I am getting a desktop PC for my daughter for Christmas (16 year old) and I already have a good monitor, (I really don't need a keyboard or mouse, either, for that matter). So my question is, what system minimum requirements should I look for, and more importantly, which properties, or brands should I avoid (Celeron processor vs. Penitum, etc)? I have seen a few PCs for under 500.00 (Dell, HP, eMachines) I have office XP pro, and XP pro operating system discs, that I will install when I get the computer, so I don't need any fancy software included. Microsoft told me all computers on the market now are compatible with that operating system, so I don't have to worry about that.
There are some problems with installing a windows XP on another computer with only a single license. When you install it you'll be asked to activate XP within 30 days in order to continue using it. Activating will only happen on one computer, once its activated only that computer can reactivate with the license, no other computers can. However if you get a PC from vendors then they will already have the OS pre-installed so you should be ok. As for specifications it depends on what you'll be using it for as Matt said. So I'll assume its a mainly work related computer with only light gaming needs. Recommended: Athlon 64 3000 or higher (preferably) or Pentium 4 3.2GHz or faster The Pentium 4s now have an awkward naming scheme like 620, you'll want to see the clock speed as well as the model number. Seagate, Western Digital or Hitachi hard drive 80GB or larger. Stay away from Maxtor drives if possible. At least 512Mb of RAM Graphics doesn't need to be high end so depending on how much you're gonna be gaming, integrated will do. For light gaming ones which have X300 graphics will also be alright. Sound can be integrated (onboard) and it will be good for normal music, unless she's doing recording etc. Post again if you have any questions .
IMO Big names - Dell rather than HP. However, with Dell, you are "stuck" with the Pentium family. Not saying it is bad, but Dell do not ship out systems based on AMD processors. As Matt said, do your homework as you do not want to find your self having to spend extra money and work (if you are doing it yourself) upgrading too soon after buying the system. If you are not too bothered about make and you are happy with a non-branded system, I think eMachines are rather expensive, but then again they are supposed to be higher quality… Check out Savastores on http://www.savastore.com/computers. Otherwise any PC magazine you buy is bursting with cheap retailers. or you could always try you nearest local (non-chain) store. You might be pleasantly surprised. If you are planning to build yourself, it’s a whole different ball game. But it sounds to me like you want to buy a ready-made product. IMO, with ready made systems, the service and guarantee is a huge part of the decision making and speaking for myself, I cannot fault Dell. With their current online deals I would say you cannot much go wrong with them. As for windows and other programs, Dell ship their systems out with most common programs already installed and includede in the price. Other smaller retailers might charge you extra for the "pleasure" of having windows. You could save your self a bob or two by going Linux..... just a thought
