Dude, should we buy a Dell?

[timvp]

Okay we are getting a fourth computer for the house and we are looking for something basic. It will be used for internet and regular MS Office type programs. As long as it's pretty fast and the internet works well on it, it'd be fine.

Should we just get a Dell or are there better deals out there?

Any ideas?

Thanks.

:fro

[MannyIsGod]

Well, I'd say just build a system unless you want another laptop in which case go with Dell.

[Kori Ellis]

We don't need another laptop... I have the Sony one. We just need to add another desktop.

[T Park]

Ive got a practically brand new Dell Desktop with a flat screen for sale if you want it.

[ducks]

dude 4 computers?

you sound asa bad as me

I have that many plus 10 at work I can use


dell is ok
I would buy a off brand with like lindows on it
and if you do not like lindows
fdisk and put 98,2000 on it
you can pm me if you want xp on it
they are cheaper
I bet you can pick one of them up at walmart.com for $230

staples had a compaq 3.12 celeron proccessor 512 memory
40 gig hard driver burner for $369 a week ago

[Nbadan]

Stick with Dell. Satisfactory customer support and upgrades are easier. Plus, the prices overall are hard to beat, but order at The Dell site (www.dell.com) for free shipping and save yourself 100 bucks.

[timvp]

Catalog Number / Description Product Code SKU Id

Processor:
Intel® Celeron® Processor (2.40GHz, 400 FSB) BC24B [221-3162] 1

Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition WHXP [313-7222][412-0409][412-0688][420-4834][463-2282][420-4927] 11

Memory:
SPECIAL OFFER! 512MB at 333Mhz DDR SDRAM for the price of 256MB F512M3 [462-4670] 3

Mail- In Rebate:
$50 Mail In Rebate MIR50CT [463-4514] 81

Keyboard:
Dell Quietkey® Keyboard QK [310-1582] 4

Mouse:
Dell 2-button scroll mouse SM [310-1871] 12

Productivity Software Pre-Installed:
Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Outlook, Word, Excel BASIC [412-0448] 22

Security Software Pre-Installed:
No Security Subscription NS2 [412-0732] 25

Document Management:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0 AAREAD [412-0705] 15

Internal Hard Drives:
40GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive 40 [340-9049] 8

CD or DVD Drives -- Read, Write and Store Data:
Single Drive: 48X CD-ROM Drive CD48 [313-1476] 16

Floppy Drive and Memory Keys:
No Floppy Drive Included NFD [340-8688] 10

Monitor:
17 in (16.0 in v.i.s., .27dp)E773c Monitor E773 [320-4600] 5

Video Card:
Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics IV [430-3900] 6

Sound Card:
Integrated Audio IS [313-0847] 17

Speakers:
No Speaker Option N [313-4514] 18

Digital Music:
Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software MMBASE [412-0691] 27

Digital Photography:
Paint Shop™ Pro® Trial plus Photo Album™ Starter Edition DPS [412-0521] 28


Network Interface:
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet IN [430-0441] 13


Modem:
No Modem Requested N [313-3607] 14


Dial-up Internet Access:
No ISP requested NISP [412-0148][412-0670] 37


Purchase Intent:
Purchase is not intended for resale. NOT4SEL [462-4506] 138


Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options:
90 day Basic Plan B90D [412-0360][902-7980][900-3961][960-2800] 29


Onsite System Setup:
No Onsite System Setup NOINSTL [900-9987] 32

That goes for like $500 on Dell's site. Good deal? Am I missing anything?

[CrazyOne]

Sounds like a decent deal to me... good, fast basic machine, not a lot of eye candy... seems to be a good fit for what you say you need.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I know Best Buy has some computers sitting on their floor that they have yet to put out. It's an eMachines system including monitor and it has the new AMD Sempron chip in it. I know the price they have on it is $500.

I have to make a merch visit to the store today, so I'll get the specs on it.

[tlongII]

Don't forget to buy a web-cam!

[Useruser666]

timvp, Dell sucks. I have them at work. They are dirt cheap because they use crappy components. Plus, their wonderful warranties stinks. Yes they replace stuff if it breaks, ut the replacements are almost always refurbished parts that were previously returned. Also, if your hard drive crashes, Dell will send some one out to replace it. That means they won't copy your old drive to the new one, that is up to you.

I have bought several computers from {URL=http://]www.cyberpowerinc.com[/URL]

They have great prices and I have had NO problem with any of their machines for over 2 years. You can buy pre-made configurations or custom build a super system with all sorts of colored lights and custom cases. They have every part imaginable and have a good standard warranty. You can hardly build a computer yourself for cheaper. I know I have build systems before.

I bought a machine for my dad recently from them and it is working great. Go with Athlon processors since they are cheaper than intel. Cyberpower has a basic machine without the OS or monitor for $299. Windows XP is $85 and you can get a monitor from Best Buy and save shipping. I would use the custom configurator and put in at least 512mb of ram. With shipping and OS it'll run you about $567.

These machines can easily be upgraded, something Dell's aren't as good at.

[DrRich]

http://www.internetweekly.org/images/steven_reefer2.jpg

Dude, you gotta buy a DELL, I need some mo' money for the good stuff!!! :hat

Sincerely,

Steven, the dell dude

[CrazyOne]

LJ, if you're willing to look around a bit, User has the best idea. Getting the Dell is easy and you'll get a decent machine, but you can get a better machine by shopping the places like User mentioned.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

timvp, Dell sucks. I have them at work. They are dirt cheap because they use crappy components. Plus, their wonderful warranties stinks. Yes they replace stuff if it breaks, ut the replacements are almost always refurbished parts that were previously returned. Also, if your hard drive crashes, Dell will send some one out to replace it. That means they won't copy your old drive to the new one, that is up to you.

I have bought several computers from {URL=http://]www.cyberpowerinc.com[/URL]

They have great prices and I have had NO problem with any of their machines for over 2 years. You can buy pre-made configurations or custom build a super system with all sorts of colored lights and custom cases. They have every part imaginable and have a good standard warranty. You can hardly build a computer yourself for cheaper. I know I have build systems before.

I bought a machine for my dad recently from them and it is working great. Go with Athlon processors since they are cheaper than intel. Cyberpower has a basic machine without the OS or monitor for $299. Windows XP is $85 and you can get a monitor from Best Buy and save shipping. I would use the custom configurator and put in at least 512mb of ram. With shipping and OS it'll run you about $567.

These machines can easily be upgraded, something Dell's aren't as good at.


I would second UU666 on this one. Building is a great alternative when it comes to pricing and upgradability because you get exactly what you need and nothing else.

I live by the AMD line (except I have yet to try the Sempron, but the specs look great) and have been using an Athlon 64 since I bought my notebook.

[Shelly]

i dunno...i have a dell desktop and have had zero problems with it.

*raises hand as a house that has 4 computers, plus a few extra parts around to make more*

[tlongII]

Get a Dell. It sounds like the least hassle and since you already have 4 other PC's who cares about the rest of the stuff?

[Useruser666]

i dunno...i have a dell desktop and have had zero problems with it.

*raises hand as a house that has 4 computers, plus a few extra parts around to make more*

Shelly, you can have zero problems, but I have seen Dells enough to know what can happen. At work I have 21" monitor that came with my system. It started to have a double image of everything. I called Dell and the sent me a new one. Well the "new one" was really a factory refurbish and it only lasted 6 months and then went el crappo. Since the warranty is now expired, it's SOL, and we had to buy a whole new monitor. The Dell I have had at work has also gone through 2 hard drives, a video car, and a floppy drive. All of the cyberpower systems I have had have not had ONE part fail on them in 3 years. Dells are much harder to upgrade, especially on the super cheapy end. Everything is built onto the motherboard which makes it impossible to upgrade the video card or in some cases add ram later on. Dell says that is gives you choices, but if you compare those to other places you will see just how limited they are.

[Sportcamper]

I have Dell desk tops & a lap top...The CPU’s may be good & price competitive...The customer support now days really sucks...

Get ready to sit on hold & talk to a guy in India...Hope you are good with accents...I had no complaints when the customer support was still in Texas...But I don’t even bother calling...Anymore...

Yes I know you have been holding a very long time but one moment while I refill my strawberry squishy!

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/6704/apu11.jpg

[Shelly]

Shelly, you can have zero problems, but I have seen Dells enough to know what can happen. At work I have 21" monitor that came with my system. It started to have a double image of everything. I called Dell and the sent me a new one. Well the "new one" was really a factory refurbish and it only lasted 6 months and then went el crappo. Since the warranty is now expired, it's SOL, and we had to buy a whole new monitor. The Dell I have had at work has also gone through 2 hard drives, a video car, and a floppy drive. All of the cyberpower systems I have had have not had ONE part fail on them in 3 years. Dells are much harder to upgrade, especially on the super cheapy end. Everything is built onto the motherboard which makes it impossible to upgrade the video card or in some cases add ram later on. Dell says that is gives you choices, but if you compare those to other places you will see just how limited they are.

Actually, outside of laptops, this is the first time I've ever owned an actual brand name computer. My husband always builds them from scratch. The problem is that when something goes wrong with "my" computer, it's like pulling teeth to get him to fix it because he doesn't ever use it.

Anyway, this is the most trouble free computer I have ever owned. Yes, we know about it being harder to upgrade, but it's main purpose is to run my accounting program and for that it works fine.

FWIW...

[tlongII]

Who cares about the warranty? By the time it breaks down it will be obsolete anyway.

[baseline bum]

Processor:

AMD Athlon XP 2600+ "Barton", 333MHz FSB, 512K Cache @ 1.9 GHz - $105 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-418&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/19-103-418-01.JPG

Free Beach Towel included!!!
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/00-999-192-03.JPG

Motherboard:

ABIT "KV7" KT600 - $54.85 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-162&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/13-127-162-02.JPG


Operating System:
FreeBSD - $0.00 (http://www.freebsd.org)
http://www.freebsd.org/gifs/freebsd_1.gif

Memory:
Crucial 184 Pin 128MB DDR PC-2700 - $31.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-540&depa=1)
Warranty: Lifetime
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/20-146-540-01.JPG

Keyboard:
LITE-ON SK-1788/BS Standard Black/Silver Keyboard PS/2 104key Spurs-colors - $5.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-107-120&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/23-107-120-04.JPG
Free Paperweight Included!!!
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/00-999-139-01.JPG

Mouse:
Logitech Optical Mouse (White) USB / PS/2 - $8.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-104-163&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-104-163-02.JPG

Productivity Software Pre-Installed:
Openoffice.org - $0.00 (http://www.openoffice.org)
http://www.openoffice.org/branding/images/ooo_bcake_4yrs.gif

Security Software Pre-Installed:
Nothing extra needed b/c FreeBSD is the most secure OS ever made
http://www.freebsd.org/gifs/freebsd_1.gif

Document Management:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Shit's free - I don't know why those assholes at Dell advertise it :lmao

Internal Hard Drive:
Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive w/ 8MB buffer - $59.50 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=22-144-122&DEPA=1)
Warranty: 3 years
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/22-144-122-06.JPG

Case and Power Supply
Antec Beige ATX 350W Power - $55.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-149&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/11-129-149-05.JPG

CD or DVD Drives -- Read, Write and Store Data:
Samsung - 12X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW - $62.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-151-206&depa=1)
Warranty: 1 year
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/27-151-206-01.JPG

Floppy Drive and Memory Keys:
Jack one from mouse next time you're at his crib

Monitor:
ViewSonic E70F+SB 17" Perfect Flat CRT Monitor - $134.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-116-254&depa=1)
Warranty: 3 years
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/24-116-254-02.JPG

Video Card:
CHAINTECH nVIDIA GeForce FX5200 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 64-bit, TV-Out, 8X AGP - $52.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-145-067&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/14-145-067-12.JPG

Sound Card:
Integrated 6-channel audio

Speakers:
Hook it up to your stereo - computer speakers suck

Digital Music:
xmms (http://www.xmms.org/)

Digital Photography:


Network Interface:
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet


Modem:
fuck that crap


Dial-up Internet Access:
bullshit


Purchase Intent:
resell it, hack lakersground, stick it up your ass... whatever the heck you want to do


Onsite System Setup:
build it your damn self

price: $566.35


So for an extra $26 or so (tax is about $40 on that Dell system, but there's none on this one) you get the following:

- A way better CPU in every possible way
- A way better Motherboard
- A freaking excellent flatscreen 17" monitor
- Way better RAM
- A 128 MB video card w/ awesome driver support for every imaginable operating system that won't use your system RAM
- A way better hard-drive twice the size with a bigger buffer = lower avg access time
- An Antec 350W power supply
- A DVD burner as opposed to a BS CD-ROM
- way better warranties on almost every part
- An optical scroll-mouse
- A freaking beach towel
- A paperweight

Matching a 2.1 GHz Celeron vs. a 1.9 GHz Athlon XP Barton is like matching a Fratello-coached Cavs team against the 99 Spurs and seeing how much they can score. For an extra $26 and an hour of your time you have a badass computer as opposed to some POS Dell.

BTW, warranty support for Athlon-XP CPUs is awesome. I freaking fried one while building a system, it was entirely my fault, I called up AMD and they sent me a new one, exact same CPU, and even split shipping with me and my new CPU was there within a week of making the one and only 15-minute call (it's been running perfectly more than 2 years now).

You're also buying from a site with awesome customer support and one of the best RMA policies I've ever seen, as well as no tax charge for shipping to Texas. Everything is covered by them for 1 year minimum replacement / repair.

I'm pretty sure the CPU and MB have 3-year manufacturer warranties, as every retail AMD CPU and ABIT MB I've ever had came with a 3 yr warranty (and those are both retail).

If you really want Windoze XP Pro and Office XP send me 2 blank CDs and some stamps.

[Useruser666]

This computer is $643.
It is an Athlon64 +2800 processor.
It does not have a monitor.
It has Windows XP Home installed.
It has everything baseline bum system has but it includes 512mb of ram instead of 128.
It also has a floppy drive and speakers.
A free copy of Far Cry the game comes with it.
This system ihas a warranty of 3 years.

Shipping is around $65.

# *BASE_PRICE: [+525]
# 2ND_USB: STANDARD 2 USB PORT CONNECTORS [+0]
# CABLE: NONE [+0]
# CAS: ATX MEDIUM TOWER CASE 350 WATT [+0] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# CD: NONE [+0]
# CDRW: CD-RW 52X32X52 [+0] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# CASUPGRADE: NONE [+0]
# CPU: (754-pin) AMD ATHLON64 2800+ Processor [+0]
# FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 6in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer [+0] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# FAN: AMD ATHLON64 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK [+0]
# FARCRYGAME: FAR CRY™ DVD GAME [+0]
# FLOPPY: 1.44 MB FLOPPY DRIVE [+10] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# HDD: 80GB 7200 RPM ATA 100 HARD DRIVE [+0]
# HDD2: NONE [+0]
# IEEE_CARD: NONE [+0]
# KEYBOARD: PS2 MULTIMEDIA INTERNET CONTROL KEYBOARD [+0] (BLACK COLOR [+3])
# MOUSE: PS2 INTERNET MOUSE W/ WHEEL [+0] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# MP3PLAYER: NONE [+0]
# MSGAME1: NONE
# MSGAME2: NONE
# MSGAME3: NONE
# MOTHERBOARD: (754-pin Socket) Abit KV8 PRO VIA K8T800 Chipset AGP8X w/LAN,USB2,&Audio [+0]
# MEMORY: 512 MB PC3200 400MHz DDR MEMORY [+0] (GEIL VALUE RAM)
# MODEM: NONE [+0]
# MONITOR: NONE [+0]
# NETWORK: ONBOARD 10/100 NETWORK CARD [+0]
# OS: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition w/ Service Pack 2 [+89]
# PRINTER: None [+0]
# PRINTER_CABLE: None [+0]
# POWERSUPPLY: STANDARD CASE POWER SUPPLY [+0]
# RAID: NONE [+0]
# RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS [+0]
# SCANNER: NONE [+0]
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT [+0]
# SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD [+0]
# SPEAKERS: 120 WATT STEREO SPEAKERS [+5] (BLACK COLOR [+0])
# SOFT1: NONE [+0]
# SOFT2: NONE [+0]
# TEMP: NONE (AS SHOWN) [+0]
# UPS: None
# VIDEO: nVidia GeForce-FX 5200 128MB DDR W/ TV OUT & DVI [+11]
# VIDEOCAMERA: NONE [+0]
# WIRELESSPOINT: NONE [+0]
# WIRELESSCARD: NONE [+0]
# ZIP: NONE [+0]
# _PRICE: (+643)
# _view_: detail

There is also this bargain one.

Cyberpower Silver Dragon

-AMD Athlon XP 2400+ Processor
-LeadTek NForce2 Chipset MBoard w/ Audio, USB, & LAN
-256MB PC2700 DDR333 RAM
-40GB ATA 100 Hard Hard
-Radeon 7500LE 64MB AGP
-52x32x52x CDRW Drive
-AC97 3D Wave Surround Sound
-120Watt Speakers
-ATX 350Watt Mid-Tower Case


$299

[ChumpDumper]

Bum is right on with this one. We work on Dells all the time -- it sucks because even something as simple as replacing a burned out power supply requires ordering it from Dell. Most of their parts are modified so they'll only work with other Dell stuff. This is unavoidable with laptops but for desktops it's a deal breaker for me. Build your own or buy from a company that uses standard parts -- i.e., not Dell, Compaq or HP, etc.

Just built my third machine -- it's quite satisfying.

[Uncle Donnie]

Just as a counterpoint to all the Dell bashing we use Dells almost exclusively at work from the servers to the workstations and have had minimal problems. I also have 2 at home that have had no problems whatsoever.

Building is a great alternative but it can also be a hassle. I'm a senior developer and I still don't bother with building my own PCs. I guess it's a personal preference thing.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, the reasons above are why I said that if it's not going to be a laptop, build it.

[timvp]

So how hard is it to "build" it?

I've never done it before. Does it hurt? :oops

[MannyIsGod]

easy as pie. There are tons of people in here who would walk you through it I'm sure, but once you build one you're good forever.

[baseline bum]

Man, do I feel stupid for recommending 128MB of RAM. Add an extra $40 to the price and get 512 MB of Mushkin PC2700 w/ lifetime warranty.

Building computers is easy. Just do it in the kitchen (or somewhere there's no carpet).

If Manny can build one, I mean come on... (jk bro)

Never buy an OS. All that crap's easy to find.

User666's recommendation is a freaking nice system too, man. Way better CPU, better MB, better RAM.... not sure on the HD, and def a downgrade on the CDROM... but then again, I only recommended the DVD writer since it was so cheap in comparison to a regular CD-ROM.

[exstatic]

Another nod for the whitebox dealers. I've essentially built mine by now, since the only thing left from the box I bought in '98 is the box, literally. There's a place over on the intersection of Callahan and Babcock where I've had good luck with buying stuff: Izzy's PC depot.

I had a pretty good whitebox system that I bought from someone. It took a power hit, frying the soundcard immediately. Over several months, I had to replace the CD-ROM and a few other things like the CD writer. I've upgraded the MB/CPU/memory combo, twice. I've replaced the HD, added another one, replaced the original CD-ROM with a DVD-ROM. I've replaced the original CD writer with a DVD+W-W+RW-RW. I replaced the last original component, the FDD, with a combo FDD and memory card/stick reader. I even had to replace the power supply, not because it burnt, but because of all my other upgrades and add-ons. Dive on in. It becomes addictive.

[Kori Ellis]

I vote for just going to Best Buy and just buying a reasonably priced computer that has everything we need. :)

[timvp]

I vote for just going to Best Buy and just buying a reasonably priced computer that has everything we need. :)

That's no fun.

:drunk

[CrazyOne]

Buy a barebones kit from Tiger Direct and let me and Mouse put it together for you. You save money, me and mouse have fun, it's good all around.

[Shelly]

I vote for just going to Best Buy and just buying a reasonably priced computer that has everything we need. :)

I agree. And I would still get a Dell over the others. My parents used to have a HP Pavillion (do they still make those?) and it was the biggest piece of crap there was. But then again, my parents have like 8 million icons on their desktop, but that's a whole 'nother story.

[Useruser666]

I agree. And I would still get a Dell over the others. My parents used to have a HP Pavillion (do they still make those?) and it was the biggest piece of crap there was. But then again, my parents have like 8 million icons on their desktop, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Geez! Don't take my advice then!! :p

EDIT: Best Buy sucks! They will take forever on repairs and try and charge you for tons of easy or bogus stuff. Every system brand that BB sells is junk.

Compaq
HP
EMachines
Sony
and other off brand garbage.

Plus all their systems come loaded with bunches of caca preinstalled.

I'm about to get another Cyberpower in the next week. Right now if you buy a $999 system you get 5% off and a free Epson printer.

[1369]

Not passing judgement here (Afterall, I don't have even ONE computer in my house), but why in the hell would one house with two people living in it need four computers?

[Shelly]

ahhh...i loves ya, devil!

[Useruser666]

Not passing judgement here (Afterall, I don't have even ONE computer in my house), but why in the hell would one house with two people living in it need four computers?

Hell at my house there are 3 computers for 1 person! :nerd

Even my parents have 2 computers at their house.

[baseline bum]

Plus all their systems come loaded with bunches of caca preinstalled.

I forgot about that. Buy any premade system and you get tons of bullshit running from the get-go (especially with Dell).

Building a computer is so easy. LakersGod could do it with one hand down his pants.

[DrRich]

I have bought several Dells from their outlet website and *knocking on wood* have not had a single problem. Delloutlet.com has all their refurbed units listed but most are not refurbed. They are just computers that were ordered by a company and then the order was cancelled. They can no longer sell them as new because they are built to one companies specs.

Buy a Dell!! You can always find good deals and a lot of time the shipping is free.

[Shelly]

Hell at my house there are 3 computers for 1 person! :nerd

Even my parents have 2 computers at their house.

Well...mine's for work, so that's a freebie

My husband has a desktop and a laptop.

The kids have their own so they can play games and download tons of spyware.

We also have another laptop that works but not with the power supply (don't ever buy an IBM Thinkpad)

Like I said, my husband knows how to build them and is constantly upgrading so there are always enough parts leftover to build another one. We have a computer graveyard in our house.

[Useruser666]

Ok, let me put it another way. Dells are for grandmas! People who never want to upgrade and who will never ever think to open the case in their lifetimes. I would recomend it to my grandmother or maybe to schools who need all of the service. Most people don't consider upgrading until it's too late and they're stuck with a machine that is obsolete. I have fixed so many of these name brand systems by going in and sweeping out all the junk ware that comes preinstalled on them. People are always telling me that their system is running slow. I ask them how many processes they have running and they tell me like 50! 49 of those came with the machine right out of the box.

[Kori Ellis]

People who never want to upgrade and who will never ever think to open the case in their lifetimes

That's kind of the point though. It's not a computer that we will ever upgrade or anything. It's the FOURTH computer. We will never upgrade it. We'll just use it until it doesn't work anymore.

As for Best Buy products, I have a Sony laptop from there and we have another computer from there that are frickin' awesome. No problems whatsoever.

To answer 1369's question, we both work from home. One of the computers is a laptop. One is used primarily for timvp's business. Then we have one more which is older but has a lot of stuff on it that we need. So we are just getting a 4th computer for non-work use. Just to surf the net, basically do some word processing, etc. It's not for playing games, music etc. so it doesn't need to have awesome video or audio. Just a basic computer.

[Useruser666]

That's kind of the point though. It's not a computer that we will ever upgrade or anything. It's the FOURTH computer. We will never upgrade it. We'll just use it until it doesn't work anymore.

As for Best Buy products, I have a Sony laptop from there and we have another computer from there that are frickin' awesome. No problems whatsoever.

To answer 1369's question, we both work from home. One of the computers is a laptop. One is used primarily for timvp's business. Then we have one more which is older but has a lot of stuff on it that we need. So we are just getting a 4th computer for non-work use. Just to surf the net, basically do some word processing, etc. It's not for playing games, music etc. so it doesn't need to have awesome video or audio. Just a basic computer.

Sorry, I meant to be more specific. Best Buy sells crappy desktops. Laptops are a whole other ball of wax. Kori, the system I pointed out might actually be better than your number 1 and 2 computers. Unless you need to finance through Best Buy or you have a 10% off coupon, I wouldn't use them.

[Kori Ellis]

Kori, the system I pointed out might actually be better than your number 1 and 2 computers.

It's not. And our number 1 Desktop was from Best Buy. :)

And no, we don't need to finance, we'll pay cash.

But thanks for everyone's input.

I still don't know what we are going to do.

[Useruser666]

It's not. And our number 1 Desktop was from Best Buy. :)

And no, we don't need to finance, we'll pay cash.

But thanks for everyone's input.

I still don't know what we are going to do.

That was cold! :p

I bet the one I posted was cheaper. You have to pay shipping but then there is no sales tax. If you're paying cash go for the online one. I guess I have to bring one by a GTG or something. Oh and I don't work for them officially or unofficially!

[timvp]

That is a pretty awesome machine there, Useruser666. It's going to be tough choice.

It'll probably come down to whether The Princess trusts me enough to put it together :)

[Useruser666]

That is a pretty awesome machine there, Useruser666. It's going to be tough choice.

It'll probably come down to whether The Princess trusts me enough to put it together :)

Uhhh, cyberpower puts it together for you. It comes just like it would from Dell. Well, except instead of Dell, it says Cyberpower on the box and the computer doesn't SUCK! :lol

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Geez! Don't take my advice then!! :p

EDIT: Best Buy sucks! They will take forever on repairs and try and charge you for tons of easy or bogus stuff. Every system brand that BB sells is junk.

Compaq
HP
EMachines
Sony
and other off brand garbage.

Plus all their systems come loaded with bunches of caca preinstalled.

I'm about to get another Cyberpower in the next week. Right now if you buy a $999 system you get 5% off and a free Epson printer.


That's why I immediately formatted my machine and installed WinXP Pro.

[timvp]

Uhhh, cyberpower puts it together for you. It comes just like it would from Dell. Well, except instead of Dell, it says Cyberpower on the box and the computer doesn't SUCK! :lol

Noted.

:smokin

[ChumpDumper]

It'll probably come down to whether The Princess trusts me enough to put it togetherHell, there are enough nerds in the forum -- you should have a computer construction GTG.

But really, since it's your 4th computer, it matters a bit less. If I were doing the same, I'd just cobble together a bunch of crap we have laying around here at work. A granny computer would do fine for your purposes, but I stand by my replacement parts caveat -- white box is the way to go for ease of repair.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Chump, can you imagine all of us working on a standard white-box setup?

Mouse with the static-wrist wrap, Crazy blessing the RAM, Manny taking shots of whiskey as we set the motherboard in the case...

[baseline bum]

You should build my dream x86 system:



CPU:
Athlon64 FX-55 Sledgehammer @ 2.6 GHz - $849.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-496&depa=1)
64 KB L1 instruction cache :wow
64 KB L1 data cache :wow
1 MB L2 cache :wow
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/19-103-496-01.JPG

MOTHERBOAD:
Abit AV-8 - $111.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-181&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/13-127-181-05.JPG

RAM:
2 x (2 x 1GB Corsair XMS TWINX2048-3200C2PT PC3200 DDR) - $1,098.00 (http://www.spartantech.com/products.asp?orderid=15182207273496645689009&cat=93&ob=p&pg=18)
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/blue_corsair_pack.jpg http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/blue_corsair_pack.jpg

VIDEO:
PNY Nvidia Quadro 3000G - $2,390 (http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=190634)
AGP 8x
RAM: 256 MB
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/ImageViewer/images/190634_3.jpg

POWER:
ZIPPY/EMACS 700W Power Supply With SATA Connector - $299.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-714&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/17-103-712-01.JPG

CASE:
Lian-Li PC-V2100A - $280.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-112-054&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/11-112-054-02.JPG

SCSI:
2 x Adaptec 64-bit PCI to SCSI RAID Controller Card - $1,283.98 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=16-103-139&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/16-103-139-02.JPG

HARD DRIVES 0-3:
4 x Seagate 73GB 15,000RPM SCSI Hard Drive - $2,120 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-111-138&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/22-111-138-03.JPG

HARD DRIVE 4:
Western Digital Raptor 74GB 10,000RPM SATA Hard Drive - $157.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-160&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/22-144-160-05.JPG

DVD BURNER 0-1:
2 x PIONEER DVD±RW IDE Drive - $296.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-129-154&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/27-129-154-05.JPG

MONITOR:
SAMSUNG 243T-Silver 24" LCD Monitor - $1,999.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-001-180&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/24-001-180-01.JPG

CAPTURE:
Matrox PCI Video Editing Card, Model "Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme Pro Collection" - $1,389.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-106-156&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/14-106-156-07.JPG

WIRELESS ADAPTER:
Cisco Aironet 802.11a/b/g PCI Wireless LAN Client Adapter - $187.30 (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=579659)
http://www.cisco.com/image/jpg/en/us/guest/products/ps5819/c1650/ccmigration_09186a00801ebc33_09186a0080332370-2.jpg

SOUND:
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS Platinum Pro PCI Sound Card - $167.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-164&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/29-102-164-03.JPG

SPEAKERS:
CREATIVE GigaWorks S750 7.1 Speaker - $399.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-142&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/36-116-142-01.JPG

FLASH:
Lexar 80x Professional 2GB CompactFlash Card - $229.99 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-170-321&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/20-170-321-01.JPG

continued ...

[baseline bum]

KEYBOARD:
LITE-ON SK-1789/BS Standard Black/Silver Keyboard PS/2 - $6.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-107-123&depa=1)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/23-107-123-01.JPG

MOUSE:
Logitech SBF69 Optical Wheel Mouse PS/2 - $12.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-104-138&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/26-104-138-02.JPG

HEATSINK:
Thermalright Heatsink for P4 & K8 CPUs, Model "XP-90" - $44.99 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=35-109-119&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/35-109-119-07.JPG

THERMAL COMPUND:
Arctic Silver Premium Silver Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound, Model "Arctic Silver 5", 12-gram( 5 cc. ) tube - $12.99 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-100-008&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/35-100-008-02.JPG

CPU FAN:
Antec 92mm SmartCool Thermally Controlled Case Fan with Temperature Sensor - $12.50 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-129-032&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/35-129-032-02.JPG

IDE CABLE:
Antec Cobra A26 Round 133 ATA Cable, Model "77226" - $10.99 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-105-001&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/12-105-001-01.JPG

SATA CABLE:
36-Inch, SATA ( SERIAL ATA 150 ) Cable, 2-Head - $4.39 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-105-912&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/12-105-912-01.JPG

SCSI CABLES:
4 x SCSI, ROUND, Internal, Ultra 320 Cable with 3 68-Pin Heads, 29" - $79.96 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-119-111&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/12-119-111-01.JPG

PRINTER:
Okidata C7300n Digital LED Printer, 24 PPM, 1200 x 600 DPI, COLOR/B&W, 64MB - $1,526.95 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=28-107-115&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/28-107-115-03.JPG

SCANNER:
Fujitsu ScanSnap! fi-5110EOX digital scanner USB2.0 600 DPI - $395.00 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=38-115-005&depa=0)
http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/38-115-005-01.JPG

THERMAL DISPLAY:
Silverstone Eudemon SST-FP52 Fan Controller - $58.00 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12183&vpn=SST-FP52SL&manufacture=Silverstone%20Technology)
http://images.ncix.com/images/12183_20040805_1.gif

TOTAL - $15,419.04

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I like that case. Bad ass.

[Shelly]

TOTAL - $15,419.04

Go for it!

[baseline bum]

It'd be pretty good for a 4th PC. I'd use an asynchronous UltraSPARC VII-based setup for my first (damn, when do those come out??), and maybe a PowerPC-based system for my second - hell, this one could be upgraded to you guys' #3 computer even!

[baseline bum]

Serioulsy, I'd kill everyone in here for that computer. :makemyday

[CrazyOne]

Just be sure to tell Manny to share... :lol

[SequSpur]

LMAO @ bb...

I want a laptop and I am seriously in the market for one as I have told you all before.

My desktop is homegrown. I built it, added to it, changed, blah blah blah... The problem I have is when you buy shit from Best Buy or other stores, how the hell do you decipher what the exact price is? I can't figure out all the rebate shit, however, I feel like I got bentover on the purchase, but somehow, I am getting the shit back....

Why in the fuck don't they just sell you the computer for the price - the rebate? That's why I don't buy computer shit from Best buy.

LJ, i can get you a computer from PC Wholesale if you want to pay cash or credit.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Sequ,

http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB109986994931767086,00.html?mod=yahoo_hs

[ChumpDumper]

THERMAL COMPUNDlol. You have all those specs saved on an OpenOffice spreadsheet -- I can tell. It's a sickness.
Why in the fuck don't they just sell you the computer for the price - the rebate?They hope you don't bother or forget.
LJ, i can get you a computer from PC Wholesale if you want to pay cash or credit.I've been a bit less than impressed with their builds.

[SequSpur]

Intersting article, however, I consider myself a smart buyer and very stubborn when it comes to dealing with sales people. I think they hate me. lol.

I really like best buy for cds, dvd, games and other stuff, but I stay away from the rebate crap. I want the deal right now.

[Shelly]

Go to CompUSA

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

Just go to Best Buy to buy DSL from me...Ingram store, please.

[SequSpur]

How much?

[Mark in Austin]

I've only had one problem with a Dell, and the warranty covered it, but I literally spent over 14 hours on the phone with their tech support people in India to get it resolved. It was the most painful fucking consumer-related thing I have ever been through. I'll never buy a computer whose tech support is based in India again. The people you talk to, while nice enough, just read from a goddamnd script over and over again - and it's very difficult to follow instructions or type what they tell you to type when you can't tell the difference between how they pronounce the letters c, d, b, g, e, p, t, v, and z because of the Indian accent.

If customer service / tech support is important to you I would really encourage you to stay away from Dell.

[baseline bum]

lol. You have all those specs saved on an OpenOffice spreadsheet -- I can tell. It's a sickness.

Nah... I just wanted to see what was the best 64-bit x86 computer I could buy with stuff I'd actually use. I've built tons of computers so I know exactly what I need off the top of my head.

[ChumpDumper]

If you are going to go the big box route, I suggest waiting until "Black Friday" after Thanksgiving. The rumored deals seem to be pretty decent.

[Ginobilly]

WOW! :spin That compi is fuckin badass bbum! It's a computer geek's wet dream. I don't think no one in SA would waste 15 grand on a PC though. You could buy yourself a nice car for that. I don't think Tim and Kori need a computer that powerful, unless Kori is quitting her sports job and will start making Pixar films on that thing. :lol

[Useruser666]

$17,635.71 as low as $529.07 a month!

Voodoo PC

http://resource.voodoo.ca/kitchen/product_images/medium/CAS-ATX-VOO-RAGE-NON-NUD.jpg

AMD Opteron Processor Model 250
MSI K8T Dual Opteron Motherboard
8 GiG Crucial Registered ECC Kit
Plextor Plexwriter 12X DVD+-RW
Plextor Premium 52-32-52 CD-RW
Configure & Enable Onboard RAID(s)
400 GiG HGST Sata 7200 RPM
74 GiG Raptor SATA 10,000 RPM X 2
Voodoo Aluminium Card Reader
250 GiG 7200 RPM External Hard Drive
nVidia Quadro FX 4000
Pinnacle Studio Deluxe 9
30" Voodoo LCD TV with Speakers
Soundblaster Audigy2ZS Platinum Pro
Klipsch ProMedia THX 5.1 Ultra
Windows XP Professional
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003
FUEL Software Essentials v1 ($395 US Value)
USA Air Insured
Logitech DiNovo Media Desktop Bluetooth
Logitech MX-1000 Cordless Laser
MOMO Steering Wheel & Pedals
Standard Select Upgrade Assurance
Voodoo PlatinumCare 3 Year
EDEN f:2 Entertainment Creation Station
Voodoo Disaster Recovery System II
Voodoo Koeskin System Binder
Voodoo Renowned Cabling System
Voodoo Attack-Pad Mousing Surface
Free VoodooPC T-Shirt
IS09001:2000 Quality Control Standards
Eye of the Storm and Electric Veins
Voodoo Illuminated Mask & Airbox
Voodoo MESA Forced Air Chassis
Voodoo 600 Watt Noisetaker 2.0
Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Cooling Compound
Voodoo f:2 Twin Turbo Intercooler

[Shelly]

damn...i'd have to sell a kid for that thing.

[Useruser666]

damn...i'd have to sell a kid for that thing.

Maybe two. But the question is would you? :lol

[Shelly]

Maybe two. But the question is would you? :lol

The thought has crossed my mind sometimes after hearing, "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! He looked at me" for the millionth time.





leaves to polish that Mom of the Year award

[Useruser666]

The thought has crossed my mind sometimes after hearing, "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!! He looked at me" for the millionth time.





leaves to polish that Mom of the Year award

Trade one in. You can always put their pic up as the wallpaper. It's almost the same right?

[1369]

damn...i'd have to sell a kid for that thing.

How much for the little girl?

Sincerely,
Jake Blues

[Useruser666]

How much for the little girl?

Sincerely,
Jake Blues

"And the wife too?!"

[spurster]

The original Dell quote looked ok to me except the Celeron sucks. The Cyberpower is a better idea. You pick out the parts and have them put it together. You end up with a better machine and more of a clue of how it's put together.

As building your own, I was reluctant because it's a pain to return parts. Cyberpower will make sure everything is working together.

[MannyIsGod]

Hey Asian Boy, is Best Buy hiring for seasonal work? I want a damn discount for christmas.

[Nbadan]

Man BB, that is a daddy system you designed, but I'm curious why you stuck with the older and soon to be extinct 8*AGP instead of going with the newer 16*PCI Express Video card? Big mistake.

Also, although DDR memory works perfectly fine with Intel chips, I usually recommend Rambus which works much better for some reason, and DDR 550mhz motherboards and memory are readily available, so why stick with the slower 400mhz memory?

[Useruser666]

Man BB, that is a daddy system you designed, but I'm curious why you stuck with the older and soon to be extinct 8*AGP instead of going with the newer 16*PCI Express Video card? Big mistake.

Also, although DDR memory works perfectly fine with Intel chips, I usually recommend Rambus which works much better for some reason, and DDR 550mhz motherboards and memory are readily available, so why stick with the slower 400mhz memory?

Rambus memory is going to become extinct. I know, I have some.

[timvp]

Okay we got our computer. It's brand new but we got it as a business deal throw in. It has 160 Gigs, 3200 AMD and some other nice add-ons.

One problem is there's no Microsoft Office. I've already bought like five copies of that BS from Bill Gates for $200 a pop. Any idea where I can get it on the *cough* cheap.

Thanks for your help.

[Nbadan]

Nice system. A cheap copy of MS office? Good luck. However, you can get a free copy of MS Word 2003 at this site. (http://www.freegiftworld.com/landing.html?nopop=1&CID=39217&ADTGID=2563&SID=KE68660)

[Kori Ellis]

Thanks Dan. I need to have Excel though. I hate it that in the last few years, we've bought MS Office five times.

[Useruser666]

Okay we got our computer. It's brand new but we got it as a business deal throw in. It has 160 Gigs, 3200 AMD and some other nice add-ons.

One problem is there's no Microsoft Office. I've already bought like five copies of that BS from Bill Gates for $200 a pop. Any idea where I can get it on the *cough* cheap.

Thanks for your help.

Get a student/teacher copy from any Office Depot/Max for $129.00. It only has the basic office stuff.

[DrRich]

Okay we got our computer. It's brand new but we got it as a business deal throw in. It has 160 Gigs, 3200 AMD and some other nice add-ons.

One problem is there's no Microsoft Office. I've already bought like five copies of that BS from Bill Gates for $200 a pop. Any idea where I can get it on the *cough* cheap.

Thanks for your help.

Do you know anyone that works or is a student at the Health Science Center? They sometimes offer software at $5 a pop. I got MS Office for $25. This was a while back so I don't know if it is still available.

[spurster]

Why can't you just install from the MS Office you have now?

You should try OpenOffice from http://www.openoffice.org/ and cut part of your MS tax.

[MannyIsGod]

I would just install it from one of the disks you have now and use a random key. screw buying that shit again.