New Computer where and what art thou?

My old dell is dying and I need to buy another. I am a novice and don't know squat about the new models. This sounds quaint but I need a fast pc for about $4-$500. I don't game but I do need good speed. The best buy guy said that there are a number of chips-dual core, i series etc. Which is the newest and fastest that I can afford. Thanks in advance.

 

Greetings, humblejohn.

I'll throw my $.02 worth in before everyone else hops on board. If you're shopping at Best Buy, and you're looking for a good tower to build upon, then this ASUS CM1630 is a very good entry-level machine.

Upgradeable, solidly built, ASUS reliability, negligible bloatware - I've had mine for about 6 months, absolutely no problems. I've also shown it to a couple of customers, and they both bought one immediately. Best bang-for-the-buck I've seen in a while.

 

If you are comfortable with the task, I recommend building one yourself or having a shop do it for you.

• Better quality components
• No "crapware" or "adware"
• Longer parts warranties (usually 3 years on motherboard, CPU and hard drive)
  
  If you want to investigate this route, please post a reply. I (and others) will give you some ideas.
  
  If you want a pre-built system, here are some of the better options:
  
  Directron: They're based in Houston and build PCs to order. Their custom build page is here.
  
  In my opinion the best system Directron currently has is this.
  
  Note that, on Directron's systems, you have to add Windows to the price ($99 for Win 7 Premium). Even with this, you have a top shelf PC for under $500. (If you want to make other changes, such as a larger hard drive, call or e-mail them for a custom quote. I've had almost 40 systems built there for clients and am a satisfied customer).
  
  Systemax PCs (TigerDirect, CompUSA) are also decent; however they tend to overcharge a bit on their upgrade options and aren't as flexible as Directron.
  
  If you choose Dell, go with their Vostro (business) series - less adware and crapware. Here's a basic deal for $399 (as of 3/6/11):
  
  http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/vostro-230/pd?oc=bveebb7d&model_id=vostro-230
  
  Hope this helps.