(NT) BUYING A NEW COMPUTER FOR $424.00 IS IT WORTH IT

You are funny, thanks for the check about caps, i forget how bad it is to some~ my current computer is an old compaq presario 5204..the hard disk is 3gb, terrible! Im finally getting a new one just for the speed and space, also XP. the flat screen is not a lcd, (i wish!) but its nicer than what i have. I dont play alot of games on the pc, But i hope it can atleast play some popular games. Im excited! Thanks for your feedback it makes me more comfortable now!

Glad I could Help and have fun with your new computer. Just remember to look at the requirements for the games because the graphics card is 64mb shared which means you can have up to 64MB of video ram, because it is shared video memory it will slow computer down a little while gaming close to that 64 MB limit, more RAM will help will system speed and graphics card is upgradable since that computer model offers plenty of upgrading space (3 PCI slots). And I can relate to that 3GB hard drive, it got annoying.

Im a bit confused on that, is that the video memory? and if i do upgrade how much do you think ill spend?

Yes the computer your looking at has a graphics card with 64MB of video memory. What shared means is that the graphics card uses system RAM whereas a graphics card with dedicated memory has its own RAM. Shared memory will lower cost but will limit graphics capabilities and slow the computer while gaming. This computer also can be upgraded to 2MB of RAM which is good. I would recommend at least 512MB of RAM and with a graphics card with shared memory at least 1GB. I say this because if you have 256MB RAM(which is what the computer comes with)the graphics take up 64MB RAM leaving the computer 192MB RAM left. If you have 512 your system has 448MB left and at 1GB(1024MB technically) your system has access to 960MB of RAM. This happens because the system cannot access the RAM being used for graphics. Replacement graphics cards will vary do to manufacturer and current sales. I found a card at circuit city for $70(after rebates) with 128MB dedicated memory, not top of the line but will do fine unless you want to play the more sophisticated games. When buying graphics cards make sure they are the correct type, for this computer your looking at I believe its a PCI card, since there are 3 PCI slots and that's the price I quoted. I've also seen 256MB cards for 100 to 200 dollars. Whether you do upgrade the graphics card or not I recommend upgrading RAM. I have 1GB and my computer runs 50% to a 100% faster than it did with 512MB, so just doubling will do wonders, I got 512MB RAM for $40 at circuitcity also.

Hope this Helps
Jason

What exactly does refurbished mean? Im a bit nervous doing that. although for 289.00 it may be worth it.

Refurbished means that the product was previously owned, but returned for some reason...usually because the product was flawed or defective in some way. The product is then shipped back to the manufacturer, which inspects the device (in this case, computer) and repairs/replaces any damaged/flawed parts, touches up the device cosmetically, and resells it at a reduced price. They will usually include a manufacturer's warrenty with the product, although it's usually reduced. (For instance, HP offers a 1-year warrenty on new computers, but only 90-days on refurbs). Typically the computers are just as good as new, and thus a good bargain. They've been inspected, and run about the same risk of having problems as a new computer. However, some poeple prefer to stick to new computers, as the warrenty is better and they feel more comfortable with a computer that has not ''had a history.'' The ultimate decision, though, is up to you.

Hope this helps,
John

I think i'll stick with the Compaq, Hopefully i wont have to start a new thread with problems..lol
I wish i had a dollar for each of you! :} Thanks again!
P>S> Ive never used the windows xp, Is it difficult to learn?

The entire interface received a makeover, so it takes a week or so to get used to, but it's still the same Windows underneath (with some nice new features), so there's not much to learn. The major differences:
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*** Great new design, though you can choose to revert to the old Windows95/98/ME look if you want. (To do so, right click the desktop, select properties, click the ''appearance'' tab, and select ''Windows Classic Style'' under ''windows and buttons.''

*** By default, the My Computer, my Documents, and My Network Places icons do not appear on the desktop (only the recycle bin is shown)...they're on the start menu. To bring them back, select the desktop tab, click ''customize desktop,'' and place check marks next to the ones you want. (Then, to chage the start menu, right-click the task bar, select properties, click the "start menu" tab, then select the style you prefer and click "customize.")

*** If you create multiple users, you be greeted with a new login screen. (By default, you'll start with the ''administrator'' account, but it's best to create another one and only use the default for emergencies. (To create new ones, go start->control panel->user accounts->create a new account.)

*** Administrative account have full access to all files, programs, and settings. Limited accounts only have access to their own files, and basic settings, and not all programs may be available for use unless advanced settings are enabled per program.

*** Pressing ctrl+L will allow you to remain logged in to one account, then return to the login screen to log into a second or third. It's a great feature if your spouse or kids need to do something on their accounts, but you don't want to log out and lose what you were doing.

*** Pressing ctrl+alt+delete twice no longer restarts your computer. However, there is an option to restart by pressing the key combination once.
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Aside from that, it's not much different. You'll run in to several other changes and new features, but they're pretty easy to understand and use. Microsoft made this version more ''friendly'' and easier to use/understand than it's previous releases. However, if you ever have a question about anything, feel free to ask in the Windows XP forum. Just think of us as a free version of Best Buy's Geek Squad.

Hope this helps,
John

DONT DO IT TO YOURSELF!!!!!!! ITS NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!

did you get the operating system software including, i mean the actual cd roms?

No you most likely won't get the actual cd-roms with the computer. I have two computers and neither came with the OS cd's. Not sure what you would need them for other than recovery if your computer crashes. But for that, when you first turn on your computer I think you will be asked to create a recovery drive on your hard drive and recovery cd's. At least that is what my HP did.

thats what i thought i would need them for the xp anyway, just in case in crashes. thanks