Weeeeeeeee! TY my peeps!
I don't know if I ever mentioned this, but the computer I am on now is only my 2nd computer ever. And to top that off...our first system was used...never refurbished...out of an office system after they got new. We only got the first one to see if we were going to like/have time using a computer at all...LMFAO! But, I swear I didn't even know if I wanted to take the time when I initially got one. Of course I had no idea what an addiction/necessity it'd become. When we realized what we had been missing and that the used system was outdated and lacking upgradable memory we bought the Compaq I am on now.
That we even had the limited knowledge to realize we needed a new puter was such a breakthrough for us. We actually bought this system we have now at a local (yearly) computer "show and sale" and it was cheap, cheap, cheap! It came as is...everything in the box...no upgrades...what you see on the side of the box is what you get! We were still very ignorant of the "how's and why's" and have had to learn along the way since then. That was 6, almost 7, years ago. (<---not much time when I look back now)
As I said initially, we don't know nearly as much as most people out there. But I am confident that I have learned enough to warrant some bells and whistles in this next purchase. I have taken a lot of time to research this purchase...starting here! I've tallied all the very helpful responses, and with that and some off-site comparison shopping (checked out other systems such as HP...etc.) I think I can honestly say I am ready to make a confident purchase.
For what we felt we wanted and needed we can get a really good buy from Dell. With a rebate here and a discount there...for the money...Dell had the best offer. I've heard and understand the quirks and mishaps everyone has told me about Dell and their support. I TY Coaster, for cluing me in to insisting on US support if/when I need it. In setting up an ISP for my father-in-law for an "inexpensive" way to get on the net, I had to speak with plenty of East Indian representitives who are, supposedly, trained to speak English. I was the only one who had the patience (imagine that!) to sit on the phone for several hours and decypher the information they were trying to relay. It helped that I don't have a racist bone in my body too! My father-in-law is such a racist/bigot...and believe me he couldn't get past it in order to set himself up. LMAO!
BTW...I'm NOT saying everyone who doesn't like the support from East India is a racist!!!! I'm just saying that it was THE major reason why my in-law couldn't get himself set up. Eventually he dropped that ISP...for that reason only! But, I digress...again! LOL!
I've tweeked the system I put up initially. I took away the unecessary upgrades and kept the ones recommended as "good" or "you'll appreciate it" or "best for the system" or "good buy"....etc.
My total system, including tax, will cost $971.31.
It is:
Dell Dimension E521
AMD Athlon 64x2 Dual Core 4400+
Free Windows Vista Home Premium upgrade...1GB memory included
Upgrade to 2GB Dual Channel SDRAM
Keyboard and Mouse Bundle included. Didn't like their options. Will find my own mouse.
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics IPU included
Upgrade to 20" Widescreen Digital Flat Panel Monitor
Upgrade to 320GB Hard Drive w/Data Burst Cache (from 250GB)
No Floppy Drive
56K PCI Data Fax Modem included
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 included
Upgrade to Dual Drives: 16x DVD ROM Drive and 48x CD-RW/DVD Combo (they've changed the price and made it an offer I can't refuse)
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
No Speakers (too pricey for our needs...we'll get our own)
30 Free trial McAfee included...will scout our own when needed
2yr. LTD Warranty and At-Home Service upgraded from 1yr. included offer (They lowered the price when I didn't bite on an initial upgrade. Offer too good to refuse!)
Microsoft Works Suite 2006-includes MS Word and a bunch of other stuff I liked. They'll pre-install and test it. They lowered the price on this one too. It's a good thing to be a hold-out!
And then there'll be a bunch of trial packs I can choose to install or not. Stuff like ISP's and New Yahoo stuff and Music thingies...a buncha stuff!
So...that's the deal! I can't wait! I should probably take a week or two vacation time cause I want to get a puppy soon too! YIKES!
Thank You from the bottom of my bottom to EVERYONE who contributed to this thread and helped me immensely. And to all who have PM'd me periodically to add a tid-bit!
I Love You Guys!!!!!!
Wish us luck!
Linear Mode
