I bought a Dell a few years ago (2001 if I recall correctly), and since my computer has been starting to act up.
At the time, I was into PC gaming and spent $2000+ on a PC, excluding monitor.
I just bought a new monitor hoping to fix a PC-related issue (see my other thread in this forum), and since that hasn't fixed the problem, I am considering buying another Dell, this time keeping things under $1000 and focusing on a more basic PC, than a gaming (read, expensive) one.
Furthermore, instead of spending $300-400 on a comparable video card, I would rather spend $800-1k and "start fresh" this time building a system more focused on browsing the Internet, desktopping, and using a computer for word processing, and occasionally a basic game, such as DXBall, etc.
Basically, my PC is over 5 years old, and while I don't need cutting edge for gaming, I'd still appreciate a more updated PC in general. Even a basic 2.5 Gig processor is 3 times faster than I am running now..
I went to Dell.com just now and started customizing their Dimension B110 model.
The resulting model came out as follows:
Code:
Dimension B110
Dimension B110:
Intel® Celeron® D Processor 325 (2.53 GHz, 533 FSB)
Operating System:
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Memory:
1GB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz
Hard Drive:
160GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive
CD or DVD Drive:
Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
Floppy Drive:
3.5 in Floppy Drive
Monitors:
Free Upgrade!! 17 inch E176FP Analog Flat Panel
Video Cards:
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Sound:
Integrated 2.0 Channel Audio
Modem:
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
Speakers:
Dell A525 30 Watt 2.1 Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer
Keyboard and Mouse Bundles:
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
Mouse:
Mouse included with Keyboard purchase
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed):
No Productivity Suite - Corel WordPerfect® word processor only
Network Interface:
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Choice of Mail-in Rebate or Dell Gift Card:
Save $50 with mail-in rebate. Price shown before rebate
Hardware Warranty:
SAVE $30 (after rebate) 4Yr Ltd Warranty,At-Home Srvc + Nights and Weekend
Miscellaneous:
Award Winning Service & Support
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed):
No Security Subscription
Dell Digital Entertainment:
Starter Entertainment Pack -Basic digital Music, Photo, and Casual Gaming
Adobe Software:
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
Internet Access Service:
6 Months of EarthLink Internet Access Included
Total Cost: $929.00
The important thing for me, is that this is not a gaming machine. It will be a "desktop" and used by myself and my family for browsing the Internet, word processing, and basic games and video viewing.
I could put money into upgrading my current PC, but even spending $500 is half of this new PC, which is faster on all levels, except Video Card, which I won't be needing anyway.
My current PC is an 866 Mhz, with 256 MB RAM, a 60 GB hard drive, and Soundblaster Live! value. It's dated, and I have no desire to continue pumping any money into it.
My question you to all is: Do you think this computer will suffice for desktop/family use? The video card will likely be bare bones, but will that allow me to use a respectable screen resolution and watch movies? The sound card is nothing impressive, but will I be able to listen to MP3s and other online audio without problems?
I am at the point where I have no interest in spending large amounts of money to build a uber gaming system, because I don't PC Game anymore and I am trying to be more frugal/cost conscious in general as I start to get older.
Furthermore, I game on consoles, and intend to use my PC for everything but gaming from here on out, and just wondered if you think the system above will work well for me?