| CTPYHA |
Zafer, this is what I specked while glancing through Dell site. I am sure I can get better deal, as I usually buy a few computes from them every month and know their web site tricks. But for now I did not want to invest time into it.
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Dimension 8400 Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
Memory 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 400MHz Keyboard Dell Quietkey® Keyboard
Video Card 128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon™ X300 SE
Hard Drive 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Floppy Drive
CD ROM/DVD ROM Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW)
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 1 Yr Basic Plan
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TOTAL: $1,118.00
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If you are seriously looking for a comp, feel free to PM me or send an email. I'll help with what ever I can, as buying computers is part of my daily routine... |
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| renov8r |
I think this is a better comp:
Featured Dimension 8400
$1,169
After 10% OFF Instantly!
Offer Details
Processor/Display
Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
Operating System
Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
Video Card
128MB PCI Express™ x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon™ X300 SE
Memory
1GB2 Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M)
Hard Drive
FREE UPGRADE! 160GB2 Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Monitor
17 in (16 in viewable,.27dp) E773c CRT Monitor
CD ROM/DVD ROM
Dual Drives: 16x DVD + FREE UPGRADE! 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write
Productivity Software
WordPerfect®, Powerful Word Processing
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options
1Yr Ltd Warranty3, 1Yr At-Home Service4, and 1Yr Technical Support
FRANKLY the Sony is a NICER MACHINE for Media Edition. The remote control they give you is definately worth it, as it essentially does away with a need for TiVo (in fact I suspect that Sony used the same team that did their TiVo version),
If you don't want the Media Center Edition then you could go WAY WAY DOWN in price (about half!) and still have a machine that is awesome for everything except video replay & editing. I think that in the $600-650 category you can get a Dimension 3000 with a 3Ghz HT P4, 512M Ram, 80G HD, DVD drive & CD RW burner which NO OTHER NATIONAL seller can match (though local screw driver shops can beat...) |
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| DaleB |
I think the Dell is a better deal on the surface, but the Sony has a better software package. I have similar programs on my VAIO notebook and can tell you those are complete programs in most all cases, not trial versions.
Sony support has improved a lot too, but not quite to the level as Dell. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VAIO_V....html?tag=aisle
I would rather build my own, costing almost twice as much, before buying a dell.
I always talk of doing the same, but have not yet. I do find 'Dells' architecture restrictive because of propietary firmware/hardware, more so than other brands. |
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| vlam |
If you don't want the Media Center Edition then you could go WAY WAY DOWN in price (about half!) and still have a machine that is awesome for everything except video replay & editing. I think that in the $600-650 category you can get a Dimension 3000 with a 3Ghz HT P4, 512M Ram, 80G HD, DVD drive & CD RW burner which NO OTHER NATIONAL seller can match (though local screw driver shops can beat...)
I got a few Dell 8400 3.2Ghz with the basic 17" LCD for $649 earlier this month. You can build it up from there. If you are going to be ordering from Dell, make sure you don't add additional items unless it's free. Dell will overcharge you for upgrades most of the time. Buy it separately.
BTW, Dell is shipping the 3.4Ghz with the 8400 when you order the 3.2Ghz system. I don't know how long it will last but that was the case for the last 4 systems I ordered. The most recent one was from last week. |
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| Billr |
The Sony R system is very good for what it is (a very good PC/ Media Center). Costco has one with a display for about $1500.
If you want a basic PC there are much better deals to be had.
I bought a Dell 8400 in October fairly well built up with a 19" 16ms flat screen for $1100 delivered.
That said it doesn't come with any media slots, TV in or out, firewire (without the higher sound card) or any real software.
I will warn you if you do go to buy a Dell. Be sure of what you want before placing your order.
I tried to make a change to my system after I placed the order and when I couldn't, I cancelled it (with confirmation) and reordered another as I wanted.
I wound up with 2 PCs at my door and getting credit for the wrong one took 7 weeks and about 10 phone calls (I ultimately got the full credit in 5 payments). |
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| zafer |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
I always talk of doing the same, but have not yet. I do find 'Dells' architecture restrictive because of propietary firmware/hardware, more so than other brands.
I put together the desktops we currently use at home. It's been like 4 yrs now. I now need something more powerful now for DVD authoring. miniDV tape stacks are growing. I've been reading mobo reviews etc. when I saw this system yesterday. The reason I'm considering it, is because its the only way you can get WinXP Media Center. With the discounts it is a good deal.
Nothing beats out making your own system. oem's never let manufacturers put the good and quality stuff in retail systems. Everything is proprietary with reduced and limited functionality. Its their way of creating the 'upgrade' market for desktops; unlike laptops where you can get ones with the finest video, memory and drives. Therefore a home built system for performance costs quite a lot if you opt for quality components, but pays back in the long run when it runs rock solid and you don't waste any time with manuf. support and more money on upgrades to bring it upto spec.
I've been :drool: over those vaios at costco for quite a while now. And with their 6 month return policy.... I might just give one a try. |
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