Hey all. Sorry if this is too general. I'm pathetically clueless on all computer related issues, been searching this forum for an hour or and can't find anything that directly helps me.

I have a really old (like 10 years) dell desktop, need a new one. My budget is in the $800 (or below) range.

All I need is something that will allow me to 8-table PS and surf interwebs, also with the possibility of adding another monitor.

Can someone just point me in the right direction??

Thanks

well, i guess no replies is better than getting flamed and pissed on.

Dell 530 desktop? anyone?

You can build a helluva rig for $800 if you don't want 3D gaming or severe number crunching.

How much? Like so many answers in poker, though, the answer is: It depends.

Does your $800 budget include buying a new monitor (and if so, what resolution/size), or are you spending $800 on just the box?

What is your definition of "basic"? DVD-burner, or mere DVD player?

Since its now July, you're locked into Vista, so that means more RAM and a better CPU than you'd need for an XP box. So be it.

Redefine and clarify if you want guidance, tho.

Jester

I'm not a computer guy myself, but I just had to replace my PC on short notice a couple of weeks ago. I got the Dell 530 and am happy with it so far. Even the transition to Vista has been easier than I expected. Be sure to Google "Dell coupons". I found one for a $200 discount. The catch was that the 530 had to reach a minimum price before using the coupon, so I got a few upgrades that I otherwise would not have. You may be able to find an even better coupon if you have some time to shop. Good luck.

thanks for responses. i think im going with the dell 530 as well. my price range is $800 total (im poor, i know). so comp and monitor.

i really don't need any additional media functions (no need for dvd burner). i'd like to have a decent-sized lcd monitor. other than that, as i said, i just need to be able to 8-table and websurf.

How often do new coupon's come on the market? It looks like there are ones right now for up to $270 off, but thats all i can find for the dells.

Anyone know of any better coupons?

Don't buy it, build it!
I'm going to build something for my wife in the same budget so don't give up the ship. You are going to get so much crap stuff loaded with the dell and sub-par stuff that you really could do better yourself. You've got some great folks like Jester offering advice so don't run....

strega - I'm waiting until next week at the earliest to pull the trigger on this, so I have some time.

any more input would be sweet...thanks guys.

Whether to buy or build really depends on how savvy you are with PC builds and how much frustration you are willing to put up with. I have built my own PC systems for years and they are not hard to do. But every system I have put together is good for at least 1 day to 3 weeks worth of frustration. The two biggest issues are compatibility of the parts (memory timing, power, etc), and COOLING. Every part now a days gets so hot, from the drives to the chipsets, and the video cards.

When you buy a PC from Dell you are sacrificing some performance, for convenience and a nice package. All the wires are tied, and you don't have to deal with cutting yourself on cheap cases. They are almost always cooled and vented well.

If you are the type to buy a PC and keep it for 3 - 5 years without much upgrading, I'd go with a Dell. Just look for good deals on http://www.dealcatcher.com/. They routinely have ones with flat panels for under $600.

You're my hero. seriousry. ty.

Blah, life is about getting wet....

strega - i dont think u understand how technology-challenged i am. but thank you for the input.

It's just one piece at a time, at the very least list out what is important to you and let's see what the big brains come back with.

yea, see, thats the thing. i've already done that twice in this thread. anything beyond what ive already said about my needs is way above my head.

anyway, im thinking about this dell vostro too. it comes with dual monitors, which id love to have. would this be ok for me?

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...740&lid=772703

When I check out that link it just dumps to the default config....as far as I can tell. The Vostro's are Dells replacemnt for the Optiplex line. It is supposed to be more buisness oriented where the specs don't change as fast as the Dimentions.

I would think that that system would be fine for what you want. I know that it will be hard to match that system, $676 shipped to your door, OS installed, dual 22in monitors, with warranty. Ready to run in what, 20 minutes?

Build a PC vs Buy a PC is like Chevy vs Ford. There are going to be reasons for both. I do both. For you....I'm guessing Buy is the way to go.

Other words of caution are that there are deals just like that on that page every few days. You could get a better one say 7 days later for less. Also the coupons sell out after X# of uses. Also if you go with Dell, consider how long your warranty is. If your motherboard fries 13 months from now you may be looking at a hefty bill to fix. But, in general, desktops are going to be more reliable than laptops. If you get through the first 1 year its probably just going to run.

thanks. i was actually going ask how often those coupon deals come up/expire, thanks for the tips.