Want a new computer, dell, suggestions?

billbgh · #1 12-06-2007, 07:38 PM

Hi all, I am in the market for a new desktop. I want a Dell, but I don't know what all I need(or don't). Here is what I need it for:internet, documents, spreadsheets, pictures that I take, music player, games, that's about it. Please help me out, I am so pc challenged, and really have no idea what everything is or what it's for. Thanks in advance for your time and input.

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

Nerm · #2 12-06-2007, 09:36 PM

I know this response is a little late but I just seen it and figured I would give some suggestions.

First suggestion: No Dell's. They are cheap for a reason. Cheap parts, poor case design for air flow = poor quality computer. The only thing from Dell that is any good is their monitors and that is only because their monitors are made by Samsung.

I actually don't recommend any of the big name PC companies if at all possible. A custom built computer is the best way to go. If you can't afford to have a custom computer built for you then the only name brands I would suggest considering is HP, IBM, or Ultra/Systemax. All of which will use higher quality parts and their case designs allow for twice as good of air flow as a Dell.

**Boxerworld** · #3 12-07-2007, 03:40 AM

Hi,

If you work a lot with spreadsheets, it would be nice to have a high resolution widescreen monitor (at least 1440 x 900 pixels).
Most of the time using the internet, documents, pictures, music player does not require a powerful processor and a strong graphic card but if you are into 3D games it is a different story.
What kind of games do you play and what's your budget for the desktop?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerm

First suggestion: No Dell's. They are cheap for a reason. Cheap parts, poor case design for air flow = poor quality computer.

It depends on what Dell you buy. This site is running on a Dell server that is certainly not cheap, its case design is excellent and it uses IBM SCSI disks that are excellent as well.
It all depends on the price you pay for it. I got a cheap Dell desktop almost 3 years ago that is not good, I also got a Dell laptop in 2001 and it still works fine.

billbgh · #4 12-09-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Do you think that I should just accept the fact that technology is everchanging and advancing and I should just go for something affordable with the idea of having to buy a new one in about 5 years? That is how old my current one is BTW. Again, thanks to those that are pc savvy.

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

billbgh · #5 12-09-2007, 04:27 PM

Sorry, forgot to mention budget is around $1200-1500. The monitor is actually good size and newer(mil gave to us because she got a ginormous one). The games are nothing spectacular(bigfish games mostly). Thanks for helping out, I appreciate everyone's time and effort!

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

cantfindlog · #6 12-09-2007, 07:33 PM

I went to a local place 3 years ago and spent $1100.00 and this past summer I spent $80.00 for more memory. I used a local place because I was thinking about when it breaks down, it has been a great computer. If you get a computer from Dell and it is under warranty you may have to ship it to them to be fixed. I also agree with Boxerworld, my company is running with a Dell server and we have a gold standard repair service and couldn't ask for a better server or service. I guess you will have to look at all the options available. Good luck, this is never easy decision.

**Boxerworld** · #7 12-10-2007, 04:08 AM

For your use it seems you do not need a powerful computer so I believe you should get something affordable. Anything new should be a lot faster than your 5 years old computer, especially if you are using recent softwares on it.
Core 2 duo processors are good and if it runs on Vista 2GB of ram would be nice.
If you get a Dell online, do not forget to select "No monitor"

In 5 years you will probably want to get a new computer anyway

Olivier

billbgh · #8 12-10-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxerworld

For your use it seems you do not need a powerful computer so I believe you should get something affordable. Anything new should be a lot faster than your 5 years old computer, especially if you are using recent softwares on it.
Core 2 duo processors are good and if it runs on Vista 2GB of ram would be nice.
If you get a Dell online, do not forget to select "No monitor"

In 5 years you will probably want to get a new computer anyway

Olivier

Thanks! This is the info that is was most necessary. When you get into pc lingo, I really have no idea what it all means, and to be honest I'm not sure that I want to know

.(Ignorance is bliss

) Again, I appreciate your help and in 5 years, I'll probably ask the same question, I know, I know, it's sad.

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

**Boxerworld** · #9 12-10-2007, 10:43 AM

You are welcome

I just took a look at US based online stores like compusa etc and you should get something fine for your use for $500-700. Probably even cheaper with some other processors but if you start editing photos etc you would be glad to have something strong enough like a Core 2 Duo.

Nerm · #10 12-10-2007, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxerworld

Hi,
It depends on what Dell you buy. This site is running on a Dell server that is certainly not cheap, its case design is excellent and it uses IBM SCSI disks that are excellent as well.
It all depends on the price you pay for it. I got a cheap Dell desktop almost 3 years ago that is not good, I also got a Dell laptop in 2001 and it still works fine.

You are right there. If you spend the money for the higher end stuff it won't matter what brand. One of the banks I do consulting for uses all Dell servers and doesn't have any problems, however at the same time a school I consult uses Systemax servers and gets the same quality and performance for a slightly less cost. I also disagree with the poor case design. Even the high end Dell's use poor case design IMO. You also have the issue of Dell PC's being shipped with spyware already on them, but then again all your major brands do that now days.

My point was that any Dell you get for $500 - $600 is going to be poor in quality. Then again you get what you pay for no matter the brand.

billbgh, for what you will be doing you would safe with any brand really as long as you go with at least the following specs...

Intel C2D E6300 or higher
1GB PC2-4200 or higher
80GB Hard Drive or higher.

Anything with less specs than those isn't worth your time or money.