Is this good enough?

Getting a New Computer Soon

Published on April 14, 2008 By Xiandi In Personal Computing

I need some advice. I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon. I realize that it will probably have Vista on it so it will need lots of RAM, but thats about all I know.

My son was looking up different computers and comparing prices, etc. This is one of the options he came up with.

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Hp s3400z Computer

Windows Vista Home Premium w/Service Pack 1
2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ dual-core processor
3GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
256 MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400-HD, DVI, VGA adapter, HDMI video card
No Modem (not sure if important info)
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive
LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/- R/RW SuperMulti drive
15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/front audio ports sound card

price includes free shipping

$539.99

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Do you think this is a good deal? Is it going to be good enough for what I want to do? Would you change anything on it?

I have specs on a more expensive computer too but was wondering if this one would *do it* for me. Most of the time I use it for skinning and web surfing, but I would like to be able to play games and watch movies on it too (not something I can do with my current computer).

Comments (Page 2)

DaRkFuSsIoOn

on Apr 14, 2008

WOW !! that is a good one, for only $540 ?? I guess is a good deal, in Mexico that one cost $1000

erathoniel

on Apr 14, 2008

It fails in only one way. Use XP. That's much better. Use WindowBlinds and you have a machine already totally superior to Vista.

My only warning is the HP software bundles are best avoided. They eat up hard drive space and generally just slow the PC down. I use an HP, though, and it is survivable. You can, however, with power-user skills (I recommend CCleaner) and Google clean all the HP crud off the startup launcher. See if you can get a competitor match, it's much easier. Also, ignore the second partition "recovery" disk. It'll fail if the HD fails, and just takes up space.

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 14, 2008

It fails in only one way. Use XP. That's much better. Use WindowBlinds and you have a machine already totally superior to Vista.
My only warning is the HP software bundles are best avoided. They eat up hard drive space and generally just slow the PC down. I use an HP, though, and it is survivable. You can, however, with power-user skills (I recommend CCleaner) and Google clean all the HP crud off the startup launcher. See if you can get a competitor match, it's much easier. Also, ignore the second partition "recovery" disk. It'll fail if the HD fails, and just takes up space.

There's nothing wrong with Vista on that system. Good luck trying to get XP on a new system, in a few months it won't even be possible. You'll be fine with Home Premium.

I do agree with all the pre-bundled crap that comes with pre-built machines.

ama02

on Apr 14, 2008

The price probably doesn't include a monitor, or at least I didn't see one on the list. But that should be simple enough to fix, by using your current monitor.

Xiandi

on Apr 14, 2008

The price probably doesn't include a monitor, or at least I didn't see one on the list. But that should be simple enough to fix, by using your current monitor.

Nope, the price is just the computer, nothing else. The plan is to get a monitor too, but that's something I feel comfortable buying in a store around here.

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 14, 2008

Nope, the price is just the computer, nothing else. The plan is to get a monitor too, but that's something I feel comfortable buying in a store around here.

Get a widescreen LCD, that's the only thing I would recommend.

Xiandi

on Apr 14, 2008

That's the plan!

CarGuy1

on Apr 14, 2008

When it comes to monitors, try to get a 22 inch or better widescreen. I saw the HP w2207 on sale at tiger direct the other day for $249.00. That is a good price for an awesome monitor. I have yet to see a monitor with a display as good as it.

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

No comment...

Leo the Lion

on Apr 15, 2008

Xiandi,keep an eye on the Dell website around the time that you are buying as they occassionally have some outrageous deals

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

I will offer this: Build your own. You will save money by not paying for a name. Newegg.com and Ebay are your friends.

Ryld

on Apr 15, 2008

I dont trust ebay and I dont think you want to build your own however I would look for other companies a little less mainstream but sence your going for a cheeper end computer thats probably fine. I notice HP and Dell charge over the top prices on performace goods I am not sure about the lower end i would recomend either getting 2 or 4 gigs of ram 3 will not work well i cant remember why it has to do with frequencies or voltage but you wont get the most out of it if you dont have a even number. I dont have the HP site up but try putting a 8800GT in it that is a exelent card for most anything and its cheep.

Bebi Bulma

on Apr 15, 2008

I will offer this: Build your own. You will save money by not paying for a name. Newegg.com and Ebay are your friends.

I know next to nothing about computer specs, but I'm planning on getting a new computer soon.

Unless you know what you're doing, home built is not the best way to go. Yes I do agree I'd rather build it myself than buy some prebuilt crap, but for someone who just wants to get on the net and check email, prebuilt would be easier, especially since they'll be getting a warranty and support whereas home built you don't (hence needing to know what you're doing).

kona0197

on Apr 15, 2008

True Bebi but to think of all the money they are wasting. It's not that hard to build your own and seek advice of what to put in it.

starkers

on Apr 15, 2008

Another alternative would be to check out some of the smaller PC stores/manufacturers and get a custom build that will meet your wants/needs better than propriety brands which are often limited and do not offer upgrade/expansion opportunities... and frequently come with unnecessary bloatware you'll never want or need.

Furthermore, these smaller stores are often better on price than larger retailers/department stores. It is my experience that they generally offer more personalised service/better after sales support because it's their bread and butter and want you to return.

Just a thought.

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