shumax

Here's what I use my PC for:

--Download music
--Download pictures taken on digital camera
--Word, Excel, yadda
--Surf the internet

No gaming, no editing of pics, etc.

I am thinking of buying the Dell Dimension 2400 with 128mb of RAM and then buying another 128 to 512. I do need a monitor, but don't want to pay out the a$$ for a flat panel. Suggestions other than this---oh yea, no Mac's:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/prod...=19&l=en&s=dhs

Ken@ProtegeGarage

well if gaming isn't an issue I'd say Dell is fine. Otherwise I'm partial to Falcon NW and to Alienware systems

Roddimus Prime

Go to walmart..... E-machine 2.6Ghz with 512MB of ps 2300 ram, 40GB hdd, cd-rw drive 17" flat screen monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers

$450.

I had an e-machine before (300mhz) and it lasted forever. It's not a gaming monster or anything but I have a 20Gb partition for nothing but music.

p.s. no rebates or coupons required liek with Dell and also no shipping since you pick it up in the store.

delrey

Check out www.abscomputers.com. Fully customized computers and you know what you're getting right down to the nitty gritty. Here is some suggestions:

Pentium 4 or AMD Anthlon: Even though your not a heavy user, these proccessors will age much better. Plus you'll never know what you want to do with it in the future.

Atleast 512MB of RAM: Nothing less, trust me.

80GB of Hard Drive: Probably more to hold all of the extra pics and music.

CD Burner or even a DVD burner.

Any brand of PC would do.

Kevin

pr5owner

LOL 20 GB for music, hmm maybe im spoiled, i have a deticated 80GB and its full, 12000 mp3's i mean i have no pirated music,

Prote-J

Yeah 20 gb for music isn't much. I encode every cd I buy, and have them because my deck uses MP3's as well. Makes my cd case that much smaller, plus, copies instead of originals should some jackass punk decide to jack my ride.

I think computers are all to personal preference. I personally hate E machine, very proprietary and can be difficult to upgrade certain components later.

I am a Dell fan if I don't build it myself, but like I said, its merely preference. Friends buy them and get pretty sweet deals from time to time. <shrugs>

Just an opinion.

Roddimus Prime

the E-machine I mentioned that I bought had a huge panel on the side discussing everything that can be upgraded....it was everything but the power supply and processor.....I've already got double the ram, a dvd-rom, a new video card and firewire....

Thats about all I need.....fwiw, I kept my last pc for 4 years. it wasa 700mhz duron with 1.2Gb of ram and that thing would fly!....power supply went out and fried everything though so I had to start over.

II-Savy

I usaully build computers but I've had it with tracking down people who sold me crap...and so on. Too much hassel.

I just bought a Dell. 3.0g, 512 ram, 128vid card, dolby 5.1 surround, full surround speakers with sub and center channel. No moitor, no shipping, burner, reader, 120g HD.

$1000

It really flies.

I would suggest a Dell also but slower and cheaper.

shumax

I couldn't agree with you more. I learned this lesson LONG ago with cars. I try to buy everything from the same place---especially if parts are related---like tires and rims. If not, you're going to get in a pissing match when there's a problem. One party points their finger at the other. In the end you fight like hell to get it taken care of and for what? The $50 you saved. Forget it. My time is worth a hell of a lot more than that---nevermind the frustrations.

Curt

kargoboy

I agree w/delray---no less than 512m ram
and 80g or more hard drive.
Make sure you get a good burner, too.
I have to say I'm happier with component systems than Dell or other proprietary manufacturers. They're easier to upgrade.
Just make sure you get the equipment from a reputable place. I always buy my stuff from the same place here in Pittsburgh,whether I'm building a system myself or having them do it for me.
I've also dealt with a company in Cleveland--they're very good--check out
www.adamant.com

II-Savy

Don't be fooled....Dell does not have machines like that any more....atleast mine isn't like that. I can add any vid card I want to. I also have a PCI 5.1 sound card. I could easy add a turtle beach for example if I wanted. Dell is not like HP. .... It's totally upgradeable.

kargoboy

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure sound and video are still integrated into the motherboard on the low-end machines and if so, are usually set up to rob the ram from the MB instead of a vid card. But you're right, II-Savy, if you have a higher-end machine you can get any card you want.
I haven't worked on a Dell or other proprietary machine in a long time--do they still solder the processor onto the MB in those SOB's?

Ceej

Buy a Mac, they work.

II-Savy

Hey ceej

I don't think they still solder (sp) the CPU on the board. But yea you go too low end and everythings intergrated. BUT if you have slots open you can disable the on board crap and go with other components.

onehawaiian

build thine own.
bc as soon as u lay the scrilla for ur pc, it'll be outdated and the price will be cut in half a week later.
start with a cheapy old dell and upgrade whenever u need to.