My computer, a Dell Dimension 4550 with an Intel Pentium 4 Processor at @.0 GHz, does not quite have the amount of RAM that I would like. I upgraded to 1GB from the default 512MB a few months ago. That works OK, but I know things could be better. I would like to buy 2GB, but my manual says the max amount is one 1GB. However, Dell Support and various other sources said going to 2GB would be fine. I'm not really sure what to believe. If anyone can speak from experience or has any thoughts, that would be greatly appreciated.

Tread very carefully.  That series of computers had a limitation on ram because of a cheap motherboard.  It's very possible that you are indeed at your limit.  You'll have to check very carefully if you can indeed get a second gig in there.

If you upgraded, it's very possible that you had four slots; 2x256 of the original ram, and 2x256 of the upgrade, using all 4 slots.  If you were to want to have 2g, you'd have to replace all 4 with 512 sticks.

The reality is that if 1 gig isn't doing it for you, it may be much more cost effective to look into a newer box.  It's not all ram that you're running into as a limitation.

Thank you for the quick reply. I've been thinking about a new computer for a while now, and it is time to upgrade. Explaining [u]why[/u] to my parents is another task. Thanks again for the assistance.

You're welcome.  You might want to explain that ";why"; is that your current computer would kick some serious butt...  in 1999.  ;)

As drumcat has so delightfully proven that my current computer is maybe not quite up to speed with today's technology, I begin the hunt for a new one. I am a high school student, so by no means am I looking for some super professional model that is way out of my price range or necessity. However, in these recent years, I have really taken on to writing music to the point where this new computer definitely needs to deliver. I want to be able to play back a full percussion ensemble (battery and pit) and possibly a band.�� By what I have found, Mac appears to be the way to go, but the only spec I know to be looking for is RAM. Everything else is gibberish to me. This will be our new family computer (as I am not paying for it), however I will be the primary user. I just want to make sure that I get this right the first time and that it proves to be a worthwhile investment. If anyone could shed a little light in this direction, that would be great.

Well, you'll have to answer some questions...  I'm sure you'll get a few opinions, but I think at this time, even us Windows users would agree with your decision to go Mac.

Your other computer...  if this is going to become the ";family computer";, what are you looking at here?  I could make the case that you might want to get your own at this point.  If the rest of your fam is happy surfing and emailing, XP with a gig of ram is a pretty good deal.

Ram is important, of course.  So is hard drive rpm speed.  But just as importantly, are we talking $1000 or $3000 for your budget?

Fill us in.  ;)

Sorry if I was a little vague. We also have a laptop that my family uses, but things are just reaching the point where everyone needs to be on the computer for something. My hobby happens to require a computer that's more powerful so, in essence, this new computer will be mine. The budget is definitely no more than $3000, but something like $2500-ish would be fine.

[quote author=johnw91 link=topic=2189.msg12135#msg12135 date=1203208069]
Sorry if I was a little vague. We also have a laptop that my family uses, but things are just reaching the point where everyone needs to be on the computer for something. My hobby happens to require a computer that's more powerful so, in essence, this new computer will be mine. The budget is definitely no more than $3000, but something like $2500-ish would be fine.
[/quote]

Well, I don't know if this will be a machine you'll want for college or not...  The hot thing right now for college kids is a Mac Book Pro.  It'll run windows when you have to, OSX when you want to.

You could do something like:

Summary
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Subtotal $2,274.00


    * 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    * 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
    * 200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
    * SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
    * MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
    * Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
    * Accessory Kit

This would be another gig of ram, a workstation-level hard drive (7200 rpm), and a pretty decent run.  I think you'd be better getting the 256 video card...

Subtotal  $2,699.00
    * 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    * 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
    * 200GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
    * SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)
    * MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
    * Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
    * Accessory Kit

Or if you can be patient for a few weeks, there is an expected update of the Mac Book line, too.

Otherwise, if you want a desktop, that should be easy enough if you want to go the imac route.  As has been said before, refurbs from Apple are quite good.  Just be sure to find one with a 7200 rpm drive.

I think a macbook would be a great option for college...but I have two more years until all that happens. For the meantime, I think an iMac appears to be the best option. I was looking on the Apple website on the page where you buy the computer and add all of extra stuff to it. I didn't see the option to get a 7200 rpm drive. Am I looking in the same place as you?

No, you are in the right spot. Those iMacs are all 7200. Just do yourself a favor and see how big those 24"; iMacs are. Go to a store. They are big. Great if you have the room. PM me if you have any other spec questions. :)