Help me pick out a new computer

[kbkids]

We need a new computer BADLY!!! I'm looking at the Dells simply because I need something simple. DH nor I are too swift when it comes to putting together computers.

So, which one should I look go for? Yes, price is an issue - but I don't want to purchase something that we'll outgrow tomorrow. Part of our computer problem now is that it is just full of stuff. Our neighbor computer wizard came over and did what he could, but we're still showing only 5% of free space left.

If you need anymore info than this, just ask -

1) I do medical transcription, so in addition to Microsoft Office, I've got a couple of other software programs that I use with it. In addition, I also use WinFax Pro for faxing documents.
2) DH also has several software programs loaded on that he uses with work.
3) We use high-speed internet.
4) Gaming (other than simple children's software) is not an issue.
5) Would like to make transferring pictures from the camera as simple as possible.

Any other things that I MUST have that I don't know about?

I really just don't know where to start. When we had our computer built before, the tech just asked me what I wanted to do with it, I answered his questions, and he built the computer. It's worked great up until now. Honestly, we really do just have to many software programs loaded on it - but I do use them all, so I can't get rid of them. We also need a new video card because it keeps locking up on us and going into safe mode. So, we figured at this point, we may as well just buy a new one. Plus I would love to have one of the flat-screen monitors!

So, what do you think?

 

[Equidae]

Is your computer running slow or is the only problem to you that it is full? If it's only just full, you could get away with just purchasing another hard drive (you could use your current one and the new one together) and maybe some more memory.

 

[kbkids]

Is your computer running slow or is the only problem to you that it is full? If it's only just full, you could get away with just purchasing another hard drive (you could use your current one and the new one together) and maybe some more memory.

Slow enough that it bothers me. Not always, but a good percentage of the time. My neighbor did mention purchasing some more memory.

 

[Equidae]

Ah, if the computer is running slow, it is either time for more memory, a new processor (and possibly motherboard) or just a whole new thing. I don't have many suggestions, but Dell is pretty good. just don't let them sell you more than you need. Maybe have your neighbor go over options with you.

 

[geffric]

We just had a major power surge at our houe and lost 2 'puters... we had the $10 surge protectors , not good. Anyway to get a cheap but adequate machine we went to Best Buy and got http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999939000050002&type=product&id=pcmprd39200050002


the package was $ 649 after rebates...

 

[halestrm]

I am not sure what your printer is, but for photo's, if you use an HP printer, you may want to look at an HP computer. Side by side with a Dell, I believe you get better systems, with fewer problems and MUCH better customer service.

In 1/9/2004, I upgraded 25 computers at work. All 25 were Dell's. Three have had harddrives crash, 2 needed new motherboards, and I forget how many video cards and NIC (network card, if you have Hi-speed Internet, you have this.) Dell has replaced the parts, but you can be down more than a week in the process.

You maybe able to get away with upgrading your RAM. They can do that at any computer store, and RAM is very cheap now. Not sure what your current system is, but with you doing medical work, is the software DOS? (Screen would only generally be 2-4 colors at a time). Many of the medical software database packages are still DOS based. What is your current operating software? How old is your current PC? If you would like to go to www.belarc.com, they have a free software package you can download that gives all the specs. You can send it to me, and I will review it. It will tell me better what cha got and if you need to upgrade the current system or just drop-kick it and buy a new one.

Do you have a good anti-virus that is up-to-date? Have you check for spyware recently? These are also items that may slow you down.

PM or email me if you have any q's.

GOOD LUCK