Vista does OK with 2GB, from my experience. Unless you’re running a 64 bit version, you won’t be able to access/use all 4GB if you had it. I have 4GB in my machine now and only 3.3 of it can be used. Given that, I’d say 3GB is probably the sweet spot.

Linux sure would be cheaper, but good luck running that software received during Christmas

If you are going to let the kiddos use this computer, you do not want a laptop. While they are convenient they are also fragile. I treat my extremely carefully and have still gotten cracks in both the bottom and in the screen at the hinge. Additionally, they are difficult to upgrade and offer less bang for the buck.

My own preference would be to stick with Dell, even if there is some money to be saved shopping at Walmart. Personally, I like AMD processors, so I am not as concerned about that as EJ is. I am more concerned with the other aspects of what was said. Additionally, Dell offers, in my limited experience with them, fairly good customer support (which was the primary reason I purchased my laptop from them, though I built my other machines from scratch so I can’t offer much insight into their desktops).

With regard to the Mac issue, while I have heard nothing but good things about Macs I would stick with a PC. I may be wrong, but the availability of compatible hardware and software is much greater with PCs than Macs. You are probably going to be forced into Vista which is memory hungry from the research I have done (4GB is the sweet spot from what I have read). So if you are going to splurge anywhere, I would do so in memory.

Finally, if I really wanted to be an OS snob and offer a real money saving tip, I would suggest you purchase a machine preloaded with Linux. This would allow you to avoid the money hit you take by having all those Microsoft products, plus it would improve reliability. But that is just the geek in me talking.

RR

Since it’s cheaper at Wal-Mart, I’d say go for it but be aware of the following.

I wouldn’t be too surprised if it’s pre-loaded with a lot more ad-ware and trial software than it would be if it came from Dell directly. They’re making up that price difference somehow and I’m willing to bet it’s by selling software pre-load space.

The website says it’s model 531W. I’m sure the W indicates Wal-Mart. I can’t tell since the Wal-Mart website doesn’t give details, but there may be some cheaper/less-powerful hardware in it than the standard Dell.com Inspiron 531. Thinking video card, for instance.

It’s also interesting that the Wal-Mart website lists it as an AMD processor but the details say Core 2 Duo (Intel). Make no mistake, for that price it’s AMD – just be sure you read the box thoroughly at the store before buying because I don’t trust their website now.

If there really is some non-531-standard hardware in the machine, getting updated drivers for it could be interesting. Not impossible, just might take some tracking down on their website. I think it’s a small possibility, but I figured I’d mention it none the less.

I think as long as you know these things going in and uninstall as much of the useless trialware/adware/crap as soon as you get it, you’ll be fine. Looks like a good deal.

When I fist started this endeavor, I was dead set on a laptop, but the thought of my kids totting the fragile machine around (and the vision of having to look under the couch cushions for it) made me rethink that plan. As it stands now, I want something with a good chunk of hard drive space for digital pics and music (320 GB, min), a more than reasonable amount of RAM (2GB or more), a DVD burner – and, oh yea, and a big flat screen too (19 inch or so should do the trick)!

And I want it for as dang cheap as possible . . .

Here it is (and it’s a Dell, which seems to suit many of the previous posters!)

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=7810487

I have to admit that I’m not enamored with the idea of buying a PC at Wal-Mart – but it’s cheaper than the Dell website (and has 90 days no interest), so . . .

I’d love to hear what the BFS Geek-Fire-Dog-Squad thinks of this purchase for BFS and my family as well . . .

RR

1) Yes. But they’re much harder to set up in Panera for a quick look at BlogFreeSpringfield.
2) Only if it’s straight from the manufacturer.
3) NO.
4) It’s a seedy underground that you want no part of.
5) Here you go.

Yes, I love Macs – but I’d give the kids a couple more years of gentle computing lessons on a cheap sturdy PC before unleashing them on a pearly white MacBook that will run you around a K and half. Someday though, if you want your kids to be creative, AND dominate at trivia nights, you’ll need to buy a Mac.