Is this a good deal?

[gucio321]

My son has been asking me to get a new computer and I have not been up to date with all the new technology out there. I was wondering if you think this is a good deal XPS 420 (http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=D42023V_F_1E). If not could you point me in the right direction? I like dells option of financing as money is a bit tight at the moment

[tmpz]

It's actually not too bad. The default options should allow you to play most recent games (9800GT). It should last you at least 3 years.

If you were to build you own with the same default specs it would cost about $800 before taxes. However, I don't think you can finance it. Since you probably aren't too savvy about building it from scratch and you want finance it, you should go with Dell.

[pitz]

That's not exactly very cheap for what you're getting, especially since no monitor is included. I imagine that, if you keep checking RFD every day for the next few months, you'll find a coupon or something for $100-$150 off, or a free LCD offer. Heck, if you call Dell up, they'd probably knock off $100 just for asking..

As for financing a computer, you are aware that the financing is usually extremely expensive, especially through Dell? You'd be better off tapping a line of credit, or probably going to a bank for a personal loan if you are creditworthy. Or just plain, old-fashioned, saving up for it before you buy :).

Available interest rates per annum are 9.99%, 13.99%, 16.99%, 17.99%, 18.99%, 21.99%, 26.99% and 28.99%.

[darius_m5]

Pitz is right about the mobile Nvidia GPU's. The defective laptop GPU's are a big thorn for Nvidia now.
Article - Nvidia asked to pay up for defective chips - September 10, 2008 (http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/39263/118/)

The article even hypothesizes a scenario where Nvidia can go bankrupt.

[willy]

How old is your son ? What is this computer gonna to be used for ?

Do you want him to play games on this system ? ;) If not, he doesn't need this system ....