4 your needs the xps 410 desktop  i think would be suitable. as for laptops ive never had or wanted one. plus the xps 410 has a few future upgrades if u get a basic system  .  The XPS 410 is the midrange PC.  The XPS 700 is much more than what u need and is much more expensive .

Simple......

For your needs that are listed, than the E510 system..

For future proofing, than the XPS 410 system with the Core 2 Duo cpu

:smileywink:

Forgot to list the monitor.....

2007 FPW, and hopefully you don't get the banding, or if you are not into a wide monitor, than the 1907 or 2007 FP monitors.  Go to a computer store first, and look at the different sizes, and determine if you can see well enough the smaller fonts on the 20 inch monitors as oppose to the 19 inch monitor.  Some have bad eye sight and the smaller fonts on the larger monitors might be a problem

The basic entry-level pc Dimension B110 would probably be fine. The Dimension E310 would be better. Just pick the cd/dvd burner, and pick a monitor when customizing. If you want to do all of those tasks at the same time then pick 1GB or more memory to run more smoothly. As far as the internet access all day long, that will be up to your isp. Good luck and happy computing!

I have always been a proponent of buying more than you need, because before you know it, you will need more.  :smileyhappy:

XPS 700 if you have the money.

XPS 410 if you don't.

I would politely disagree with the above poster in getting a entry level system without any means to really upgrade the video slot other than the low ended pci slot card, which is very old technology to say the least.  If you ever wanted to play, even just one good new game out today or in the future, that interest you, and the kids, you may have a shock to learn it will not play at all or not very well on the integrated video and not much better with a pci slot video card. 

Think of the future needs, not just what you think today.  The system will be with you for a period of time. 

Good point SR45, like I said the E310 would be better. I guess it all depends on what light gaming means. If the kids are interested in brand new video intensive games then I'd go for one of the xps machines. For myself yes I'd pick the top of the line xps computer, but that's just me. I do some video editing, music mixing, etc. I really wouldn't recommend the top computer for light gaming and casual/basic pc use. Hopefully with all of our suggestions a wise purchase can be made.

You are right jjmaster, if those that never want to play games or stick with some of the older, simpler games that the entry level systems can handle, but we see this all the time on this forum, that those who purchase the entry systems come back here to complain about a new game they cannot install or work and if it does they cannot play it well.... 

Its best to be on the safe side, and get more than you really need today.  Before Mr. Dell pulls the plug on the coupons and Dell promotions, we can hope for a sale that will reduce the cost of a better system. 

I too am in the market for a replacement for my Dimension 4300 and intend to buy the XPS 410, but I am waiting until the Vista OS has all the bugs ironed out. Additionally, I would prefer the Vista Media Premium software. I have researched this well and the only negative I have seen is price and service from Dell. This will be my third Dell and I haven't had a problem with the first two. Happy computing.

I don't think maizenbluedoc, that you want to wait until Vista has all the bugs worked out first, since that will take years with one service patch after another, like XP.  And the XPS 410 will become the XPS 420 / 430 / 440 and beyond by that time, so get the system when Vista comes out, and each month Microsoft will have a few security downloads for us all as they do now with XP  :smileywink: