Buying a Computer to Upgrade

[Country Boy]

My Current PC Config:

-OS Name: MS XP Prof.
-Phys. Memory: 256 MB
-Available Physical Memory 44.13
-Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
-Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
-Page File Space 582.57 MB
-Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2000+
-1.67 GHz, 224 MB of RAM
-Modem:US Robotics 56K Voice PCI #2
-Monitor-Sony CPD-G400/G400J
-VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
-Display adapters-S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR
-CD-Rom: HL-DT-ST CD-ROM GCR-8521B
-Standard 3 1/2 floppy disk controller & drive
-Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Controller
...4 USB Root Hubs
- Local Fixed Disc Drive:C:80 GB; E: Size 10 GB;File System: FAT32
Sound Device: Unimodem half-duplex audio device
....from VIA Technologies
-Standard keyboard
-Printer-hp Laserjet 1300 PCL 6
-2 Altec Lansing Speakers

Notes:
-I don't do gaming or music.
-I have Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CS2.
-I want to be able to run the new MS Vista comfortably.

I don't need a monitor, speakers, or keyboard but just
the hard drive tower with the necessary software.

My budget is about $800-$1000.
I hear dHell, HP, and Gateway are horrible but I see no
alternative.

Can you advise:
1-where to go 2- AMD or Intel 3-where to go to research
this.

Thanks.

Country Boy

 

[j12]

i'm assuming that you can build you own computer....

cpu: some pentium d 9 series. the prices have dropped
ram: 1gb ram
hdd: its your choice
video card: geforece 6200...or maybe the fx series if you want to go cheaper.
and a lga 775 mobo.

feel free to ask me any questions.

 

[Deathawk]

I would personally get an e6300 instead of a Pentium D.

 

[Country Boy]

My thanks

My thanks to people for replying.

My problem is that I do not have the technical know how to build a PC. Rather I need to buy one. However I hear horror stories re dHell, HP, Gateway etc.

Can someone recommend a reliable place to purchase a PC that I can if need be upgrade?

At the moment I have no where to turn and am at a loss how to proceed.

Thanks for your time and guidance.

Country Boy

 

[Ephexx793]

I have a Dell PC, and I do Adobe Photoshop CS2, and it works fine.. I, though, do not have the money for AV software, so I think my system is slowed by some viruses...

But Dell isn't that bad, you don't need a great processor for just image editing and Adobe programs. Laptops are probably good for this, so you can relax while you do things on a couch, instead of having to sit at a desk and stare at a big ol' screen in front of you, unable to move your computer easily.

 

[Country Boy]

Do you approve this configuration?

Ok, so I am not a Techie. I don't build PCs, or download music or games.

Is the following configuration a good deal for someone doing a bit of graphics?

Many thanks for your time and wisdom.

Country Boy

1 Dimension E521,Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (2.00GHz, 512Kx2)

1 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz

1 Dell USB Keyboard

1 Dell USB 2-button mouse

1 Video ready w/o Monitor, DIM X2
1 256MB nVidia GeForce 7300LE TurboCache

1 160GB SATA II Hard Drive (7200RPM)

1 3.5in Floppy Drive

1 Microsoft Windows XP Professional,Service Pack 2, English

1 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access

1 Backup media for XP Pro Dimension E521

1 Mouse included in Dell Wireless or Bluetooth Package

1 Integrated NIC card

1 56K PCI Data Fax Modem

1 Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0

1 16X DVD+/-RW Drive

1 Sonic Cineplayer

1 Roxio Creator Basic/MyDVD Basic

1 Integrated Audio

1 2 Year Limited Warranty

1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
980-3310
1 Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
985-1279
1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year
902-9971
1 Type 3- Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, 1 Year Extended
960-2800
1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
900-8241
1 Warranty Support,1 Year Extended
1 You have chosen a Vista Capable System
310-8586 1 Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Business, Free plus S and H at payable at redemption

* 1 -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPLIED


Subtotal: $688.00
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $50.76

Total Price w/Discounts: $738.76

 

[PR Gamer]

Seems ok to me, but personally I would rather build my own PC

Good luck,

 

[ricanflow]

You can build your own pc with better specs for the same price, and its not hard. Do research and youll be able to find out how to do it.

 

[macdude425]

Building a PC is easier than screwing in some lightbulbs, for me anyways.

If you're gonna go prebuilt, don't go Dell. Suck it up and buy a Mac, or go HP/custom (by someone else).

 

[WorldIndustries]

I'd reccomend a prebuilt HP or Acer... Dell's are not what you call "high quality". Prebulilts are a good option for people who don't want to have the hassle (some of us here might find it a joy) of having to choose each part, making sure they're compatable with eachother, and putting it all together in the end.