Dell Advice.

everythingblogcast

Remember if you have good parts on your current pc you can move them to your new pc. So if you have a DVD RW on the old one you just have the bust DVD ROM drive then install the RW drive yourself or get a mate to do it. Also try doing virus, spyware scans and think about add more ram.

If you want to get Vista you could hold off getting a desktop or get a laptop now that has the sticker "Designed for Windows XP" "Windows Vista Capable" then you get a free "Express Upgrade" to vista.

tomstickland

I'm quite happy with doing PC stuff myself, but I think the time has come when I have to acknowledge that I can get a lot of computer for my money with a big corp like Dell. I'm 33 and I've never actually ever bought a computer despite using them for 20 years!

everythingblogcast

tom what would you buget be and what is the current spec you have as in DVDRW or Sound card, etc.

tomstickland

£450
Current spec is, well, I have a CD and DVD rewriter in the PC but never use either. PC can't play DVDs since it can't keep up (says screen resolution is too high).

Requirements are:
-listen to MP3s
-browse 2-3 websites
-run bittorrent file sharing in background
-occasionally watch a DVD

I have a 7.6MB/s internet connection.
Not going to use it for playing games.
Don't really care about screen size or rewrite ability.

everythingblogcast

Are you happy with the screen you have atm. Is it a CRT if so would you like to upgrade/change to a TFT. Which is more safe. And since you have a DVD rw I would take that out of your old one and just have the lower drive that dell offers.

Would you plan to upgrade to Vista when it is released.

tomstickland

I have CRT and I want TFT.
XP is fine by me. I'd rather wait a few years until they sort the bugs with Vista.

everythingblogcast

Dell seems to be working on the desktops for home so I will look into it tomorrow for you tom.

everythingblogcast

If you want you could look at the Dell Outlet or Dell Northern Ireland. Dell factory reset PCs.

albertross_2

The 3100 P4 19" is a good machine (it doesn't have ps/2 keyboard ports, only usb). Personally I'd make sure whatever you chose had a DVD writer for backup purposes, and maybe a floppy drive, the difference in cost is minimal.

MP3's can stutter on the fastest machines sometimes btw, if the processor hits 100% then the decoder stalls a bit.

everythingblogcast

He does not need to pick a PC that has a DVD RW because he has one that he can use from his old PC.