I've been using a Dell computer and an HP all-in-one machine that I bought 9 years ago. I've never had any trouble with either -- had to upgrade components in the computer for more memory, etc., but no real problems until recently. So I decided it was time for a new computer.

I researched computer hardware over the 6 months and finally ordered a Dell desktop 2 weeks ago from their business line (Vostro) with configurations to suit my needs -- based upon what I read and based upon suggestions by my son who is an IT manager and is very computer savvy.

I opted for the Vista Ultimate OS. I could have gone with the XP, but at some point Microsoft will no longer support that version, so why bother. Vista will probably go the way of Windows ME and they will come out with another OS in a short time and I will just upgrade to that. I like to read Walter Mossberg's tech column in the Wall Stree Journal. He much prefers the Mac OS -- Leopard -- to Vista -- much faster, etc. I'm not into gaming and the speed on my new machine seems fine to me.

I went with the Vista Ultimate for its extra capabilities -- configured my new desktop with the Intel Core2 Duo, 3GB of memory, and 2 hard drives of 250GB each. I have all my applications on my primary hard drive and I save my data to my secondary hard drive. I backup to an external hard drive. And I went with the Bluetooth wireless mouse and keyboard and a 20 in" wide screen monitor. All in all, it's a huge difference from my old computer.

It should be more than adequate to serve my needs. I have thousands of photos that I am in the process of digitizing, plus hundreds of records (78s, 45s, 33s) and reel to reel tapes. I bought a USB turntable/vinyl archiver to convert the records to a digital format. My father was a songwriter/big band leader and I inherited his music publishing company and his hundreds of recordings. (Through the music publishing company I own the several hundred copyrights to his songs -- hence the business necessity.)

The new computer arrived last week and I love it. I'm still in the process of organizing my files better, now that I have that secondary hard drive. I also opted to go with the new versions of MS Excel, Word and Outlook -- they are taking some getting used to since I am a Financial Analyst and have used Excel for years (and Lotus before that). Microsoft changed Excel and Word around quite a bit -- I knew that before I bought them, but like Vista, I figured that I would go with the latest and greatest since the day will come when they no longer support the old and I would have to learn the new sooner or later.

I didn't replace the HP printer yet -- one thing at a time. I keep a fax machine for my business -- the music publishing company. I pay an extra $5 a month to the phone company for a custom ring for the fax machine and that $5 is tax deductible. I have my eye on a Canon wireless all-in-one machine that I will probably purchase in the fall. I considered the b&w laser all-in-one (they've really come down in price -- also cartidges are more expensive initially but last a long time) and then get a photo printer also. But space is precious -- I'll stick with an inkjet that uses separate color cartridges. I considered buying a Dell all-in-one printer, but their cartridges are only available by ordering from them or buying them at Staples. And we do not have a Staples store here in Las Vegas. That could be a big problem if I run out of ink and I need a cartridge in a hurry.

Glen, I hope you're enjoying your new computer. I know of several people who made the same decision you made and stayed with the Windows XP for now. But I don't agree with Roger on keeping the printer and the fax separate -- it's worked fine for me for years and it's one less machine. Canon, HP, Lexmark, Brother -- they all make good machines and their cartridges are readily available.

Barbara