When I finally got a new computer after having the archaic IBM 386, the first one I got was from Compaq. The 5304, a steal at $779.00. Or so I thought. It was a major piece of junk. Hard drive crashed 3 times in 6 months. Bad clusters, it said. Anyway, after the third time I insisted Compaq send me a new, different model. To their defense, they did oblige. I got an all new 7360. It was 500 MHz. Some 134 more than my 5304. I thought I was in heaven. Wrong!

I soon found out it wasn't a whole lot better than my 5304. No, it didn't crash completely, but I did keep getting fatal exception error screens all the time. And after I hooked up a CD-RW to it, it was impossible to keep it running. Also, it only had a 1.3 GB hard drive. Not near enough when I started downloading Mp3's from Napster.

So, I began looking for a new computer. It couldn't be expensive, but I wanted it to have a few basic things: 600-800 MHz, 128 MB Ram, at least 20 GB hard drive, Intel Pentium processor, and a CD-RW.

I looked at ads in the paper, and everything with these things was at least $1800.00. I couldn't see paying that. And most of those didn't include a monitor. That price also didn't include tax. So I decided to look on-line.

Of course I first went to Gateway cause they advertise "Build Your Own". Well I don't know about you, but I couldn't find a single place on their site to build my own. They did give an 800 number, but I was impatient. So I went to the Dell site.

Eureka! There it was. Build your own. You can pick a model as a "Jumping off point" then add or subtract features. I had a ball just seeing what everything would cost. After playing awhile, I got down to business.

I picked the L series and went from there. The L733 (733MHz, all I'll ever need) has an Intel Pentium III processor. I added 128mb RAM instead of the 64 it came with. I also went from the 10GB hard drive provided to 20 GB. I added a CD-RW, and a color monitor. It comes with Windows ME software, and also has a 1-2-3 warranty. 1 year next day service. 2 year parts and labor and 3 year parts. (At least that's the way I read it, don't quote me on that.) It also comes with free AOL service for a year, I didn't care about that since I'm on cable, but first time buyers might like it. And when I hit the "check new price" button I held my breath.

To my surprise it all came in under $1200.00. I couldn't believe it. My 5304 started at around $1000.00, without the $220.00 rebates, minus tax. And I could get all this for less than $1200.00. I got out my credit card and began the buying process.

Another thing. I knew the price would be raised for shipping and tax so I was prepared to pay around $1500.00. But I was wrong. They had a promotion going on where the shipping was free. $160.00 worth. And no tax at all! I was thrilled. My $1149.00 computer actually cost me $1149.00.

So I ordered it. Now this is where it gets fun. Dell has a tracking system set up so that you can put in your order number and see exactly where your computer is. It shows you the different stages. From processing your order, to building your computer, to packaging your computer, and finally to shipping it out. You can check there to see where your computer is in this process. Then they give you a tracking number, and you can go to Airbourne Express on-line, and track the process of the shipping. I ordered overnight freight so my computer was here the day after it was shipped. Less than a week after I placed my order. I believe it was actually 4 days.

Anyway, I got it, hooked it up and I was on the road. After waiting a week for my cable connection, from Knology back to Comcast..long story, I'll tell ya' later, I was really on the road. Until then I used the free AOL provided. It made me realize why I left. (Don't get me started).

So after the cable hook up I was off and speeding down the internet highway. And loving every minute of it. Not a single crash or error message since I've had it. No sticking mouse. Just smooth sailing. And the software provided with the cd-rw is wonderful. Adaptec Easy CD Creator 4. It is the easiest thing in the world. And there is no need for an MP3 to wave converter, it does it all. It comes standard with the Norton Anti-Virus Auto Protect, and Music Match Jukebox. Personally I like the Windows Media Player or the Rio Port better, but it's ok.

So in conclusion I'd have to say this computer is a great buy. For the price, you really get as much of everything as you'll ever need. I am hoping this will be my last computer, and by the way it looks, I think it will be.

So if you're in the market for a new computer, check out Dell online at, of course, www.Dell.com, and build your own. You'll be surprised how little you'll pay for all the little extras you want.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1149.00
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 701-800
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 13-20