Need a new desktop.....recommendations?

[KevB]

I'm moving toward using some desktop video editing/DVD burning for camcorder video, and it appears my current desktop may not be sufficient (AMD Athlon XP - 2.16 ghz, 160GB, 512MB, 64MB w/ the video card). This would turn into the kid's computer, which is something I wanted to do at some point any way.

I know many here talk about building your own, but I'm not a computer geek by any stretch. Not sure I could pull that off. Dell outlet seems to have some good deals. I'd assume New Egg has some decent deals, but haven't looked yet. Then there's always the B&M mega stores that you can sometimes find a price leader and get a good deal. Any recommendations?

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DaFace

What are your feelings on the brand to buy these days? I usually recommend either Dells or HP/Compaq for home users, but it seems that none of the major companies really have a sparkling reputation. IBM/Lenovo machines seem to be solid, but they're really geared toward business use. Sony's seem to be OK, but cost around 20% more for the same specifications as some of the others.

Just curious to see what someone else thinks on the subject. It's tough to really get any solid information on "who's best" these days.

HP and IBM.

[KevB]

I ended up going with a Dell XPS 400 dual core (Intel chip). 2 GB of RAM, 320 GB HD, TV tuner/remote, 20 inch widescreen LCD, etc. Got quite a nice deal through work EPP program + 30% off (18 month no interest as well). I've read several places that Dell, and all the "brand name" companies, put tons of bloatware on their new systems. Thinking I'll probably immediately format and reinstall OS....good idea?

[Simplex3]

Originally Posted by KevB

I ended up going with a Dell XPS 400 dual core (Intel chip). 2 GB of RAM, 320 GB HD, TV tuner/remote, 20 inch widescreen LCD, etc. Got quite a nice deal through work EPP program + 30% off (18 month no interest as well). I've read several places that Dell, and all the "brand name" companies, put tons of bloatware on their new systems. Thinking I'll probably immediately format and reinstall OS....good idea?

Always. Just make sure you install Linux or BSD when you do the reinstall or the bloat is just going to be right back.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by KevB

I ended up going with a Dell XPS 400 dual core (Intel chip). 2 GB of RAM, 320 GB HD, TV tuner/remote, 20 inch widescreen LCD, etc. Got quite a nice deal through work EPP program + 30% off (18 month no interest as well). I've read several places that Dell, and all the "brand name" companies, put tons of bloatware on their new systems. Thinking I'll probably immediately format and reinstall OS....good idea?

Eh, if you want to go to all the work. I usually just run through the Add/Remove Programs list to get rid of all the crap. A clean install is undoubtedly better if you're willing to reinstall all the drivers (and you have all the programs you need), though.

P.S. Just make sure you use a true OEM Windows XP CD to reinstall. I've had to help at least 5-10 people do repair installs because they reformatted and reinstalled with a pirated copy off of the net. Now that MS is pulling all this "Genuine Windows" crap, the pirated copies are a real pain.