Typically, we recommend buying either Dell or HP desktops. BUT, with this caveat: Only buy Dell or HP desktops with Intel processors!
Why? In order to stay competitive, both manufacturers produce desktops that are made with AMD processors. Usually, this means that a desktop is less expensive…and slower. Good idea to buy a desktop with an AMD processor? Nope. In our humble opinion, desktops with Intel processors are always faster, and they are often the same price or just slightly more expensive than those made with AMD processors. Based on our experience, Dell and HP desktops with Intel processors have historically been more dependable, and quicker, day in and day out.
Here are some other things to consider when looking at purchasing a new desktop:
- Reliability: Since Dell and HP have had more years of experience with creating desktops based on Microsoft Windows, and greater market share than other manufacturers, they have had more time, money, etc., to fix quality issues. Based on our experience with installing and maintaining home and corporate computers, we’ve found that desktops made by Dell and HP have historically been more reliable than other newer manufacturers. Day in and day out, these desktops usually start up and work without complications. This type of reliability remains to be seen with other Windows-based desktops from their competitors on a consistent basis. Dell and HP also tend to stand by their warranties consistently, too.
- Speed: Once you get through the initial setup for a Dell or an HP, built with Intel processors, of course, you’re usually up and running. As we mentioned above, desktops with Intel processors are speedier and built for higher levels of performance than processors made by AMD. Check out this article for more info on processors.
- Variety: With desktops, Dell and HP offer a wide range of desktop models based on price, features, and productivity. Based on our research and experience, these manufacturers seem to offer a lot more variety for their desktops than most of their competitors.
- Simplicity: In general, you can usually take a Dell or HP desktop out of the box, plug it in, and go nuts. Sometimes, desktops are loaded with gobs of excessive software, which, frankly, you may see more often on a new HP. However, once you get through the initial setup for Dells and HP’s, getting on the Internet, etc., can be accomplished fairly quickly.
- Buying: Purchasing a Dell or HP desktop is usually pretty easy, too. You can find them at stores like Staples or Best Buy, and their Web sites are simple to use. You can call a customer sales rep, chat with one online, or just configure and purchase your machine on your own. Check out the Computer Buying Guide articles first before making a purchase so you’re more familiar with what kind of desktop you like.