Somebody, Pleazzze?

Question

I need to buy a new desktop. I don't have alot of money, want XP, latest "stuff" (no media). I am lost. What is a really good one.
I asked before, but got only 2 answers. Please help me...:-(

I just need the cpu; I would like office (pro) with Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, Word, and Works..I would like to be able to get it for $500 or less; oh, and I would so LOVE a slimline....I really don't want to shop blind...

One other thing: I really don't want to buy a used one. All the new ones I see come with XP Media Center, and I don't need that. I don't even know what it does: does it include XP Pro or Home?
I really really appreciate your help.

Answer 1

Gateway, Dell, HP, and on - all good. You won't get any computer without the media equip tho unless you have it custom built and spend more money, so just get it and ignore the media apps.

Answer 2

OK - first you need to decide if you want a notebook or desktop PC, because the comparable pricing and options will vary drastically.

For a notebook, have a look at either HP or Toshiba (DELL has become a bit of why-bother of late. If you are after a cleaner set-up, both of these brands offer the option of buying without a pre-installed operating system, which is often the best idea if you don't want all the unnecessary clutter caused by all the add-on software applications.

Now, if you are after a desktop on the other hand, the options are much better. Best idea is to forget the major retailers and instead locate your local stores to get one built. It is not as scary as it sounds - and good store will take the time to sit down with you and work out what system will best suit your needs. I had mine built 18mths ago, and it is still faster than most of the off-the-shelf models - and saved me at least a couple of thousand. Is an option I highly recommend and one which I will continue to take.

Answer 3

Most of the brands listed in preceeding answers are good.

The ONLY problem I find is that they are ALL pre-loaded systems, and contain MANY "proprietary" programs that you won't need, that ALSO slow the system somewhat.

I suggest checking some on-line stores and getting a "refurbished" unit.
They are factory checked and have a warranty. ALSO, in may cases, they will be available with NO operating system installed, at a further savings.

THEN you go to the store and buy the WindowsXP system, and whatever OTHER software you want, and load it yourself.

BEFORE purchasing anything compare prices, and figure out totals
It may be about the same price, or a little more, to buy programing separately and install it; but, you don't have a bunch of stuff you don't need slowing things down.

From what you said you wanted in software, it does NOT appear that you need anything faster than 2Ghz CPU, 512Mb RAM, 40Gb HD minimum, and a CD/DVD burner. ONBOARD video and sound should be satisfactory for your uses, (and most have this). You would need a connection for your internet compatible with what you use, modem for dial-up, or ethernet for DSL. You would want USB 2.0 also, (this is almost standard now on all systems)

I would set up the HD with at least 3 partitions, 5Gb-C:, 10GB-D:, 10Gb min.- E; and load the XP on C, OTHER programming on D, and use the E, (and any other partitions), for DATA storage.

Feel free to contact me directly by e-mail for further information.

You should be able to find an "unloaded" system for less than $300, and use the rest for the software you want. (I have seen refurbished units for less than $200 on sale on some sites.)

PS. I tend to buy the parts and "build" my own systems. I also use some "older" systems for certain uses where I don't need the new stuff to do the job. (I still use MS-DOS for some things!!)

Answer 4

It really depends on what you wanna do with it. Dell has nice computers on the low end budget wise that will do the basics. The more you want to do the more it will cost you.

This dell http://www.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/desktops?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
Starts at $379.00
You should be fine with something like this if your going to do just basic stuff, no gaming etc. The Windows XP media edition is XP it just allows you to play dvd's, cd's etc. Its still Windows XP. Dell has excellent warranties and quick response time for repairs. I deal with them all the time at work.

Answer 5

First, Media Center is XP Pro with the media stuff added to it. You don’t have to use it, it’s just another program.

I would go with Dell. If you’re in school you qualify for a student discount too.

MS Office Pro is going to cost more than this PC.

Dimension E521
The Basics - $329

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_dimene521?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Answer 6

buy a used desktop and upgrade it to XP. It's usually less expensive. what is the purpose of the latest "stuff: you want? its a pretty vague descripton, but some stuff you can buy as add on's later (like a DVD burner)

Answer 7

Go to HP Shopping site an look in there for refurbished PC's with guarantees and with reasonable prices.