So, it seems my computer is well and truly dead. Rather than spend any money on new parts, my mum and I have decided to buy a new one so that if it breaks down, someone else can deal with it. I've been looking at the Dell Factory Outlet (reconditioned/returned machines), since money is really an issue right now (what with us probably moving and all) and also, I have a kickass monitor and don't need a new one, but they seem to be pretty insistent that new desktops come with one.
But, despite all the guidance they give in selecting a machine, I still feel completely lost trying to pick one! I'll obviously be using it for general gaming/surfing stuff, and my mum will need it to work from once we move.

Please help!

Dell UK site

Too bad I can't give you my discount, cause you live in the UK.

Sorry.

I tried to use my Dell discount on the PC my GF ordered last night, but they only allow you to apply it to certain models. I have a friend who gets a 25% discount at Dell & HP (I only get 10%).

Arrr. I be getting 22% on this machine, plus another 30%, plus all the free upgrades I got.

Arrr, I pillaged Dell.

If money is a real issue you'd save a lot of money building the PC yourself (it's not as hard as you'd think) You can also use some of the parts you already have. Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, CD-Rom drives, hard drives. (Depending on what was wrong with the old pc) and the case if you feel like taking the old one top pieces.

How much are you looking to spend?

Hey, sorry about the lack of detail in my original post, my session ran out and the guy behind me was getting antsy, so I posted without checking it over. I spoke to my mum last night, and I think we're looking at spending about £500-600. The Dimension 9100 appears to be what I want to go for, but I dunno. The reconditioned models change constantly, but I think I can get one for around £600 inc VAT + delivery.

This is the page which compares the different Dimension desktops - all I really need to know is whether it's worth the extra money to get the 9100 or go for a cheaper system. Or something else entirely!


My experience of this is precisely the opposite. I built my current machine two years ago, was very happy with it at first, but I just don't have the knowledge to keep it running properly, to the extent that it now needs a new CPU/motherboard and I just don't want to shell out more money when it won't guarantee that it'll keep working for any length of time. If I buy from Dell (a hell of alot cheaper than going to any other PC store, I think) then at least if it breaks down, someone else will deal with it. I currently have three machines in pieces on my bedroom floor (two from an old server my friend is IT help for, so no HDs) and there is no combination that can get up and running with my HD.

I have a Dell PDA and I'm buying a Dell laptop as we speak.

I spend many of my days building/refurbishing Dell boxen, actually. Although they're all recycled so they're on about 866mhz with 128-256m ram and a 10G drive. Which for anyone I know is just laughable, but they sell consistently. Sew.

As to modern systems, I can't offer any insight, I still run a 1Ghz AMD box.

And lunch break is almost over now, so I shall return to techmonkeying.

^K3 (K)

Maeve, don't buy from Dell. Even if you don't want to build one, get it from one of the credible sites that sell prebuilts that aren't namebrand. You pay far less.

JediKirby

I'm sure some links might be helpful there.

yeah seriously, like who? this is getting kinda urgent now, my lack of internet access is making finding a job bloody impossible.

Hmmm... Do they ship to the US?