Time for a new computer

[jogartrago]

I'm baaaaack!!! Looking for help------again!!!!
Senior citizen. Spend less than 3 hours per day interacting w/ computers.
Mostly browsing, some word processing, creating then burning audio files on CD's. Some time dealing w/ photos.
That's about it.
Need your professional advice on a new system.
I lean toward Dell equipment as that is what I have now and it has performed well for me over the years.
Thanks in advance for any help.


P.S. An answer to my query probably exists on your site but I'm just to lazy to look for it.
Thanks again.

[Erik]

Most here will say that Dell isn't the best and you could do much better building your own system. However for your needs something from Dell or any of the other big manufacturers would be fine.

When you say working with photos what do you mean? Are you fairly serious using Photoshop, or just keeping an album of family photos?

For your needs just about any of the processors in a modern PC will be overkill. I would recommend going with at least 512MB of RAM (if you really are on a very tight budget) or 1GB as a more realistic amount. I would also say stick with Windows XP if you can as you will have less problems with compatibility if you want to use any of the software or peripherals from your current PC.

[jogartrago]

Thanx for your response.
Interesting point you make about staying w/ Windows XP.
I kinda feel a bit foolish for having waited till Vista was introduced to buy a new rig but no harm no foul.
At this point can't even consider a build yourself. Finger dexterity & patience wane with the passing years.
Thanx again.

[Stoney]

Can you give us an idea about price range as well? And as Eric points out 1 Gig of memory should be seriously considered especially since it is Vista.

[jogartrago]

Less than $1000.00

[Erik]

$1,000 is plenty to buy a computer more than capable of doing what you need for the next few years. If you have had good experiences with Dell and like them by all means go and check out what they offer. They do have many lower end systems at bargain basement prices, and then some better ones. Many people have been having problems with them lately though as it seems the quality has been dropping.

Look around at some other manufacturers too (HP, Acer, IBM, etc.) and see what is available in your price range. Where do you plan to buy (retail store, online, direct from manufacturer)?

[jogartrago]

Erik: Thanx for your interest. The thousand dollars was my upper limit. (Social Security checks don't go very far!!!!!!).
Fortunately, I have a relative (son) who is more computer savvy than I. Therefore, I'll be guided more about where to buy a new rig than what to buy from his imput.
While I have your attention, are you able to tell me whether the new Vista OS or later versions of Windows XP provide mechanisms for easy transfer of files from old unit to new. Or will I have to post a new thread w/ this question.