Thank you Jewy, that means a lot coming from one known as a great mind by all the members.
Although laptops are different as far as building your own (it's not impossible but much harder than a DT), I would not buy an off the shelf model, instead going to a mfg and selecting the parts they put in.
As Jewy points out, with a DT it doesn't take a mastermind to build one. They are actually easy to build once you overcome the fear of "building a high tech machine". With a DT it's easy to find good advice on parts to used based on ones budget and intentions.
Most of the pros that I know recommend Dell, Sony and HP. As far as I know each will let you pick the parts to your custom needs. The biggest mistake is getting one off the shelf because they use the cheapest parts to build it and make a profit. It will cost more to have it built to your specs, but at least your money is better spent and they still offer the same warranty.
TVs are a different monster. My budget (not to mention my small house) wouldn't allow for one that size, but there are reviews that can be found to help pick the best model for a given price range. Some here may be able to offer their personal opinion but I would spend a little time looking at a few sites to get an idea of which is best depending on your needs.
Good luck Sal. As I said earlier concerning PCs, if you want I can recommend a site or two that can help a lot once you tell them what your specific needs are when using the laptop.
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Thanks PITA, your sage advice is much appreciated.
The market has changed so much since I last built my desktop computer - far more competition! In my personal opinion, this means that pre-built is comparable in price and quality to that of which you could put together yourself. To each their own, however, I am in no way discounting your stance on DIY computers. However, I must admit there is a certain satisfaction and emotional attachment that comes with crafting one yourself.
I'm looking into a 'hybrids' (something like the Microsoft Surface Pro) as there are certain situations where a touchscreen tablet may beneficial, and others where the traditional mouse and keyboard fair better. I must admit, despite my engineering degree (not in computing or else I wouldn't be asking these questions, haha) I am intimidated by something so unfamiliar!
I believe a site I used to frequent was sharkyextreme, but I am definitely open to any other sites you may mention. It's too bad the SY vendors don't offer computers as a product - I would be getting a TI-88 calculator in the mail tomorrow for the price of a super computer!
I hope some videophile will come along and steer me in the right direction for a TV. It just occurred to me that I need to research what I can sell my current TV for. It's a 55" LG TV that I purchased approximately three years ago.
In case anyone was wondering, the reason I am buying all this stuff: Discovered my credit score was a paltry 690 after my recent vehicle purchase (Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/ EcoDiesel - Highly recommmended for anyone looking). Despite never making late payment it seems I have not financed enough to satisfy the powers that be. It's no surprise to me why the USA has such a problem with credit. Might as well get some toys while I enjoy that 0% interest.
Yikes, forgive me for the novel. My sleeping medicine has been delayed in shipment and I have not been able to locate another reliable source as of yet. Insomnia is killer /default_sad.png
