a magazine like "Consumer Reports" that will point one in the right direction?

Any tips will be appreciated.

[Bogie Shooter]

Top Computer Reviews | Best Computer

[baustgen]

A bigger question should be what does she want to do. If all she wants to do is e-mail and search the web, a tablet might be a better choice. Computers are better for gaming and spread sheets. We have both and use the tablet much more. If she is getting on the web don't forget to figure in your internet connection.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by baustgen

A bigger question should be what does she want to do. If all she wants to do is e-mail and search the web, a tablet might be a better choice. Computers are better for gaming and spread sheets. We have both and use the tablet much more. If she is getting on the web don't forget to figure in your internet connection.

Good information for the OP. We now use our I-pad for most everything.

[CraigAC]

Agree with the previous poster -- have your friend look at using a tablet before committing to a new computer.

For some hands-on experience, go to any Best Buy. I've found you can play with several different models, and for the most part the sales people are helpful with your questions.

You can also read some good reviews on CNET.com

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by baustgen

A bigger question should be what does she want to do. If all she wants to do is e-mail and search the web, a tablet might be a better choice. Computers are better for gaming and spread sheets. We have both and use the tablet much more. If she is getting on the web don't forget to figure in your internet connection.

Online banking and possibly some online stock trading. I'm thinking something with a high encryption level for the highest level of security. A 128-bit algorithm encryption level? Something with a high level of reliability too. Would that be iMac? Price starts at 1,249.00?

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by CraigAC

Agree with the previous poster -- have your friend look at using a tablet before committing to a new computer.

For some hands-on experience, go to any Best Buy. I've found you can play with several different models, and for the most part the sales people are helpful with your questions.

You can also read some good reviews on CNET.com

Thanks, sounds like a good idea.

[JoelJohnson]

"What would the perfect computer do for you?"

[2BNTV]

The Villages Computer Club recommends "Refresh Computers". They sell refurbished ones that might meet your needs.

[Villages PL]

I just read in "Consumer Reports" magazine (June 2013 issue) that "58.2 million online users experienced a malware infection that affected their computer's features or performance." And the cost to fix it was $3.9 billion.

I think it's a good reason to look for a quality computer with lots of built in protections. Am I wrong about that?

I just got some information from a friend that laptops can be as secure and reliable as a desktop computer. If that's true, it sounds like a better choice and I would think about getting one too.

[drdodge]

buy apple from apple store at the Florida mall. A mac is the best there is. any time u have a problem u take it to the store and they will help you

[zcaveman]

Give MMD a try. That is where I go for my PCs. They will be able to help you.

MMD is on 27/441. A couple of blocks south of 466 on the north side (left hand side).

109 S. US Hwy 27/441
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
(352) 750-3707


Z

[rdhdleo]

Originally Posted by drdodge

buy apple from apple store at the Florida mall. A mac is the best there is. any time u have a problem u take it to the store and they will help you

[senior citizen]

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[Hancle704]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

Give MMD a try. That is where I go for my PCs. They will be able to help you.

MMD is on 27/441. A couple of blocks south of 466 on the north side (left hand side).

109 S. US Hwy 27/441
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
(352) 750-3707


Z

I agree with this. They have sold us computers in the past and worked on others we had bought elsewhere.They are very helpful both before and after the sale. They can set up your computer to allow them to access from their test desks for troubleshooting. In the more than 10 years I have known these folks as a customer of their family owned business, I have found them to be extremely knowledgeable and honest. They stand behind their products and are truly nice people.