Hey DU computer people - I've decided to save for my own computer.

[HEyHEY]

I'd love to buy a mac, but simply can't afford it. So I'll be going with a PC. I don't need it for much, just internet, CD making, sound mixing, and word processing.

How much should I spend? And what do you recomend getting?

[qnr]

1. Build your own :) It's fun, and pretty easy.

Lots of choices to make, so you can start all sorts of new threads too :)

[HEyHEY]

4. I'lll fuck it up

somehow

[loveable liberal]

2. you're going to want more.

shouldnt need to spend more than 800 for that set up (dollars) but you should get 512mb in ram, 128mb video card (256 if you want the hot stuff)and a wicked fast processor. Also, i'd buy direct from HP or dell rather than go to a retailer. But thats just me.

[HEyHEY]

3. How would I go direct from them?

Just call their 800 number or something?

[loveable liberal]

6. order direct from their website

hp lets you build your own...im not an hp employee by the way....i just really like my machine. great for gaming too...

[HEyHEY]

7. But if I don't have a computer now, how can I order online?

Just kdding... thanks for the info!

[loveable liberal]

9. i almost fell for that..... n/t

[norml]

5. Buy one used from the classified. I got mine for $150,with software.

It's a 1998 IBM with a 500 Mhz. P3,17" monitor included.

[qnr]

8. Check local universities too, they'll sometimes have some

great deals, when they upgrade their labs.

[shraby]

10. Check with a local shop that builds them

then if something goes wrong with it, you can go in and yell at them up front and personal. Otherwise you will be put on hold forever then speak to someone in India.

Mine cost about $900.00. You can get them cheaper depending on whatcha want.

[Nomad559]

11. I bought this system from Dell

about a year ago.


Subtotal $769.00
Tax: $60.57
Total $829.57
$200.00 Rebate

Total $629.57

Dimension 8300 Series,Intel Pentium 4 Processor at 2.8GHz with HT Technology
256MB DDR at 400MHZ
Dell Quiet Key Keyboard
Video ready option w/o monitor
128MB DDR NVidia GeForce FX 5200 graphics card
80GB 7200 RPM Ultra ATA Hard Drive
3.5in Floppy Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition,Service Pack 1,English
Dell Application Back-up CD, Factory Install
Dell 2-button Scroll Mouse
Intel Pro 100M Integrated PCI NIC Card
48X Max Variable CD-ROM Drive
Integrated Audio - SoundMax 6 Speaker sound card
MCAFEE 90 DAY TRIAL,FACTORY INSTALLED
MusicMatch 7.1x Basic
Dell Picture Studio Image Expert Standard,Dimension
Dell Picture Studio Paint Shop Pro Try and Buy,Dimension
EARTHLINK TA2003 ISP
Real Network RealOne Player Basic,Version 6,US English
Word Perfect Productivity Pack
Money 2004 Standard Version for Dimension
Microsoft Enclyclopedia,2004 for Dimension

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I add few things.

Dell Dimension 8300 - Win XP Pro SP 2 - P4 HT Technology 2.8 GHZ with 800MHz system bus - 1.25 MB

Crucial PC2700 Non-ECC DDR - (Master Harddrive) Western Digital Caviar 80GB 7200 8MB Buffer -

(Slave Harddrive) Western Digital Caviar 200GB 7200 8MB Buffer - Logitech Cordless Mx Duo -

Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 - Plextor 8X DVD-RW +RW DVD Recorder - LiteOn 16x/48x DVD-ROM/CD-ROM -

128MB NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 - Winfast Deluxe TV2000XP TV/FM Multimedia Card - SoundMax 6 Speaker

sound card - Logitech Z-640 6 Speaker Surround Sound System - 20' Hitachi Monitor 800X600 @ 120hz

- Surfboard 4200 Cable Modem - NetGear 4-port Router