Victoria,

This is a common question here at the Forum. It is understandable as users are preparing for an expensive and want to be comfortable with their purchase.

I entered new computer in the search engine located on the bottom of the Forum's home page and came up with numerous entries. Hopefully they may will provide you with the information you need.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Computer Help Forum

I just got a new Dell Inspiron 531. Works great, is quiet and was relatively inexpensive. I like buying Dell's online or over the phone as you can order exactly what you want and don't get all the junk software loaded as you do in the retail stores.

I saved about $200 customizing mine over a similar one at the store, as at the store I would have had to buy additional software which Dell supplied at a discounted price and installed it for me. Be sure to look for Dell's discount codes with a google search before ordering, they are usually $300 to $350 off posted prices if you go with an Inspiron.

I also have a new Dell Inspiration 531 that has an extra hardrive, a separate video card added, and lots and lots of ram, along with some other extras. It was a gift from my son for Christmas, and he added a lot of extra stuff. This is the first computer I have had that was not custom built just for me. I like it. Good luck with your decision. :-)Cat

I've had a Dell for a number of years now with no complaints.

Dell has become more competitively priced, and I purchased a desktop for my wife for Christmas 2006, so we have just over a year on it. It is not used for business, but it does get use, I'd estimate 2 hours per day, mostly on the web and email. It has worked without any problems.

As said, given it is competitive price-wise, I think Dell is an easy choice based on its long history as market leader in PCs/Notebooks.

As for stores, that's relatively new, I see Dell at Walmart but have not given a close inspection. Except for Walmart that usually cuts a tough deal with suppliers, I'd expect you can save money buying over the web directly from Dell, don't forget to add in the shipping before comparing price. Web orders too, allow selection of component investment on all/most models.

Everybody's coming out with new lines. Prices should be great! Old antiquated stock is going to gather dust if they dont move it now ,,, the new stock costs less than the old and is better,,, very shortly there should be some really good deals around to offload those store inventories. When is our next 'Sale' holiday coming?

What new stuff is coming out? I am still looking at notebooks and keep seeing the same old stuff..

Jane