I need a computer wizard to send me a link to a reasonable dell or something?????

My son is a senior in high school. He needs a new computer. Wants a Dell laptop. I said no cannot afford it. I have been looking at Dell destop's. He just needs the basic's. I was looking at the Demionison 3000.

Anybody have suggestions? Thanks

Depends on what he needs the computer for. If it's just for basic schoolwork and web browsing, even the Dell 2400 series would be more than enough.
If he'll be doing any more intensive work (editing video or multiple large image files etc) you might need to upgrade a bit.

With Dell, if you take one of their preconfigured packages (like the $329 2400) you'll always get a better deal than configuring your own. Even a slight change to the stock configuration can jack the price way up, so if one of the advertised deals on their website will suffice, go with that instead of picking and choosing your options.

If you do need to make some changes, leave off anything you can. If he needing a new computer, it sounds like he's already got one, so you can always stop short of buying the keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor etc. from Dell...they mark items like that up quite a bit (in most cases). The CPU is all that matters.

What is the step up from the Dell 2400. His is just old and outdated. He wants to be able to do his senior project to garduate. I am sure he wants to be able to burn CDs and stuff like that. He needs the USB plug I think is what he called it.

Does he play Video games? I'm sure he does. If so what games? This makes a big difference.

What type of monitor does he currently have? Is it a Flat panel LCD?

What programs does he want to run?

How computer literate is he?

I'm sure we will come up with a good system. <img src="/ubbt/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My choice has been Toshibas. Everyone in the family has one. Their low end Toshiba laptop has a CD burner with DVD, 3 USB ports with a LAN port, modem...for $599 after $100 rebate.

We bought the same one about a year ago for $200 more and the only thing we had to change on it was add some memory...I think it now comes with more memory.

I had read that the Toshibas have the best reliability rating.

And we just bought it from thier website (and it comes with a free case).

No, I don't work for them...

TA,

Answers to your questions -

He would like a Laptop - I said NO

Does he play Video games? I'm sure he does. If so what games? This makes a big difference.

Yes he plays Video games. I am not sure how much. He lives with his father now.

What type of monitor does he currently have? Is it a Flat panel LCD?

The computer he has now is old. He would like a Flat panel LCD.

What programs does he want to run?

He says he needs Windows XP to do his senior project and he does not have it on the old computer. He also says he needs the USB Port whatever that is?

How computer literate is he?

He knows what he has learned in school.

Thanks TA

I can put together a great system for you.

#1 question?

What is your Budget? This will make the decision real easy.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Desktops/2001-3118_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir

Check out the above site, it will give you a start.

If you give me a Budget I'll choose several systems for you and you can take it from there.

$600 - Can I get anything that cheap? Less if possible.

TA,

Thanks for the link! My middle school son has an old Packard Bell Windows 95. Poor kid! It still runs, but I'm interested in seeing what's available out there possibly used from a reputable dealer. I know there are some online shops that sell used.

Are there any other sites you recommend for used?

I'd like to upgrade him to Windows XP and have decent enough processor and memory so he doesn't get frustrated.

$600 will get you a good CPU setup, maybe NO monitor or printer.

He'll have to use the old big monitor, LOL.

He can upgrade the monitor at anytime, buy a good CPU and upgrade later on monitors, printers, etc..

Try and buy NEW, they come with a warranty and any used system will be obsolete or soon will be.

I will find you a good CPU by tonight, I'll post links to 3 or 4 computers. Your son will most likely have it by this weekend if you order tomorrow.

99% of all computers will have Winows XP installed, it is standard operating system.

BTW, I trade stocks for a living and I have the latest computer with (6) Samsung 191T monitors. I'll sell the entire setup for $12,000 CASH, LMAO.

TA,

What about the Dell Deminison 3000 on there site. It is like $550.00 after the mail in rebate. What is difference between a Pentimum and Celron.

LU

TA,

I forgot to say Thanks!! This is not the first time you have helped me out of a jam!!

LU

Your sure did! And it worked. I did everything you said and it worked out perfect!

So did you and your husband keep the house?

Offcie Depot has a Compaq notebook for $549
I believe Dell offers one in that price range as well.

Get a Playstation for games...

We did keep the house. We are alot better off for following your advice. It worked just as you said it would and we are saving about $400 amonth. Not always saving it but we have it to spend on other things. (such as a new computer.) I do not know how I am going to swing this one.

It is very hard on a marriage when you are living above your means. I am so grateful for the advice you gave me.

LU

For the average user...there's really no difference. Pentiums are the choice if you're big into gaming, video editing and other power hungry applications, but for school work, and especially when you're on a budget, Celeron is the way to go.

Too, if you buy Dell, try to buy from the Small Business section...you can basically get the same machine for alot less money. To my knowledge they don't really require the purchase be through a business.

Here use this to help you decide.

http://catalog.us.dell.com/advisor/advis...;l=en&s=dhs

If I'm not mistaken the difference between pentiums and celerons is how much information they process in one cycle and pentiums process more information in one cycle than celerons.