Regarding a 'new' computer purchase..................

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

I've been operating a Dell 8200 for more than ten yeara now and it's performed in superior fashion.

I'm in the market for a new unit and have been deliberating between a DELL 8500 desk top and an all-in-one desk top.

I primarily want to use it for making MP-3's, and You Tube type videos, along with emails a possible web site adventure. What might YOU suggest? An all in one would appear to this novice to be MORE than I might need. WHAT SAY YOU?

[CrowBear Schmitt]

Get a Mac

[Jack Stoner]

I would go with the XPS8500 over an all in one. The all in one's are basically a laptop with a larger screen and separate (wireless) keyboard and mouse. Motherboard/laptop CPU/memory/electronics are the same as what is in a laptop; it even uses a laptop AC power adapter.

I just installed a 20" Dell model for a client. They are retirees and don't do much other than e-mail, Skype and occasional internet browsing. Its OK for what they are using it for.

Since most new PC's now come with Windows 8, you may want to consider a "touch screen" if you are also buying a new monitor. Win 8 can operate from the "desktop" and with a 3rd party program such as offered by "Stardock" you even get the Start button and menu back just like XP/Vista/Win 7.

I have nothing against Mac's (I have an iPad3 and an iPhone5) but it will cost you about 3X for an equivalent Mac to the Dell XPS8500, then you will have to be concerned with your Windows software that won't run under Mac OS unless you install a Windows emulator.

[Richard Sinkler]

I have nothing against Mac's (I have an iPad3 and an iPhone5) but it will cost you about 3X for an equivalent Mac to the Dell XPS8500, then you will have to be concerned with your Windows software that won't run under Mac OS unless you install a Windows emulator.

Exactly the reason I never switched to a MAC

[Jim Priebe]

Ray
What Jack has suggested is good advice and changing platforms at your stage (PC to Mac) is only something a Mac user would suggest - doesn't hardly warrant a comment.
You will have enough stress adjusting to a later operating system (Windows xx to Windows 7 or 8 ).
Stick with as much 'familiarity' as possible at your stage of computer skills.
Windows 7 will run almost all of your old (familiar) software especially the 32 bit version so that specification may be worth considering.
Some older software will not load/run on the 64 bit OS's eg. Adobe Photoshop 7 etc. Jack and Wiz might chime in on this aspect - I have no idea what software you currently use.

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

I wish to thank each and everyone of you for your valued comments, suggestions and recommendations.

I'm still 'pondering' as to specifics but certainly will consider everything mentioned. It's much appreciated, I assure you.

[Craig Stenseth]

I have nothing against Mac's (I have an iPad3 and an iPhone5) but it will cost you about 3X for an equivalent Mac to the Dell XPS8500, then you will have to be concerned with your Windows software that won't run under Mac OS unless you install a Windows emulator.

But you can install Windows on a Mac, and run Windows software on it.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4818#1

[Jack Stoner]

True you can run Windows on a MAC but why do that? Plus you can, in many cases, wind up paying almost double for an equivalent MAC VS PC.

I use Sonar (X2 Producer) for my recording studio. Its a Windows only DAW and there are MAC users that are running it under Windows but it doesn't run as clean as it does on a full Windows system.

[Gary Reed]

A Mac mini can be set to use your existing minitor or and printer.
My mini has paid for itself compared to what
I had to spend to keep my other 2 PC's up to date and trouble free. And I still have trouble at times with the pc. I have never met one who was unhappy to invest in the switch to Mac.

[Jack Stoner]

I see this has deteriorated into a MAC love fest.

I'm out of this one.

[Walter Killam]

Hi Ray,

If Windows has been working well for you for the last 10 years, then I'd say that jumping ship to a new OS makes not sense at all. My recommendations - Go with the Dell, dont get the All in One, try to get a machine with Windows 7 (the windows 8 interface is very different from 7).

If you are interested in trying out a new OS, the get the new Dell, and load Ubuntu Linux on the old machine.

that's my 2 cents!

[Cal Sharp]

I was needing a new computer, too. A fast one with reliability, ease of use and with "The world's most advanced desktop operating system", so I got an iMac. Pics here.

[Bill McCloskey]

I have had more computers in my life than I care to admit. I started with an old Trash 80 color computer in the early 80's and since then have had many others including SGI unix machines, dozens of windows based computers and macs. I've had them all.

I now only have macs. I would never go back to a windows based operating system.

[Dave Potter]

I see this has deteriorated into a MAC love fest. I'm out of this one.

And it always will. The MAC cheerleaders won't miss an opportunity to trash PCs - they're a vocal minority. Does anyone else find it odd that users of the MS OS seldom find it necessary to be critical of the Apple OS? I do.

The reality is that MS Windows OS is NOT the flawed system MAC proponents try to claim it is - sales numbers confirm that beyond question. It's entirely possible that the MAC OS is more idiot-proof, but I can't confirm or deny that - I have no MAC OS experience on which to base a judgement. My opinion(s) stem from my over 40 years experience using Microsoft operating systems. And, OBTW, Apple-guys, I won't respond to challenges. It is, what it is.

Trying to modify one appliance to make it do what another one does natively never made any sense to me, and that applies to Windows emulators on Apple computers. That, combined with the comparative paucity of commercially-available software for the Apple OS vs Windows, pretty much makes the decision for me.

My opinion? Forget the major brand mass marketers, Dell, with its proprietary connectors, etc, and buy a current upscale Windows-based (probably Win 7 64-bit OS) box from any of the many independent builders online or local, with all the features one needs for the applications anticipated. There are lots of options out there - search the web.

[Wiz Feinberg]

After decades of experimenting with various operating systems and brands, I have decided to stick with only ....... digital computers. :-)

[Dave Potter]

After decades of experimenting with various operating systems and brands, I have decided to stick with only ....... digital computers.

Oh, man, you really want to be limited to just ones and zeros?

There's so much more to the world around us.

[Ray Montee (RIP)]

I want to thank each of you very, very much, for your insightful contributions.My first was an IBM PC XT w/10 Mb hard drive and monochrome screen. WOW!

I've stuck with Dell's every since and have had extremely good luck with each one. My 8200 Series has operated 24 hours per day now, for over ten years. I replaced the power supply about five years ago.

Well, I took the plunge.....and purchased Dell's XPS 8500 series with virtually ALL of the bells and whistles. There's little if anything that I should want during the remainder of MY lifetime.

The unit is totally quiet, in contrast to all of the user reports I've read on the internet. Likewise, I've determined that Win-8 has been a reasonably easy transition from Win-2000 that I had operated for some twelve years. More so, I'd have to say, than was Win-7.

Again many thanks for your kind responses.