Could I get some advice?

[ohheckyeah]

Could I get some advice. Of the two computers listed below, which one would you buy and why? The monitors aren't an issue as I have a 22" widescreen HD monitor that I will be using with whichever I buy. The computers are the exact same price.

1.
Full desktop performance packed into a slimline design. Designed to perform and built to last, the HP Pavilion Slimline S5213W-B desktop PC comes with plenty of advanced features, including an AMD Sempron LE-1250 processor, 4GB system memory and a 320GB hard drive for plenty of storage. The SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you create DVDs and CDs with custom labels on LightScribe-enabled discs. Plus, it includes an 18.5" diagonal 16:9 widescreen monitor with VGA and DVI-D connectivity.

* AMD Sempron" LE-1250 Processor
2.2GHz speed, an 1600MHz bus speed, and 512KB L2 cache on a NVIDIA nForce MCP61 Chipset
* 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 SDRAM memory which can handle today's applications
* 320GB SATA hard drive Stores up to 91,000 photos, or up to 700,000 songs, or up to 38 hours of HD video
* SuperMulti DVD Burner with LightScribe Technology
Allows you to write DVD and CD in multiple formats and speeds.
* 10/100 Wired Ethernet and 56K PCI data/fax modem
Lets you connect to a broadband modem using the Ethernet port or connect to dial-up service using the built-in 56K modem
* HP w1858 18.5-inch diagonal 16:9 widescreen computer monitor with VGA and DVI-D Connectivity
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE Graphics with 256MB integrated shared graphics memory. Up to 2GB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows 7


Additional Features:
* Integrated audio, 6 speaker configurable with up to 5.1 surround sound capabilities
* 6-in-1 digital media card reader
* HP USB keyboard & optical mouse
* Multiple USB Ports in Front and Back with 6 Total USB, Headphone, Microphone, 2 PS/2 and VGA Out.



Software
* Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition. To learn more about the Features of Windows 7 Click here
* Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 60 Day Trail Edition.
* Microsoft Works 9.0
* Norton Internet Security 2009: Protect your PC out of the box (60 days of complimentary live updates)(
* Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
* HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia & entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists & watch DVD movies
* HP Total Care Advisor 3.2: HP Advisor makes your PC easier to use -view your status at a glance, access support, discover more ways to use your PC, and navigate easily to your favorite software and services.

Support and Warranty
* 1 year limited hardware warranty
* 1 year software support, offering 24x7 technical assistance available online or toll-free by phone


2.

Product Features

* Intel® Pentium® dual-core processor E5300
Features 2 processing cores, 800MHz frontside bus, 2MB cache and 2.6GHz processor speed.
* Two processing cores
Let you run multiple applications simultaneously, so you can browse, send instant messages, download music and transfer photos all at once.
* 4GB DDR2 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media.
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers fast read/write times and plenty of storage.
* Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
With 256MB shared video memory for improved graphics performance.
* Built-in 19-in-1 digital media reader
Supports Secure Digital, miniSD, microSD, Secure Digital High Capacity, MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC), MultiMediaCard Plus, RD MultiMediaCard Plus and MultiMediaCard Micro formats.
* Also supports Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, CompactFlash I/II, SmartMedia, xD-Picture Card and Microdrive formats.
* 6 high-speed USB 2.0 ports
Both front and rear accessible for fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity.
* Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for easy connection to the Internet.
* Dell AX210 speakers
With integrated Realtek ALC888 high-definition audio and support for 7.1-channel sound.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform from which to launch games, programs and other applications.
* Software package included
With Microsoft Works and more.
* Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

[RoyGBiv]

1. Difficult ...

You'll probably get marginally better performance out of the second option, which, combined with the larger hard drive, would convince me. The graphics accelerator is better and newer. It also has much better OpenSource and media support, if that means anything to you. The performance comparison of those processors is about equal.

Neither system will be a high-end gaming machine of course. You could probably run most older (3+ years) DirectX 9 games on it reasonably well. The graphics and processor are roughly the equivalent to a higher-end system I had about 4 years ago, which played most games of that generation just fine, did media playback very well, and naturally did everything else I needed it to do.

[ohheckyeah]

2. thank you for your response

I don't need a gaming machine. I do a lot of graphics work and need a lot of hard drive space for graphics programs. Quark and Photoshop both use a lot of resources. For me it's about speed, RAM and hard drive space.

I had considered just putting in a new hard drive in the computer I have but it dawned on me that by the time I do that and update the software I would have spent a considerable amount of money and still have a 5 year old computer.

[RoyGBiv]

3. Does it have an expansion slot?

If it has a PCI-E slot in it, you could add a different graphics card at a later date if the integrated solution doesn't work for you.

Given that you have a 5 year old computer, you're likely going to experience a noticeable increase in performance with either system. The Intel GMA chip is better, but if speed is your issue, it *will* be underpowered. (But it won't be as underpowered as the GeForce chip in the previous setup.) It has a Futuremark rating of 71. By comparison, the low end, cheap ($30 at Newegg) card I picked up to replace my now dead one until I do my new system build in the next couple months has a rating of 293. Mid range cards by the same measurement are in the 500-800 range, while the high-end cards go up to around 1500. In addition, integrated chipsets have an inherent performance flaw by sharing resources with the CPU and memory, which is another argument in favor of finding an independent graphics card at some point.

That said, desktop publishing, which is what I assume you do, isn't as GPU intensive as something like 3-D modeling. Unless you're processing hundreds of TIFF files at a time, these systems should be fine.

[ohheckyeah]

4. To be honest

I know nothing about graphics cards. I know that I had to upgrade my video card in my current computer for the 22" HD widescreen monitor. But this is a 5 year old Dimension 3000.

Is the graphics card the same as a video card? As I said, I know nothing about them. I don't know anything about the computer other than what I put in the OP so I don't know if it has an expansion slot or not.

Yes, I do desktop publishing. And, I am the program Queen. I love trying new programs so I need lots of room for them. :-)

I found this information:

#
Available Expansion Bays
External: 1 (3.5")
#
Available Expansion Slots
None
#
USB 2.0 Ports
6 (2 front, 4 rear)
#
IEEE 1394 Ports
0
#
S-Video Outputs
None
#
Serial Ports
None
#
Parallel Ports
None
#
Game Ports
None

[RoyGBiv]

5. Yes, the same ...

Graphics card is the more appropriate term, imo, but the two are used interchangeably and tend to be called "video" cards by those who make and sell them, so what do I know. :)

I notice you edited the OP, btw. I based my original comments on the 2nd option having an Intel GMA x4500HD chipset. The one you've got there now is different. The Intel GMA 3100 is a somewhat lesser, older chipset and some of my previous comments do not apply.

Do you know the manufacturer and model number on the 2nd option system? I could try to look up the specs to see if it has the appropriate expansion slot. Many systems do, but some do not.

OnEdit: The first option does have an expansion slot for a graphics card. I'm betting the second one does too.

I'd still go with the second option.

[ohheckyeah]

6. I'm sorry for the confusion.

Here is what I had originally and it is still an option:

Item Description

With a combination of popular features and an affordable price, the Dell Inspiron I537-1368NBK desktop PC delivers outstanding value. Optimized to provide the entertainment features you crave, this PC is equipped with a 2.2GHz Intel Celeron processor, a 640GB hard drive, and 4GB of system memory. Its bold, sleek design is sure to make a statement in your home or office, and its powerful performance is enough to keep you ahead, whether you're working or playing.

* Intel Celeron 450 processor
2.2GHz speed, an 800MHz frontside bus, and 512KB L2 cache
* 4GB of dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM system memory at 800MHz can handle today's demanding applications
* 640GB hard drive Stores up to 181,000 photos, or up to158,000 songs, or up to 76 hours of HD video
* DVD read/write optical drive
Burns CDs and DVDs in multi-formats while it plays movies and music
* 10/100 Wired Ethernet and 56K PCI data/fax modem
Lets you connect to a broadband modem using the Ethernet port or connect to dial-up service using the built-in 56K modem
* 17" diagonal widescreen flat panel display
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD integrated graphics


Additional Features:
* Energy Star compliant. Helps save energy without sacrificing quality or performance
* Integrated 5.1-channel audio
* 19-in-1 digital media card reader
* Dell AX210 speakers, USB keyboard & Optical USB mouse
* Multiple USB Ports in Front and Back.



Software
* Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition. To learn more about the Features of Windows 7 Click here
* Microsoft Office Home & Student 2007 60 Day Trail Edition.
* Microsoft Works 9.0
* McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall (30-day trial version)

According to the Dell website it has this available:
PCIe x16(1), PCIe x 1(1), PCI(2)



As for the number 2 option that is in the OP, you can find it here:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9532428&type=product&id=1218120174747

It's a Dell - Inspiron Desktop with Intel® Pentium® Processor
Model: I545S-1476N | SKU: 9532428

I don't know what the actual model name is for this one.

[RoyGBiv]

7. No worries ...

However, the 2nd option in the revised OP has no expansion slots of any kind. That gives me pause. It basically means you're stuck with what it no matter what. If the graphics don't do what you need them to do, you can't change them. More importantly, if something goes bad, you can't replace it.

For graphics expansion, the PCIe x16 slot is what you're looking for.

The other PCI slots allow for the addition of other things should you need them.

[ohheckyeah]

9. Ok.

I'm assuming that the one I can actually buy in the store has the same thing as the one on the Dell site as far as expansion slots. Is that a reasonable assumption or a "I'm making as ass out of me"?

[RoyGBiv]

13. That's reasonable ...

The store is just a re-seller. They don't actually make anything.

[BlueJazz]

11. Yep..I was thinking the same. Turn off the built-in Graphics and let a decent card..

...do all the screen work. :)

[RoyGBiv]

20. Yup ...

Integrated graphics does what it does and makes a system cheaper, but there's no beating an independent card. Even a lesser card improves performance over most integrated chipsets.

[ohheckyeah]

24. How is integrated less performance wise? In what

respect?

[RoyGBiv]

27. It's the way it works with the system ...

Without going all techno-geek-from-hell on you, the easiest way to explain it is to note that integrated graphics uses or shares system memory as well as the pathways to channel information around as it goes out to the display, to and from the CPU, memory, etc.

Dedicated (discrete) graphics cards come with their own memory and, through the PCI-E slot, their own bandwidth to communicate with the rest of the system.

Dedicated cards also are just generally more powerful. Being separated from the main circuitry, they aren't limited by the motherboard's design scheme and whatnot.

[ohheckyeah]

30. Ok. I kind of understood that.

Is putting in a new graphics card something I can do myself or is it difficult? I've put in modems and memory before but that's it.

Is Nvidia my graphics card?

[RoyGBiv]

31. It's simple ...

Memory installation is actually more complicated.

The only "complicated" bit is going into the BIOS after installation and making sure the integrated graphics is turned off. If you don't know, that's the screen you can go to prior to booting the machine, the thing that the system is referring to on the system splash screen when it says "Press DEL (or F8 or some other key) to enter SETUP." And that's not complicated. You just have to find the menu option.

NVidia makes graphics cards. The systems you've presented here have GeForce (which is a GPU type originally made by NVidia but licensed to other card manufacturers) and Intel integrated chipsets. The one on the system I suggested is Intel.

I'd suggest getting your system, seeing how it performs for you, and then if you want a little more kick to your image processing, think about a new graphics card. You can spend anywhere from $30 to over $1000 on one of those. You can get really good ones under $100. The one I was using before it melted down (GeForce 9600GT) runs for about $75 right now, which is kinda irritating since I bought the blasted thing for almost $200. The temporary replacement was only $30 (GeForce 8400GS), and it's actually a pretty good card. I've got an HD stream running right now without a glitch while typing and (just to test it) spun my cube on my screen (a Linux thing that takes none too small amount of graphics processing power to do smoothly).

[ohheckyeah]

33. That sounds like something I can do.

Thanks for the info. I don't remember what the card I have now cost, I just know my husband told them to put in a good one. That's how he deals with purchasing computer stuff....he tells them it has to be good and it has to be fast.

[BlueJazz]

39. I was thinking She/He could get one of these >>>

Jesus Christ !!!! :rofl:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4210667&CatId=28

[RoyGBiv]

40. Holy Mother of God!!!

Hmmm ... wonder if it can handle Vista. ;-)

What the hell does that thing do anyway?

I better be able to speak to it ("Make me a bouncy ball") and it render up the 3-d model exactly as I want it immediately.

Here's the punchline.

Interface Type: PCI Express 1.0 x16

Not even the 2.0 standard? Sheesh.

[ohheckyeah]

42. At that price, it better vacuum and do windows. n/t

[canetoad]

41. Wow

That is pure grafix pron :rofl:

[canetoad]

8. I'd probably go for the second choice

with the Intel core2 duo. I've recently built a machine for my cousin who is cash strapped and used the same CPU. I stuck in a spare 256mb Gigabyte graphics card and it goes like a little dream.

The AMD option specifies a slimline case, is it the same with the second? I'm not fond of those as I like plenty of room to bugger about inside. If you don't plan on opening it up too often it shouldn't be a problem.

[ohheckyeah]

10. The problem is the Intel core2 duo

doesn't appear to have a slot to put the graphics card in.

[canetoad]

12. I can't see the model of the motherboard

in the list of specs. Bash me if I'm not looking hard enough!

If you know the model, it's easy to google and find out the exact Mboard specs, slots etc. I'd find it hard to believe that any modern board wouldn't have at least one PCIe slot.

[RoyGBiv]

14. Struck me as odd too ...

Dell Inspiron i545s-1476N

According to Dell, the expansion slots on this model are as such:

# Expansion Slots Total (Free) Memory, Memory card reader

No mention of any free PCI slots.

The Best Buy site simply says "none" under Expansion Slots.

Also, both that model and the AMD ones are slimline cases.

The Inspiron 537, which was the original second option and mentioned elsewhere in the thread, is a mid-size tower.

[ohheckyeah]

16. I guess I could break down and call them tomorrow

and see if anyone knows.

The other option (option 3 I guess) is here:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12554465#Warranty (yeah, I know, walmart) ;-)

I just can't justify spending a whole lot more as I got a new laptop for Christmas last year. I didn't really need it, but what can I say?

[RoyGBiv]

19. Yeah, I found it earlier ...

Wal-Mart seems to be a preferred reseller for that model.

(And you'll get no moral judgments from me. You do what ya gotta do.)

Given the systems you've offered, that is the one I'd go with.

[ohheckyeah]

22. I forgot I wasn't in General Discussion

and was ready to be blasted for shopping at Walmart. :-)

Thanks so much to all of you for the help. There's just NO way I can beat the Walmart price even with a discount coupon at the Dell site.

So, anybody want to buy a 17" LCD monitor, keyboard and mouse? :rofl:

I'm the only woman I know who would rather buy electronics than clothes.

[Statistical]

38. You may have better luck with a computer retailers.

Paying for a monitor you don't need just drives up the price.

Here is system I found (likely other better ones) in just 2 minutes on newegg's website.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103232

Processor AMD Athlon II X2 215(2.7GHz)
Processor Main Features 64 bit Dual Core Processor
Cache Per Processor 2 x 512KB L2 Cache
Memory 4GB DDR2 800
Hard Drive 750GB SATA 7200RPM
Optical Drive 1 16X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce G210 Graphics Card with 512MB DDR2 Dedicated Video Memory
Audio High Definition Audio with 5.1-channel Audio Support
Ethernet Gigabit LAN
Power Supply 220W
Keyboard USB Keyboard
Mouse Optical Mouse
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Couple things standout.
1) It has a real graphics card and more importantly a graphic card slot (PCIe x16) so you can upgrade graphics card if you need.
2) It has a mainstream processor not a crippled celeron
3) It is only $419

If you spend 20-30 minutes you might find even better deals looking through the systems.

[canetoad]

17. You may be right

I've looked at a couple of shopping sites and no mention of expansion slots. At the moment I've googled images for Dell Inspiron Motherboard. May be something there

[RoyGBiv]

18. Yeah ...

A motherboard image is what's needed.

FWIW, I've seen these motherboards. I actually have one sitting in my living room at the moment. It's what's left of a system belonging to a friend that decided it was fed up with life and imploded. Motherboard has not a single expansion slot in it. Tiny thing.

They're starting to come into vogue now in the continuing effort to shave costs everywhere possible.

[ohheckyeah]

15. This is the link to the dual-core processor E5300

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9532428&type=product&id=1218120174747

If you look in the specifications it says it has no expansion ports.

[canetoad]

21. Bloody hell, you're right!

Knowing that you use the big graphics programs, I would be very suss about not having a slot for a graphics card.

I'm with Roy G here. Of the three choices, IMO the Walmart one would suit your needs best. They say the Intel GMA X4500HD handles 'The Vista Experience'...if it can do that, it can deal with Photoshop :rofl:

[ohheckyeah]

23. LOL

I haven't used Vista enough to be aggravated with it. I have XP on my desktop and Vista on the laptop and I don't use the laptop daily like I do the desktop. I'm a bit spoiled by the 22" widescreen monitor on the desktop.

[canetoad]

25. Tell me about it

We upgraded our work computers last year and all have 22in. wide. Up till then I was perfectly happy with my 17in at home then all of a sudden it seemed like a quaint, archaic little thing. Once you use a big screen it's impossible to go back.

[ohheckyeah]

26. Really. Walmart has a

17" with that computer...what the hell is that all about? I got my Acer 22" 2 or 3 years ago for Christmas. It was the biggest one the store had which is why my husband bought it.

Remember the olden days with the big old clunky 15 inch monitors?

[canetoad]

28. Even further back than that

My first computer had a NINE INCH screen, in glorious black and white. (Yep, a Mac Plus)

[ohheckyeah]

29. That could make one commit suicide.

I didn't know computer screens ever came in black and white.

[RoyGBiv]

32. Try green and black ...

... or the one I had, amber and black. The amber and black was much preferable to the green and black.

I upgraded to a four color monitor and thought I was in heaven. FOUR colors. To this day, I HATE the colors cyan and magenta.

My first computer used a television as a monitor. Resolution was crap, but at least it had color. Then I became another PC drone ...

[ohheckyeah]

34. Oh man. amber and black and green and black

doesn't sound too easy on the eyes.

I wish I could find somewhere I could get training in computer repair. The only tech schools around are pretty far from where I live. Of course most everything is pretty far from where I live.

[Statistical]

37. Oh yeah. Green on black.

Pretty standard for a while.

CGA was first real color monitor standard (whole 16 colors). We never had one.
EGA came out not much later which was both high resolution 640x350 and had 64 (count em) colors.

[Occulus]

47. Now isn't THAT the truth

"Once you use a big screen it's impossible to go back."

I had my gaming PC hooked up to my 50" HDTV... until the lamp on the TV died from overuse.

It was a thing of beauty. Multiplayer gaming was just joy, especially the new Burnout game.

I need a new lamp, stat......

[ConsAreLiars]

35. Since you already have a monitor, you might do better buying online from a place like newegg.

Here's the $300-$400 list: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2032280010%204019&name=%24300%20-%20%24400
And the $400-$500 list: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2032280010%204020&name=%24400%20-%20%24500

Just for reassurance about online ordering, I think everyone here will give newegg a thumbs up in terms of reliability and service. TigerDirect is another one generally well regarded.

Today most come with Vista, but, if you can wait, over the next few weeks more will offer Windows 7.

Here's an HP model:

Recertified: HP Pavilion A6807C(NC825AAR) Pentium dual-core E2220(2.40GHz) 5GB DDR2 500GB Intel GMA 3100 Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

* Recommended Usage: Home / Home Office
* Processor: Intel Pentium dual-core E2220(2.4GHz)
* Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
* Cache Per Processor: 1MB L2 Cache
* Memory: 5GB DDR2 800
* Hard Drive: 500GB SATA 7200RPM
* Optical Drive 1: DVD+/-R/RW 16X 12X +/-DL LS 12X RAM SuperMulti SATA drive
* Graphics: Intel GMA 3100
* Model #: A6807C
* Item #: N82E16883147030



This is $389, from the second page of the $300-$400 listing. eMachines gets mixed reviews, as does Dell, and I don't know enough to recommend any one brand over any another, but this box, like most, includes some expansion options, and my guess is that if you went to the $400-$500 range that you would end up with something far more powerful than the Dell-Walmart option and still save some money.

eMachines ET1831-03 Pentium dual-core E5300(2.60GHz) 4GB DDR2 750GB NVIDIA GeForce 7050 Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - Retail

* Recommended Usage: Home / Home Office
* Processor: Intel Pentium dual-core E5300(2.6GHz)
* Processor Main Features: 64 bit Dual Core Processor
* Cache Per Processor: 2MB L2 Cache
* Memory: 4GB DDR2
* Hard Drive: 750GB SATA
* Optical Drive 1: 16X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive
* Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 7050 Integrated Graphics
* Model #: ET1831-03
* Item #: N82E16883114078

[ohheckyeah]

43. Thanks. I will certaily check that out. n/t

[Occulus]

48. I'll chime in for TigerDirect.

When I rebuilt my old PC into a new one, they had the parts in my hands in less than 24 hours, and they actually came in before my bank account had even been debited.

Good prices, too. I managed a quad core dual-video-card system with motherboard and CPU for under $500. The new one just smokes the old one.

[Statistical]

36. Go with the first one.... it has a PCIe x16 slot (so you can upgrade graphic card if needed)

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=4006351&lang=en&

But honestly if you already have a monitor you likely can have a custom built system made that is better and cheaper.

Just go to HP website and compare models. Just as an example:
Operating system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edit
Processor AMD Athlon(TM) II 215 dual-core processor <2.7GHz, 2MB L2, up to 4000MT/s bus> edit
Memory 4GB DDR2-800MHz SDRAM <2 DIMMs> edit
Hard drive 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive edit
Graphics card 512MB NVIDIA GeForce G210 edit
Primary optical drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive edit

This system is <$500 and has more powerful processor plus dedicated graphics card.

[ohheckyeah]

44. You guys are probably going to think I'm crazy, but I think

I'm going to go back to the original plan of putting a new hard drive in the computer I have. The processor in this computer is faster than the computer at Walmart. It has an upgraded video card and 2 GB of RAM. I'll take the $500 I would have spent on a new computer and put it in a computer fund. I'll add to that fund each month and when this computer kicks the bucket I'll get what I really want. A dual faster processor, upgraded graphics, 750 GB hard drive, 8 GB of RAM, etc. etc. etc.

I'm so glad I asked you guys though because I would have gotten a computer with integrated graphics and I would have been unhappy with that. The monitor I'm using requires upgraded graphics and I would have been bummed if I couldn't have done that with a brand new computer.

Thanks very much for all the replies and the help!!!!!

[RoyGBiv]

45. That is not crazy at all ...

If you'd been asking for advice beyond the machine comparison, this is exactly the kind of thing I would have recommended.

The above suggestion of looking at NewEgg and TigerDirect are good too. You can get some good systems from them.

[ohheckyeah]

46. When I'm ready to buy I will definitely check out both NewEgg

and TigerDirect.

Thanks again for all the help.