Need new Computer
 

I've had great luck with Dell laptops and am looking at replacing my 4yr old desktop with a base Dell desktop. It only needs to surf the internet and run basic programs. I am going to buy NEW, and am looking at the Inspiron 531, just as listed on the Dell website with only upgrades being the Athlon dual-core 5000, DVD burner, and Vista Premium... and the NO MONITOR option. Looks like $481 shipped.

If you are a Dell-hater, I don't want to hear it. I'd like to know if there is another option, that's just as easy as Dell makes it, that will get me better quality for cheaper... or if there's some sort of hot deal going out there that I should look at.

My only gripe with the Dell above is that it doesn't come with Word or Excel.

I went to some local stores and there's NOTHING at the above price. I don't need anything except the tower itself... already have big monitor/printer/keyboard/speakers/peripherals.

If you've got a better idea than Dell that requires practically zero effort on my part to purchase, please let me know.

Thanks All!

PS: Weather today makes testing EBC not possible... maybe it'll dry out tomorrow afternoon and I can make some runs!

you may want to skip the vista if possible, i think dell was offering some of their pcs with xp still.

word and excel are no big deal. just get openoffice.

You can still buy the dell business pcs with XP (which I recommend!). Also I'd get a core 2 duo cpu of any speed and minimum 2GB of RAM. No pc comes with MS Office out of the box, send me a PM with your addy and I'll get a dvd out to you on monday ;).

EDIT: to elaborate on the RAM. Buy the minimum that you can from dell, and then buy whatever extra you need through newegg.com. Way better prices and installing ram is easier than wiping your ass after taking a shit.

I know you said new, but I got a SMOKING deal on a Dell desktop from Dell Reman on eBay. Lots of companies buy a bunch of new computers for the holiday season and then return them all afterwards. I ended up getting an $1100 or $1200 computer for $600 taxed and shipped when it was all said and done. If you aren't picky about video cards and such, which it sounds like you aren't, that's the way to go IMO.

^Al,Neo,Sam,
That's what I'm talking about... great advice.
Get XP.
Get minimum RAM and then upgrade for cheaper elsewhere.
Check out Dell Reman.
Get hookup on software

Keep it coming if you've got it:bowdown:

Go to edealinfo.com and look at their dell deals that come up everyday.

You can get a great dell vosotro desktop for like 500.

Dell = good. I reguarly sell dell laptops on here... im sure anyone who has bought stuff will vouch for Dell being good stuff!

Been using Dells since I was 10. On an Inspiron laptop right now. I knocked this bad boy off my workbench 4 feet to the ground and it didn't even shut off. :)

dude go to the dell outlet!!

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineS...on%20531&s=dfh

I have a Dell XPS M1710 notebook and it is a piece of junk ...

+1

I only buy my computers from the dell outlet now. The price just can't be beat. One thing - you need to be watching the current inventory at 3AM or some insane time like that. If you try to buy something during "primetime" it will be gone by the time you get your CC number in. People run scripts on that page to steal the best deals.

lenovo

/thread

Have you checked tiger direct they have some nice deals as well.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/

Try http://www.dealcatcher.com and http://www.dealhack.com ... also try http://www.techbargains.com

I liked dells till I worked for them...then I tried http://www.cyberpowerpc.com

Also, if you're stuck on a deal...read the above pages for MANY coupons and codes to use during checkout.

Almost forgot...if you like Dells...then check out http://www.discountelectronics.com

Thats where I buy all my Dell batteries and accessories.

sam i just bought a inspiron 530. its pretty solid so far. a replacement for a year old XPS that i gave to my brother but the construction of that unit was worlds better. but the simplicity of this machine saves you money and you still get tons of computing power.

Rocking the core 2 duo 2.2ghz and 2gb of 800mhz ram.


so far so good...but its only been two weeks.

I've spent the last few days researching buying a new computer. I've followed the advice of quite a few friends at work and the good advice in this forum. I bought Computer Shopper and read through a few other magazines. I went to BB and CC and a smaller mom&pop comptuter shop. I've visited dozens of websites and have been keeping a record of just about everything.

Findings:
It's all the same. Everything is the same. Computers are all the same. The deals are all the same. The options are all the same. The prices are all the same. The bullshit advertising is all the same.
1: All of the "deal" websites are the same shit being openly advertised on the site you get linked to.
2: Nobody offers free shipping on desktops under $500.
3: Most places charge tax no matter where you're shipping to.
4: Prices of monitors are no better on the web than CC or BB.
5: Warranties are retarded expensive.
6: Everything is the same.

I checked out the Dell Outlet for computers in my pricerange... under $500... and the "deal" isn't really enough on desktops to warrant not buying new. I was seeing a $30 or $40 difference, and you're kinda stuck with what they have at that second.

And then I thought about already having all the peripherals... and why I really needed a desktop... and that I really didn't need one. What I really needed was second laptop.

Here's what I found for $549 at the Dell Outlet:
Inspiron 6400/E1505 Notebook
Intel Core Duo processor T2300 (2MB Cache/1.66GHz/667MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows XP Home
1 GB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz (2 DIMMs)
100 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Microsoft Works 8.5
9 Cell Primary Battery
Certified Refurbished
8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
Intel Pro Wireless 3945
15.4 WXGA Notebook Screen Display with TrueLife

The only thing I'll need on top of the above is some Firewall/Virus software which I have yet to research.

Any thoughts before I buy this thing.

I have nearly the same laptop, with a bit more ram and the upgraded screen. I absolutely love it.

I also paid SIXTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS for it, you dick. :crx:

www.grisoft.com for cheap bastard antivirus.

SamNavy, it looks good. If you need an antivirus program, shoot me an IM.

the specs on what you posted are fine, but not really a great deal at $550, IMO. I'd be looking for a 160gb hd, 2gb ram, and a dual-core processor at that price range. Unfortunately that also means it will come with Vista, but oh well.