Hello mountevan,
Do you have anything against purchasing this system for yourself
online? I recommend that you purchase this computer from Dell because
of the excellent
24x7x356 customer service they have. If you have a problem, you can
phone them up on a toll-free number and they will point you in the
right direction. This includes any problems you are having with any
components that ship with your system, including software. When your
computer breaks down, they have the best diagnostic cd available that
will automatically find out exactly what is wrong with your hardware,
and then they will ship you the parts and help you install them
yourself over the phone if you do not want to return the system by
mail. Furthermore, they have the best prices (compared to other major
brands) and although they don't have the greatest selection of
components, the ones they have WILL work together because they have
been properly tested. There will be no hardware conflicts and no
hardware that doesn't work. And if you happen to run into a problem?
It will get fixed fast.
At http://www.dell.com click on Home and Home Office. At the far right
click on Desktops. As you can see, the Dimension 8250 series is the
Top Line desktop from Dell and the pricing starts at $1,000. Click on
'Choose 8250' at the bottom. Next click the Yellow Customize button.
Now we can start customizing this system to meet your needs. The first
selection is the Processor (CPU) speed. I recommend that you select
2.80GHz at this point. You probably would not loose too much
performance if you went down to 2.66GHz, but I recommend that you keep
it up to 2.80GHz because this system will last you a long time and the
extra money is worth the speed. As for going up to 3.06GHz, the
decision is yours, but I advise against it because it costs too much
more for the performance boost it gives.
Productivity Software, I recommend that you go with Microsoft Works
Suite 2003 with Money 2003 or the WordPerfect Productivity Pack with
Quicken.
Multi-Media: Click on Premium Sound and we will be selecting a sound
card later.
For the Warrenty, I definately recommend that you get 3 years of
warrenty plus 3 years At-Home-Service. Not only will you have warrenty
for your hardware, but you will have access 24/7/256 if you have any
problems with your system and need to talk to a Dell Representative.
This system should be good for you for the next three years, so you
want to make sure that the investment is protected.
Click the yellow continue button.
Here you can re-evaluate going to 3.06GHz (adding $200) or downgrade
to 2.66GHz (remove $210).
For Memory, I recommend that you leave it at 512MB RAM. This should be
enough for you, and if you ever need to upgrade, it will be easy to do
by adding another RAM card. RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory
and the more you have, the more applications you can run at one time.
Windows XP uses a large chunk of this as does playing video files.
For the Hard Drive, you should definately select 200GB if you are
planning on downloading movies. 200GB will ensure that you have a lot
of space for video files. This is a great hard drive that I am using
myself and I challenge you to fill it up. If you do? You can add a
second just like it by ordering another from Dell.
Floppy Drive is automatically selected and will be included.
Zip Drive, I recommend that you skip this. If you want to burn media
then you should get a CD or DVD Rewritable.
I recommend that you get the default 16x DVD-ROM drive and the
40x/10x/40x rewriteable. You will be able to burn a cd in minutes if
needed and watch dvds on your computer. If you have no need for the
re-writable drive you can get the 16x DVD Drive to play dvds on your
computer. and click on none... but for only $69 you really should keep
the CD-Rewritable.
For Storage Devices and Media, if you got the CD-Rewriteable you will
want to get the 80Minute 700MB pack of cds.
For Keyboard, I recommend that you click on "Logitech Wireless
Keyboard and Optical Mouse Desktop Solution" This costs $65 more, but
it includes a Mouse so you can click on "Mouse already included in
Logitech Wireless Package". You will get a great media keyboard with
volume, cd control, media control options etc. I use this
mouse/keyboard combination and would not trade it for any other.
For Monitor, you will want to click on Video Ready w/o Monitor
(Subtract $260)
You will not want a second monitor, nor a Refurbished Monitor because
you stated in your question that you want to keep yours. (I do not
recommend purchasing a monitor without actually seeing it in a store
anyway).
For Video Card, my recommendation for you would be to take 128MB 9700
TX Graphics Card. If you do a lot of gaming, the Pro Graphics card
might be worth it, but if you are not a hardcore gamer requiring the
latest and best video, then the TX Graphics Card will be adequate for
you. Both of them are good choices.
Sound Card: I really like the Turtle Santa Cruz Soundcard, but all of
these three are good. The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card does not
work with the wireless keyboard and mouse so you will have to make a
choice. I recommend going with the Turtle Beach card, which has truly
great sound.
Speakers: I am using the Altec Lansing ADA745 speakers myself and am
very happy with them. If you will be watching movies on your computer
a lot, you should take these speakers.
For Digital Music, I recommend that you go with the free music jukebox
that they have. If you really like it and want to go for the extra
features, you can pick them up at a later time. Really though, there
are better music packages available, some of them which are a
completely free download from the Internet.
Digital Photography: Just go with the defaul option... no real need to
upgrade this. The basic package will do unless you are planning to get
into Digital Photography, and in that case you will probably get
better software when you buy a camera.
Video Editing: same thing, click on None.
Operating System, I recommend that you go with Windows XP
Professional. There are a few options lacking in the Home Version that
Professional has such as more secure files and folders etc.
Security Software: I recommedn you go with the free trial and if you
like McAfee you should buy the retail software and not the internet
subscription.
Internet Access Services: All three of these are 6 months of free dial
up. Notice the $50 cash back when you purchase high speed Internet
access and a Dell Dimension desktop? Open this and bookmark it so that
you can sign up for a high speed provider when you computer arrives.
In any case, you will have 6 months of dialup free while you find a
good high speed internet service provider.
At this point, click Update Price and Ship Date and your price is
$2656 (depending on which options you have selected). There is free
shipping with this system unless you want to pay more for faster
shipping. Dell also has great financing and you might qualify for 6
months interest free after which you can pay off the system without
interest.
As for a broadband provider, you can find one through the link
provided at dell and get the $50 rebate. You might want to phone them
up and ask them for a recommendation for your area. High speed
providers are very different in all areas. If you go with Cable or DSL
you will find that your download speed will be much better than your
current AOL, no matter who the provider is. If you then run into any
problems you can switch... try a company that gives you 30 days to
decide with the option to receive a refund. Usually those broadband
companies try harder to satisfy you.
I hope that this is what you were looking for. If you need any
clarifications, please let me know and I will do my best to further
assist you.
tisme-ga |
