Okay, my PC deal:

[Brisketexan]

This is what I ended up ordering (turns out we couldn't stack discounts like we'd hoped, but still got more system than I originally intended). Let me know what you think, any shortcomings you see, etc.

Dimension 4700
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 530 w/HT Technology (3GHz, 800FSB), Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition Qty: 1
Unit Price: $1,426.00
Dell Dimension 4700 Series Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 530 w/HT Technology (3GHz, 800FSB)
CP308H
[221-5230]
Memory 512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz (2x256M)
512M4
[311-3621]
Keyboard Dell Quietkey® Keyboard
QK
[310-1582]
Monitor 17 inch Ultrasharp™ 1704FPT Digital Flat Panel
1704FP
[320-4024]
Video Cards Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900
IV
[320-3872]
Hard Drive 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
160S
[341-0884]
Floppy Drive and Additional Storage Devices No Floppy Drive Included
NFD
[340-8688]
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
WHXP
[412-0721]
[412-0688]
[463-2282]
[420-4834]
[420-4927]
[412-0749]
Mouse Dell Optical USB Mouse
OM
[310-4037]
Network Interface Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet
IN
[430-0412]
Modem 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
DFAX
[313-2279]
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 6.0
AAREAD
[412-0705]
CD or DVD Drive Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + 48x CD-RW Drive
DVDCDR
[313-2438]
[420-5079]
Sound Card Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio
IS
[313-2758]
Speakers Dell AS500 14W Flat Panel Stereo Spkrs for 1704FP,1905FP,2001FP Flat Panels
AS500
[313-1759]
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Outlook, Word, Excel
BASICC
[412-0449]
Security Software No Security Subscription
NS2
[412-0754]
Digital Music Dell Jukebox - easy-to-use music player and CD burning software
MMBASE
[412-0741]
Digital Photography Photo Album™ SE Basic
DPS
[412-0744]
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options No Extended Service, Support or Ltd Warranty
NW111D
[950-1260]
[950-3337]
[950-9797]
[412-0360]
[960-2800]
Internet Access Services 6 Months of America Online Membership Included
AOLEPP
[412-0590]
[412-0625]
[420-3224]
Financial Software No QuickBooks package selected- Includes limited use trial
QBSSP
[420-5139]

With free shipping, the discounts applied, tax, etc., the total was about $750 (about $250 more than I wanted to spend, but I guess this system will get me several years down the road).

We will add some RAM from Fry's (probably another 256 to 512), and I have been advised to add a router with a firewall for additional protection.

We already have a Norton subscription that we'll transfer over, and we'll surely add some of the free spyware blockers etc.

Any other advice?

 

[Hayden_Horn]

get rid of the norton.

 

[Brisketexan]

1 -- why?

2 -- and replace it with what?

 

[Agent007]

You can usually buy Norton at Fry's for like $40 with a $40 MIR.... Better deal than paying Dell $60 with no MIR...

 

[Agent007]

Forgot one more thing - if you open the case and drop in RAM yourself it voids the warranty.... Be careful - those sneaky ******** have ways of knowing if you've opened the case....


You also might want to dbl check how many slots you have for RAM. Right now you're at 2x256 and if for some reason your mobo only has 2 slots (rare) then you'll need to get 1x512 if you want to drop more RAM into it...

 

[Brisketexan]

It has 4 slots, so we have room to expand the RAM.

Good to know about opening the case. We have a 1 yr warranty, and I doubt we need the memory within that year, so we can wait.

We got Norton a while back for our present PC (which we are wiping clean and getting rid of -- it's ANCIENT), and will transfer the subscription to the new one. So, no new cost. I'm just wondering if we should ditch it altogether and get something else (although I am LOATHE to spend any more money).

 

[MrPhlegm]

Internet Access Services 6 Months of America Online Membership Included?

 

[Quagmire]

Opening the case voids the warranty? Where'd u hear that.

All we get is dells at my job and I've opened up numerous times and never had a problem with warrantys. How u supposed to fix anything if u cant open the case.

Sounds like bs to me.

 

[Brisketexan]

We won't be using the AOL, thankyouberrymuch.

 

[Z06]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Hayden_Horn]

plenty of free virus checkers out there like avast!. norton is a memory sow, and is at least a little invasive. that and it costs $$$ when you don't need to spend any. i don't see any reason to run either norton or mcafee unless you're running a business off this pc, which it does not appear you are. in addition, it doesn't appear as though you'll be doing any "heavy lifting" with this machine either, so the norton is unnecessary. just get your router with the firewall, run avast, pay no money, and be happy.

 

[Agent007]

Maybe its old info - but my documentation on the Dimension 8100 I bought like 4 years ago clearly states that Dell can refuse warranty service if you open the case. They want to handle all service themselves....

Maybe businesses have a different deal than home purchases, but this was absolutely true 4 years ago....