Would like to spend around a thousand, but willing/half expect to go a little beyond that. Probably $1500 absolute max. Only thing that's making it do-able is mum going 'just buy one, I'll pay for it.' Shaz and I could afford one, and we've told mum she doesn't have to buy me one, but having the offer of extra cash is helpful.

Basically, I'm using way too many of my limited resources trying to make a crap machine work. Once bub comes along, I don't want to be spending what little free time/energy I have swearing at the comp.

Basically, I'm using way too many of my limited resources trying to make a crap machine work.

A very sensible decision. Enjoy. :)
(although, as a Mac user, I have no idea where to buy PCs from.)

Don't get an Acer. Ever.

Dell via their online system are okay. Except DON'T GET VISTA! Or get it but wipe it off and install XP.

Prob don't need to spend as much as $1500, I'm not spending more than that later this year for a new computer, and I'm expecting to get all the bells and whistles for my work stuff.

I was figuring I could get by on way less than $1500, but like to keep my options open. My last PC was 8 years old before I changed it, which gives an indication of how much trouble I'm having with this one.

Yeah, these days, if you don't need a screen, you could get a really good one for $1000 or less.

I'll probably install XP and Unbuntu. Did I mention my current PC managed to kill Ubuntu?

It's cursed, I tell ye!

Was looking at the Aldi one. Sale starts Thursday. Will have a look around today, but may well wait on that one.

Oh look... one of my hard drives has completely vanished... Joy!

Had a look around - nearest equivalent comp was $1898, so we'll wait until Thursday.

In the meantime, I'm going to start moving files off my Cheshire Cat hard drive

I'm so far removed from the desktop pc market it's not funny.

*MY* preference is still to build my own. But that's me.

We don't seem to have too bad a time with the Dells at work - but we get Optiplex, and not the ones you see advertised cheap on daytime TV (Dimensions, I think - which do have a bit of a rep). But I know at least one person who swears and curses about Dells.

In terms of spec - Look for an Intel Core2 processor - they seem to rock hard (I think they are all Dual core [Duo], too, except for the ones that are Quad core), and probably 2 or 4 GB of RAM these days.

As for graphics - I'd avoid machines that have 'shared' graphics memory. That is, they borrow from the main memory, reducing your available memory, and the performance isn't quite as good.

YMMV.

I'd rather build my own, but don't have the knowledge, and at this point just want this whole thing over with.

I'd put the thing into be recycled when i have a new machine, but at this point I'd be worried someone else would have the same bad luck I have.

I'm thinking petrol and a match at the mo'.

Hammer - much more satisfying...all the little shards ;)

Good luck with the purchase!

Canberra sells fireworks :D

Last Sunday Gen and I went to the swap-meet at Collingwood town hall and bought a second hand box running XP. I spent $230, but i never buy new--I am planning on putting my old Ubuntu 80 gig drive in. currently have a 160 gig, CD drive, but no DVd--will install one. Amazed how much faster than the old box this P4 is. Took last computer to the tip, with remains of a canablized Power Mac, an old 17 inch monitor and a 28k modem and some other junk. Gee it made some room in the lounge room- My wife was SO happy--I am thinking about the ad I have seen for "I will buy your old amiga stuff" Hey for a few dollars the space would be good.