Convincing a Parent

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Rukus.

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So for several months (14 hours on phone, if not more) I've been going back and forth with a service plan company to refund me the money for a computer that broke down 8 times. I got the check for $750. Now he wants to pocket more than half of the money that I worked very hard to get back and spend it on a $400 computer after I had told him the price of the parts multiple times throughout this process (700-800). Hes convinced that you can get a computer that will last for that price, I'm trying to convince him otherwise.

He believes that this guy he knows from work (who owns a computer store, and totally couldn't be scamming the **** out of my dad >_>) knows more than this forum, newegg reviews, toms hardware, and consumer reports combined. The object of this thread is to explain to him why I want to future-proof the PC to an extent with the value of the previous computer (HP Slimline *vomits). He seems to think that because I'm 18 and his friend is 40 that he knows better. Please convince him in the thread!
 
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You'll never be able to explain to someone who is computer illiterate why someone who claims to be a computer god is just another idiot.

My advice is to figure out the specs that you want and then flood him with technical jargon.

Either that, or get a job...
 
As a parent myself, my final argument would be "get a job if you don't like it".

I mean it in the most loving way of course. :)
 
xosniper said:
As a parent myself, my final argument would be "get a job if you don't like it".

I mean it in the most loving way of course. :)
Click to expand...

True story. I always got hand-me-downs when it came to computers when I was younger. I got a job when I was 15, saved my pennies, and bought myself a gaming rig. Then, I got a better job, and built myself a better gaming rig. (Now probably 1/2 dozen PC's later, I have a top-of-the-line gaming rig).

There really isn't any explaining why a $400 computer won't keep up with today's graphics other then the fact that a $400 computer uses all obsolete parts/technology - even if it is brand new.

If that doesn't get through to your dad, nothing will, and your only chance on getting a system you like would be to work for it.

If you have a job, and you think you can manage it, get a good "starter" credit card, since your 18. Just be smart about using plastic. ;)

Good luck and I hope it all works out for you!
 
About the "get a job" comments.

Been working on it for 2 months. Its not easy.
 
Rukus. said:
About the "get a job" comments.

Been working on it for 2 months. Its not easy.
Click to expand...

I hear that man.. that's why I am working on joining the Air Force - Can't get into a better job than where I am currently at.

This economy is tough, try local grocery stores or places like Wal-Mart, Gamestop, Staples, OfficeMax...etc. Entry level jobs are where it's at right now. Should be easy to pick something up if you're just a teenager starting out.
 
I worked at Burger King going through high school. After that I ended up leaving and going to McAlister's Deli. I moved 600 miles. Then I worked at McDonalds. Then a Night Auditor at a Hampton Inn. Then a Custodian at a grade school. Now I'm jobless because that didn't work out at all. All of these are entry level jobs. The best was Burger King and Hampton Inn.

Burger King was easy, they didn't throw me into the frying pan, the slowly worked me into it, until I was able to run the kitchen myself. I ran that kitchen myself a lot, even through rushes. I was able to make a triple-whopper in less than 30 seconds. It was the best out of the food service jobs because they didn't throw me into fire. McDonalds put me in the window first day, didn't teach me the computer/menu nothing. McAlister's put me on making food, had to know the menu in a week or I was canned.

Hampton Inn I was a Night Auditor. Fancy name for desk clerk, but at night. At mine, we were alone, some are big enough to have more than one employee. Basically, you check people in, do your audit. That consisted of pressing buttons, and then filling out a sheet of paper. Then you made breakfast (Really easy, but not every hotel will have you do that) and check people out till your shift is over. Since you're alone, you have to handle everything. That means changing lights if need be, and plunging toilets.

I'm telling you my experiences to help out a little bit. From what I suggested, the hotel job would be much better. But if you absolutely can, stay away from fast food/restaurant jobs.

As burns said, Wal-Mart, Gamestop, Staples etc would be a great job. Over-night positions pay more so you know. Usually a dollar more.
 
Get your own bank account.
Deposit check
sign up for paypal
use funds
???
profit?

But really. If you wannt build something that can play modern games at a reasonable level of detail, you are going to NEED to spend at least $700. You can do it on $400, but you won't be nearly as satisfied with he result.

Just a quick demo:

I spent $900 on my PC back in 09. I didn't change ANY hardware within the first year.

We built my friend a PC on a $500 budget. Over the course of a year, we upgraded most all of the components EXCEPT the motherboard and hard drive. probably spent well over $900 by now.
 
The $700 thats pushing it, if you look for the deals you can get that to $550/$600 if you know what your doing.
 
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