Getting a new computer

[titan_77_215]

My family is finally getting a new computer. We are finally getting rid of our old Gateway running Windows 98. Here are some of the specs:

http://www.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifDimension E510
Pentium® D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 EditionQty: 1
Unit Price: $1,606.00Dell Dimension E510 SeriesPentium® D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)
CZ820H
[222-2014]
Memory1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)
1GB5
[311-5519]
KeyboardDell USB Keyboard
EK
[310-5324]
Monitor19 inch Ultrasharp™ 1907FP Digital Flat Panel
1907FP
[320-4635]
Video Card256MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X600 SE HyperMemory
X600SE
[320-4382]
Hard Drive160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
160S
[341-3292]
Floppy Drive13 in 1 Media Card Reader
MCR13
[341-2773]
Operating SystemGenuine Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
WMCE
[412-0688]
[412-0721]
[420-4927]
[420-5460]
[420-5476]
[420-5646]
[420-5924]
[463-2282]
MouseDell® 2-button USB mouse
SM
[310-6264]
Network CardIntegrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
IN
[430-0412]
Modem56K PCI Data Fax Modem
DFAX
[313-3840]
Adobe SoftwareAdobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
AAREAD
[412-0705]
CD ROM/DVD ROMSingle Drive: 48x CD-RW / DVD-ROM Combo Drive
48COMBO
[313-4119]
[420-5781]
[420-5787]
SoundIntegrated 7.1 Channel Audio
IS
[313-2758]
SpeakersDell A525 30 Watt 2.1 Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer
A525
[313-3807]
Office Software (not included in Windows XP)Microsoft Works Suite 2006 - Includes MICROSOFT WORD plus much more!
DWORKS
[412-0858]
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed)PC-cillin Internet Security: AntiVirus, Firewall, Spyware removal 15-months
TM15M
[420-5639]
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options3Yr Ltd Warr,At-Home Service,and HW Warr Support plus Nights and Weekends
SQ3OS
[412-0359]
[902-4502]
[950-3339]
[950-5462]
[960-6160]
[960-6380]
[983-2207]
[983-2217]
Dial - Up Internet Access6 Months of America Online Membership Included
AOLEPP
[412-0687]
[412-0787]
[420-3224]
[420-5256]
Operating System Re-Installation CDPC Restore recovery system by Symantec
PCR
[464-5503]
Separate Photo & Music SoftwareCorel Paint Shop Pro® X - Advanced photo editing. Included in Premium
DPSPSP
[412-0857]
[412-0859]
Dell Digital EntertainmentStarter Entertainment Pack -Basic digital Music, Photo, and Casual Gaming
SEP
[412-0856]
[412-0865]


How does that look for just an everyday use computer? Not alot of gaming will be done on it.

[seth556]

Don't get a dell, get a custom built or something like that.

[penguinrusty]

And why shouldn't he get a Dell? While I'm usually an advocate for home-brewed systems, that's a pretty nice computer. May I ask how much you're paying for it?

[Benny]

It says $1,606 at the top...

[penguinrusty]

Oh, I just noticed that it's a media center PC too... Why don't you just get a regular PC? That PC won't do well on everyday tasks but it will shine in conjunction with your cable box...In other words, use it as your entertainment system or don't use it at all.

[seth556]

I have heard so many breakages of Dells, thats my only complaint. But besides that they are nice.

[titan_77_215]

It's actually about $1000. There is some big discount on it. My parents are buying it and I didn't even realize they went to look at computers. We were going to have someone build us one but things came up and he couldn't do it. No matter what it will be better than what we are using now.

[penguinrusty]

Ah, the old "You see, because this is expensive, it's good" sales ploy. Don't believe the sales people that you hear, more often than not all they do is recite from a script. You should buy from a reputable manufacturer (like myself) For instance, if you decide to buy a computer from me, I will select the appropriate parts for you so that you get EXACTLY what you want and need, and it is always below the retail price of a retail computer with similar components. I've built many computers, and if you're interested, you can PM me and I'll give you some sample builds (descriptions of the components in a simple, easy-to-understand diction). However, it is your money, and if you really want that computer, than you can get it.

[cornelje]

I agree with penguin, $1k goes a LONG ways when being built. I built mine for ~$400, and it plays almost everything.

[Bulldozer]

The pc's i could build with a $1000 would eat that thing.

oh, and AMD>Intel.

[penguinrusty]

oh, and AMD>Intel.

YES! Amd's dual core opterons are the freakin best.

[Bulldozer]

Yea, I wish I had the money to get one.

But seriously, a $1000 goes a VERY long way on a custom rig, and leaves alot more room for upgradeability than a dell.

However, If you're not doing a lot of gaming, and its just like a family machine, a dell will do the job just fine.

[oriteku]

Even for just a home machine I typically end up replacing the psu and mobo's in the dells and then you end up needing a new case because they are proprietary, do yourself a favor and get someone you trust to help with a custom build itll last longer

[C.M.Hanson]

I have heard so many breakages of Dells, thats my only complaint. But besides that they are nice.
I have two DELLS(HELLS)! :d One is a XPS M140 all the toys and a E510 with all the toys! Had nothing but problems with them and their tech support sucks! Had Tech's sent to the house for both of them to have new hard drives fixed and such :mad: The Tech support is the pits, You can't under stand the tech's accent. you get run in circles until you get frustrated to the point of hanging up, they won't forward your call to the right people, and getting a supervisor, well you'll have better luck swimming across the pacific ocean!! DON"T GET A DELL! They come from the pits of Hell :evil: !
i had a Gateway before It took 5 years before it died! It out lived it's usefulness!

[Zcrusher]

Dells are horrid. I got a thinkpad and have had NONE of the problems I had with dells. IBM please :)