New computer purchase

[Negative]

For what it's worth: I got a new desktop today, and it's a Dell. Until this one, I have always built myself; I didn't this time because:
- Dell is cheaper than anyone can build him- or herself
- Vista is around the corner, and Dell (and most other manufacturers) offer free upgrades when it becomes available.

For under $1,500, I got:

- Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (2.13GHz)
- XP Media Center Edition
- Free Upgrade to Vista Home Premium
- 2GB DDR2 533MHz
- 250 GB SATA 7200
- 16x DVD ROM + 48x CD-RW/DVD
- 19 " digital flat panel
- 256MB Radeon X1300 Pro
- SB Audigy
- Keyboard (multimedia), mouse (optical) - USB
- 650 VA UPS
- 13-in-1 media card reader
- 1394 adapter

I don't think there is any way you can build something like that yourself for that price... I also believe that today is a really bad day to buy computers (unless you don't care about the upcoming Vista); the main reason (other than cost) that I went with Dell is that I'm sure it's going to work with Vista (and I'll get it for free...)

[nihil]

Well, I have to admit that Negative has introduced a slightly different angle here.

I have purchased two Dells over the past 12 years............. I would say that they cost about $15,000 between them, but they are still going strong. I bought them when they were the best you could buy...............now I build my own or get an ex-corporate, and upgrade.

The secret, in my opinion, is to decide what you want up front. Whatever you buy will be obsolete in 6 months, so I tend to go for stuff that is already obsolete and costs rock bottom.

Neg~ is spot on, now is not the time to buy fancy gear unless you have a clearly defined use for it.