) years old. Its truly a peice. I need to get a new one and I will be going to Dell for it. I just love that XPS 
I need a new computer
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, IL USA
I have had Dells, Gateways, HPs, eMachines, and Sonys. I would purchase all again excepy HP. I had some problems with an HP desk top and HP did not want to stand behind it (could have just been a lemon machine tho!) I work in a college and have worked with lots of high schools. School computers get lots of hard use. The college uses Gateway (we get a good price buying in quantity) and they hold up well. One high school I worked with bought a whole load of Toshibas at a great price but had to replace almost all of them within a year. They did not seem to hold up as well under student use as other brands. Again only one instance.
I recently bought an eMachine which was on a special price with all the rebates. I upgraded to increase the RAM (I would get 512 minimum) and also got a flat panel monitor. 2.7 ghz Celeron, 80 g hard drive, DVD/CD-Rw combo, 3.5 floppy, 512 RAM, 15 inch flat panel monitor and a Lexmark printer = $789 after rebate. Haven't had it long but so far it is a good machine for little money.
I recently bought an eMachine which was on a special price with all the rebates. I upgraded to increase the RAM (I would get 512 minimum) and also got a flat panel monitor. 2.7 ghz Celeron, 80 g hard drive, DVD/CD-Rw combo, 3.5 floppy, 512 RAM, 15 inch flat panel monitor and a Lexmark printer = $789 after rebate. Haven't had it long but so far it is a good machine for little money.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
I concur with suggestions of tigerdirect if you do not want to piece a new computer together. I would be sure you could get an AMD or Intel processor and motherboard for $100 or less if you can do with less than the fastest processors. Buy a slower processor and overclock it. All your current components will work with a new motherboard except memory. Upgrade your hard drive next, then the video card.
wes
wes
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
If you want to piece one together with good grade components try www.newegg.com I buy lots of parts from them.
If you want great service and the best machine for the money go to a local business that builds custom computers or buy a package deal from them. Get retail versions or parts directly from the manufacturer so you will have driver support available.
Most people blindly buy from Gateway, Dell, HP, or Compaq etc but those machines are way overpriced for their real value. They also tend to use custom OEM versions of internal boards and components to keep their costs low that will not have driver support except from the dealer ($$$) and then only so long (more$$$). They may advertise such and such parts but they are inferior cut rate versions without all the normal features. They have to support all of those ads and overhead by cutting corners.
If you want great service and the best machine for the money go to a local business that builds custom computers or buy a package deal from them. Get retail versions or parts directly from the manufacturer so you will have driver support available.
Most people blindly buy from Gateway, Dell, HP, or Compaq etc but those machines are way overpriced for their real value. They also tend to use custom OEM versions of internal boards and components to keep their costs low that will not have driver support except from the dealer ($$$) and then only so long (more$$$). They may advertise such and such parts but they are inferior cut rate versions without all the normal features. They have to support all of those ads and overhead by cutting corners.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 1
From: Tucson
I'm with mbnv992. Just buy a Dell. They are middle of the road, dependable and have the best support in the industry. I have had several at home and many at work.
If you enjoy tinkering with PCs, you could upgrade as others have suggested but you will likely spend what you would have for a Dell anyhow. You'll buy a motherboard and your old memory won't work; you'll buy a video card that heats up your system; you'll buy a hard drive and it won't mount propery.
Anyhow, Dell is like IBM was many years ago: "You can't go wrong buying a Dell."
jor
If you enjoy tinkering with PCs, you could upgrade as others have suggested but you will likely spend what you would have for a Dell anyhow. You'll buy a motherboard and your old memory won't work; you'll buy a video card that heats up your system; you'll buy a hard drive and it won't mount propery.
Anyhow, Dell is like IBM was many years ago: "You can't go wrong buying a Dell."
jor
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,798
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS.
I picked up an HP at wallyworld a little over a year ago, and I'm happy with it. I think it cost me about $600, and had everything I was looking for. I think that they have them now for about 450-500.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: south dakota
i do not know if you are as cheap as i am, but here is what i did. a couple months ago i replaced my old 486 with a refurbished emachines from tigersdirect. computer-speakers-keyboard-mouse,17" monitor, all in one printer-scanner-coppier. all are refurbished by their manufacturer. all worked right out of the box and i am extremely happy with it. cost $556 + shipping for every thing. i do not know how long it will last, but for that price i will take my chances.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
We have over 1000 PC's statewide in our shop, all Dells. They are very reliable and the support is the best.
Be VERY carefull buying a homemade PC from a local outfit. Most of these guys won't be around next year, and then who do you call?
Be VERY carefull buying a homemade PC from a local outfit. Most of these guys won't be around next year, and then who do you call?
