That review of what you want in a PC is excellent.
most salient features, as per article and real life are:
1. don't overpay for fast processors if you're an ordinary user
2. RAM RAM RAM - put extra money into RAM, BUT, if you're just emailing and word processing, you probably wouldn't really need it. I have a dell Celeron 2300, came with 128 DDR Ram and XP-home. Works just fine, even multi-tasking. I did ask Santa for a 256 RAM stick from Crucial (only $41)
3. I don't necessarily agree about going LCD monitor. Sure, they are great, but you can get an excellent 17" CRT for under $150 vs at least 3-400 for 17" LCD. 15" LCD is certainly sufficient though, and can get one for close to $200 if look around.
Check Dell, Gateway, Walmart, Staples, Sam's club, etc for package dealies, that might just include a flat screen. for 500-600 bucks you could get a real fine total system. If adventuresome, go to dell.com, hit the refurb section, and keep looking for a puter that meets your needs. i got my celeron for $234 delivered, no monitor, deal of a lifetime, but had to surf several days. have fun. larry |
