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General discussion

Switching from laptop to desktop - need help, please

Jun 30, 2005 2:12AM PDT

I currently own a 4-year old Toshiba Satellite 1625 laptop that I have been very happy with - up to the last 6 months. But it's now time to purchase a new computer and I have decided to go with a desktop - I don't need the portability and think I can get more with a desktop.

I am trying to decide between a Dell 9100 and one of the HP models. I don't do a lot of gaming/graphics, other than a little internet bridge - nor do I watch DVDs on the computer. There are only adults in the house.

I do surf the net and do Word/Excel/Access and Quickbooks. Perhaps I would do more with equipment that would allow me to do more.

Can someone help lead me down the right path? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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dell 9100 or just DIY
Jun 30, 2005 2:18AM PDT

the benefits of the dell is btx which will cool your gpu very well, hence gaming. you could just build it yourself. intel dual core or amd dual core.

konny

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Dell vs. Reviews
Jun 30, 2005 6:33AM PDT

The Dell 9100 took "Editor's Choice". All you have to do is configure it to your tastes. IF I were ever to buy a new machine (I build my own), it would be the Dell for the best overall reliability. There are more powerful machines out there but they can cost several thousand dollars. I am writing this response on a Dell Inspiron 9200. My main machine just cooked from a power surge despite UPS and dedicated circuit. But I digress.

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Yes, a Dual-Core processor desktop
Jun 30, 2005 7:11AM PDT

like the Dell 9100 would be a good choice.

Building one would not be any cheaper than buying one. Re my post comparing a buy/build:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7586-0.html?forumID=68&threadID=110933&messageID=1265362

Dell changes their setup concering prices and what they give so called ''free'' every week usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. You may want to check on line for several weeks what is the best buy, or even wait for a best buy you missed to come around again (if you are in no rush).

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(NT) (NT) Dell 5100 or 5100C with 5x1 series/dual core
Jun 30, 2005 10:30AM PDT
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Thanks Roger, Dell announced them Tuesday. The
Jun 30, 2005 4:00PM PDT

The 5100C (narrow tower) offers the Pent D Dual Core Processor in 2.80GHz or 3.0GHZ, or choose the Pent 4 Processors 5x1 series (non dual core).

The 5100 does not offer the Pent D Dual Core Processsor, only the Pent 4 Processors 5x1 series.

Dell's announcement:
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2004/2005_06_28_rr_001?c=us&l=en&s=corp
(Note the lack of PCI slots in the 5100C. Also, no mention of 64-bit support. The older Pent 4 5xx series did not support 64-bit, but the Pent 4 6xx and D dual-core did...questions to be asked Dell.)

Configure/customize for the 5100C:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D51CSAP&s=dhs

Configure/customize for the 5100:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D51SAP&s=dhs

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Checking Intel, the P4 series 5x1 do have 64-bit
Jun 30, 2005 4:28PM PDT

support (EM64T)