Boggled by the many different Dell Dimensions available? Here's a brief explanation.

• B110: Entry-level computer. Uses outdated components and slow processors. No room for a graphics card.
• E310:  Decent choice. Room for a graphics card, some room for expansion.
• E510/5150:   The E models are sold by Dell Home, while the 5150 model comes from Dell Business. Both are the same computer. This computer has a bay for a second hard drive, 3 PCI slots and 1 PCI express slot. The steel case is quite large, white on the sides and silver in front. 4 slots for RAM.
• 9150:  Even more room for expansion than the 5150.

What to look for:

• At least 512 MB of memory. If you want to run Windows Vista, you'll need 1GB.
• Pentium or Core processor
• CD burner
• In early 2006, Dell has been shipping units with very noisy Benq/Phillips DVD burners. I'd recommend getting the CD burner and buying a NEC DVD burner, which is much quieter
• A windows re-installation CD is nice to have. Most Dell PCs don't include one, unfortunately.

Flat panel LCD monitors

• choose 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, or 30 inch.
• 15, 17, and 19 inch are available in analog as well as digital versions. Digital versions carry the UltraSharp name. Larger monitors are all digital, and very expensive. Dell Analog monitors have names starting with the letter E.
• Digital monitors give a slightly sharper image when connected to a DVI output on a computer. Not all computers offer DVI-out. You can also hook a digital monitor up to an analog output, although it will not improve the quality at all.