computer and windows questions

[Mosey]

I'm looking for a new computer for the kids to use. It doesn't need to be the latest and greatest, just something fairly recent. Walmart has an HP Pavilion model pc 512w-6, which sells for $600. It has a 1.3GHz processor, 30Gig hard drive, 128MB RAM, a CD-ROM, speakers, and a 15" monitor. It comes with Windows XP. The Walmart here in Columbus also has an HP Pavilion pc 511 on sale for $500. They said the 512 is already replacing the 511 and the 511 just came out at the beginning of the summer. The 511 is only slightly slower at 1.2GHz, but has a bigger hard drive with 40Gig. It also has Windows XP. Otherwise it's pretty much the same as the 512. I'm leaning heavily toward the 511, since it's $100 less for pretty much the same thing. What do you all think? They only have one left, so I need to act fast if I want to get it.

Also, I seem to recall that when Windows XP first came out they had all kinds of problems, mainly with security. So, what is the minimum version of Windows XP I need to get to have all the bugs fixed?

By the way, just in case someone is about to suggest I build a PC from components - that won't work for me. I know I could save money that way, but I'll barely scrape up the time to get one out of the box and hook it up.

Anything I get will be a huge upgrade from what I have at home now, which is a 486 SX 33MHz Dell over 6 years old.

Thanks.

 

[Mrwurm]

I paid about the same for a 1.2 ghz machine about 4 months ago and it did not come with a monitor. Sounds like a good deal on the hardware. I don't think most users would notice a difference in the two machines you described. I went from 500 mhz to 1.2 ghz and I don't notice any real change in performance. I'd buy the cheaper machine unless you have some real intensive software programs that need the faster processor.

 

[MikePA]

Danny,

I'd go with the 511. Not only is it cheaper, it has a larger hard drive and most people run out of space a lot sooner than they run out of computing power. BTW, I recently priced out the parts to build my own PC. Perhaps I was using abnormally high priced parts, but I could not build a PC for less money than I could buy one.

WindowsXP, as well as Windows2000, have feature that you can use to update the operating system with fixes. You usually reach it via Start---Windows Update. Regarding WindowsXP...I've heard that WindowsXP Home works great as long as you don't install it on a network as MrWurm wants to do in another thread. If you want to install a PC on a network WindowsXP Pro is the right choice.

 

[GarageSmoker]

Take a quick look at Dell's site. They offer rehabbed out of box failures (which is ina lot of cases is just pilot error) for pretty good prices.

GS

 

[gobbler]

I just bought a refurbed HP from TigerDirect.com. Same situation, kids complaining. Since I already had a monitor, I figured I had little to lose. Paid $300 for a smiliar setup you're looking at.

 

[Wingnut]

Any box is fine nowadays, they're all pretty much using off-the shelf components with little to differentiate except price.
Ditto the other comments on the hard drive. No matter what size you get ... especially with kids using it ... you will quickly run out of space. The processor is pretty irrelevant for anything except games ... there's no software out there that you'll be using (except games) that can overdrive even a 500mHz cpu (IMHO). Want to play high end graphics intensive games ... go big CPU and fast graphics. General purpose machine .... throw any current cpu at it.
Once the kids get into trading files, saving MP3s and the like ... you will soon be outta hard drive space.
One recommendation ... although a few places are still selling 15" monitors, they're worth, what, $1.95 nowadays .... high-end 17" monitors are commonly found under $200 now ... so I'd suggest a bigger monitor ... if you have the desk space (unless that 15" is a flat screen ... which is certainly more expensive that crts)

WinXP security problems are that it's ultra secure in most ways. This is the most locked down and buttoned down version micro$$$oft ever put out. The reported pronblems are more towards managing to getting it re-installed (or, sometimes, installed). But there should be no problem on an OEM installed version o fthe software. It's about the most bulletproof version they've put out ... although that does little to push my joy-buzzer.

pete

 

[Bird]

Danny, I'm not even close to being a computer geek, but I don't think XP is a problem itself. The problems are that some older software may not be compatible. As an example, I bought this Dell just about a year ago (8/20/01) and a Hewlett-Packard printer at the same time. The computer came with ME and the printer came with a CD to install the printer software. So far, so good. Then I upgraded to XP and found that you must not install the printer software because Hewlett-Packard had not updated their software to be compatible with XP./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif XP had built in drivers that made most functions of the printer work, but not all. Finally, Hewlett-Packard got their software updated and I got the CD yesterday and installed it (to download from the Internet would have taken an estimated 8+ hours with my slow dial up connection).

There have been many, many Windows Updates to XP that I've downloaded; nearly all something to do with security.

So, for the opinion of a feller who knows nothing about computers, I'd buy the 511, too./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Mosey]

Thanks for all the help. I bought the 511 yesterday and got it out of the box and hooked up. The kids are excited. Now I can get some software they can use. There just isn't anything out there anymore for a 486 with no CD-ROM. The only down side so far is that a lot of the software that came on it is internet based and I'm not hooked up to the internet yet. First I need to run a phone line to where I put the new computer. Then I need to figure out the best deal on an ISP in my area.

 

[gws]

Re: computer and windows questions

The $600 deal is not bad. I do think your going to find a 15" i monitor a bit small if your use the computer a lot. Ill take a larger monitor or a faster machine anytime. Also dont forget to budget in a printer.

As for XP, Its your only choice if you want windows. You have to live with what ever problems it might have.

 

[Mosey]

Re: computer and windows questions

gws - "dont forget to budget in a printer"

You're right. That's one of the reasons I went with the 511 for $500 instead of the 512 for $600. Now I can afford a color printer.