Opinions on this desktop system for $1199?

[Spacetrek5]

I know this isn't the 'best' place to secure a pc but it looks like a pretty fine deal to me (he who doesn't have the time to build one right now). From Best Buy:

Sony VAIO P4 1.5 / Win XP / 256MB SDRAM / 60G HDD / 16X DVD ROM / 16X CDRW / V.90 Modem / NIC / 32MB nVidia TNT2 / Sony 17 Flat Display Trinitron // Canon Printer / 1yr MSN Access with no commitment.

$1200 After rebates.

[scourge]

If you're gonna buy a prefab system, go with Dell. They've been offering some outstanding deals lately. I think you could get a similar system if not better one for the same price with NO rebates. Just watch out for some of the Dell add-ons. Their price for RAM is outrageous!

And that TNT2 is going to really hinder you if you're into gaming at all.

[toastmaster]

ahh yes, riva tnt2 32mb. wanna know the kinda stuff you'll get if you buy that system? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86136
here's where i'm a martyr to the cause of gaming

[Spacetrek5]

Thanks guys. I looked over the Vaio system and passed on it, mostly because the salespeople wouldn't open the printer box so I could determine if it used seperate ink cartridges. !

Trying to match up a Dell to that Vaio model is going to be at least a few hundred more. Still they're offering free shipping right now. Hmmm.

:-)

[Ritalin Kid]

If you are looking for a very reliable non proprietary machine check out www.alienware.com

[Lord Sech]

spacetrek,

One option you have is to build your own system. It may take a bit longer but really allows you to know your system in and out. It may also allow you to get a faster computer with better components for that 1200 ior less price.

There are many people on sysopt who will be willing to help you find cheap online prices and good deals on everything from processors to memory.

Just an idea, but look into it.


-Sech

[saladbarkid]

I have to agree, building your own computer is really the best solution, and the cheapest. But, if you really want a good prefab computer with good tech support, go check out Alienware.

[GenePG]

Alienware -- Cerlerons and PIII's for the same price as a loaded Dell, Gateway P4, etc. What is the deal? (Nice looking cases though)

[Spacetrek5]

Thanks all for your responses. As I mentioned in the initial, I would build my own if I had the time. Since Dell was offering some specials including free shipping, I went ahead with that - getting a P4 system at right about $1,500 after rebate, including shipping. (note that I upgraded to the very nice 19" Trinitron monitor).

FYI, this is probably the last Dell I will buy for myself. Although, the system is nice enough, there are just a few negatives that detract from the overall configuration. These include: Dells memory pricing (I reduced 128k RAM for a saving of $80, and promptly replaced that reduction with 256k from Crucial for $30); some of the software Dell is including is "Trial" only! This includes "Picture It" for image editing/management. I can understand "limited versions" of the software but this program actually expires after a short while!

Most of the hardware components are decent with the exception of the Dell/Microsoft mouse which comes with software that does not allow programability of the wheel as a button! Yikes!

I love the case design tho I wish there was a little more expansion capability.

Dells choice of modem (Conexant) is working fine.

Both the CDRW and DVDROM drives are noisy. The DVDROM drive drawer sounds "gnarly" when it is opening and closing but the drive performs fine. On the other hand, the "ambient" (fan) noise from the pc is the lowest of many I've heard.

It's hard to beat the Dell PC for the masses. I've just arrived at the point where next time I'd rather go it on my own (given the time).

P.S. Windows XP good. Windows Me bad.


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