If you had only $400 to spend for a new computer where would you buy it from and what would buy?

I can't believe I'm saying this, but for $400 I would really suggest that you check and see what specials Walmart is running on computers. They do carry Acer and a few others that come in at that price. And Walmart does get you a lot of bang for the buck.

I don't know if you could get more for that low of an investment. And you would save the $60 to $80 of shipping that any mail order company would cost. As a computer lover I have never seriously considered buying from Walmart (though I've looked), but with that price range I think it is really the right fit.

Here's a Compaq Presario that comes in at $398 on their web site. walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_i....

I don't know if I would spend $400 on a computer, but if I had to, I'd buy one from Tiger Direct (tigerdirect.com) because I think they have good quality stuff for decent prices. I bought the NComputing X300 from them a while back and I love it. I also bought a Systemax computer from them some time ago, which has proven to be worth the $699.00 that I spent.

If I could find really really good prices, I would buy a barebones computer and assemble it myself, but I just doubt I could make one I would like for under $400.00 Desktop, definitely.

I would take that money save a little longer and try to buy a Mac Mini.

Whenever someone is in the market for a new (or used) computer, regardless of the price range, my first question is always what do you plan on using it for. If you want a really cheap gaming computer my answer will be very different than if you plan on plugging this computer into a TV for use as a media server. Do you have a preference between Mac and PC?

New Mac Minis should be announced January 6 so I would wait until then to see what they look like. You ask about laptop v. Desktop but that is directly tied to what your computer needs are and whether you already have one or both types of machines.

For example I already have both a desktop and laptop and my next computer will replace my desktop because it is older and because my laptop still is useful for what I use it for (taking notes, light web browsing) whereas my desktop is not even though it is faster.

I would buy a second hand Mac Mini off Ebay. Or alternatively keep an eye on the local listings on Craigslist - you can sometimes get a bargain if you're willing to wait for the right posting.

1. Dell Surplus - check the small biz center and then call before ordering. Ask for an extra discount or sign up via email as they frequently send out additional 10 to 20 percent off coupons.

Unlike regular Dell - Dell small business has GOOD USA based customer service, free small business financing, and solid extended warranty even on surplus. 2. Via academic discount at college where I teach.

While not everyone is eligible this is often an affordable route if you happen to have access.

You know I actually ran this experiement earlier in the year and built a desktop computer for $350 which is now running Windows 7 (when I first built it I was running OSX). The parts list and how to is found at my site (sorry, I would link directly to the site that I got the info from but the link is blocked by my corporate firewall and only gives me random letters instead of an actual link).

I might try Fry's if one is close. Or I might go to frys.com. I have seen CPU's at WalMart for $298.

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