:( New computer arrived today

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: DrPizza

I wouldn't even think it'd take a couple hours to build a computer. However, see the post above about the cost... Simply, with a legal, licensed version of the OS, it's hard to beat the price at Dell.

If you break down the cost, you're right. I just priced out a C2D system the other day and with the cost of Vista, it was exactly the same as buying a Dell. With the recent round of Dell coupons, it was cheaper to just go with Dell.

The big thing is since I didn't build it, I don't have to support it. Even if the computer was more expensive at Dell, that's almost worth it for me.

Of course, this is a computer for a family member, not for me. I'll build my own just so I can have more choices for components.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: RossMAN
The stock Dell keyboard sucks, is it the little tiny one? Ditch it and buy a decent Logitech or Microsoft for $20 - $60.

Dell De-Crapifier: http://www.yorkspace.com/2006/04/38

Awesome, thanks -- I forgot about that after seeing it some time ago.

I just bought a Dell E521 a few weeks ago, and it ran fine out of the box. I installed a vid card and used my own keyboard and mouse (Logitech Media Desktop Elite KB and G5 gaming mouse). Haven't noticed any slowness.

I'm no longer a fan of wireless devices after interference issues. Even if it only happens once every few days, it NEVER happens with wired devices! Tried gaming with my Logitech X700 wireless desktop, and it sucked. Moved that to my HTPC (which I'm using right now).

How quiet or loud is your E521? I have one brand new and I'm considering either keeping or selling it. I'll probably increase the RAM and install a video card.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated

I'm trying to remember what it was like without my vid card, but I seem to recall that it was fairly quiet with the onboard video. I have it up on my desktop and have a direct line of sight with the main fan, and it's reasonably quiet -- placed on the floor it would be practically silent. PSU seems very quiet.

I added RAM and a vid card and am quite pleased with it. DVD-RW is a little loud so I'm contemplating replacing it with a Lightscribe one. One thing to consider: It doesn't have PCI-E power support so you'll need to replace the PSU if you want to use a powerful vid card (I have an X800 of some sort so no need right now). Also, the PSU needs to be ver 2.2 or later to work with the mobo and requires 4 SATA power cables (or a Molex converter, which I just saw today from Antec) since there is no IDE capability.

One nice thing: When it hibernates, it is absolutely silent. The only thing that tells you it's hibernating is the occasionally blinking power light.