Build system or no?

[consumertalks]

Here's the deal- the mom wants a new computer. She found one of those qvc/shop at home setups for ~$1150. Of course, I told her she was nuts. So she tells me what she needs, and I look. She wants a superextendo warranty, and the cheapest I found was Dell ($99/4 years after MIR). After all is said and done, here's what Dell has for a whopping $1250 AMIR. It was $199 less yesterday (coupon/shipping discount) but she can't be rushed.

P4 2.4 w/XP
80GB HD
1GB PC2100 adds $125 (I'll get it from googlegear and eBay the stock)
48X CDRW
15" LCD
Microsoft® Works Suite 2003 with Money 2003
Dell Picture Studio Image Expert Premium ($30, I tried but she wants it for a future digital camera)
All-in-one Printer/Scanner/Copier/Fax

I've never built a system from scratch before, but I can't imagine my own mother spending this amount of money on a 2350! Part of it is the accessories, warranty, etc. Couldn't I get a good quality bare bones and put in good parts for much cheaper than this? I've never done that either, it doesn't seem like it'd be difficult. I've installed processors, HDs, memory, CD/DVD drives, PCI cards, so I think I could do it.

Thoughts, anyone?

[meese]

My 2 cents:

Get at least a 17 inch LCD. Will she ever watch a DVD on the pc? You should be able to do it, but you may run into snags. Everything might work the first time, but thats not usually the case. Thats what we're here for. It will be a great learning experience. If you just want to get it done with then get the Dell, if you want to learn, do it yourself.

[tony_j15]

Dell does offer some things that homebuilt cant offer. Like 4 year warranty, but hey, that what we are here for. That looks a bit overpriced for a system that is running pc2100. Actually, its lousy. pc2100 isnt good enough to keep up with the P4. Which brings up the next question. Is it 400 or 533mhz FSB?

[BettaBuy]

The 2350 runs on 400FSB

[consumertalks]

Here are the specs:

Dimension 2350 Series: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.40GHz with 512K L2 Cache
256MB DDR SDRAM
15" LCD E151FPb Flat Panel Display
Integrated Intel® Extreme 3D Graphics
80GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
3.5" Floppy Drive
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home
Network Interface: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Modem: 56K PCI Data/Fax Modem
48x CD-RW Drive w/Roxio
16x Max DVD-ROM Drive (which I pay her the $30 for & keep )
Sound Card: Integrated Audio
Speakers: Altec Lansing® ADA215 Speakers
Software: Microsoft® Works Suite 2003 with Money 2003
Security Software: McAfee, 90-day introductory offer
Digital Photography: Dell Picture Studio Image Expert Premium
4 Yr Ltd Warr plus 4 Yr At-Home
Dell A940 Printer Bundle (All-in-One w/ink, paper, surge protector)

Total: $1342
Shipping: $124
Tax: $27.54
Total: $1493.54
Crucial/Googlegear memory: ~$100 = $1593.54

Rebates: $150 system, $60 warranty, $50 printer, total $210

$1593.54 - $210 = $1383.54

This is just tooooo much for my first Dell.

[SeanC]

That's a lot of money when you can build a similarly configured system yourself for $1000 or less.

It's a little extra effort but a great learning experience.

Sean