dustman

Hello, all,

I need a new desktop computer, but I am getting confused with all the different choices, and could use some help.

I currently have 2 older Dell Dimension 3000s with hyperthreading, and 3.0MHz Intel processors, but one is failing, and I wanted to try a few of the newer flight simulation programs and games (I'm not looking to game online or in any kind of really serious manner), and I found none of the newer games will play correctly unless I have a better graphics card (I don't have any AGP or newer slots, just the old PCI, and I'm told there are no decent PCI cards that will stand up to the current games), so a new computer is in the cards.

I like Dell and HP, but remember some great ASUS models in the past, and saw they are coming out with new ASUS desktops in the stores, but I don't know if they are similar in quality, or have changed owners, etc. I have been very disappointed with other models in the past like ACER and EMachines, so don't want to go in that direction. I mainly use the computers for email, ebay, pics, burning dvds, and web surfing. I have great monitors, so don't really want the "packages" that are more expensive because they include monitors.

I like a fast computer with plenty of storage just to know its there, if nothing else, and room to grow if my needs change. I need a decent graphics card, and wireless capabilities. I was told it would be better and cheaper to just get one built, but ended up with "builders" just trying to fob off refurbished brand name units on me that they happened to have on the shelf.

I love XP, but see 7 is inevitable (not that it isn't a great system, its just that I am so comfortable with XP). Everybody is pushing the new i7 Intel processors, but techs reviewing the i7 say the Duo core E8600 is a better and more dependable processor (and that doesn't apply to all model numbers, just the 8600). Just try finding it though. You can get one new in a box, but I am not savvy enugh to install it myself.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to rush out and buy something that is wrong for me and end up having to buy something else in a short time.

Thanks,

Dustman