Dude, Am I getting a Dell?

[BuddyLee]

With all the boob talk I thought I'd finally spend some of my hard earned cash. I'm seriously thinking about getting my first computer. However, I don't know what to get based on my needs. Any help is appreciated.

With this computer I will basically use it for downloading, burning CD's & DVD's and surfing the net well and often. I have little idea what I need. Help!

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D30PL1&s=dhs

I'm considering this model but if you find a better one that is less expensive and has everything I'll need it would be appreciated. Try and go off what the site has to offer in describing what I'll need in your opinion.

1. How are Dell's? Reliable? Piece of junk?

2. What type of processor should I get?

3. Memory?

4. Hard drive?

5. CD or DVD drive? What is the major benefit of having a dual drive?

Also, me and my friend had a little debate recently about turning the computer off after the nights end. She leaves her computer on all day and night because she has cable. Isn't that bad for the computer and won't her parts i.e. fan and what not break down if the computer is running for longer periods of time?

 

[Suz]

With all the boob talk I thought I'd finally spend some of my hard earned cash. I'm seriously thinking about getting my first computer. However, I don't know what to get based on my needs. Any help is appreciated.

With this computer I will basically use it for downloading, burning CD's & DVD's and surfing the net well and often. I have little idea what I need. Help!

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D30PL1&s=dhs

I'm considering this model but if you find a better one that is less expensive and has everything I'll need it would be appreciated. Try and go off what the site has to offer in describing what I'll need in your opinion.

1. How are Dell's? Reliable? Piece of junk? very reliable

2. What type of processor should I get? P4

3. Memory? 512 mb

4. Hard drive? at least a 80 gb

5. CD or DVD drive? What is the major benefit of having a dual drive? get a cd/rw/dvd/rw

Also, me and my friend had a little debate recently about turning the computer off after the nights end. She leaves her computer on all day and night because she has cable. Isn't that bad for the computer and won't her parts i.e. fan and what not break down if the computer is running for longer periods of time?

mine runs 24x7. no problems.


I just bought hubby a new Dell with all of the above. Want one? I can get it for you for less then the price on dells website. and a 1 yr warranty. pm me for details. And you could have it sooner.....

 

[AMP]

http://forums.somd.com/showthread.php?t=42684

I'd go with Dell, everytime. Their website to "build" one is good. If you max out your processing speed, memory, and drive space, you should be good to go for the next few years. Are you in college? Might behoove you to splurge now if you can and get a machine that will be there for for the next few years. I would upgrade to the 1G memory and the 80GB hard drive (can hold more stuff). A 3gigahertz processor will give you a little more speed, but not much more than the standard. Don't forget to tack on either the Norton or McAfee virus stuff! Or buy it on your own (you can download). Get both CD/DVD/RW drive combo - I have a dual drive, but dont expect to have to add anything, so that is why I got it. Can't help you on monitors, it's all in what you like and are able to put up with. I have an older 21" CRT (which is also a Dell), and won't buy a smaller one until the flatscreens are less expensive. But the slim flat panels are sooo nice as far as freeing up deskspace.

Think twice about upgrading speakers through Dell - you can usually get a better buy online and have a friend install them. ANd don't purchase any of your peripherals through them unless you are sure of a good deal. THere are plenty of online places to order an all-in-one, or check out sales at Best Buy or Circuit CIty.

SOmetimes I turn my puter off, sometimes I leave it on - I work from home and have it on all day, never had a problem.

GOod luck Dude!

 

[truby20]

mine runs 24x7. no problems.

Well it is more environmentally responsible to turn your computer off every night; these things are not refrigerators...there is no reason for them to be constantly on.

 

[AMP]

Well it is more environmentally responsible to turn your computer off every night; these things are not refrigerators...there is no reason for them to be constantly on.

My monitor is ALMOST as big as my fridge!

 

[unixpirate]

With all the boob talk I thought I'd finally spend some of my hard earned cash. I'm seriously thinking about getting my first computer. However, I don't know what to get based on my needs. Any help is appreciated.

With this computer I will basically use it for downloading, burning CD's & DVD's and surfing the net well and often. I have little idea what I need. Help!

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D30PL1&s=dhs

I'm considering this model but if you find a better one that is less expensive and has everything I'll need it would be appreciated. Try and go off what the site has to offer in describing what I'll need in your opinion.

1. How are Dell's? Reliable? Piece of junk?

2. What type of processor should I get?

3. Memory?

4. Hard drive?

5. CD or DVD drive? What is the major benefit of having a dual drive?

Also, me and my friend had a little debate recently about turning the computer off after the nights end. She leaves her computer on all day and night because she has cable. Isn't that bad for the computer and won't her parts i.e. fan and what not break down if the computer is running for longer periods of time?

Dells are awesome.
Remember, the bigger the processor, the more memory, the happier you will be in the long run.
I see you can get a faster processor for $32. Its worth it BL.
Good Luck

 

[PrchJrkr]

Well it is more environmentally responsible to turn your computer off every night; these things are not refrigerators...there is no reason for them to be constantly on.

That's why MS OS's have power saving options. Mine runs 24/7 and is UPS protected. Everything "sleeps" when not in use.

 

[truby20]

That's why MS OS's have power saving options. Mine runs 24/7 and is UPS protected. Everything "sleeps" when not in use.

You running a server or just want to let you IM pals know you're sleeping?

Just take a few seconds and shut it down.

Those at Energy Star (www.energystar.gov) still prefer that you turn your computer off at night, for maximum energy savings. "We are all about energy savings, and when you shut off your computer at night, you save the most energy," says Craig Hershberg, program manager for office equipment and consumer electronics. "Every little bit helps. It all adds up."

 

[Chasey_Lane]

You running a server or just want to let you IM pals know you're sleeping?

Just take a few seconds and shut it down.

Shutting down is all good for energy savings, but is it really the best option? I always thought that turning your computer off/on put a bigger strain on it. :shrug:

 

[truby20]

Shutting down is all good for energy savings, but is it really the best option? I always thought that turning your computer off/on put a bigger strain on it. :shrug:

From the linked article:

Turning your PC on and off wears it out? A decade ago, there was something to this, but not today, say Hershberg and others. It used to be that PC hard disks did not automatically park their heads when shut off, and that frequent on/off cycling could damage the hard disks. Today's PCs are designed to handle 40,000 on/off cycles before a failure, and that's a number you likely won't reach during the computer's five-to-seven-year life span.

 

[Tomcat]

1. How are Dell's? Reliable? Piece of junk?
?

I will never buy another Dell, 4 days after the warrenty ran out the Hard Drive crashed, tech supports advice...sorry bout that.

Have you considered a laptop? With all the different add on accessories, you can add extra drives, etc. as you need them.

 

[aps45819]

We get a corporate discount on Dell where I work, and I still came away with more computer for the money by having one built at TQCI. Haven't had any problems and if I do, the guy that built it is just down the street.

 

[truby20]

I will never buy another Dell, 4 days after the warrenty ran out the Hard Drive crashed, tech supports advice...sorry bout that.

While I'm no fan of Dell (prefer Apple) a hard drive failure can occur anytime and really shouldn't be blamed on the "computer" manufacturer, there are only a few companies out there making the actual hard drives and Dell isn't one of them.

Have you considered a laptop? With all the different add on accessories

It depends on what the main use is for, if this thing is just going to be used at home for somd.com browsing use the extra money that would have gone for a laptop and upgrade the monitor.

you can add extra drives, etc. as you need them.

Adding a second drive on a tower is no big deal, just watch the circulars (Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples) for a good deal on one. Then you can have the second drive act as a back up just in case you do have a failure.

 

[Ponytail]

I just bought a Dell Inspiron 9200 Laptop. I'll let ya's know how it goes. Dell was offering 25% off the top, and I got another 16% on top of that. 4 year service/3 year at home. Figured I should be ready for a new by then anyway, this being my first ever comuter purchase and all.

 

[Suz]

Well it is more environmentally responsible to turn your computer off every night; these things are not refrigerators...there is no reason for them to be constantly on.

Hello? Do you live in my house and pay my bills too???????

Sorry, but there is a reason for my pc to be on 24x7. My computer is the host for our internal network and I have a child in college who is always on the net regarding homework. And time is money. If I need to know something quick, I don't want to have to wait for my pc to boot up.

And-turning them off and on can do more damage then leaving them on. (on/off buttons do break).

 

[Suz]

That's why MS OS's have power saving options. Mine runs 24/7 and is UPS protected. Everything "sleeps" when not in use.

 

[truby20]

Sorry, but there is a reason for my pc to be on 24x7. My computer is the host for our internal network and I have a child in college who is always on the net regarding homework. And time is money. If I need to know something quick, I don't want to have to wait for my pc to boot up.

Invest in a router then you won't have to have two computers running just so your child can get online. I didn't say to turn it off when you step away from it, just at night. Turn it on in the morning then off when you go to sleep, that is at least 6 hours of idle power waste now saved.

 

[Suz]

Invest in a router then you won't have to have two computers running just so your child can get online. I didn't say to turn it off when you step away from it, just at night. Turn it on in the morning then off when you go to sleep, that is at least 6 hours of idle power waste now saved.

no no no can't turn it off at night. That is when my son does his homework after working/classes all day................

I can't be wasting that much power. my house is just under 4000 sf and my electric only runs around $200 a month........... and I am all electric.

 

[truby20]

no no no can't turn it off at night. That is when my son does his homework after working/classes all day................

This is where the router would solve your problem, then his computer could be connected without yours being on (also improves security). Unless you only have one computer, then I don't see how this is an intranet as you described.

I can't be wasting that much power. my house is just under 4000 sf and my electric only runs around $200 a month........... and I am all electric.

Well you wouldn't leave your kitchen light on all night would you? It's just a suggestion...every bit does count.

 

[Tomcat]

While I'm no fan of Dell (prefer Apple) a hard drive failure can occur anytime and really shouldn't be blamed on the "computer" manufacturer, there are only a few companies out there making the actual hard drives and Dell isn't one of them.

I'm not blaming the failure on Dell, only their response.