Well first of all I would like to say that this opinion may seem biased as I have had to suffer through using a Compaq for several years!!! So I'm sure if anyone is/has used a Compaq they will know what I have gone through.

Finally, however I was able to purchase a Dell Dimension 4100 series. I got the basics with the computer but did upgrade to a 40 GB hard drive and added a CR-RW drive. I purchased this online and assumed it would be around 2 weeks for it to be built, shipped, etc. So, needless to say I was extremely pleased when my computer showed up four days later.(So unless you really need it delivered immediately I would suggest the standard 3-5 day shipping option).

One major flaw with Dell is that there aren't stores where you can go in and buy them. So you have to pay the shipping costs to have them delivered. But this also allows for them to be able to let you choose exactly what you want your computer to have. Processor, modem, cd-rom drives, DVD, etc. This is something that you can't do at a store unless you have it special ordered which more than likely would take much more time to complete than ordering from Dell.

I have had my new Dell for around a month now and it is amazing how much stress I have saved since that time!! No more worrying over when the computer is going to freeze up next!!! I am also able to save a great deal of time due to the upgrade in speed of the processor as well as the above mentioned lack of freezing.

Purchasing a Dell meant around an additional $200 in cost compared to similar packages(Compaq's, Hewlett Packards, etc.) However, the extra cost has definitely proved to be well worth it. If you are in the market for a new computer you definitely need to consider Dell as your first option.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1199
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 801-900
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW
Hard Drive (GB): 31-40