Computers

Hi NC;
Before we bought our computer a little over a year ago, we talked to our son who is a database technician. He checked around thinking of building one for us, and also called Dell. It turned out we could get a better deal ordering from Dell. They will build it according to your needs and wants. We did the computer,modem, sony 17" monitor, keyboard, mouse. Later bought a printer and scanner from a computer store.
Dell does not have a store where you can go and look at their products as Gateway does (in some cities) We ordered from Texas, no sales tax and it came I think within about a week.
A good idea is to check the consumer reports magazine latest rercommendations. My Hubby doesn't buy anything that costs very much without consulting their magazine first. If you don't subscribe, check your local library.
Dell has a web site at www.dell.com/ where you can look at the specs and prices for different models. Our son talked to them, told them what we would be using the computer for and they built it accordingly.
I would certainly get the very latest and up to date model available, no matter what brand you get, the fastest modem, most memory, windows 98, etc. They have come down a lot in price, for the same as we paid 14 months ago we could now get a lot more. Hope this has been of some help to you.