Computer HELP

[SWedd523]

As most of you know, I recently moved into my new dorm at USC. I already received a ton of help from you guys when it came to deciding what printer to get. Now, I need a little help with a computer!


My situation: I have a 5 year old base model Dell laptop on Windows XP. 5 years in ANCIENT in technological terms. When Windows 7 drops, I'll be TWO OS revisions behind (laughably). My D: drive also doesn't work and I have to use a paperclip to pry it open.


In other words, I would love to retire this laptop for library duty and get a more powerful and updated desktop for my room. My school has discounts on Dell and Apple, which are my top choices anyway. Apple being a little higher, but it might be out of my price range as far as performance goes.


It would be awesome if I could get some guidance/opinions. My price limit is around $800 as this is coming out of my own bank account most likely.

(Dell) http://www.dell.com/us/en/eep/desktops/ct.aspx?refid=desktops&s=eep&cs=2236

(Apple) http://www.sc.edu/applehub/price.shtml


I know you guys can come through for me!

[bing!]

My D: drive also doesn't work and I have to use a paperclip to pry it open.

Fun times, I remember bashing mine with a closed fist in order for it to open. :biggrin:

As for the PC, $800 is more than enough for all your office/multimedia needs (I'm assuming you're going for a widescreen LCD also), an xbox suits your gaming needs better and is easier on your wallet (what with having to upgrade your GPU every 6 months to keep up (which in turn demands better (and more expensive) PSUs)). I'd advise you to steer clear of pre-made rigs, custom-built ones usually end up much cheaper (just mind the motherboard/cpu compatibility).

A mac... really? ( :D )

Don't you dare belittle XP, SP3 is still the most stable, 3rd party & legacy-friendly OS out there. :paddle: :biggrin:

Anywhoo, http://www.newegg.com/ is your safest bet.

... I got lost in thought, hope I helped.

[SWedd523]

lol thanks for the help! :paddle: :p

im customizing a Studio XPS system right now (comes with a free monitor upgrade) and I'm stuck on whether or not the 2.93 GHz is $380 versus the 2.66?

Thoughts?

[bing!]

Wait a sec, they charge you extra $380 for takin' a 2.93 over 2.66 whilst upgrading (which, I assume, comes free of charge)? If that's the case, save your money, especially if cpu cache size's the same.

[amour217]

I know you guys can come through for me!

That's what she said

[davcbow]

As most of you know, I recently moved into my new dorm at USC. I already received a ton of help from you guys when it came to deciding what printer to get. Now, I need a little help with a computer!


My situation: I have a 5 year old base model Dell laptop on Windows XP. 5 years in ANCIENT in technological terms. When Windows 7 drops, I'll be TWO OS revisions behind (laughably). My D: drive also doesn't work and I have to use a paperclip to pry it open.


In other words, I would love to retire this laptop for library duty and get a more powerful and updated desktop for my room. My school has discounts on Dell and Apple, which are my top choices anyway. Apple being a little higher, but it might be out of my price range as far as performance goes.


It would be awesome if I could get some guidance/opinions. My price limit is around $800 as this is coming out of my own bank account most likely.

(Dell) http://www.dell.com/us/en/eep/desktops/ct.aspx?refid=desktops&s=eep&cs=2236

(Apple) http://www.sc.edu/applehub/price.shtml


I know you guys can come through for me!


Check out www.tigerdirect.com and build yourself one pick out exactly what you want also they offer great barebones systems that flat out any store bought system on the market.....:cool: