... I am about to embark on what I expect might be a long arduous journey into a PC upgrade... I am actually looking to replace my dinosaur with a new model... I would like the capability of backing up my midi files, style registrations, etc. which currently reside on the HD in my kn6000 ... I would also like to record myself (playing and singing) onto a CD which I could then circulate to anyone who might want to give a listen and critique ....
I guess I would also want MP3 capability ( I have NO experience in this area)... and ultimately would like to create my own web page ...
DELL is currently running a sale starting at $500.00 US for what I would guess is a base unit ...
What should I be looking to get for my purpose as outlined above?
thnx in advance ....
t.

Tony...
That Dell for $499 will do most all of what you want and they claim to be throwing in a cd/rw drive. But, don't be surprised if the final price is somewhat higher.

A friend of mine just had me look into that offer for him. It did not include shipping and taxes (over $100). An extended 3 or 4 yr warranty was another $150 or so. I can't remember the actual numbers. But in his case the $499 turned out to be over $800.
Eddie

Tony, if you're serious about the Audio part of your purchase, ie., "recording your Keyboard tunes into the computer, mp3, etc.", you may want to consider that in the purchase. In other words, get a PC made specifically for that purpose. Don't get a cheap Processor (CPU) like a Celeron or other low end Processor. Get a Pentium 4 or the new AMD processor. The Hard Drive is another important feature so I would recommend a spindle speed of 7,200RPM or 'higher' for your Hard Drive. Firewire 'and' USB 2.0 on the same Computer would be a good feature to have, -just in case. The Power Supply is also important to help maintain a good supply of power to the PC, (no overloads, spikes or dips, and smooth constant power). I recommend at 'least' a 350W Power Supply unit included in the PC. Also look on review sites to see which ones (Computers) are recommended - (received high marks). A good site for Hardware reviews is: www.cnet.com

Also make sure the Computer comes with "plenty" of RAM. At least 256MB, 512MB is better yet.

Best regards,
Mike

[This message has been edited by keybplayer (edited 11-11-2003).]

Tony,

I have a friend that purchased that Dell and it does everything you want to do and then some. However, his did not have an Intel processor, and the added cost of the Inetl was anout another $150. Everything else was just fine, and the thing is lightning fast.

Keep in mind that you don't need to spend huge sums on a computer to do the things most of us are capable of doing. We're not working with complex programs, huge graphic files and files that require incredibly fast processor speeds. Most of the files, especially midi and style files, are quite small and not at all complicated. The only large files are WAV and MP3, and they're not complex at all. Nearly every computer out there will process these easily. Even the quality of the OEM sound cards on todays computers have improved dramatically and do an excellent job of creating WAV and MP3 files. Dell makes an excellent product and their service department, when I had one years ago, was outstanding. This is an important aspect when purchasing a new computer.

Good Luck,

Gary

Get the best fastest processor (intel P4 with as fast a ghz like 2.0 +, with the most ram (minimum 256+) you can afford and a good sized h/d for music. and dual cd's 1 cd and 1 cd/rw.
Terry

------------------
jam on,
Terry http://imjazzed.homestead.com/Index.html

[This message has been edited by trtjazz (edited 11-11-2003).]

Ultimately theres no substitute for grunt, so get the fastest "middle order" processor possible - the fastest ones are always IMHO prohibitively expensive relative to the performance gains made. AMD usually give better performance per buck.

Ignore anything you are told about processor upgradability. What is true now is usually not worth the hassle in 3 years time because everything moves on and upgrading just the processor tends to highlight other system bottlenecks.

You aren't playing games or doing video so almost any graphics card will do, even the basic "on-board" stuff. Just note that some on-board chipsets "steal" main memory to use as video ram, although the amount is not great.

If you are going to record audio you need a low-noise sound card; on-board or budget will not be good enough. I've got a Creative Audigy 1 which I figured was decent enough for my tinkering and is nice and quiet. There are many other alternatives out there.

Of course whatever you buy will be available cheaper in 3 months and considered obsolete in 12. Ho hum.

The Dell would probably do everything you want and more. But I would consider looking at the next in line, as it probably has a few toys you'll want later. You definitely want multiple USB2 slots and Firewire. You'll probably have to buy an after-market interface(I have an Audio-M for sale)to get all the sound into the computer. I'm sure the Dell has a high end sound card, but make sure, as that will be very important.

Taxes should not be a problem, unless you are buying from their business store. Shipping will be about $75, they'll tel you. Dells are great. Did you know that they have different sites, or stores, where you can purchase ALMOST the same machine for ALMOST the same $$$. There is a small business store, the school store and the consumer store. All three offer approximately the same machine with different FREE peripherals and stuff. Check them all. Check the word processor bundle, they have been loading something other than OfficeXP. Unless you are completely paranoid, the extended warranty is not always a good deal. Most electronics either go quickly or last forever - maybe buy another yr., but not 3 or 4. Their tech support is usually very good. In all, you should be able to get that $500 computer for about $600-650.

Also, there are extra discounts available on the net, LOOK around, there are sites that have extra coupons available (if I find the link, I'll send another post.) Dell sometimes has packages for certain computers, check them out because they are cheaper than buying the items individually. Lastly, consider your net connectin. If it's not regular 56k modem, make sure the computereither has an ethernet card an/or wireless connections.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 11-12-2003).]

Recommendations:

1) Pentium processor at least 2.4GHZ, 2.8 recommended.

2) RAM: 512MEG strongly recommended.

3) Harddrive: ATA 7200RPM with size capacity.
If you plan to do audio recording, consider two harddrives.

4) Video card: AGP at least 64MEGS.

5)XP professional if you are willing to pay more.

6) do not compromise on the monitor.

7) you will end up paying more than $500.

That is one interesting system. The only thing missing is DVD writer which I recommend.

Dimension 4600: cost: $848 + tax +shipping




Dell Dimension 4600 Series: Pentium® 4 Processor at 2.66GHz with 533MHz front side bus GP265H [221-2535] 1
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional¹² WPXP [412-0409][420-1922][313-7222] 11
Memory: FREE UPGRADE! 512MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 333MHz 512M3P [462-1656] 3
Hard Drive: FREE UPGRADE! 80GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive (7200 RPM) 80P [462-3281] 8
Floppy Drive and Additional Storage Devices: No Floppy Drive Included NFD [340-8688] 10
CD or DVD Drive: 16X DVD ROM Drive 16DVD [313-0917][430-0594] 16
CD or DVD Burner for 2nd bay: FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive with Sonic RecordNow 48CDR2P [462-4951] 116
Keyboard: Dell® Quietkey® Keyboard QK [310-1582] 4
Mouse: Dell™ Optical USB Mouse OM [310-4037] 12
Bundled Software: Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® and Money® COREL [412-0555][412-0395][412-0551] 22
Security Software: Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee, 90-day introductory offer MCAFE90 [412-0547] 25
Monitor: 17 in (16 in viewable,.27dp) E773c CRT Monitor E773 [320-4600] 5
Video Card: 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 MX™ Graphics Card with TV-Out and DVI 64NV420 [320-0656] 6
Sound: Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 (D) Card with Dolby® Digital 5.1 capability SB1024 [313-6010][313-1932] 17
Dell Media Experience™: Dell Media Experience™ DMX [412-0519] 115
Speakers: Altec Lansing® ADA215 Speakers ADA215 [313-1874] 18
Multi-Media Players: RealOne™ Player, with 14 day SuperPass trial REALBAS [412-0380] 40
Digital Music: Dell Jukebox powered by MUSICMATCH MMBASE [412-0298] 27
Digital Photography: Dell Picture Studio, Image Expert Standard DPS [412-0271][412-0273] 28
Modem: 56K PCI Data Fax Modem DFAX [313-1313] 14
Network Card: Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet IN [430-0412] 13
Internet Access Services: 6 Months of America Online Membership Included AOLDHS [420-3224][412-0585] 37
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options: 1 Year Limited Warranty plus 1 Year At-Home Service SQ111OS [412-0359][950-9797][950-4430][950-3337] 29
Surge Protectors - Protect Your Investment: Belkin SurgeMaster 7-Outlet BEL7 [A0131326] 78
Special Offer: $100 OFF SPECIAL OFFER 100OFF [460-9055] 120






[This message has been edited by sk880user (edited 11-12-2003).]