Ever since I bought an older G3 iMac for my daughter's bedroom, I had been saving pennies to eventually replace our somewhat aging Dell Dimension E521 in the sunroom with a new full size iMac. But the more I think about it, and the more time goes on, the less I want to have a ton of money invested in a desktop computer, one you can't take with you.
I was at a cross roads. I either pony up for a new iMac, pony up for a new PC, or upgrade the current PC. I decided that the best value is putting a little bit of time/money into the current PC. Tell me what you think.
I found a pair of MSI nVidia 8400GS video cards for free from work. Even these are not current anymore, but they're much better than the old 32 MB nVidia card that was in the computer. I've already put 2 more memory sticks in there, for 4 GB total (and that's the max). Windows XP MCE reports only 3.25 GB. So here is my plan, and likely in this order as well:
1) Buy a 1 or 2 TB external HDD for data/pictures/movies. I currently have a second internal HDD in the computer for that, but would like to move that external for use with our other computers. And current internal one is 250 GB (also a freebie find) and is half full. The cost here is about $120, but I'll be doing this anyway, regardless of which direction I take, so this cost is really a constant either way.
2) Buy a really nice display. This would be the benefit of a new iMac, the display. But I think I can match the quality with an aftermarket display. But here's where I need a recommendation. 25" is about as big as I can go with my current computer hutch. And I would like one with integrated speakers. I don't like having separate speakers on the desktop. I figure the cost for this display will be on the order of $400, but again, I am asking for suggestions here.
3) Buy a solid state internal HDD to run the system software. Need recommendations on size here, understanding that no personal data storage will be on it. It will be strictly software and OS. My current system HDD is 150 GB total, of which 115 GB are free, so I'm only using about 30 GB. Plan for upgrade to Windows 7 and/or 8 in near future. Cost = $250.
4) Buy a copy of the Family Pack of Windows 7. I can upgrade this computer, and the laptop, and possibly the netbook. Cost = $150.
So if I'm into it for $400 on the display (at the most), $250 for a solid state HDD, and another $150 for a Windows upgrade, I'll have a pretty dadgum fast Dell for $800, with fairly decent graphics, a screaming fast system HDD, and I'll have upgraded at least one of the other computers in the house to Windows 7.
If I have better options out there, please let me know. Of if you all with solid state HDDs say they're not worth it for an average home user/internet surfer, tell me that too. I think for $800, I'll have better components on my current Dell vs. buying a new PC for $800. Plus, I do like to tinker and would rather keep a current machine running than buy a new one when it's not necessary.
Thanks in advance.
I was at a cross roads. I either pony up for a new iMac, pony up for a new PC, or upgrade the current PC. I decided that the best value is putting a little bit of time/money into the current PC. Tell me what you think.
I found a pair of MSI nVidia 8400GS video cards for free from work. Even these are not current anymore, but they're much better than the old 32 MB nVidia card that was in the computer. I've already put 2 more memory sticks in there, for 4 GB total (and that's the max). Windows XP MCE reports only 3.25 GB. So here is my plan, and likely in this order as well:
1) Buy a 1 or 2 TB external HDD for data/pictures/movies. I currently have a second internal HDD in the computer for that, but would like to move that external for use with our other computers. And current internal one is 250 GB (also a freebie find) and is half full. The cost here is about $120, but I'll be doing this anyway, regardless of which direction I take, so this cost is really a constant either way.
2) Buy a really nice display. This would be the benefit of a new iMac, the display. But I think I can match the quality with an aftermarket display. But here's where I need a recommendation. 25" is about as big as I can go with my current computer hutch. And I would like one with integrated speakers. I don't like having separate speakers on the desktop. I figure the cost for this display will be on the order of $400, but again, I am asking for suggestions here.
3) Buy a solid state internal HDD to run the system software. Need recommendations on size here, understanding that no personal data storage will be on it. It will be strictly software and OS. My current system HDD is 150 GB total, of which 115 GB are free, so I'm only using about 30 GB. Plan for upgrade to Windows 7 and/or 8 in near future. Cost = $250.
4) Buy a copy of the Family Pack of Windows 7. I can upgrade this computer, and the laptop, and possibly the netbook. Cost = $150.
So if I'm into it for $400 on the display (at the most), $250 for a solid state HDD, and another $150 for a Windows upgrade, I'll have a pretty dadgum fast Dell for $800, with fairly decent graphics, a screaming fast system HDD, and I'll have upgraded at least one of the other computers in the house to Windows 7.
If I have better options out there, please let me know. Of if you all with solid state HDDs say they're not worth it for an average home user/internet surfer, tell me that too. I think for $800, I'll have better components on my current Dell vs. buying a new PC for $800. Plus, I do like to tinker and would rather keep a current machine running than buy a new one when it's not necessary.
Thanks in advance.
