Dell or HP?

[juanbrujo]

Which desktop computer do you recommend, a Dell Dimension or an HP Pavilion? The price of both is similar.

Dell Dimension Specifications:

- Intel Pentium D Processor 805 with Dual Core Technology (2.66GHz, 533FSB)
- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (2x512M) (Exp. To 2GB)
- 250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ 8MB cache
- Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
- 16x CD/DVD Burner
- Integrated Audio with Dolby Digital 7.1 capability


HP Pavilion Specifications:

- Intel Pentium D Processor 805 with Dual Core Technology (2.66GHz, 533FSB)
- Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
- 1GB DDRS SDRAM (Exp. To 2GB)
- 200GB SATA 7200RPM
- ATI Radeon Xpress 200, 256MB (Shared)
- 16X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer With LightScribe
- High Definition Audio, 8-Speaker Config

Thank you for your help.

 

[High_Roller]

I've had both Dell and HP desktops.

I would choose Dell, because their standard warranty seems to be better, and their desktop product is better.

On the other hand, the HP system you quoted has better a better graphics card.

I've had an HP laptop, which I found better than a Dell laptop though.

I think you could go either way. You could probably flip a coin.

 

[JumpingShark]

For a media centre PC, take the HP. That said, I am not sure I would reccommend either if they were anything other than Media Centre PC's (they are too difficult to build on your own). My friend has an HP model and it works fine. Just remember that it won't do HD signals on its own.

Best of luck.

 

[fantasiafan]

Yup, HP Media Centre hands down...

 

[WoodPeckr]

Both systems quoted come with: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.

So is the only difference the video card?

 

[raven@mirage]

I have a dell laptop for about 2 years now works great I guess because I only use it when i travel I dont really see major problems with it

I just order a MDG computer, some promotional sepcial they have. I can't really say how that is going to work til I use that computer for a while.

 

[Anynym]

From what I've seen (without having either a Dell or HP myself), HP tends to do a much better job breaking out the physical connection ports with the XP MCE, making for a much nicer experience. Dell, on the other hand, seem to be having more customer relations difficulties lately.

I'd definitely recommend the DVD burner (most of which can also burn CDs), although neither the CD-versus-DVD burner nor the 200-versus-250 Gig SATA HDs should make for much of a difference in price: DVD burners can be had for about $40 or $50, and CD burners run about $30. Similarly, 200 Gig drives can be found for about $100, 250 Gig for about $110, and 300 Gig now comes in at around $115 to $120. (prices from pccyber.ca)

 

[WoodPeckr]

HP Desktop PC for under $100 USD .........

.......Well shipping is another $99.00.

Office Depot in WNY is having a Labor Day Sale and this is their big deal !

It's so cheap I'm almost tempted to go for this bare-bones special.

Final price would be $199.98 as is.
I would upgrade to:
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 524 (3.06GHz,533FSB)
& 1 Gig DDR memory for another $179.00 .....
Comes to a total of $378.98, plus tax.

Here's what they offer:

HP Pavilion Desktop Computer with Intel® Celeron® D 352 Processor, Monitor and All In One Printer
SAVE $460

$99.99*
After 100.00 Instant Savings and (4) Mail-In Savings
( In Store Price $429.99)
thru Sep 9

Includes Tower, Monitor and Printer
• 256MB DDR-533MHz memory
• 80GB 7200RPM hard drive
• Reads & Writes CDs
• CRT 17" has 16" viewable area

Sound Card - Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound
Video Card - Integrated ATI Radeon Express HyperMemory


• F380 All In One HP Printer or
Upgrade to model 3180 for $20 more
Configuration code 03134795

UPGRADES:
More space for storage 160GB Hard Drive add $40
Increase performance 512MB Memory (RAM) add $50
Save desk space 15" LCD Flat Panel Display add $140