Susantm

Well, it turned out that the motherboard had failed on my desktop computer, so it is time to get another. I have pretty much decided upon a Dell Inspiron 530, as they are listed as one of the best budget desktops, and my boys both like their Dells.

However, I am not up on the different options offered when ordering, so I thought maybe some of you computer experts could help. For example, do I need a modem if I have dsl? Is wireless a good thing to add? How about bluetooth? Are integrated graphics OK if I'm not a gamer, or is a separate card valuable? How much RAM is recommended--I am considering 1 or 2 Gigs. Any other vital options I should consider??

Thanks so much! I use my computer a lot for work and relaxation, so I want one that will be useful for a few years.

mathmom

You need a computer guru. Your kids don't have opinions? We have a modem and dsl. I love having wireless, but I'm convinced that lying on the sofa instead of sitting at my desktop has added pounds. Dh also uses wireless because he brings a laptop home from work. If you are happy with your tethered computers you probably don't need a laptop. You can never have too much RAM. I'd get 2 Gigs, but I use Photoshop and Publisher alot. I have no idea about integrated graphics. Don't get Vista if you can help it. They are selling computers with XP again.

Susantm

This computer is available with either vista or xp. Is Vista really that bad?

natmicstef

You don't need an internal modem..as you have a modem from your isp for the dsl. 2 gigs ram is good; wireless is good - it give you flexibility to move your computer away from the dsl hub, should you wish to one day. Integrated graphics if good enough and I would get bluetooth since you will likely keep this new computer for many years you might as well have as many bells and whistles as you can.
Generally people have faced problems with Vista not working so well with older printers and other peripherals and XP is still the more favored operating system. That said, Microsoft is going to stop XP being installed in new systems as of June I believe; they've made a big investment in Vista which they need to recoup. I have a Vista laptop and XP desktop. To be honest I have had no problems with Vista but just prefer XP.

ucsd_ucla_dad

- 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.

parent2noles

Go with ucsd/ucla_dad's advice. If you can afford more RAM than 2GB, buy it. Get the most video RAM you can afford as well.

Susantm

Thank you all very much, especially ucsd_ucla_dad. That is VERY helpful to me! The package I'm looking at does come with rewriteable dvd/cd drive and 19" monitor. And with the current special offer, it is only around $550 if I go with 2 G of RAM.

Interestingly enough, due to losing my tax info, done with TaxCut, I had to redo my taxes, this time using TaxAct, since it was cheaper--and I didn't have the code to reinstall TaxCut. TaxAct saved me almost enough to pay for the computer! So perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.