new computer

[no2like]

I want to change my current computer xps m200s Dell.
I have an inclination to buy another Dell,but not limited to that brand.
I would like speed,being able to play & burn cd's,dvd's etc....I want to be able to connect the new computer to my TV.Any suggestions
I would like a 17" lcd screen but they are very expensive.The key is size.I also would like a big H.D or 2 small ones.I would like also to being able to connect my present and the new computer at the present n the same internet line.Although price is always a very important element,it is not necessarely a problem in my case.Any suggestions.

[gwallen4]

Give us a price.

[Fruss Tray Ted]

Well here's my recent go on this:

I was supposed to build a pc for a friend to give to his girlfriend as a Christmas present. The friend mentioned how Dell has a basic setup for around 5 or $699, forget which. I looked around and tried my best to reach something around that price. Then I went to Dell's site to see just what they were offering. Well lo and behold once you get through their site the price comes out to around $800 or so once you've cusomized it somewhat (in this case). But what you get is WAY more than I can find at the retailers online. The reason is Dell has so many 'Free Upgrades'. Like a 120 gig Hard-drive in place of a 30-40 gig for no extra cost. There are more, like extra softwares in the bundle, a CD burner instead of a CD-ROM and so forth.

It's another case of the superstores defeating the mom and pop stores with volume sales. I would have had to buy from several vendors and assembled it all for ZERO profit. Plus needing to stand behind it all I found it too much to compete with. I explained this to him and he had me help him custom pick the order from Dell. The biggest reason being that it was too close to Christmas to receive it all, assemble it, load all the softwares and test it all in time for the holiday. Especially as a third job (It's more a hobby to me ATT). With this pearticular case, the factory received the order and built to suit within 3 working days and was out the door, on the way, OS's loaded. Plug it in and turn it on. No way I had time to do that.

I realise that you can build a better system than what they have to offer but the difference isn't appreciated until you are at the upper third of what's out there IMO. I may be wrong and someone feel free to correct me but this is something I'd rather not see happen (death of mom and pop stores). From what I've heard, customer relations, tech support and RMA's aren't that bad with the better propietary type companies. Just not a place you can talk face to face.

I'll be damned if I will buy a new propietary board/recovery disk type system ever! I never had the time or means to build a car from the ground up so this is my alternative. And my hands don't even get greasy! :D

[Budfred]

If you are going to buy a Dell or Gateway, check the deals out carefully. You may be able to get that 17" LCD screen for a lot less than you thought.

The main drawback to something like a Dell is that they do use proprietary stuff, so you are limited if you want to upgrade later. I would make every effort to see if you can get actual software disks rather than proprietary Restore disks too.

Budfred

[GandalfGrey]

I work for a quite large medical facility (600 full beds), and we made the switch to Dell from IBM about two years ago. Saved about half on individual cost.

Dependability has been fine on PCs, however, our laptops have had a rather high incidence of hardware problems....

We have gone lcd monitors as space savers, plus they are sharper image and easier on the eyes....we have an ergonomics person who studies each and every one of our work areas. Found some basics in most, including some things to watch at home.

Don't have too much overhead light.....if you question your light level use the old eye shade trick.....place one hand like a hat brim over your eyes. If you get a sense of relief, your overhead is probably too bright.

Chair should force you to sit up straight, and arms should support your arms in a work stance.

At any rate, and this is probably more than you wished, the Dells are good, and we have had excellent support.....but then we buy in lots of 50 PCs or so (4,000 employees plus).

Re the proprietary stuff....Compaq & HP are the worst. Bought my wife an "e Machine" which is a cheap Compaq.....Saved a lot as she uses it for little other than email and chat.....BUT when power supply failed I could not use my usual $20 off-the-shelf, but had to buy theirs for almost $65....

GandyGrey