Need to buy a new desktop soon....

[HerbieHeadhunter]

I have a Dell Demension 4300 (P4 1500 Gz, 512 MB, 80 GB HD) that I am wanting to replace with a system with good processor, at least a gig of memory and around a 200 GB HD. I mainly use my machines for media storage (itunes, pictures, video), web use, moderate gaming and work.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anybody has any recommendations for a new system or a site (other than cnet) that has good and reliable reviews?

I built a system for my parents around 5 years ago and have vowed not to do it again, an I have been eyeing the Dell XPS 200 (mainly because of the smaller tower design which I like).

Any thoughts are greatly, greatly appreciated.

[gulfcoastliberal]

1. What about one of the new Intel Macs?

Their new Imac with the Intel Duo chips look pretty nice. Or do you need to have windows?

Why don't you want to build-your-own box? If I were ever to get a desktop, I'd either get a Mac or build on myself - I think it's be kind of fun. A couple of my friends built their own computers and they were really nice.

Edit: PS - I don't like Dell since they use proprietary components and give so much money to the rethugs. Gateway makes some nice machines.

[HerbieHeadhunter]

2. I didn't know about Dell....

giving to the repukes, but as for building my own.....my problem is that the last time I did it, I did a lot of reading and asking of questions in order to be aware of what parts I should purchase. I ordered the parts and when through quite a bit to finally get it up and going. I just weary of going through it again, and as I haven't done it in 4-5 years, I'm afraid I would have to learn from scratch again. I just don't know if I can do it again, basically.

I don't need windows, it is just what I am familiar with. I'm a bit worried about going to Mac because of gaming and the fact that my office is all windows and I work from home a lot through a VPN.

I'll look at Gateway, I had one about 10 years ago that I liked. Thanks.

[RoyGBiv]

3. Try local ...

As in, look for a local computer store that builds machines in the store. You can generally go to one of these, tell them what you want, and have it built to your specs with generally less BS than you get from a big box manufacturer. If something breaks with it, it also tends to be easier to get it fixed since you just have to cart it across town rather than pack the thing up, in the original packaging, after having waded through a customer service call you're required to make to get authorization to send it back.

My personal opinion of Gateway is pretty terrible. Helping others, I've had horrible experiences trying to get them to make good on warranties and such. They also sometimes use parts in their systems that are hard to replace. Upgrading one can be a nightmare and will likely void any warranty. Of course that's true of any manufacturer, but it's something to consider.

[democracyindanger]

4. Why won't you build again?

'Cause that's my recommendation. And consider that the BYO market has grown exponentially since 2000, so the availability of parts and resources for help are better. Plus, any prebuilt you buy from company like Dell isn't going to be latest/greatest.

I'd seriously reconsider it, if I were you.

[ConsAreLiars]

5. Thre are levels of pre-built kits, ranging from do-everything yourself

to essentially prebuilt systems. You could look at Newegg or Tigerdirect for examples. You might want to look at their packages, let them do the basic assembly, and then add in whatever else you want once you get it the basic setup.

Serial ATA (SATA) drive cables make working inside a lot less trouble, as well as giving faster data transfer, but I don't have any specific recommendations beyond that.

[garybeck]

6. pricewatch.com n/t

[SKKY]

7. I built an absolutely Kick-ass system for about a grand...

...got everything from Fry's in San Diego. You should reconsider.