Store or Custom Build?

[custy]

Hi Guys

I am looking for a computer system for a relative. She is entering high school and needs something to get her work done. I presume the programs will be Word, Excel, Power Point, surfing, e-mail, mp3, movies and maybe some flash/java based games.

I was looking @ Dell's website for the Inspiron 545, 2nd model (http://www1.ca.dell.com/ca/en/home/desktops/desktop-inspiron-545/pd.aspx?refid=desktop-inspiron-545&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&ref=dthp) and was wondering if this is a good set up for 599+ tax.

Can I get a better deal by buying the parts and custom building it?


Thanks

[Silver Bullet]

For that price it's hard to justify bothering building a custom system. I would go for the $899 model, you won't need to add any upgrades (or at least don't upgrade stuff from dell anyway). It might seem a little overkill now, but at least when she's in grade 12 it'll still be working well and won't seem super slow.

The $899 model gets you a quad core - good for later, again overkill now probably, more ram and larger HD - you can only have 2, so 1TB seems like a good start, especially if she's into music/movies. You'll also get the 23" screen which is nice too (better resolution too).

Keep in mind Dell computers typically take about 2-3 weeks to be deliver after you order, but also they'll probably be another Dell Deals before school start and they might be a great time to get the same ever a better computer for the same money.

[custy]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Do you know if you can upgrade the video card on Dell Computers by purchasing it @ a computer store and installing it? Would that void warranty?

I will wait a bit for the Dell deals to come by.

Thanks again

[Silver Bullet]

Should be able to upgrade video card, but if she's not playing gaming you won't need to. Just make sure you don't get the 'Slim' case as that pretty much kills any chance of find a good video card upgrade in the future.

[dlhunter]

checkout Staples/BB/FS as they have comparable systems for less

[willy]

The key question is .... Is she a gamer ?

If not, that $599 system is sufficient for the listed tasks ...