I need a couple of good running PCs.

[jdc]

These are for a newspaper design department -- they have one GIANT Dell tower (XPS?) -- but then a couple of crap something else that just bog down on 12 page docs.

Working with the Adobe Suite.

Im thinking i5, and a dedicated video card. Windows Pro. Drive and ram are irrelevant.

Do I just try to configure something from Dell? Or stop into Costco?

No idea what brand to look for -- and of course -- as good as deal as possible.

Suggestions? Advice?

[MacArtist]

I've had good luck with the Dell Vostro 400 series. I think it's up to 460 model now.

No BS bloat/crapware installed. Windows Professional installed.

You can get i5 or i7 processors.

If you buy from the outlet store, you can find some excellent prices.

[MacArtist]

$489 for a Dell Vostro 460 with i5 processor.

Dell Outlet

*integrated video on that particular deal. Throw in a $50 video card. You'd be set.

[rgG]

a couple of good running PCs

Isn't that an oxymoron?

[MacArtist]

$610 for a brand new Dell Vostro 460 with a dedicated video card.

Minimal ram, 500 gb hard drive. Win 7 Pro included.

Dell Vostro 460, Small Business site

[Dick Moore]

I got a very nice Gateway box from Computer Geeks - Core i5 quad, 1.5TB hdd, 6G RAM - for $500.

[space-time]

Drive and ram are irrelevant.

WTF does this mean?

[decay]

oooh, Windows Pro!

[jdc]

space-time wrote:
Drive and ram are irrelevant.

WTF does this mean?

Adding ram is a snap and cheap.

No local files kept on these machines -- in fact if I could get the owner to spring for 120 gig SSDs I would do that instead.