Getting a new computer $800-$1000

Anything you buy from Dell will cost you considerably more than you could buy it off the shelf for. However, anything you don't buy from Dell, they will not provide support for, which I have rarely found useful anyway. It just depends on how much you want to spend on an item. You can get better support here on Seven Forums than Dell typically provides. Of course, the same can be said about most pre manufactured computer companies.

Computer0304 said:

mjf said:

It's academic taking about purpose built systems because you are clearly risk averse and there is nothing wrong with that. Mind you some of the big name brand OEMs don't have a great support record and they will typically use budget components.

Well if i go with a custom pc, i would not have any support other than SF. I have noticed too that they use budget components. The Nvidia GeForce 645 is supposed to have 3D Vision but on the dell website, it says it doesn't.

Building your own PC isn't for everyone. If you get a reputable PC shop to build one for you then you need to do some homework on the key elements and purpose you need (we have the Internet + this forum & others). If this is all too difficult and you will have sleepness nights at the thought - just buy an OEM PC.

Computer0304 said:

Ok for now, I will leave my choice at XPS 8700. I will mark this solved but will still be open to suggestions. I might start a thread for laptop suggestions since I will be replacing my laptop too. But one last question: Is it better to order from dell.com or does it not matter to order from a website like amazon?

Computer0304 said:

1. Should get office with the computer in the config or get office separately? 2. Should I get Office 365 or Office 2013? 3. Why am I still asking questions after marking solved?

I think it was your idea.

essenbe said:

Anything you buy from Dell will cost you considerably more than you could buy it off the shelf for. However, anything you don't buy from Dell, they will not provide support for, which I have rarely found useful anyway. It just depends on how much you want to spend on an item. You can get better support here on Seven Forums than Dell typically provides. Of course, the same can be said about most pre manufactured computer companies.

Except we won't replace anything for you.

Computer0304 said:

Ok for now, I will leave my choice at XPS 8700. I will mark this solved but will still be open to suggestions. I might start a thread for laptop suggestions since I will be replacing my laptop too. But one last question: Is it better to order from dell.com or does it not matter to order from a website like amazon?

You have to be careful on Amazon or Ebay. You don't know who you are dealing with all of the time. I would make sure I did business with an established company that would stand behind their guarantee.

essenbe said:

Anything you buy from Dell will cost you considerably more than you could buy it off the shelf for. However, anything you don't buy from Dell, they will not provide support for, which I have rarely found useful anyway. It just depends on how much you want to spend on an item. You can get better support here on Seven Forums than Dell typically provides. Of course, the same can be said about most pre manufactured computer companies.

Ive checked the prices and they are the same. But for some reason, they just removed the subscription version of Office 365. I think I'll go with 365 because I might get another laptop too

Computer0304 said:

1. Should get office with the computer in the config or get office separately? 2. Should I get Office 365 or Office 2013? 3. Why am I still asking questions after marking solved?

It depends on the price. Neweeg sometimes offers Office 2013 for a discounted price - also the brick and mortar stores or Walmart and Sams club. Dell probably charges full retail. In no case would I get Office 365. There you have to dish out money every year.

I have my Offce 2007 already since 2007 and it still works very well. At the time I bought it in Sams club for a good price (3 systems version). I also have an Office 2010 (3 systems) that I got for cheap at Newegg. Have not yet installed it because my 2007 is still going strong. On my Transformer that I bought last month, Office 2013 came with it - full version not trial version. That is a bit different, but not much.

Also, I have noticed that Dell has Acrobat XI for $50 but the adobe website has it $139. Could I trust dell with this price?

Computer0304 said:

Also, I have noticed that Dell has Acrobat XI for $50 but the adobe website has it $139. Could I trust dell with this price?

What do you want that for. In Office, you can file anything as PDF - even a PowerPoint presentation. And there are many free programs to convert to PDF.

Just wanted to know if I could trust that price.

Computer0304 said:

Just wanted to know if I could trust that price.

Why not, if that is in their price list.