I need to buy a new computer that will not be obsulute in a year

must be able to do multitasking with photoshop, pagemaker, dreamweaver and internet open at the same time. capable of web designing/photoshopping at the same time.

looking at around $1000 range. Any recommendation??

• You don't need a fancy, top of the line 3D video card since you won't be running any cutting-edge games, so you can save money there.
• You will want a nice, large monitor for that sort of work, like a 24" LCD. Or to save money, I strongly recommend dual 19" LCDs - you'll get more pixels, and it will cost less.
• You'll want a LOT of memory, if you want to run all of those program simultaneously. I would say a minimum of 2GB.
• You'll want a decent dual-core processor.
• It doesn't matter what you buy - it'll still be obsolete in a year. I suggest getting the best bang for the buck, and just plan on upgrading more often if you need to.

This looks like a pretty good config for the money. It includes a quad-core processor! You'll either want to upgrade the monitor, or get a 2nd monitor and upgrade to a dual-monitor capable video card.

Dell Inspiron 530, $749
Dell Home



Instructions:
To get the Dell Inspiron 530 for $749, follow these instructions.

• Click here to configure evalue code dddeda4
• You should end up with a before-discount price of $1099.

Pricing:

• There is a $350 instant discount on this system.
• Shipping is FREE.

Your final price is:
$749 + tax

Details:
Here are the details for this configuration:

• Dell Inspiron 530: Intel Core2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
• Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs
• Keyboard and Mouse Bundles: Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
• Monitor: 19 inch SE198WFP Widescreen Digital Flat Panel Monitor
• Video Cards: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
• Hard Drives: 320GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
• Floppy Drive and Media Reader: No Floppy Drive Included
• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium - English
• Mouse: Dell Entry Mouse
• Network Interface: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
• Modem and Wireless: 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
• Adobe Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1
• Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-RW Drive
• Sound Cards: Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
• Speakers: No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
• Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed): Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
• Security Software: No Security
• Warranty & Service: 1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
• Internet Access Service: 6 Months Risk-Free Trial AOL Advantage Internet Access
• Digital Media Editing Software: Yahoo! Music Jukebox - Music Player
• Environmental Options: Recycle my old system with Dell (FREE)
• DataSafe Online Backup: Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr

Here's a high-end XPS. No monitor included by default in this config. But it's also a quad-core:

Dell XPS 420, $798
Dell Home



Instructions:
To get the XPS 420 for $798, follow these instructions.

• Click here to configure evalue code dxdwqrs
• You should end up with a before-discount price of $1298.

Pricing:

• There is a $500 instant discount on this system.
• Shipping is FREE.

Your final price is:
$798 + tax

Details:
Here are the details for this configuration:

• XPS 420: Intel Core2 Q6600 Quad-Core (8MB L2 cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
• Memory: 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 4 DIMMs
• KEYBOARD: Dell USB Keyboard
• Monitors: No Monitor
• Video Cards: 128MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 PRO
• Hard Drive: 320GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
• Floppy Drive and Media Reader: No Floppy Drive or Media Reader Included
• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Digital Cable Support
• MOUSE: Dell Optical USB Mouse
• Wireless Networking and Modem: 56K PCI Data Fax Modem
• Adobe Software: Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.1
• Optical Drive: Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
• Sound Cards: Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
• Speakers: No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
• Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed): Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
• Security Software: Norton Internet Security 2007 15-months
• Warranty & Service: Get $50 Dell Gift Card with 4Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor
• Internet Access Service: 6 Months Risk-Free Trial AOL Advantage Internet Access
• Digital Media Editing Software: Yahoo! Music Jukebox - Music Player
• Environmental Options: Recycle my old system with Dell (FREE)
• Datasafe: Included 10GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Year
• Adobe Elements Studio: Adobe Elements Studio for XPS 420

Thanks Garsh. Going for second

Thinking about upgrading

video card to 256MB Radeon ATI HD 2600 XT [add $100 or $3/month1]

Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music [add $100 or $3/month1]

Would be nice if the 4 year warranty and 15 month NIS can be eliminated to save some money.

It's always worth a try to call after the computer isdelivered and ask for a credit to return an item. Warranties are probably easy for Dell to trade out, but they may not put a large dollar value on them.

I jus got the XPS420 and am very happy with it. Dell tech support has been a pleasant surprise.

If you are a serious gamer or anything, then get a desktop. Otherwise, I would get a laptop. I love the ability to easily lug it around.

I like how tomshardware lays things out for the video card.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/12/03/bes...e6.html#summary

I went with the 8800GT -- Heck, with a 4 year warranty, I'm calling them for everything...Alan - just be glad you won't be working for their tech support:
"oh $@%, you mean it won't turn on until I plug it in? Thanks!"