Trying to buy a new PC, looking for some advice.....

I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?

Thanks.

I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a few
days ago.

Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message ...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a few
days ago.

Powerspec sounds like a locally built machine. It's most likely much more
upgradable than the big names and if the shop is local, they might be more
helpful that the big players.

It won't have the same quality of warranty that a Dell, etc. will have, but
if you're good with PC's or your saving a fair bit of money, it shouldn't
matter.

If you trust the folks selling the Powerspec (especially if it's a local
shop) I would go with this.

"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a
few
days ago.

Dells are too expensive

Then you configured the wrong Dell. Go to Dell's small business side of the
web site.
Configure a PowerEdge 400SC server.
What you get:
P4 2.8 (800mhz FSB) HT (Dell is offering free processor upgrades, 2.8 for
price of 2.4, but this offer ends today)
Intel I875P Canterwood MB, 4x Dual Channel DDR slots, SATA, 8xAGP, 4 PCI, 6
USB, etc....
Integrated Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN
Integrated 5.1 Audio
ATI RageXL PCI video card
512MB PC3200 400mhz DDR
48X CD-ROM
Lite-On 48X/24X/48X CD-R/W & 16X DVD-ROM
80 GB 7200rpm HDD (Usually IBM/Hitachi)
all for $860 shipped to your door.
Of course this doesn't include an OS or a monitor. You can add this if you
wish.
If you can come up with any Dell coupons, it would be even cheaper. I know
there are some 20% off software and periph right now. That would save you
money on the 512 DDR 400 Ram and the Lite-On CD-R/W - DVD-ROM
The basic configuration comes with 128 MB 333mhz DDR ram (2700) that you
could sell or auction off to get back another $20 to $30 after buying the
512MB module from Dell.
good luck,
Matt


"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a
few
days ago.

If I configure this with the 2.8 P4, 128 RAM, 120GB disk, no OS and
the basic CDROM then I come up with $708. Then I add $179 for the
400MHz 512K memory and come out with $887, which isn't bad at all.
However, the other machines I was looking at have the same options but
also include a P4 w/HyperThreading, a DVD ROM, a DVD/CD writer and
firewire ports for $950. How were you able to configure this with a
P4 w/HyperThreading, if I could get one in this machine I would go for
it since the other things aren't that important and could be added on
later.
Thanks...

"Matt" wrote in message . com...
Dells are too expensive

Then you configured the wrong Dell. Go to Dell's small business side of the
web site.
Configure a PowerEdge 400SC server.
What you get:
P4 2.8 (800mhz FSB) HT (Dell is offering free processor upgrades, 2.8 for
price of 2.4, but this offer ends today)
Intel I875P Canterwood MB, 4x Dual Channel DDR slots, SATA, 8xAGP, 4 PCI, 6
USB, etc....
Integrated Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN
Integrated 5.1 Audio
ATI RageXL PCI video card
512MB PC3200 400mhz DDR
48X CD-ROM
Lite-On 48X/24X/48X CD-R/W & 16X DVD-ROM
80 GB 7200rpm HDD (Usually IBM/Hitachi)
all for $860 shipped to your door.
Of course this doesn't include an OS or a monitor. You can add this if you
wish.
If you can come up with any Dell coupons, it would be even cheaper. I know
there are some 20% off software and periph right now. That would save you
money on the 512 DDR 400 Ram and the Lite-On CD-R/W - DVD-ROM
The basic configuration comes with 128 MB 333mhz DDR ram (2700) that you
could sell or auction off to get back another $20 to $30 after buying the
512MB module from Dell.
good luck,
Matt


"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a
few
days ago.

Well I checked and it looks like the 2.8GHz model does actually
support HyperThreading so this looks like a great deal. How good is
this server going to be as a desktop computer? Any differences I'll
notice bad/good?
Thanks!

"Matt" wrote in message . com...
Dells are too expensive

Then you configured the wrong Dell. Go to Dell's small business side of the
web site.
Configure a PowerEdge 400SC server.
What you get:
P4 2.8 (800mhz FSB) HT (Dell is offering free processor upgrades, 2.8 for
price of 2.4, but this offer ends today)
Intel I875P Canterwood MB, 4x Dual Channel DDR slots, SATA, 8xAGP, 4 PCI, 6
USB, etc....
Integrated Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN
Integrated 5.1 Audio
ATI RageXL PCI video card
512MB PC3200 400mhz DDR
48X CD-ROM
Lite-On 48X/24X/48X CD-R/W & 16X DVD-ROM
80 GB 7200rpm HDD (Usually IBM/Hitachi)
all for $860 shipped to your door.
Of course this doesn't include an OS or a monitor. You can add this if you
wish.
If you can come up with any Dell coupons, it would be even cheaper. I know
there are some 20% off software and periph right now. That would save you
money on the 512 DDR 400 Ram and the Lite-On CD-R/W - DVD-ROM
The basic configuration comes with 128 MB 333mhz DDR ram (2700) that you
could sell or auction off to get back another $20 to $30 after buying the
512MB module from Dell.
good luck,
Matt


"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free shipping a
few
days ago.

You shouldn't notice any major differences. The motherboard included with
the 400sc is the same Dell OEM board that they use in all their Dimension
and Precision desktops.
Any yes, the 2.8 does support HT.

You won't get the price I quoted anymore, that deal ended on 9/10. Now you
will be charged extra for a 2.8 over a 2.4. its $100 extra now.
When you configure the server, choose 128 MB of 333mhz DDR RAM, which will
give you a lower price. Then chose the standard 48X CD-Rom for your optical
drive. If you choose an 80GB HD, then you should end up with a price of
$668, this is before they deduct $100 instant rebate. Now go to Dell's
peripheral store and add a 512MB 400mhz DDR module for $178.95. If you were
to choose this option when configuring the system, Dell would have charged
you an additional $248. Now go and add A Lite-On CD Burner/DVD player.
They have two to choose from at $64.95. You can choose other drives if you
prefer. If you would have opted for this drive when config. the system,
Dell would have charged you $149 for this drive. You should end up with a
price of $860 +/- depending on your state taxes, etc... You can often find
Dell coupons that you can use to save even more money. I believe their is a
10% off all software and peripherals coupon out now. There are also 10% off
entire order coupons which can be found also.

Or you may choose to get your DDR Ram and your burner from other sources
like Newegg and save even more money. This configuration without the DDR
and burner is about $600 give or take a few dollars. I know Newegg is
selling a 512MB DDR400 modules for under $90, and of course you can find
burners pretty cheap pretty much anywhere. So you could finish off this
system for around $750 if you do a little searching for deals. This way you
could save enough $$ to upgrade the standard video card for something a
little better.
Also, everybody who has been buying this configuration have stated that Dell
is shipping 128MB 400mhz modules instead of 333mhz modules. Their is some
speculation that the 333mhz modules originally included have been sold out
and Dell is just shipping 400mhz modules instead. You could just keep and
use this module or turn around and sell it on ebay or something to recoup a
little more money.
good luck
Matt

"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Well I checked and it looks like the 2.8GHz model does actually
support HyperThreading so this looks like a great deal. How good is
this server going to be as a desktop computer? Any differences I'll
notice bad/good?
Thanks!

"Matt" wrote in message
. com...
Dells are too expensive

Then you configured the wrong Dell. Go to Dell's small business side of
the
web site.
Configure a PowerEdge 400SC server.
What you get:
P4 2.8 (800mhz FSB) HT (Dell is offering free processor upgrades, 2.8
for
price of 2.4, but this offer ends today)
Intel I875P Canterwood MB, 4x Dual Channel DDR slots, SATA, 8xAGP, 4
PCI, 6
USB, etc....
Integrated Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN
Integrated 5.1 Audio
ATI RageXL PCI video card
512MB PC3200 400mhz DDR
48X CD-ROM
Lite-On 48X/24X/48X CD-R/W & 16X DVD-ROM
80 GB 7200rpm HDD (Usually IBM/Hitachi)
all for $860 shipped to your door.
Of course this doesn't include an OS or a monitor. You can add this if
you
wish.
If you can come up with any Dell coupons, it would be even cheaper. I
know
there are some 20% off software and periph right now. That would save
you
money on the 512 DDR 400 Ram and the Lite-On CD-R/W - DVD-ROM
The basic configuration comes with 128 MB 333mhz DDR ram (2700) that you
could sell or auction off to get back another $20 to $30 after buying
the
512MB module from Dell.
good luck,
Matt


"Ray Lavelle" wrote in message
om...
Dells are too expensive. I configured a Dell with the same options as
the PowerSpec and it came to $1500 + shipping & tax, the PowerSpec is
$1000 and I can pick it up locally with no wait for it to be built.
For the Sony and HP, the Dell configured with the same options is
$1350 and the Sony and HP are both $950.
I know Dell has specials now and then, but it would take a pretty big
discount to get the price low enough to match those other deals.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
...
I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n
because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony
VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2
DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This
one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How
good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?


For a store bought computer look at the Dells. The had free
shipping a
few
days ago.

I am looking for a new PC desktop and came across the HP a250n because
it looks like an excellent value. I am also looking at the Sony VAIO
PCV-RS420, which has similar specs for around the same price. How
good is the HP and how does it compare to the Sony? I also saw the
PowerSpec 9250, which is a bit faster, has faster RAM and has 2 DVD
drives (1 W and 1 R/W) and is also within my price range. This one
looks like the best deal but I'm not sure how good PowerSpec is.
Anyone here use a PowerSpec or know anything about them? How good/bad
are they?
I'm looking for 2.6GHz+ with HT, 80GB+ HD, 512MB+ RAM for around
$1000, are there any other PCs I should be looking into also?

Thanks.

Go with the Sony, it should outlast all the others. Mine from '97 is still
working fine.
I've added a extra hard drive, replaced the modem, installed windows ME,
from scratch
and installed a cd burner. Nothing phases it.
HP on the other hand is no better than Compaq, or any other of its ilk.
I put some ram in a friends HP and it is so tight inside the case and the
sticks
were about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the drives.After many flowery phrases
and a bloody hand
I swore I'd never buy a HP.The other alternative was to practically take the
entire thing apart and of course
there were no normal screws in it. I didn't want to have to run to Walmart
to find a set of foreign screwdrivers, Hex I think they are called, not
sure???

Hey Matt, thanks for all your great suggestions, I think this is what
I'm gonna go with.
I found a cool website (http://www.aaltonen.us/forums) that has tons
of discussions/tips on using the 400SC as a desktop, which should help
make things a whole lot easier when I get it.

"Matt" wrote in message . com...
You shouldn't notice any major differences. The motherboard included with
the 400sc is the same Dell OEM board that they use in all their Dimension
and Precision desktops.
Any yes, the 2.8 does support HT.

You won't get the price I quoted anymore, that deal ended on 9/10. Now you
will be charged extra for a 2.8 over a 2.4. its $100 extra now.
When you configure the server, choose 128 MB of 333mhz DDR RAM, which will
give you a lower price. Then chose the standard 48X CD-Rom for your optical
drive. If you choose an 80GB HD, then you should end up with a price of
$668, this is before they deduct $100 instant rebate. Now go to Dell's
peripheral store and add a 512MB 400mhz DDR module for $178.95. If you were
to choose this option when configuring the system, Dell would have charged
you an additional $248. Now go and add A Lite-On CD Burner/DVD player.
They have two to choose from at $64.95. You can choose other drives if you
prefer. If you would have opted for this drive when config. the system,
Dell would have charged you $149 for this drive. You should end up with a
price of $860 +/- depending on your state taxes, etc... You can often find
Dell coupons that you can use to save even more money. I believe their is a
10% off all software and peripherals coupon out now. There are also 10% off
entire order coupons which can be found also.

Or you may choose to get your DDR Ram and your burner from other sources
like Newegg and save even more money. This configuration without the DDR
and burner is about $600 give or take a few dollars. I know Newegg is
selling a 512MB DDR400 modules for under $90, and of course you can find
burners pretty cheap pretty much anywhere. So you could finish off this
system for around $750 if you do a little searching for deals. This way you
could save enough $$ to upgrade the standard video card for something a
little better.
Also, everybody who has been buying this configuration have stated that Dell
is shipping 128MB 400mhz modules instead of 333mhz modules. Their is some
speculation that the 333mhz modules originally included have been sold out
and Dell is just shipping 400mhz modules instead. You could just keep and
use this module or turn around and sell it on ebay or something to recoup a
little more money.
good luck
Matt