Best Buy IdeaX

[#1]

So I find myself in need of a new computer and sadly I am no computer whiz. While searching for one I find that most brands are names I have never seen or heard of before and that the features or specs are an alien language to me. I imagine I'm not the only one so I would like to suggest something like a search engine for finding the computer that is right for me. By indicating the kind of activities I use the computer for, the search results would indicate what models or brands would fit my needs. I think many people who, like me, do not have much knowledge about computers would find this helpful so that they can buy a computer that is right for them. Not a very expensive one with features they may never get to use or a less flashy model that doesn't satisfy their needs.

I could ask a friend, an employee in a store, or even read about it in various internet articles but the convinience of being able to do a search for it here would be more efficient and would save a lot of time.

[#2]

Yes there are lots of questions about choosing a computer...

• powerful and expandable desktops?
• portability of laptops?  do you know how to setup wifi security?
• what about ultrabooks and tablets?
• how big of a screen do you want?

What's your budget?  Does it include taxes? What about software? What about setup?

Do you know how to backup your computer?  Does your budget include the convenience of an external drive?  If your computer hard drive fails.... how important is it for you to get the computer back up and running?

Sounds like your initial needs are relatively basic for the internet.

Yes, do talk to friends and co-workers.  Find out what they have.  You might be leaning on them for support when you have problems.  Computers are not toasters.

[#3]

I could see the potential usefulness of such a tool, but would like to hear from other customers if they would like to see something like this. On a side note, if you need someone to point you in the right direction just post to the Computers and Networking board.

[#4]

The only problem with something like this would be that all it does is give you the "what I need" without giving you the "why I need it".  Why would this laptop with a Celeron (...) processor not be as good as one with an I3/5/7 (Intel) processor?  Why do I want a larger/smaller screen?  Why would a desktop be better than a laptop or vice versa?  A search can only do so much.  Now, if you don't really care at all about that and just want a computer, then I suppose that's fine. 

To go in favor of your idea, I do think some sort of "suggestion" search would be awesome.  I love watching different anime series and listening to music.  Would be nice if I could select different series and have the system spit out others that have similar categories/genre that I might like.

[#5]

Thanks for the input