I want a new computer!

[Vallerina 2]

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> I think I'll get the flat screen monitor for Christmas!

This from the one that says skydiving costs too much money?

My dad won't buy me jump tickets ever since he saw my cutaway!

There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning

[lummy 4]

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For basic stuff: (plus an extra $300 for flat screen)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&kc=6V773&l=en&oc=D24TVF&s=dhs

For better graphics: (change graphics card to 128 Geforce, add an extra $300 for flat screen)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&kc=6V774&l=en&oc=D46PO&s=dhs

While I agree with going with a DELL, never EVER EVER buy the dimension series. They change parts on the dimensions quicker than Ivan says Boobies... pay the extra $50 and get the stability of the Optiplex. Besides, that the Optiplexes come with a 3 year warranty whereas the dimension only comes with 1.
OPTiPLEXES

The GX270 is a great machine. The SX is kinda cool but I'd stay away since it's more a laptop than a desktop..

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[RevJim 0]

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That will never get old! Just a warning, though, I am looking into martial arts classes....so I can say that I can kick ass and mean it!

Of course you could! You're a girl. I don't hit girls. Not even the ones that hit me first.

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Okay, for anyone who is bored, does this sound "okay." Is there anything you would recommend getting/not getting?

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Price: $887.00
Video Card: Integrated Intel® 3D Extreme Graphics IV

That video is what worries me. I ran into the same thing with my Gateway. The great majority of motherboards with integrated video mean when you want to upgrade, you're screwed.
That, and support for newer operating systems and hardware might also be a limiting factor.
Windows 2000 was released less than 2 months after my system was built. You would assume a big name company would introduce updates, right? Wrong. I upgraded since it was a no brainer, then was unable to use my DVD for over 2 years, until I got a different DVD software player. Their answer? Buy a new decoder card.

Really, almost all prefabs will use one of those motherboards, for about the same price.

As I said, just walk into WalMart and buy a box. Chances are you'll be happier in the long run.
That, or have Seth build you a decent one for very close to the Dell price.

.....Who am I kidding. I'm a guy. I might as well be talking to a brick wall. ;-)

It's your life, live it!
Karma
RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1

[CrazyIvan 0]

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They change parts on the dimensions quicker than Ivan says Boobies

BOOBIES!!!

Yup, I agree The Optiplex are better in my opinion.

__________________________________________
Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[PLFKING 4]

What a timely thread....I'll be buying one also in the next week or two.

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or have Seth build you a decent one for very close to the Dell price.

Would Seth build me one too ? Maybe as some form af a football bet on a certain upcoming game ?

&

"When in doubt I whip it out,
I got me a rock-and-roll band.
It's a free-for-all."

[wildblue 7]

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That video is what worries me. I ran into the same thing with my Gateway. The great majority of motherboards with integrated video mean when you want to upgrade, you're screwed.

Not all. Most will let you disable the intergrated and add in a card. Even then, I doubt she'll ever decide to upgrade her video card - for what she'll be doing, she can use this for 7 or 8 years, then just buy a whole new system.

I'd stay away from the eMachines - I've heard nothing buy horror stories about them (have a friend that worked at Circuit City for a long time)

I don't really build them anymore except if it's for a reason (built a dual processor one just to play with, overclock, etc) Actually, the one sitting on my desk that normally use is a Dell.

Don - I have 2 P-III something-or-others sitting in my living room collecting dust. I'd give you one just out of pity.

it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality

[jfields 0]

What Wildblue said....

Unless a person has a techie inclination, chances are they won't ever crack open the computer's case. They'll just keep loading software in. After a few years, the new software will run slower on the old computer, but not badly enough to be a problem. A few more years later, either the software won't install or something will break, at which time the person will just replace the computer.

There really isn't a point to assembling your own computer any more, unless you are doing it to get something unique or just enjoy the process. It is more cost effective to just buy something from a manufacturer that gets all the parts dirt cheap. Welcome to the economies of scale and Econ. 101. They can sell you something cheaper than you could and still make a profit at it.

Besides, it helps my Dell stock.

[smiles 0]

I would recommend that you go for 3 yr warranty for parts as most hard drive/motherboard tits in that time period. Also go for large hard drive and memory along with WinXP for OS.

I purchased from Gateway 3 yrs. ago.
$2,200. cnd.

Gateway Select 1000 Digital Music PC
mid tower case (room to upgrade) 250 watt power supply -- 128mb memory module with 3 slots to upgrade -- AMD Athlon 1000MHz with performance enhancing cache memory -- 32MB NVIDIA GeForce2 MX Graphics Accelerator -- 45 GB Hard Drive -- CDRW Soundblaster Live with digital output -- WinMe -- 17" Gateway monitor EVF720 (excellent quality (very close to flat screen)-- Boston Acoustics digital speakers with subwoofer --Epson Stylus printer 880 -- deluxe MS office 2000 and lots of extra software included.
The best of this deal was:
-3rd party 1yr. onsite 3 yr labor/GW 3 yr part

With excellent technicians 24 hr. service and delivered to my door for replacement in the last 6 months (within 3-4 days). Yes- I've installed myself without a problem:
-upgrade from WinMe to XP-
-new 80GB Hard drive-
-new 1000 MHz Athlon processor and motherboard kit including 768mb memory-
-new power supply & fans-
-new 48x CDRW drive-
Basically 3 yrs. later I have a new PC-
and above replacement parts have another 3 yrs. on them......................

so I do not mind Gateway...they have done me well and customer service is awesome.

SMiles

[kai2k1 0]

get a DELL 4000 series. best bang for the buck IMHO

There's no truer sense of flying than sky diving," Scott Cowan

[ypelchat 0]

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I have to get a new computer since my current one is evil.

Ditto here!

I'm just waiting for my current one to just die, so I can go and buy a brand spankin new, super fast computer, with all the bells and whistle. The prices have never been so low for a new computer, so I guess it's a good time to buy.



Yves.

[Layton 0]

build your own. ive read some of the stuff you have written here and you are way above average inteligence(spelling) stay away from dell and gateway they are not expandable and they are pieces of junk.most stuff is plug and play these days.just make sure you buy a big power source and at least 3 fans.one for the processor and 2 for the container.***if you are going to be stupid you better be tough

[Patman 0]

My friend has XP Home, I went with XP Pro and modified it to fit what I needed.(You can do this on the website when ordering.) Home is known to have just a LITTLE more problems when doing more difficult things. My friend has had small problems in the year and a half he's had it, and I have had none. Might not make a difference, but just see what might fit better to what you want to do with it in the future too.

Don't tell me I can't! I already know that! Haven't you seen my x-rays?

[Fast 0]

While I can agree that my current recomendation for people looking to buy factory computers is to get a dell, I also recomend that someone you know who is tech savy helps you with some of the software issues that come bundled with a dell (of any type)

There is quite a bit if software that you don't need running and will only cause you headaces. I also personally do not feel that the McAffee Online center thing that they are bundling with dells lately is adequete to protect your computer from viruses, and its a real pain in the ass, in my opinion.

There are some quick tweeks that you can have someone who is in the know do, that will make you much happier with the overall performance of the computer.

As for the WinXP home vs Pro, honestly for what you want to do with the computer I don't think there is any good reason to spend the extra on getting pro. If it was a free upgrade then go for it but if it costs something then there is no reason to spend the extra money.

A final thing to consider when your purchasing a Dell computer is, if you have any problems at all between placing the order and having a working computer on your desk, and have to call customer service, you can often get them to throw in one freebie upgrade for the trouble that you have to go though because of thier mistake, etc.


jusy my $.02

~D
Where troubles melt like lemon drops Away above the chimney tops That's where you'll find me.
Swooping is taking one last poke at the bear before escaping it's cave - davelepka