Computer advice needed - seeking a replacement

[Cheza]

Okay, I seem to be hitting the point where my current computer needs to be replaced...mainly due to lack of being able to find a compatible printer now. When I bought it, I couldn't afford a Pentium so I ended up with a Celeron. When my printer died recently, almost every single printer said you have to have a Pentium minimum and a good bit of hard disc space (mine only has 20 GB to start with and it's chocked so full I can't even defrag the blessed thing).

So, now the hunt is on for a new computer. I attempted to spec a Dell laptop (which I would love to have), but it was going to be way too much money. I see some of the stores are getting in new computers (back to school preparations no doubt). Right now these are some options I'm considering:

-- Acer laptop - 120 GB hard drive - running Windows Vista of course...Pentium Dual Core processor...$698.

-- Toshiba laptop - similar specs, but a bit larger hard drive - 160 GB...$898.

-- Dell desktop - but this one has an Athlon processor (I'm ignorant about processors/compatibility etc.), however, it has Microsoft Office installed already, which I need due to PowerPoint. I think the hard drive on it was 250 GB and the keyboard, etc. were wireless...in other words it includes some Bluetooth technology...$848 including flat-screen monitor, wireless keyboard, tower, etc.

-- Compaq desktop - Pentium 4...120 GB hard drive...this one (as well as the others) can write CDs or DVDs (however, I think the Compaq has the lightscribe technology)...tower only - $348. My current machine is a Compaq and it hasn't given me much trouble.

I'm going blank on the other specs as it has been a long day...sorry...I can get them for you guys later if you need more particulars to advise me on which way to go.

To make a long story short - I'd love the flexibility of a laptop, but I don't know that much about Acer or Toshiba. I would love the Dell XPS, but just don't see the funds for it available in the near future - too many other bills. I possibly have a $500 stipend coming before school starts from a workshop I have to attend...that would go a long way (if not completely) replace the machine I'm currently using.

I looked at Best Buy & Staples earlier this week, but I've looked at so many machines in the past few weeks that they are all running together in my brain now and I can't remember what was where.

However, that brings us to the next rub...the machines at school still run XP and will not be changed to Vista until the district is forced to do so...therefore, Vista brings about a host of compatability concerns. All of my current documents *at home...not at school* are in Microsoft Works.

My current PC has Windows XP and I suppose I could create things on it and burn them to my flash drive if needed, but first I'll have to clean off some hard drive space to make room for the SMART Board notebook software and PowerPoint so that I can do that.

HELP! This is giving me a headache! Any suggestions???

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide!

[starcrossed]

Hey Cheza! First can I tell you how much I am not a fan of Vista...some people love it, but I think that you really have way to many downfalls with this program and that it takes away from the benefits of even having it. Plus, many stores add this to the price o f the computers (since it is new).

I think that the best places for computer buys are found online. I love Fry's.com and Circuit City.com.

As far as computer's go...The Dell XPS is easily about $3000. Sony's are about the same in price range, although so worth the money in many ways. However, Acer, Toshiba, Compaq and HP are all good choices for the lower prices.

Suggestions:

basic: 120 GB Hard Drive / Pentium 4 / 1.8 gHz / 512 MB - 1 GB Ram / DVD +- R Drive / 15" inch screen

I asked Andrew for suggestions, and that is even what he recommended.

[Cheza]

Yeah, the one plus is if I went with the XPS, which would be at least $3,000 with my minimum specs...I CAN get it built with XP instead. I've heard a lot of griping about Vista...that it's greedy with the computer storage and doesn't like to share...literally, those were someone's exact words as I was reading through reviews on computers.

Thanks for the advice, Star.

Anyone else got any suggestions? Let me know if you have a computer you love or one that was sent straight from hell.

[Cheza]

Star, maybe Andrew can answer this question...Is a Centrino Duo going up or down from a Pentium? I'm so confused. The more I look at the more confusion it creates! I looked at Fry's. Thanks for that link.

[starcrossed]

Hey Cheza! I asked Andrew and he says that a Pentium 4 is still better than a Centrino Duo.

[Cheza]

Okay! Thanks for the info, Star! I'm trying to figure out if I can find a way to swing the XPS...I just don't know whether I can or not. My mom chastises me for that - says she only buys what she knows she can afford. I don't want to get in over my head. Pray that I'll make the right decision. I may hold off for a bit if I can get a printer to run with my pc for a while...I found one that might.

FYI specs on my current machine are: Intel Celeron Processor 1.2 GHz, 256 MB SyncDRAM (I have another 256 chip to put in though), 20 GB Ultra DMA Hard Drive, 12x Max CD-RW Drive with Roxio Easy CD Creator software, 56 V.90 Modem, Microsoft Windows XP Home, Microsoft Works 6.0...

It's a good computer, but it's just not big enough or fast enough for my growing needs. *sigh* I'll figure this out...it may take me a year, but I'll figure it out. Thanks for your help.

Peace.

[rockfan]

Cheza, I have a Dell XPS with the Intel Core 2 Duo Processor. I love it and use Windows XP instead of Vista even though it's Vista Ready should I want to change. You can get these well under $3000. Build to your specs (which I did) at dell.com or at the Dell store at the mall. They have free shipping.

[Cheza]

Thanks for the advice, Rockfan. I really want the XPS, but I fear I may just have to settle for another desktop for the time being and save up for that XPS...yet I know me...I'm the world's worst at saving. Money burns a hole through my pocket.

Peace.

[rachael]

Cheza,
Try going to the Dell.outlet

Previously Ordered new only and then filter by price.

You will see laptops that are close to mine. Inspiron approx. $589.00
Good luck~

[Cheza]

I'll give that a look. Thanks, Isa!

[Cheza]

Star, I just found one at Fry's that says the processor is a Pentium Dual-Core. I'm not having much luck seeking a Pentium 4 in a notebook. I have found one in a tower that I'm seriously contemplating purchasing (it's only $348 and I have an extra monitor lying around). Any ideas on the best processor for a notebook?

[Cheza]

What do you think of this tower?

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5707025

I know it says it's out of stock online, but they have it in the W-M stores in this area. I like the fact you can upgrade the RAM.

[Kari]

This isn't about buying a computer, but I need to find out how to compress a video I took with my camera. It's an avi, 288.8mb and 4:19 long. I need to get it down to 100mb to get it on to youtube. Can anyone tell me an easy program to use. Obviously I know absolutely nothing about doing this. Thanks!!! Oh... It's a LH video!

[Cheza]

Hi Deb, sorry that I can't help you there. Hopefully someone here can...any YouTubers who can help her out?

[rockfan]

debgro said:

This isn't about buying a computer, but I need to find out how to compress a video I took with my camera. It's an avi, 288.8mb and 4:19 long. I need to get it down to 100mb to get it on to youtube. Can anyone tell me an easy program to use. Obviously I know absolutely nothing about doing this. Thanks!!! Oh... It's a LH video!

I know how to do that. I just pm'd you about it.

[starcrossed]

I will ask him tonight Cheza, when he gets out of work. I am still learning as I go. At this point I can put them together, but there are so many things about hardware differences and software, that my head spins...LOL I will ask him. No worries!

[Cheza]

Star, did you see the link to the tower I'm considering if I have to get a desktop?

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5707025

[starcrossed]

I did...I will show him the site page, too. I am a space hog, so I love a large hard drive and tons of memory myself. With what you want to do with your computer what are the most important features that you require?

[starcrossed]

Alright...Andrew say that that is a good deal for what it has...If you have monitor already, too. 512mb is small for memory, but your right, if you just add another 512, then it would be perfect!!!

As for the laptop...he says that almost anything would work...Celeron, AMD Athlon, and dual core.

Does that help?

[Kari]

Thank to Rockfan I was able get my video compressed here's the link!

youtube.com/watch?v=oXmHeD6mDZ8