| - You don't need the modem since you have DSL
- You don't need wireless in the desktop if it'll be located near the DSL where the DSL ethernet cable can plug to the desktop. This is different than having a wireless router that would work with a laptop in a different part of the house which you either already have or likely don't need.
- You don't need bluetooth unless you have a compelling need to have your phone or something communicate with the desktop
- The included graphics are fine if you're not into gaming
- Get 2G of Ram
Consider -
- A writeable DVD/CD drive so you could write to a DVD if you want to for backup of files, photos, and old videotapes.
- Get a decent monitor since that's what the majority of your 'experience' will be. Consider at least a 19" but up to 21" flat screen. They've come down a lot in price lately
- Get a keyboard/mouse option that looks to be comfortable to you. Usually you can pay an extra $20-30 or so to get the premium ones
I use Vista and XP and don't have any issues with Vista. VIsta's 'prettier' but doesn't add a lot of useful functionality over XP. I just purchased a new desktop (Gateway quad core bundle at Costco) and it has Vista. I wouldn't buy a new computer with XP instead of Vista at this point. You'll find a lot of debate on this though. |