[merrrrjig]

I am looking at getting a new computer, I am over having this POS laptop that cant handle any programs, Dell has this good deal right now, all this for $500 + free shipping Pent. 4 2.8ghz, 80gig HD, 1GB ram, 17" flat panel, dvd burner, xp media edition. I will be using it for making my website, photoshop, and inernet. You guys think this is a pretty good deal?

 

[Upgr8r]

Over the years I have bought three computers from Dell (2 desktops and a laptop). Although the customer service has dropped over the years, they still rank tops in the PC mags. They make great computers and the price is mostly resonable if you don't go super high end. I have never had any serious problems and the problems I have had that required contacting Dell were handled quickly and with a minimum of hassle. I would recommend them. In fact I'm looking at upgrading my desktop with another Dell

 

[merrrrjig]

ya, im on a dell laptop right now, which I have had many problems with, which is part why im not getting a laptop, on the other hand my other computer is a 6 or 7 yr old dell that is still running perfect

 

[binary visions]

I've had lots of good experiences with Dell.

That particular deal you're looking at is a decent one. Go for it if you want something right now, but don't feel pressured as if there won't be other deals. They run specials all the time.

Personally, I'd probably get something with a PCI Express video card instead of that crappy Intel integrated video. And a bigger hard drive. But those will both cost you money, so it depends on your budget

 

[Ciaran]

Personally, I'd probably get something with a PCI Express video card instead of that crappy Intel integrated video. And a bigger hard drive. But those will both cost you money, so it depends on your budget

I agree with BV (The great smacker downer. I'm gonna get you for that one, Buttercup), get something with a decent video card, and avoid the integrated video. He's a photographer so I imagine that he'll be doing his editing on the PC, right Wes?

 

[merrrrjig]

Yep thats right, 80 gigs isnt too much, but I have an external 80 gig too. I am going to call them and see if they can put a quality video card in it.

 

[jimmydean]

Just toss a video card in it and be done. If you can get a system without the onboard video, then cool, but you can get a good video card for about $80 that will be much better than any onboard crap.

 

[binary visions]

Just toss a video card in it and be done. If you can get a system without the onboard video, then cool, but you can get a good video card for about $80 that will be much better than any onboard crap.

...that only works if the system comes with a PCI Express or AGP slot, though, which some on-board-video systems don't.

 

[jimmydean]

...that only works if the system comes with a PCI Express or AGP slot, though, which some on-board-video systems don't.

Most of the Dell systems have one unless they are micro form factor. Dell uses Intel made boards for a lot of systems that will have PCI Express, but they slap an on board chip on there to get it sold.

It's been a while for me though, I could be way off. I know all the system I worked on at Intel had slots even though they had on board gear.

 

[binary visions]

Most of the Dell systems have one unless they are micro form factor. Dell uses Intel made boards for a lot of systems that will have PCI Express, but they slap an on board chip on there to get it sold.

Right, quite often that is the case, but they don't even offer a PCI-e board as an upgrade for this system

 

[habitatxskate]

dell customer services suck..i'm on the phone for 10 hours over a span of 4 times..then i'm like **** you, and took 2 hours to do it myself...i got my 4 year old xps, could use a 200 gig hd and a better graphics/video card, but besides that, they are okay..although windows and dell's hard drives do fail at life..get it!