Ordered a New PC

So we ordered a new Dell last night.  I really would rather not have had to purchase a new machine right now, but seeing as how our laptop and PC both decided to die within a week of each other, we didn't have much choice.  As far as deals go, I think we got a good one.  For $678 including S&H and tax, we got a 3GHz Pentium 4 processor with 522 MHz FSB, a 160 GB Serial ATA hard drive, 1GB DDR RAM, a 17" flat panel monitor.  I opted out of upgraded the OS, DVD drive and what not because I already have all the software I want and can remove my DVD burner from my current machine and install it in the new one.  I also plan on going to OfficeMax after work today.  This week they have up to 50% Western Digital hard drives and, according to slickdeals.net, I can get a 320 GB internal hard drive for $60 (while supplies last).  I can get an external case for that for about $50 and have a very nice 320 GB external hard drive for less than what the 200 GB external hard drives cost!  Hopefully the OfficeMax here in Durham has what I want.

I'm also considering purchasing a TV so I can move the XBox up to the bonus room.  That way I could stop using my wireless adapter and also cap games again.  I don't think we'll get a new laptop anytime soon and I really, really love capping and watching my games. 

Oh, here's a funny story (I think).  Last weekend, I had to try and boot up our Dell PC about 30 or so times before it finally decided to load the OS.  I hadn't rebooted it since because I was suspicious that it could've been the PC's last greatest achievement.  So last night, my wife decides she wanted to download the pictures from Dragon Con off of our digital camera.  We've always downloaded pics to the laptop, but as I've mentioned numerous times, that thing's a 6-pound paper weight.  Anyway, the camera software had never been installed on the PC.  So she installed it and the GD software rebooted the PC without prompting us or anything.  We spent the next 40 minutes trying to reboot the thing, and during that stretch, all it did was beep three times when we turned it on.  My wife shouts, "Stop saying that!!" to the PC in her best Count Rugen voice (Princess Bride fans will understand).  This turned into quite the entertaining moment.  I replied with my best Inigo Montoya voice, "Hallo!  My name is Dell Dimension 4100!  You killed my motherboard.  Prepare to lose all your data!"  OMG, we laughed for about 20 minutes and repeated that again and again.  Finally the PC booted up and we ordered the Dell.  Sheesh, good times!