New computer advice needed

The time has finally come for me to replace my old desktop pc :frowning_face: It was a top of the line Dell in 2003, been great but it’s getting tired and slow, won’t run most new programs, won’t support most of the new drivers and plug-ins, and I’m told that Microsoft isn’t going to support XP past April 2014. It’s actually the 3rd Dell I’ve had, going back to the invent of Windows:smiley: Never had a hardware problem.

I used to keep up with computer technology, but let it slip the last few years. I know there are experts here in every field, so need advice on what I should get today? What processor? What operating system? How much RAM? Is Dell still a solid brand?

I’m not a gamer, just need to run programs like Photoshop, MS Office, Vizio, Project, normal web browsing, basic video editing and such. Don’t want a laptop, tablet or pad, want a full size machine, big monitor, big keyboard, Price is not as important as reliability and ease of use. I hate thinking about learning a new OS and transferring all my files over, but the time is near. Any advice welcome, thanks:smiley:

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

oh boy. cue the Mac zombies.

I think you’ve got the answer yourself.

Colin is good at this stuff (capt tang) but I go to the dell outlet and look at refurb PCs and get them pretty cheaply there. Never had a problem with a dell computer so far, but havent bought one in 6-7 yrs.

Recently moved from XP to windows 7 and its not too much different.

Good luck!

Thanks! All opinions welcome :smiley:

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

quote:
Originally posted by mhebbard

Colin is good at this stuff (capt tang) but I go to the dell outlet and look at refurb PCs and get them pretty cheaply there. Never had a problem with a dell computer so far, but havent bought one in 6-7 yrs.

Recently moved from XP to windows 7 and its not too much different.

Good luck!


that’s exactly what I do. If you want a decent PC for a really good price go dell outlet.

If you are looking the path of refurb then those are probably a good idea. However, if not and you are still looking for a great dell go with the XPS 8700. It is their “performance” desktop. It comes with one terabyte of storage right off the bat which should be fine for holding all your pictures, music, movies, etc. it can run either windows 7 or 8 which is up to you. The only thing I’m not sure about is that it says it has either the Intel i-5 processor or the I-7. I would make sure you get the I-7 based solely on the fact that it is new technology and if you keep your computers as long as 10 years it will no doubt pay off in the long run. Obviously you can’t start a computer discussion without bringing up Mac’s. So just for the sake of addressing it: I do believe Mac makes a superior computer however I will never own one due to the price compared to equal computers of a different brand. People swear by them and say they could never go back once they used the OS. But I guess it’s more of a “BMW compared to a Ferrari” Both are extremely nice cars without a doubt, performance wise the Ferrari will be ahead by a little bit but it’s going to cost 3 times as much. But hey if that’s what you want, more power to ya. Just MHO speaking on all this

Reel-Boy

My son builds custom PC’s as a side gig. If you know what you want, I could have him work up a quote.

You can get a machine tailored to your needs and usually save a good bit of money going custom.

Who’s Ready for a Sleigh Ride? www.KayakFishSC.com

All good advice above.
I recently picked up an HP Pavilion at BestBuy and its a real nice system and real cheap around $500. It has Windows8 which get a bad rep by people but if you are open minded its pretty nice I think. I think most people are just resistant to change but Win 8 is not bad. Get 2 monitors you will never go back. Windows 7 is great and you will transition from XP easily and love Win 7 much much more.
I’ve been a Mac zombie (or whatever PeaPod called me) and reel boy said it right. Their hardware is head and shoulders above PC’s but also the price is too. I wouldn’t recommend a Mac for what you want. The corporate world is entrenched in Win/PC and that is not going to change anytime soon. I run a Mac but use Windows for all my work stuff. Haven’t really said anything new but maybe this helps a little. Can’t vouch for Dells recently but HP’s have been good for me.


2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

Thanks all for the input :smiley:

Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats

“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose

You can order the Dell Inspiron 660 with the i5 processor for 499.99 plus 30.00 for the windows 7 option instead of 8.

Larry…contact Colin on here…(Cat tang) won’t find one better

.

NMFS = No More Fishing Season

“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”