Need a new desktop...I have a Pentium 4...gasp

Hi guys! I know almost nothing about computers except it runs my Office software...I think I need help. lol

I'm looking for a new desktop. I have an older one (Pentium 4 that was rebuilt...ugh).

Some of the stuff I found that my current computer already has upgraded is:

3.2GHz
Windows 7
4 GB RAM
1TB HD
Radeon X300/X550/X1050 series display adapter
Pioneer DVD-RW

I am on the web a LOT! I NEVER and I repeat NEVER use it for gaming. I'm old....lol I date too much so I am forever chatting with someone that pops up on my screen, doing homework online (lots of it) which requires Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint, checking emails and SHOPPING...I usually have a TON of screens open while I pop back and forth finding better deals. I am also a student this semester so if I can buy MS Office cheaper that way then any direction would be great.

I only paid about $230 for this CPU but I'm willing to increase my budget to about $800 if I need to but I'd want it really upgraded for that.

I'll take feedback on whether to keep Windows 7 or go with Windows 8...I don't want the touchscreen computer only because i love my monitor... I have the wireless keyboards and mouse from Logitech that I'm fine with keeping and my monitor is 40 or 42" so I'd like to keep that also....just need the CPU.

I'd like a BluRay dvd player too...I'm forever trying to watch videos on the computer instead of the big TV...no clue why! Must be the location.

Does anyone have any good advice? I do have lots of stuff I'm always charging on the computer (2 cameras I download from a lot; I keep their cords plugged in all the time-it's easier...lol), my ipod touch, iphone, Mophie charging case, iPad 2, iPad 3, Kindle...so lots of USB's would be great.

Thanks for reading and any comments that teach me something would be appreciated.

Any machine you buy will be better/faster than what you have, so it should be easy. You have a good budget to work with, esp. if you're keeping your current monitor.

I'd suggest that you go look for an i5 based Optiplex from the Dell outlet. The 7010 is an excellent machine to look at [dell.com] - plus all Optiplexes come standard with three yeas of on-site warranty.

4GB of RAM will be fine for what you're doing, and assuming the 1TB drive is SATA, you can move that over to the new machine.

I'd personally suggest sticking with Windows 7 rather than 8 if you're not interested in going the touchscreen route.

Get the blu-ray separately & add it in yourself - it's very easy to do & will be cheaper.

There are some good deals on Office today, too - $100 for Office Home & Student [microsoftstore.com] (reg. $150)

Good luck!

Quote from jmwinke : Hi guys! I know almost nothing about computers except it runs my Office software...I think I need help. lol I'm looking for a new desktop. I have an older one (Pentium 4 that was rebuilt...ugh). Some of the stuff I found that my current computer already has upgraded is: 3.2GHz Windows 7 4 GB RAM 1TB HD Radeon X300/X550/X1050 series display adapter Pioneer DVD-RW I am on the web a LOT! I NEVER and I repeat NEVER use it for gaming. I'm old....lol I date too much so I am forever chatting with someone that pops up on my screen, doing homework online (lots of it) which requires Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint, checking emails and SHOPPING...I usually have a TON of screens open while I pop back and forth finding better deals. I am also a student this semester so if I can buy MS Office cheaper that way then any direction would be great. I only paid about $230 for this CPU but I'm willing to increase my budget to about $800 if I need to but I'd want it really upgraded for that. I'll take feedback on whether to keep Windows 7 or go with Windows 8...I don't want the touchscreen computer only because i love my monitor... I have the wireless keyboards and mouse from Logitech that I'm fine with keeping and my monitor is 40 or 42" so I'd like to keep that also....just need the CPU. I'd like a BluRay dvd player too...I'm forever trying to watch videos on the computer instead of the big TV...no clue why! Must be the location. Does anyone have any good advice? I do have lots of stuff I'm always charging on the computer (2 cameras I download from a lot; I keep their cords plugged in all the time-it's easier...lol), my ipod touch, iphone, Mophie charging case, iPad 2, iPad 3, Kindle...so lots of USB's would be great. Thanks for reading and any comments that teach me something would be appreciated.

Spending around 299.99 will get you a nice value for an Intel i3 or AMD A8.Computers Deals and Coupons


Even a 249.99-349.99 laptop with Intel Dual Core will be fine too.

Quote from FAL : Spending around 299.99 will get you a nice value for an Intel i3 or AMD A8.Computers Deals and Coupons Even a 249.99-349.99 laptop with Intel Dual Core will be fine too.

Anything you recommend in that range? My parents need a new desktop.

nice i5 under 800.

535 freeshipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Pro...6883220184 (price jumped to 635, shoulda got it yesterday )

Quote from andchef : Anything you recommend in that range? My parents need a new desktop.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibr...de=1168XF5

Quote from FAL : http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibr...de=1168XF5

Thanks!

Quote from Jeffbx : Any machine you buy will be better/faster than what you have, so it should be easy. You have a good budget to work with, esp. if you're keeping your current monitor. I'd suggest that you go look for an i5 based Optiplex from the Dell outlet. The 7010 is an excellent machine to look at [dell.com] - plus all Optiplexes come standard with three yeas of on-site warranty. 4GB of RAM will be fine for what you're doing, and assuming the 1TB drive is SATA, you can move that over to the new machine. I'd personally suggest sticking with Windows 7 rather than 8 if you're not interested in going the touchscreen route. Get the blu-ray separately & add it in yourself - it's very easy to do & will be cheaper. There are some good deals on Office today, too - $100 for Office Home & Student [microsoftstore.com] (reg. $150) Good luck!

Thank you so much!

Does anyone have a good suggestion for one between $200-$400 that has HDMI out to connect it to TV?
My parents need one just for watching shows online.

THanks!

Quote from Alcetic : Does anyone have a good suggestion for one between $200-$400 that has HDMI out to connect it to TV? My parents need one just for watching shows online. THanks!

here is one,
http://www.frys.com/product/73422...sa:adpages page44_MON date:112612

also
this one doesnt mention hdmi, but I ordered the same one 3 weeks ago on sale, and it does have hdmi. it is cheaper, but refurbished though same as mine, which showed up in mint condition.

http://outlet.lenovo.com/SEUILibr...de=1168XF5