Need advice on new computer (Dell)

RJaco

It is about time for a new computer and I need a little help. Figured this was a good place to ask. Everyone here has a computer and knows more than I do. I use it for surfing the net, itunes and pokerstars, etc. Will also be used for storing pictures. No gaming or movies. I have a Dell and think I will get another one. Looking at the Inspiron 530 and 518. What is the main difference between them? I can't tell. Was thinking about getting a refurbished or previously owned from Dell Factory Outlet. Has anyone had any experience with the factory outlet? Here are the specs on a couple that I like and are in my price range, $450-$600. Let me know what you guys think. Looking to get one that will do everything I need and just a little more but still not go overboard.

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Memory
6 GB DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz (4 DIMMs)
Hard Disk Drive
640 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Modem
V.92/56K PCI DataFax Modem
Base
Inspiron Desktop 518 Mini-tower: Intel Core 2 Duo processor E7300 (3MB L2, 2.66GHz, 1066FSB)
Media Bay
16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
Software Upgrade
64BIT Operating System DVD
Microsoft Works 9.0
64BIT Operating System CD
Hardware Upgrade
Dell 19 in 1 Media Card Reader
USB Keyboard
Optical 2-Button Mouse

Also looking at this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270361842715&ih=017&category=179&_trksid=p3286.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DD%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D1%26ps%3D5

fast1

try this?

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-530-Processor-Integrated-Accelerator/dp/B001AWW6QI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238772906&sr=8-1

bobman1235

Looks like the 530 can be built with a bigger hard drive (up to 1TB instead of up to 500GB for the 518) and a BluRay drive. Also available with a different video card (nVidia and ATI, while the 518 just comes with a stock ATI). The 530 has bluetooth built in and a memory card reader, the 518 has neither of those. Also the 530 has 2 PCI slots and 1 PCI-e slot, while the 518 has 2 PCI-e slots and 1 PCI slot.

Considering what you say you need it for, I'd just get the cheapest thing you can. Doesn't sound like you need much power or storage so why spend the money?

wizzy

If you're barely doing anything you may want to consider 3GB or 4GB and a 32-bit OS instead of the 64-bit OS

CaligulaPolk

fast1 wrote: »

try this?

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-530-Processor-Integrated-Accelerator/dp/B001AWW6QI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238772906&sr=8-1

this is what i am keeping my eyes on and other dell computer in black piano finish. ill require hdmi card so i can hook up to my onkyo instead

RJaco

Thanks guys. I will probably get one of the cheaper ones. I just don't want to regret it later if I get one and it seems too small. I have been using a Dimension 4700 for a few years. Then fan runs almost non stop when it is booted up.

bklynNupe

Forget the Dell not unless you don’t mind spending 2+ hours a week trouble shooting your PC. Windows Vista is problematic to say the least. I use it at work and can’t stand it.
On the other hand you can purchase a refurbished Mac or about 300 more with a warrantee and extend it to 3 years with Apple care. Like Polk or emotiva, they stand behind their products. I think PC’s are great for MS Office, other than that you will get what you pay for. I have to admit that I am biased. I’m sure there are techies on this forum that will make my head spin.
IPhoto is what you want and you will feel like a pro, no matter what your level orientation.
I’m biased towards Macs simply because they are extremely intuitive and since I went back to Macs from PC’s, I have never had to call on one Mac Teckie friend! Also, Dell’s customer service sucks eggs. I had a job a couple of years back in a small office and one of my responsibilities was to manage the all of our Dells.

Again, no offense to the folks who love PC’s, I just don’t think they are worth the headache.

ryanjoachim

Mac's are...boring.
PC's are...too much work (but I love it!)

Honestly, go to Walmart, go to Electronics, find the first $400 computer+monitor combo, and buy it.

It'll do everything you need, and upgrading the hard drive is incredibly easy (even in **** cases like those)
Also, most desktops for 4-500 have dual-core cpu and 3gb of ram.

bklynNupe

wow, if this was April 1st, i would think you were joshing me! I guess it depends on what your looking for. I'm speechless as I type on this spakin' new piece o' crap dell. :eek:
I guess PC's are great for the hobbist who like to tinker.

RJaco

I have a 19" Dell flat screen monitor, so won't be getting the combo. I have had this Dell for at least 3 years with out any problems other than the fan running all the time. I just want to upgrade to something a little better. Not sure about Window Vista. Think that is what my Mom has and she doesn't like it. I probably need to check into it a little more. I do appreciate any advice or ideas.

exalted512

RJaco wrote: »

I have a 19" Dell flat screen monitor, so won't be getting the combo. I have had this Dell for at least 3 years with out any problems other than the fan running all the time. I just want to upgrade to something a little better. Not sure about Window Vista. Think that is what my Mom has and she doesn't like it. I probably need to check into it a little more. I do appreciate any advice or ideas.

Just to let you know, they're having a sell on all their XPS stuff this week. Deal changes every day and is good for 2 days. Theres nothing for you yet (Even tomorrow's stuff will still be higher than what you're wanting to pay), but it ends on the 8th, so you might want to keep an eye on it!
-Cody

RJaco

Thanks Cody. I will keep an eye on it.

I-SIG

bklynNupe wrote: »

Forget the Dell not unless you don’t mind spending 2+ hours a week trouble shooting your PC. Windows Vista is problematic to say the least. I use it at work and can’t stand it.
On the other hand you can purchase a refurbished Mac or about 300 more with a warrantee and extend it to 3 years with Apple care. Like Polk or emotiva, they stand behind their products. I think PC’s are great for MS Office, other than that you will get what you pay for. I have to admit that I am biased. I’m sure there are techies on this forum that will make my head spin.
IPhoto is what you want and you will feel like a pro, no matter what your level orientation.
I’m biased towards Macs simply because they are extremely intuitive and since I went back to Macs from PC’s, I have never had to call on one Mac Teckie friend! Also, Dell’s customer service sucks eggs. I had a job a couple of years back in a small office and one of my responsibilities was to manage the all of our Dells.

Again, no offense to the folks who love PC’s, I just don’t think they are worth the headache.

I'm looking at getting a new laptop myself. Find me an Apple with a HDMI output and I'll listen as I'm considering a new plasma with no VGA input.

Wes

Sherardp

I'm not a fan of Vista at all. I just got a XPS1530 and it is awesome but the Vista software is touchy. I recommend Dell, I had to use the CS and to be honest it really wasnt too bad. Give them the service tag, they pull up the account and off you go as they help troubleshoot the PC. Remote assistance worked pretty well too as they took control of the pc to check some files etc. I wouldnt call it top notch CS but for what it is, they did well, I hung up content as the problem was corrected. I'd recommend one. If you really want a kick **** PC, go Falcon.

RJaco

Thanks Sherardp. I don't need anything to good. My wife and son both have laptops now, so this one will be all mine. He won a Toshiba laptop at their after prom party. Does anybody have any info on them. Before we all 3 used. My wife takes a fair amount of pictures and my son is always doing something. Think I am going to go with a 518 or 530 Inspiron. Wonder how they compare to my old dimension 4700?