Back to School With the Perfect Student Desktop Computer
Choosing the right Desktop PC can be tricky if you don't know what to look for.
There is a tendency to go for the computer with the cheapest price tag for home and student use, but this is a mistake. Going for the absolute cheapest price often leads to disappointment later on. In the short term you may have got a great bargain but usually at the cost of longevity and performance.
If you're buying a new PC and expect to get 2, 3 or 4 years good use out of it you'll need to spend about $300 more than the cheapest model. If you don't do that you've got no 'future proofing' and upgrading components will be expensive or even impossible.
Basically it comes down to 2 things, the memory and the processor. What that means right now is a minimum 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo or 2.1GHz AMD Dual Core Processor plus a minimum 2GB Memory (2 x 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM).
Upgrading the CPU Processor is really not an option for most of us so, you need to get something that will give you enough speed and performance to last the lifetime of the PC.
Upgrading the Memory however is possible but always keep in mind that it's cheaper to add components when you purchase the PC rather than upgrade later. Adding more memory increases the speed and performance of your PC, especially when it comes to multitasking (working with multiple applications and files at the same time). School age students are going to be experts are multitasking on a PC and you don't want to hold them back!
Always go for 1GB memory modules and not 2 x 512MB; the latter option is cheaper but most people will end up throwing them out when they upgrade later on. Most modern Desktops have 4 memory slots that each take a 1GB memory module; Dual Channel modules must be used in pairs.
There are other system components and accessories to consider when purchasing a new PC of course but the processor and memory are the most crucial.
We think the perfect desktop PC for students right now is the Dell Inspiron 530s and, if you buy before midnight on Thu 31 Jan you get to take advantage of these special offers:
- Free 22" Dell Entry Wide Screen Flat Panel LCD Upgrade.
- Free Upgrade to 3GB Memory
- Free Upgrade to 15 Months McAfee Security Center
- Free Upgrade to 2 year Next Business Day Service
When you configure your new Dell Desktop I highly recommend going for Microsoft Office Home & Student Edition. Microsoft Works is bundled free but it pales in comparison to MS Office.
If money is no object and you just want the best high performance Desktop PC then select the 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6850 and 4GB 800MHz Memory.
Unleash the potential in your child and invest in a new desktop PC today.
P.S. Dell printers are very cheap and you can usually save up to $50 when you buy a printer with the desktop.
Promotion Type: Bonus Deals & Free Upgrades
Online Store: Dell
Offer Ends: 11:59 p.m. AEDT Thursday 31st January 2008
Time Remaining: this offer has expired, see below for New Dell Special Offers
Get Yours Now > Dell Inspiron 530s Desktop
New Special Offers Link: Current Special Offers From Dell
