333 mhz ram vs. 400 mhz ram

[Serori]

I'm checking out some systems from Dell for my girlfriend. Her mom is set on that, she gets discounts on Dells and thats what they want... so Im comparing systems..

The targeted budget is $1000, but with the two specific things they want - an LCD (17") and a software package w/ Powerpoint, the more realistic price before discount is about $1400..

So there's the 4600 and the 2400..

The 4600 carries with it Intel EXTREME Graphics *2*, a DVD Burner, and the 400 mhz DDR SDRAM - $1450

The 2400 carries with it no DVD burner (only CD-RW), and the 333 mhz DDR SDRAM - $1250

Both come with integrated sound and video, have dual drives, 512 MB of RAM, 2.8 Ghz P4 w/ HT, 80gig 7200RPM HDs, Speakers w/ Sub, and a 17" Flat panel, NOT one of their UltraSharps... So its the perfect machine for what they want - NOT games, but IMing, browsing, and school reports... Its meant to last like that for a couple of years atleast. They both have 3 year warranties included. Seems like a good deal.

Is the Ultra Sharp monitor worth the extra $100 or so? You would also have to upgrade the video card to take advantage of the DVI input.. so is it really worth it? I personally own an UltraSharp that I love, but I don't know if I would put down an extra $150-$200 for it if I were them.

So basically what Im getting at is $200 worth the increase in RAM speed, the DVD burner, and the Intel Graphics 2 (versus the Intel Graphics 1) ?? Im not sure how big the 67 mhz is in the long run, but this is meant to last a little while in the grand scheme of things.. as long as these things can. Any comments?

 

[SneakyStuff]

That is a ripoff on the grandest of proportions. My HUMBLE advice, look at the Dimension 4700.

 

[nick1985]

$1400....and onboard video? excuse me while i puke everywhere.

i could make 2 computers that would do just the same thing that the dell would for that price. ugh.

 

[Serori]

Again, nick, this is from Dell, its not my personal choice, although I do like Dell.. but we're not talking computer savvy people. No screw ups, this has a nice 3 year warranty, and the extra $500-$600 comes from the software package and LCD they want, otherwise its a sub $1000 system, and I could add the video card for another $50, but its not a great video card and they dont need it anyway. Should gaming become sometihng ofa desire, Im sure it has an expandable AGP port...

Sneaky, it seems to me the 4700 goes a bit too much above the target budget, while it does end up doubling the RAM to 1 GB, it also tacks on about $300 more in order to include the warranty and antivirus subscription.. it doesn't seem to me to be a much better deal, any suggestions?

 

[NesuD]

Im sure it has an expandable AGP port...

I wouldn't just assume that particularly with the 2400. Typically in the past Intel has forgone the agp slot on all their boards with integrated graphics. In-laws have a 2400 with intels integrated graphics and there is no agp slot.

 

[SneakyStuff]

Well the only reason I brought up the 4700 is the fact that is has a much nicer integrated graphics, and is a newer model. I figured if you were ditching out that much money for a system, you'd want to get every little bit more you could get.

 

[JSt0rm]

Yah I wouldn't assume that the dell has a agp slot. Thats the biggest gotcha they do. I know somebody who put a nvidea pci video card (dont recall the exact card) on his dell to up the performance. You know what? He said it was like night and day, thats sad that a pci video card outperformes integrated g.

I would find a good looking case and build a system in it so they see they have a good looking computer. God you could build a system for like 400 or 500 tops.

 

[imported_buffalo]

Go for 4600.