New DELL computer, what should I get?

[titansfever83]

My old computer has been a nice one but it's been hit by lightning twice and well, it's giving me tons of problems here lately so I think it's time to get a new one

I'm definitely getting a DELL but which one would you guys suggest?


Here is a list of what I mainly use my computer for:


internet browsing

lots of photo/video creating and editing(just an amatuer ATM)

the wifey plays a lot of online games

burning CD/DVDs

and both my wife and I are going to college next year, I will be doing online schooling, she won't. So any suggestions on some good software that I may need.

Plus I would like to hook up my 52" 1080p LCD TV( I can't seem to get my current computer to work right with it)

I only need a new Tower. Not a whole package deal. I just want something that is fast at downloading/uploading. Something that won't freeze up if I decide to play some PC games, lots of memory for games, video, photos, etc.

I am on a budget, kinda. I don't want to spend a lot of money but I do want to find a happy medium.

Any DELL owners care to share the Pros and Cons of your computer? Thanks in advance MFKers!

 

[titansfever83]

What's the new "Windows 7" option???


LOL, I have Windows XP, so I'm definitely way behind any of the new technology that has come out in the past 6+ years that I've had my current computer.

 

[chesterthehero]

What's the new "Windows 7" option???


LOL, I have Windows XP, so I'm definitely way behind any of the new technology that has come out in the past 6+ years that I've had my current computer.

stick with xp... its the last one that "worked"

 

[iloveoscars702]

never get vista. and i actually prefer 7 more than xp

just build your own tower. thats wht me and my dad did with our current computer. your the one that gets to choose what you want inside.

 

[syndicate]

ive got vista and never had a problem with it at all... dont belive the hype

also is dell a good brand in the states? cheap crap here in aus always best to buy of a computer shop more bang for you buck

 

[Aqua Sanctuary]

Dell are decent, but not good enough to me in the sense, that if you spend the same money buying a dell and building a computer.

The home bult comp would be a powerful machine while the dell would be comparitively a major downgrade.

Im not saying pre-made comps are bad, just not worth the money in my opinion when you can build a better performing rig for less.

 

[komodo182]

I'm tried of having to fix dells for people. don't get a dell.
I have not had a problem with vista and most people don't. I heard 7 will be a good OS, but I don't try things when they just come out.
I like the HP brand myself, even if your warranty is gone, they still help you over the phone and online.
if your warranty is still in affect, they will mail you a prepaid box to ship it to them and about a week later you will have your computer back or they will just give you a new one
As for programs, that depends on your degree.
but yes-building your own computer is the best option, but if you don't know how, I suggest HP

 

[cichlid2006]

they still help you over the phone and online.

they must have nicer call centre people across the pond. I bought a pc from HP and it developed problems within a couple of weeks and they didnt want to know. rude and unhelpful. all i got out of them was "thats not our problem" and "our machines are flawless". i swore i would never buy one again, it was nothing but hassle.

i suggest a custom build if your able to but remember you dont get a warranty to allow you to send it back to get fixed should it break. only the parts come guaranteed seperately so if your unsure about diagnostics then i suggest a company that does custom builds. cheaper and more powerful than the branded pc's for your money but more expensive than a self build.

 

[komodo182]

they must have nicer call centre people across the pond. I bought a pc from HP and it developed problems within a couple of weeks and they didnt want to know. rude and unhelpful. all i got out of them was "thats not our problem" and "our machines are flawless". i swore i would never buy one again, it was nothing but hassle.

i suggest a custom build if your able to but remember you dont get a warranty to allow you to send it back to get fixed should it break. only the parts come guaranteed seperately so if your unsure about diagnostics then i suggest a company that does custom builds. cheaper and more powerful than the branded pc's for your money but more expensive than a self build.

I guess I am lucky for the HP CS. They are awesome here. My friend installed linux and messed up big time. Trashed my whole pc and HP helped me for 13 hours trying to fix it. I did not even have a warranty left with them at that time.

 

[KLee79]

From what I hear, dells arent the most compatible computers. I'd never buy a prebuilt comp unless it was a laptop. I built my own for around 270 bucks. asus motherboard, dual core processor-upgradeable to a quad core. 320G hard drive, 4G ram, and good ole XP. Try tigerdirect.com and look at the barebone kits...