New Core 2 Duo PC (Dell or?) with XP Pro

converse

Can Dell and other desktops be still purchased with XP Pro rather than Vista?

I need a new XP Pro box (not Vista, all sorts of software and hardware drivers that aren't compat with Vista), to replace a specific current XP machine.

Needs to be a fast Intel Core 2 Duo, with at least 1 Firewire port. Min 2Gb RAM (pref higher), 500Gb HD, DVD-RW all the usual standard stuff (USB2, fast ethernet etc).

Not a games player, but needs a decent DVI out graphics card.

Needs to be fast for photo editing and large database work.

Not bothered about monitor etc, have all that. (Purchased just towers from dell before, so know that isn't an issue.)

First choice will probably be Dell, then maybe Mesh (although nervous about Mesh re reliability, but am tech savvy, but don't want it to fail in the first place).

I need it to be fast, and quiet - two of the top purchasing factors.

timbim_2

I believe that you can still buy XP pro's from the small business store providing you also take the vista business upgrade media.

Mr_Yoda

You could always try somewhere like Pcspecialist. You can specify the spec of the machine and I know they definately sell them with XP loaded.

FrugalFriend

Some Dell PC's can be selected during ordering with XP Pro, and any with Vista Ultimate or Vista Business have downgrade rights to Win XP Pro automatically, but you must supply the media (XP Pro Restore CD), and the serial key (i.e. from old Dell PC.) Plus you'll probably have to install it yourself.

Interesting fact:If you have a Dell XP Pro Restore CD it will install XP on the blank hard disk of ANY Dell computer. Not that I'm suggesting you buy a Dell Vista PC and do this of course, that would be completely against the rules.