Well guys, I did it. I called Dell today and ordered a new machine. It's supposed to ship on the 23rd!! Now I have to learn computers all over again cuz I've never used Windows XP. Anywho, here's what I ordered...

Starting with the Dimension 4600 base we add:

*Intel Pentium 4 Processor (2.80 GHz)
*Microsoft Windows XP Professional
*1 GB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz
*160 GB Performance Serial ATA Hard Drive...free upgrade!! Waaay more than I'll ever use but, hey, it was free!
*3.5 Floppy Drive
*Dual Drives: 16X DVD-ROM and 16X DVD+RW+R
*Microsoft Office Basic - Includes Outlook, Word, Excel
*Norton Internet Security 2004 15 - mth
*Dell 922 Printer/Copier/Scanner
*17" E172FPBFlat Panel Display...free upgrade!! that's why I ordered today, the special offer ended today! I wish it were bigger but to upgrade again to the 19" was another $400..ouch..
*Integrated Intel Extreme Graphics 2...I decided against the other graphics card. The sales person assured me that since I don't play games or watch movies on my computer that this card will fill my needs perfectly.
*Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio
*Dell Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard
*Dell 2-button scroll mouse
*Dell A215 Speakers
*Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0
*Integrated Intel Pro 10/100 Ethernet
*4 Year Limited Warranty. At Home Service with Nights and Week ends 24x7 Technical Support...3 Year included + 1 year purchased with a $60 mail in rebate, essentially making it 4 years included

So there it is. Thanks for all your help!!

 

Nice order.


Post some pics when you get it set up!

 

Congrats, on your PC.

Here is a site that might help a little on the transition to XP.

http://support.microsoft.com/default...&product=winxp

 

Nice setup WMR! Shoulda got the graphics card, though...

So how long does it take to ship a PC to the boonies?! Ships on the 23rd, so you'll get it by..... what, Christmas?

 

Great system. You'll enjoy it for years.

I recommend picking up a $50 video card with DVI support for your flat panel, though. You will notice a difference.

 

I know, I know, I'll probably end up regretting the decision and then you can say "I told you so"

The boonies, LOL!! Thank God they're shipping it Fed-Ex 2 day air otherwise Christmas sounds about accurate! Typically 2 day air means between 3 and 4 day air. Hopefully I'll have it Monday...hopefully!!

kingfish, thanks for the site! From what everyone tells me there isn't a lot of difference but what is different is much better. Can't wait to get it up and running!!

 

Dell's rock, except for mine. Between all the beer thats been spilled on it and the fact that its got aids or something. College is hard on a computer