dell computer - deal or no deal?

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GLA45
so sometime in the near future (<1 year) i'm probably going to get a new computer. mine makes noises that it shouldn't and is ~5 years old, so its upgradability is coming to an end (already did some small upgrades, but not worth it to do more). i was playing around on dell's site and built this computer, i think it's a pretty decent deal since it includes a monitor and printer. my only reservations are 1) i'd rather have an AMD 64x2 processor, 2) i'd rather have an nvidia graphics card (no real reason other than i know Cg and it works better on their own cards, not that i plan to do a lot with it though), and 3) vista will be coming out in <1 year. so is this computer worth it, should i wait, what else?

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</TD><TD>Dimension E510</TD></TR><TR><TD>Date & Time: June 12,2006 10:21 AM CST </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD>
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</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD bgColor=#9a9a9a> SYSTEM COMPONENTS</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
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</TD><TD width="60%">Dimension E510 </TD><TD align=right>Qty </TD><TD> </TD><TD align=right>1 </TD><TD width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD width="80%">Pentium D Processor 930 with Dual Core Technology (3.0GHz, 800FSB), Genuine Windows XP Professional</TD><TD noWrap align=right>Unit Price </TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap align=right>$1,648.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD>
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</TD><TD vAlign=top>Save $350 off select Dimensions over $999
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>LIMITED TIME OFFER!</TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top>View Details</TD><TD> </TD><TD class=para> Remove Coupon</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD> </TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>- $350.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5>
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Catalog Number: </TD><TD colSpan=2> 29 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=section_header_background> Module </TD><TD class=section_header_background> Description </TD><TD class=section_header_background align=right colSpan=3>[FONT=arial,helvetica]Show Details[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Dell Dimension E510 Series</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Pentium D Processor 930 with Dual Core Technology (3.0GHz, 800FSB)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Operating System</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Genuine Windows XP Professional</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Memory</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (4x512M)</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Keyboard</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dell USB Keyboard</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Monitor</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>17 inch Ultrasharp 1707FP Digital Flat Panel</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Video Card</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>256MB PCI Express x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon X600 SE HyperMemory</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Hard Drive</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Floppy Drive and Media Reader</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>13 in 1 Media Card Reader</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Mouse</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dell Optical USB Mouse</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Network Card</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Integrated Intel PRO 10/100 Ethernet</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Modem</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>56K PCI Data Fax Modem</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Adobe Software</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>CD or DVD Drive</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capability</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Sound</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic (D), w/Dolby Digital 5.1</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Speakers</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dell A525 30 Watt 2.1 Stereo Speakers with Subwoofer</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Office Software (not included in Windows XP)</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>No Productivity Suite - Corel WordPerfect word processor only</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed)</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>No Security Subscription</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Hardware Warranty</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr At-Home Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Dial - Up Internet Access</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>6 Months of America Online Membership Included</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Miscellaneous</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Award Winning Service and Support</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Operating System Re-Installation CD</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Genuine Windows XP Professional re-installation CD</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Dell Digital Entertainment</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Starter Entertainment Pack -Basic digital Music, Photo, and Casual Gaming</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>
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</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#9a9a9a><TD> ACCESSORIES</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
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</TD><TD width="60%">NETGEAR WG111T 108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter </TD><TD align=right>Qty </TD><TD> </TD><TD align=right>1 </TD><TD width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD width="80%"></TD><TD noWrap align=right>Unit Price </TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap align=right>$60.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD>
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</TD><TD vAlign=top>Dell Home Customers: Save 10% off Select Networking!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Limited Time Offer!</TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top>View Details</TD><TD> </TD><TD class=para> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD> </TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>- $6.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5>
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</TD><TD width="60%">Dell All In One Inkjet 924 </TD><TD align=right>Qty </TD><TD> </TD><TD align=right>1 </TD><TD width="20%"></TD></TR><TR><TD></TD><TD width="80%">Dell Photo All-In-One Printer 924</TD><TD noWrap align=right>Unit Price </TD><TD> </TD><TD noWrap align=right>$114.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD>
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</TD><TD vAlign=top>Dell Home Customers: Save $24 off Dell 924 Printer!
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Limited Time Offer!</TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top>View Details</TD><TD> </TD><TD class=para> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><TD> </TD><TD> </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>- $24.00 </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=5>
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD>Catalog Number: </TD><TD colSpan=2> 29 </TD></TR><TR><TD class=section_header_background> Module </TD><TD class=section_header_background> Description </TD><TD class=section_header_background align=right colSpan=3>[FONT=arial,helvetica]Show Details[/FONT]</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Dell All In One Inkjet 924</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dell Photo All-In-One Printer 924</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD class=bold_regular_text>Cable For Dell Printers</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>Dell USB Printer Cable - 10 ft black</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#ffffff><TD class=bold_regular_text>Technical Support</TD><TD class=list_cartitems colSpan=4>1Yr Ltd. Warranty, 1 yr HW Warranty Support, 1 yr Advance Exchange</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR bgColor=#e7e7e7><TD align=right>TOTAL:$1,442.00 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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if you buy it, make sure to get a better graphics card with it as the x600 isn't so pleasing to me. I basically got the same system except with the pentium d 820 dual core processor and only 1 gig of ram. Other than that, it's a good pc and I have a blast playing battlefield 2 with it. Otherwise, go spend 1k and go to newegg and build a pc using AMD processors. Either way, both systems are going to be vista compatible.
 
so if the graphics card isn't good, i'd just downgrade it and get the cheapest one possible and put in one i want. good to know. i'm thinking going to newegg and building myself really won't save much money. the monitor is at least $200, another $100 for the printer, plus all of the little odds and ends (speakers, mouse, OS, etc...). i end up with ~$1000 to build a PC, and an equivalent PC would be at least close to that, so i'm thinking it wouldn't be worth the effort (putting it together, then if something doesn't work figuring out what, dealing with manufacturer's warranties, etc...).

i would wait for vista because i wouldn't want to pay for the upgrade later. i know it would be compatible, i just don't want to pay for an OS now and then again in 6 months
 
The prices of manufactured PCs are usually good, hard to beat. Piecing a computer together yourself is not hard either. and you know you are putting in better quality parts. if you piece it carefully, you can sometimes come out on top cheaper. Also, I never liked manufactured PCs because of the cases. they limit expandability and the cases are harder to open and access. ask yourself what you use the computer for. if you're into gaming, build a gaming PC. if you're just into surfing the internet or doing some simple photoshop/editing pictures, and don't need a superfast comp, then you can save some money by not getting something mid-to-high end.

Also, take a look on this site. they have guides to building value-gaming PCs (which are also good everyday PCs too) for under $1000. http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/MVGSBG/article.php/10708_3607756__8
 
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cool, thanks.

forgot to mention. computer will be used primarily for surfing internet/normal boring stuff. gaming is also a definite possibility, i don't do it now mostly because my computer can't handle newer games. however, where it gets tricky. in college i did a good amount of graphics work using things like 3D Studio Max, Cg, OpenGL, etc..., other things that take a good computer if you don't want to wait all day for one frame to render. i'd also like to start playing with PS and maybe some simple movie editing. this won't be its primary function, but i don't want my computer to be my limitation, i want it to be my laziness
 
the thing that gets me about manufactured computers is the fact that you don't really know crap about the motherboard, even if you put in nice parts for the rest of it. Also, even if you get large amounts of decently fast memory, they'll use generic stuff usually, without giving you the tight timings or low latency of high performance memory that you can buy for yourself.

I pieced together my computer... I've got...

Thermaltake Tsunami case
AMD athlon 64 3700+ (san diego core)
1 gb (2x 512mb) pc3200 Corsair XMS memory
Gigabyte nForce4Ultra motherboard (GA-K8N Ultra-9, it has more goodies than you know what to do with)
80 bg Western Digital 7200rpm Harddrive with 8 mb cache
nVidia geforce 128mb 6600gt
Hyundai 17" LCD screen (uses a high end samsung or something panel)

I put this together in august for right at $1000. Although, i already had the OS, so that isn't figured into the price. Couldn't be happier with it. Also, another thing i don't like about manufactured computers is all the bundled CRAP they put on there, clogging things up for you. I only want on my computer the things i put on it.

Anyway, i'd reccomend building. Overall if you're looking for a nicer PC, you'll end up on top that way. If you're going value, by all means look at dell, you can't beat their cheapie setups for strait out value... but if you're going for a nicer PC, building it really gives you the best components for a similar if not better price.

Oh and FWIW, when i was building my comp i did lots of research at www.guru3d.com on their forums.
 
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jmv said:
the thing that gets me about manufactured computers is the fact that you don't really know crap about the motherboard, even if you put in nice parts for the rest of it. Also, even if you get large amounts of decently fast memory, they'll use generic stuff usually, without giving you the tight timings or low latency of high performance memory that you can buy for yourself.
but on the other hand, computer hardware doesn't really interest me and i don't want to take the time to learn, so i wouldn't know what to get as far as a mother board or type of memory.

jmv said:
Also, another thing i don't like about manufactured computers is all the bundled CRAP they put on there, clogging things up for you. I only want on my computer the things i put on it.
odds are as soon as i got it i'd pop in the windows CD and do a nice clean install, getting rid of all of their "features" they put in there

jmv said:
Anyway, i'd reccomend building. Overall if you're looking for a nicer PC, you'll end up on top that way. If you're going value, by all means look at dell, you can't beat their cheapie setups for strait out value... but if you're going for a nicer PC, building it really gives you the best components for a similar if not better price.
i've thought about building, but like i said before, i know minimal amounts about hardware and don't care enough to learn so i could pick the right components for me. i may end up building (with help from people who know what they're doing), but i'm also def not going to discount a pre-made computer
 
how sweet? :)

also i've been advised that intel is changing their chip architecture in ~1 month so it's best to wait until the new chips come out
 
jred321 said:
how sweet? :)

also i've been advised that intel is changing their chip architecture in ~1 month so it's best to wait until the new chips come out

let me spec it out.. I'll pm you the results.
 
although it may be cheaper to build your own pc, sometimes you gotta realize that they aren't as reliable and people tend to have to do more to their built pc's than purchased ones. I do agree that all the extra stuff is irritating but that takes me like 5 minutes to get rid of them so it doesn't bug me that much. Besides, I've had several dells and all have lasted at least 4 years and still runs perfectly fine. Heck, I got one that has dual P3 processors and it is still good, the only thing I have to change on that if I even bother is the graphics card since I kinda f'ed it up while trying to overclock it.
 
Cellerator said:
although it may be cheaper to build your own pc, sometimes you gotta realize that they aren't as reliable and people tend to have to do more to their built pc's than purchased ones. I do agree that all the extra stuff is irritating but that takes me like 5 minutes to get rid of them so it doesn't bug me that much. Besides, I've had several dells and all have lasted at least 4 years and still runs perfectly fine. Heck, I got one that has dual P3 processors and it is still good, the only thing I have to change on that if I even bother is the graphics card since I kinda f'ed it up while trying to overclock it.

any enthusiast will want to build or piece together their computer as it's more fun. you can always try to buy a bare bones kit. it already has the major components installed in a case. all you have to do is buy the other pieces and plug them in. overclocking is fun, not hard to do and you can try to maximize the speed of your PC.
 
eek. I knew I shouldn't have sent that. Stealth: the only reason I'm hooking jred up is because he's a friend of mine and lives about 10 minutes from where I work.. I didn't mean to give everyone the impression that I can hook everyone up
 
for e510s there is a 40% coupon that comes up from time to time, 30-35% is a little more common. 350 off isnt a bad deal.

for best deals from dell (and elsewhere) keep your eye on these forums:
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/categories.php?catid=18&zb=45273959

They tell you how to get the most out of all offers, IE buying a 35 dollar off coupon on ebay for 2 dollars and stacking that on top of a 40% off. Whenever a deal is posted people will respond with info on how good a deal it is IE is employee purchase plan a better/worse deal, is it pretty good but not the best etc etc...just do a title search for dell and you can see what I mean.
 
i live on those forums, great info for all kinds of stuff. Plus they have a program where you can sign up with their site (for free) and then if you click through their site on your way to buy something from a participating vendor ( http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php ) you get cash back. Like 3% from dell.


These forums are a godsend around the holidays as they post tons of coupon codes.
 
I'll have to add that to my favorites.. That site can become very useful very quickly.
 
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