Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Help with buying Dell Desktop

Dec 4, 2009 9:57PM PST

I am about to buy my third Dell PC -- my first was an XPS purchased 11/1998; the second and current is Dell Dimension 8250 Win XP which I purchased 11/2002. It is time for new and Win 7.

Seven years has brought new technology and choices with which I am not familiar......quite confusing. Quality is more important than cost to me, but not sure which Dell suits my needs. I am not a game player.

Questions:

1. 32 or 64 bit? Is it still difficult to find compatible software for 64 bit?

2. AMD Athlon, Intel

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
What I went with.
Dec 5, 2009 3:28AM PST

1. 7 64 bit.
3. DDR3 (no reason to use old stuff.)
4. DVDRW. No use for BR yet. Besides you see all those complaints about playback quality when the PC is used a BR player to a HDTV. Why not use that as "the lesson?"

- Collapse -
What I went with....
Dec 5, 2009 5:45AM PST

Thank you......your post gives me direction and is a big help to me.

Miki

- Collapse -
I had to smile at your post...
Dec 5, 2009 11:22PM PST

considering how closely your choices have paralleled mine.

Hello Miki,

My first was an xps t750,also purchased in '98 and my 8250 is still running fine,though I don't use it often.I also have an E510,xps one and a E1505 I fool around with Happy

I agree with everything Bob told you but I would add that you buy as much ram as you can afford(you can never have too much.

As far as monitor choice..go visit some super stores and browse,see what they look like first hand.Make your choice on what you like,not what others tell you.

- Collapse -
I had to smile at your post.....
Dec 6, 2009 9:03AM PST

.....and your post brought a smile from me Happy.

Thank you, Tony, for your post reply. Your suggestions are well taken. I will visit some "super" stores and look at the monitors in real life and also get "as much ram as I can afford" Happy. I am not on a budget, so how much ram do you suggest?

I found out this morning that my year-old Western Digital My Book Essentials is the only model not compatible with Windows 7, and they do not expect to have any updates. I keep three backups, but this external drive was my best backup for transferring to new machine, so I will need to get a new one, but it will be a Seagate this time (don't like what I read about the WD new "smart" software).

I would like to buy the 64 bit, but friends are telling me that there are still compatibility issues and since I use only one computer, it would be a waste to get 64. From what I could tell on MS Compatibility site for my apps, what works with 32 bit also works with 64 bit. I thought 64 bit was much less of a problem these days than in the past. Decisions....decisions....

My 8250 still works, but seems to be suffering from old age -- slower and loss of virtual memory and it makes funny noises. I have the kind of ram that is too expensive to add to make it worthwhile.

My thanks, again....

Miki

- Collapse -
Correction
Dec 6, 2009 5:52PM PST

In previous post, I wrote: "I would like to buy the 64 bit, but friends are telling me that there are still compatibility issues and since I use only one computer........."

Dunno what one computer has to do with anything.....Sorry 'bout that.......a good example of what happens when a Blonde overthinks.....Happy

Miki

- Collapse -
This and that
Dec 7, 2009 1:07AM PST

I have always read that if you go with the 32 bit version of Win 7, 4GB of RAM is your limit. Here is a little article on 32 vs 64 bit...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/64-bit.aspx

You have to decide if the programs you have that won't be 64 bit compatible are that important, or you can simply replace them with 64 bit versions. I think the ability to use more RAM in compelling. Either way you go, I would price out the memory somewhere else that getting it installed as part of your purchase. Seems like Dell charges a lot more at the time of purchase than if you buy it from someone else (or even Dell) later and install yourself, which is what I did on my laptop.

The monitor you mentioned, the U2410 is from what I understand a fantastic one. There have been issues (at least early on) of a slight pink-green shift on some, but other than that you get great colors and brightness, a lot of adjust ability both of the screen height etc. and of the picture. Another thing to consider about the Ultrasharp is the actual panel type. Most LCDs are TFT technology, which don't have the best off-angle characteristics. The U2410 uses an IPS panel, which has a wider viewing angle. I believe It also has an anti-glare coating. Lastly, it is 1920 X 1200, not 1080, so you get a touch more vertical screen real estate. I am considering one for my upcoming desktop purchase, but am still trying to justify the price. I do some photo editing, and will do home video editing but not professionally.

On your old computer, I assume you have considered reformatting? I am still running a Dimension 4100 from 2000 (which is why I'm in the market too) and it benefited from a reformat a couple years ago and is due for another. Too bad about Dell's experiment with Rambus memory though...that stuff's expensive!

- Collapse -
This and that
Dec 7, 2009 4:24PM PST

Hi Rob10 -- Your post just about put the finishing touches on my quest for information re what I need to know before purchasing a new computer.

I am doing my homework and checking Windows 7 Compatibility website. With the exception of Apple?s 3GS iPhone (information coming soon), programs I need to work with are all shown as compatible with the OS and 64 bit, but they will have to be upgraded to newer versions (i.e.Photoshop Elements, Roxio Easy CD Creator), which I would do whether buying 32 or 64 bit. Some require a download. This also includes my old HP Photosmart All-in-One. I am not sure if I can believe the compatibility website, so I plan on double-checking the product manufacturers' websites, too.

I am so pleased to hear your positive comments about the U2410 monitor. I did read the reviews in which the slight pink-green shift problem was mentioned. I called Dell last week to ask if the panel was anti-glare and was told it is, and the black frame/housing is also non-reflective. I was also offered a deal, but was not yet armed with enough info to make a purchase.

I have reformatted my 8250 twice -- having said that, it is not my favorite pastime Sad I had forgotten "Rambus" was the name of the memory.....thanks for reminding me.....

Thank you for giving me so much information and reinforcement....it really helps .

Thank you to everyone who gave me the guidance and knowledge to make a good decision on a new Dell computer purchase. All the questions have been answered except for #2 and #5 and these are likely of less importance.

2. AMD Athlon, Intel

- Collapse -
This and that, cont.
Dec 7, 2009 10:07PM PST

Hi Miki,
Glad you found my comments useful. I assume you refer to your HP's drivers? I will be in the same boat as you when I buy my new computer, as I have an old HP Deskjet 952c that I love. I checked HP's website and they do have drivers for Win7 64 bit OS. Looks like they do for the Photosmart, but not knowing your model # I can't say for sure. Here is the page... http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Lookup?h_lang=en&h_cc=us&cc=us&h_page=hpcom&lang=en&h_client=S-A-R163-1&h_pagetype=s-002&h_query=photosmart+all+in+one

Reformatting is not anyone's favorite (unless your a masochist!), but it's not too bad if you've already transferred all your data that needs to be saved to your new machine and you don't reload all the programs you use. It might give your old computer a new life as a second PC, especially if you use your new one as a primary workhorse and keep the old one uncluttered with programs that you won't need to run on it anymore.

#2...about three years ago I was toying with the idea of building my own PC, and at the time Intel chips were at a bit of a low point. They were struggling with making a chip that was fast, but didn't generate a lot of heat. AMD was what a lot of people were choosing. Then Intel came out with the Core Duo and kind of left AMD behind. I admit I haven't paid much attention to the issue of AMD vs Intel since, and was planning to buy a i7 equipped computer.

#5...Unless you plan on watching a lot of Blue Ray movies now, I think the drives may still be a bit expensive to add at the time of purchase, and you can always add one later if you choose. Just get a single DVD DL burner.

The one important thing you haven't told us is what you plan on doing with the computer, other than no games. It makes a little difference in what advice you get on processor and RAM advice.
Rob

- Collapse -
This and that, cont.
Dec 8, 2009 3:09PM PST

Hi Rob 10 --My Photosmart All-in-One 2610 is listed on Windows 7 Compatibility website as being compatible.

What does not make sense is important apps on my new iPhone 3GS are not yet compatible.
Bonjour ! Info coming soon
Quicktime ver 7 O.K.
iTunes ver 9 O.K.
Safari 3 ! Info coming soon

Re your question what I do on a computer -- nothing fancy -- but my whole life is on the computer, along with photos and some music. I do a lot of research and purchasing online and use Facebook. I want enough RAM so that when I am on a website with lots of graphics, I will not have to see the virtual memory warning and put up with the resulting slowing of my computer. To me, memory is just as important as the HD size. I want a fast computer and although I don't need it, I usually buy the best when customizing a computer with the thought in mind that you get what you pay for.......

Miki

- Collapse -
Sounds like me :-)
Dec 8, 2009 10:18PM PST

Your computer use and philosophy sounds similar to mine. I don't do CAD or game, but would like to start editing home movies I know my current computer is too slow to do. I also edit photos, research, shop, music (I won't tell you how long my current computer takes to rip a CD) email...the usual stuff. A movie on a nice screen would be nice too (that's where the U2410 drooling comes in!). My old computer is so slow at times due to all the new, intensive graphical content on the Web that I want something FAST.

When I first bought this old Dimension 4100 in 2000, it was the fastest I could afford. I ordered it with a couple steps down from the highest speed processor available, then maxed out the RAM. It has a smokin' 933 MHz Pentium III, 512 MB RAM and 32MB ATI Radeon 4X GPU. Sounds laughable when comparing to today's gear! But it's lasted me 9 solid years, so I figure since I don't spend a lot of money upgrading every three years or so, I would treat myself to one nice BIG upgrade and get a computer I would love using, and keep it a while too.

I am looking at either the Studio XPS 8000 or 9000. The 9000 gives you the i7 900 series with Tri Channel RAM, the 8000 has the i7 800 series and Dual Channel DDR3. Physically, the 9000 is BIG, but has a little more room inside for adding a second HD or other upgrades shy of dual GPUs. My brain is hanging on by a thread to understand all the ins and outs. I'm sure in all practicality, the 8000 would probably be fast enough for our uses, and save $300-500 that could be put towards that Ultrasharp monitor. Like you though, I want something that will make multitasking and semi graphic intensive tasks go fast, so not counting the 9000 out yet. Dell just send me a coupon book I need to look at Happy.

Unless adding your own memory voids the warranty, or Dell is having a big promo, add your own later.

I guess Apple doesn't see a priority to upgrade their software for Windows people since 64 bit is probably something that is only an issue with Windows 7 and not OSX.

Sorry for such a long reply!

- Collapse -
Now you sound like me :)
Dec 10, 2009 4:20PM PST

I have been seriously considering the Studio XPS 8000. I keep getting final days of special deals e-mails from Dell.....but I won't be rushed.....I have found they always have a special deal when you place a telephone order....Miki

- Collapse -
Dell Phone orders
Dec 28, 2009 6:47AM PST

Miki

Your comment about phone placed orders can lead to other unknown Dell offers was a valuable bit of advice. Thanks for that info. It jogged my memory to the last time I placed a phone order and was offered a free printer upgrade selection with extra ink cartridges. The printer that I originally ordered was not available. Thanks again.

- Collapse -
reply to reelbill
Dec 28, 2009 2:16PM PST

.....and I thank you for going to the trouble of letting me know about your good experience with your printer Happy

Miki