Best/Cheapest Dell for my wife?

[burt4684]

I'm trying to figure out which is the cheapest / best Dell to get for my wife. I'm not sure on the differences between the different Dimension and Optiplex systems, and there numbering scheme. She mostly does word processing, e-mail, and digital camera pictures, but we may try and use it to make simple home movies (nothing fancy).

I'd like to get XP w/512MB RAM, 40/80Gb HD, CD-ROM burner, DVD drive, and a decent graphics card. It seems like every time I start with a $299 system and start adding options it turns into a $700/$800 system. I'd like to spend no more than $500. I'm sure it's just a matter of starting with the right system and adding options smartly.

Can anyone help me out?

Thanks,

--jason

[mcs328]

the 3000 series doesn't come with an AGP slot so your graphic card choices would be almost nil and left up to the onboard video or a PCI slot video card.

[bachviet]

Get the Dimension 4700 on "DEALS" page for $449 after MIR. You could upgrade the RAM and PCI-Express video card yourself for less later.

[DarkFury]

More or less with the "Dell" deals that are posted, if you want to save money... you buy them as listed on the Deals page and modify them later.

Yes... Dell does screw you sometimes on the "upgrades", however if you are technical enough to do it yourself, you can avoid some of this.

Pretty much, I personally wouldn't go any lower than one of their Dimension 4700 series (sine the 3000s don't have an AGP nor an extra slot to install a 2nd hard drive). You can buy additional memory later as well as bigger hard drives, DVD burners, Floppy drives , etc...

The thing with the Dell deals is... where else are you going to find a Functional computer PLUS a free "17" flat panel monitor" for under $500 with FREE shipping to boot? That generally ain't happening elsewhere. :D

Good luck on your search for a PC. :thumb:

[tupacboy]

i would go with the 8400 so that u can upgrade more later....

[burt4684]

Thanks for the great (and quick) feedback. You guys rock. I can do the upgrades myself, but I would have never known that some of the models are limited in what you can upgrade. Thanks again for the info.

--jason

[mechmike0034]

Get the Dimension 4700 on "DEALS" page for $449 after MIR. You could upgrade the RAM and PCI-Express video card yourself for less later.

:stupid: (No offense intended, Bach - I agree totally!)

[g222leav]

i'm sorry, i thought the thread had read...best/cheapest wife for my dell?