Here's where I'm at. I have an Emachines Desktop. Its outdated, and on the slow side. Here's the specs..
OS: Windows XP
Processor: AMD 1.6 GHz
Memory: 2 GB (1.8 or so after the video card takes its allowance. stupid.)
Hard Drives: (1) W.D. 70 Gig, (1) W.D. 40 Gig. Both are slow and old. not even close to 7200 rpm, that much i know.
CD/Dvd. 4 billion usb slots. seriously there's about 8.
My predicament. I want something thats gonna be faster, and allow me to run IE. I need Internet explorer for multiple work applications/sites. I don't need a new monitor (have a 1 yr old 17" flat panel), optical mouse, boring keyboard that works for my fat fingers, or really any other PC accessories as they are all fine (Printer, Audio, DVD, etc). I cannot add anymore memory. the motherboard...she can't take it.
My options
(1) Buy SSD (128 GB), use 70gb for file storage, take the computer to figure why the fuck IE doesn't do its thing when firefox is awesome sauce.
(2) Buy a new damn computer. no SSD. Install SSD depending on remaining funds.
lets go with the arbitrary number of $500 for my budget. What would you recommend?
Fyi. No Dell, period.