I need a computer.

[oneworld]

(last new thread, sorry!)

Well, my 6 year old dell is really not what it used to be..It sometimes growls at me, its really loud now, and its SSLLOOWWW..now, i dont need some crazy insane gaming computer. just a decent desktop. I found one I like at Walmart, its a dell XPS. for $960.00 and I get 20% off of that.

these are the key features.
# 19" Dell SE198WFP widescreen LCD monitor
Presents 1440 x 900 resolution, 600:1 contrast and 8-ms. typical response rate
# Intel Core 2 Q6600 Quad-Core processor
Delivers the processing power to efficiently run today's demanding software
# 3 GB of DDR2 system memory, 667 MHz
Offers excellent performance for today's demanding applications
# 320 GB hard drive
Provides plenty of storage space for documents, games, music, photos and videos
# DVD+/-RW drive
Lets you burn and play DVDs and CDs for entertainment and data backup
# 19-in-1 digital media card reader
Reads the most popular memory card formats so you can transfer photos, music or documents
# 10/100/1000 Gigabit network interface and 56K modem
Connects to the Internet via DSL, cable or dial-up service
# Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition with Service Pack 1
Makes your total computing experience more efficient, more secure and more fun


or an imac. my friend bought one and i really like it to. but im not sure if im really a mac fan. advice is appreciated.

[Hexis]

If you need a computer, just go to the Apple store and get one.

I work on PCs all day, there are no windows machines in my house, only a few Macs and a FreeBSD lil server. If gaming is not a big concern, Macs are a great choice.

[teufelhunden]

If you need a computer, just go to the Apple store and get one.

I work on PCs all day, there are no windows machines in my house, only a few Macs and a FreeBSD lil server. If gaming is not a big concern, Macs are a great choice.

Depends on your work. I can't get a Mac because then I can't remote in to the network at work and use the applications I need.



Anyway, if you don't need a super gaming computer or whatever you said, why are you looking at a quad core? There aren't that many applications written to take advantage of them, and you won't be using those that are for AO and email.

You can do better in the $800 range. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1207957307299 has roughly the same stats as that one above, sans monitor and quad core, for sub $500.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....909924&count=1 incl monitor and printer, similar stats, sub 600



etc, look around

[SCpoloRicker]

Currently running 20" iMac G5 on Leopard at home, Compaq 6515b on XP at the office. 3G iPhone. I was a PC guy through college, and a gamer. Went to consoles with the first Xbox.

I prefer my Macs, honestly, however it still isn't painless to use them in many work environments. Office 2k8 for Macs is just plain terrible, as is Vista.

You shouldn't spend more than 500-600 unless you're a designer.

[oneworld]

Well I'm about 50 miles away from a best buy. maybe i'll go down Thursday and take a look. So far I have been happy with my Dell. and its still okay, just time to retire it I think. Had a gateway once, and HATED it. it died after the first year. but that was also back in 1998. walmart has a dell for $500.00 that i like as well, maybe ill just go for that one. although the XPS still has my vote...I do SOME gaming. like WOW and diablo, agae of empires. that stuff..but use my 360 for most of my gaming.

[Spencer]

mac

[Tunaman]

Check out Tigerdirect.com.

[chafnerjr]

PC = Windows or Linux
Mac = Mac OS, Windows, Linux

Also, having the mac, you can use that for most things, and only use windows when you have to... like playing games or connection to a business VPN. The best of all worlds.

P.S. Every single person I've set up with a Mac, coming over from windows can't believe the difference. Not a single one has gone back... I've even consult for some offices that are all Windows, but now use macbook laptops as windows only laptops because of the better hardware and controlled drivers from Apple...

I've actually had a much better Windows experience on a Mac simply due to the fact that Apple takes care of all the drivers and updates... no single other company can provide the same sort of support. Not Dell, not HP, not Acer. (And yes, I can imagine the flame posts to come after this comment)... ok bring it on

[chafnerjr]

I can't wait to get flamed for this one

Now to be fair I am specifically comparing quality and adoption... not the really little gritty details. That's why I am not comparing Microsoft and Apple here, just the OS.

Windows = Smart Parts
Mac OS X = AGD

[teufelhunden]

Check out Tigerdirect.com.

As long as you avoid anything with a rebate.

[Hexis]

Depends on your work. I can't get a Mac because then I can't remote in to the network at work and use the applications I need.

You may be surprised. VMWare Fusion (like VM Workstation for OSX) gives you a virtualized windows desktop. Outside of gaming and modeling or other really load intensive apps, it will run anything as fast as a native OS. I use an virtual XP instance to VPN in for work. Depending on your work's VPN setup you may be able to use an OSX machine anyways. Cisco has a native OSX VPN client. Citrix has a native client. There is an native RDP client from MS. There is not a lot you can't do.

[Hilltop Customs]

As long as you avoid anything with a rebate.

Ive bought quiet a few things w rebates off tigerdirect and never had a problem, now when I bought my camera from Staples w rebates that was a different story.

[SithSteve]

Lately, newegg.com has had better prices than tigerdirect.com