OK, Computer Gurus....

[The Heretic]

Miles, I forgot to mention that you should probably check on http://www.slickdeals.net several times a day. Dell has these sales and coupon offers every couple of weeks, and they haven't had a sale for a couple of weeks (one like this one: http://www.slickdeals.net/?fromMont...Year=2005&site=slickdeals&pastdeals=Go#p6645).

I expect they will have on pretty soon. Maybe right after Thanksgiving, most likely before XMas.

 

[miles]

About 90& of my computer use is Internet. The rest is a mix of copying CD's using iTunes, transferring music to my iPod, and some Word and Excel. That's it. No graphics or games. I do want to be able to burn CD's and DVD's and haven't looked closely at the specs I posted to see if this machine has that capability.

All my peripheral hardware is old. I need a new monitor. Mine is dying fast.

 

[miles]

Hi Miles. What you've got listed there isnt a bad computer, but I'm sure that if you shop around some, you'd be able to find a better bargin.

For instance, you're posting on these forums so I'm guessing that you have a computer already. On top of that, I'm going to assume that it's a desktop computer. That means that you already have all the "additionals" you'd need. Things like a monitor, keyboard, speakers, mouse, etc. The package deal that you listed also listed those items. Now, if you're wanting to relace those things, that's all well and good. Otherwise, you're going to wind up with a bunch of extras just sitting around your house or you'll wind up tossing some good computer equipment.

If all you're wanting to do is replace/upgrade the actual computer itself, I'd suggest checking out what your local Best Buy, Circuit City or local computer store can do for you. I'd suggest going with your local computer store first because they've almost always got a good deal and can usually undercut the competition. Another reason to go with a local computer store is that if there's ever anything wrong and it needs to be repaired, you can always just take the computer down to them instead of having to box the computer up, ship it out and wonder WTF is going on with your property.

Since you're looking for what most people would call a "productivity" computer (nothing that's going to be doing high end graphics, surround sound and the like), I've found something that you might be interested in. It's an alternative to going to a computer store and this computer saves you a TON of space in your work area. Cybernet has created a "Zero Footprint" computer where everything is contained inside the keyboard itself. Saves on desk space and if you already have the "extras" (monitor, mouse, etc), then all you need is the base computer.

If you're wanting a traditional case computer, again, I suggest that you go ahead and visit your local computer store. If there's an Intrex Computers outlet in your area, I highly recommend them. Their guys are almost always knowledgable about the latest technology and are willing to help anyone out with designing a new system.

Probably the most important thing to do is shop around. Buying a computer is a lot like buying a car. You need to visit a few different places and get an idea as to who is offering what. Plus, different places will be offering different bonuses and offers that you may not want to miss out on.

If you have any more specific questions, feel free to throw them in here. I'm always happy to talk tech.

The last place I'd buy a PC from is Best Buy or CC. There are no "local computer dealers" anymore. The big box stores killed them off.

 

[The Heretic]

About 90& of my computer use is Internet. The rest is a mix of copying CD's using iTunes, transferring music to my iPod, and some Word and Excel. That's it. No graphics or games. I do want to be able to burn CD's and DVD's and haven't looked closely at the specs I posted to see if this machine has that capability.

All my peripheral hardware is old. I need a new monitor. Mine is dying fast.

The one you spec'd has burning capability - you should preferably get a DVD burner, but bear in mind it is not easy to copy pre-recorded movies as most software won't let you do that - and you will have to buy double-layer DVDs, which are several dollars each (on sale) compared to about 20-30 cents each for single sided DVDs.

The double side will come down in price - they already are; last year it was cheaper to buy a pre-recorded DVD on sale than the blanks.

Mostly I burn movies to single sided DVDs on my DVD recorder from the Tivo, not on my burner, and I rarely make copies that way as it takes about an hour to read, then an hour to write. Mine is an 8X DVD, so a 16X would be about twice as fast. But for double-layer, double sided, I think it might take about the same time.

 

[miles]

The one you spec'd has burning capability - you should preferably get a DVD burner, but bear in mind it is not easy to copy pre-recorded movies as most software won't let you do that - and you will have to buy double-layer DVDs, which are several dollars each (on sale) compared to about 20-30 cents each for single sided DVDs.

The double side will come down in price - they already are; last year it was cheaper to buy a pre-recorded DVD on sale than the blanks.

Mostly I burn movies to single sided DVDs on my DVD recorder from the Tivo, not on my burner, and I rarely make copies that way as it takes about an hour to read, then an hour to write. Mine is an 8X DVD, so a 16X would be about twice as fast. But for double-layer, double sided, I think it might take about the same time.

I think you just talked me out of the DVD altogether. I don't have or plan on getting Tivo and doubt I'd ever copy movies.

 

[The Heretic]

I think you just talked me out of the DVD altogether. I don't have or plan on getting Tivo and doubt I'd ever copy movies.

Go ahead and get it - it is not that much more and it is very convenient for backing up data - much better than CDs. I just wouldn't pay a premium for it.

 

[Beco]

I think you just talked me out of the DVD altogether. I don't have or plan on getting Tivo and doubt I'd ever copy movies.

Miles, you never know, thats the thing. Try to buy a little for the future. For example, If you download music files they take up a lot of space, so get some extra memory.

 

[The Heretic]

Miles, you never know, thats the thing. Try to buy a little for the future. For example, If you download music files they take up a lot of space, so get some extra memory.

Agreed. You can now get MP3/CD Audio players in cars that will play music burnt to DVD.

Now you can put 8 hours of CD Audio tracks, or 40-80 hours (depending on the bit rate you want) of MP3 music on one single sided DVD disc - twice as much on a double layer disc (although I am not sure if any car DVD players read double layer yet).

 

[Beco]

Agreed. You can now get MP3/CD Audio players in cars that will play music burnt to DVD.

Now you can put 8 hours of CD Audio tracks, or 40-80 hours (depending on the bit rate you want) of MP3 music on one single sided DVD disc - twice as much on a double layer disc (although I am not sure if any car DVD players read double layer yet).

I know im getting older, but I just cant keep up on all this stuff. I just recently got a I-pod and started burning music only a couple of years ago. Now im trying to figure out how to wire my house, get sattlittle radio and burn porn for my computer. Life is tough

 

[miles]

As luck would have it Dell had a new special this morning - The E310 Pentium with a free 17" flatscreen for about $30 more than the above.

 

[The Heretic]

As luck would have it Dell had a new special this morning - The E310 Pentium with a free 17" flatscreen for about $30 more than the above.

Mission accomplished.