And a Dell XPS 420 in a pear tree...

I've been resisting the urge to buy a new machine, but I think the wait is over.  I've been wanting a Quad processor to help speed along transcoding as well as providing a better platform for high definition editing.  I figured I'd just have to live without the CableCard capabilities since it seemed the expense ROI just wasn't there.

Well Dell is being disruptive again and is changing the game nicely.

Introducing the Dell XPS 420.  It has everything I want and with my EPP pricing, is right in the ballpark for what I have saved (and budgeted) to spend.  My current desktop machine is 3.5 years old.  It still works nicely and is currently running Windows Vista Ultimate x86 SP1 RC1.  It's great for email, surfing the web, gaming and recording over-the-air high definition television.  It isn't great for transcoding standard def video or encoding high definition video.  Its single processor just can't keep up.

It's funny, just the other day my wife says she needs a machine for her retail store.  She needs a machine to store order information, customer information, etc.  Her plan is to use Access for this information.  I told her then she can have my Dimension then along comes this Dell update.  Sure seems like the planets are aligning nicely.

If history repeats itself, we'll never see a significant promotion (discount) to the XPS line.  Of course as soon as I buy one, history will change.  In the meantime, check out the specs and configurable features at dell.com.

[Update] Ordered Sunday, shipped Tuesday, received Wednesday.  Man that was fast.  I'm moving some data around and begin the fun stuff tomorrow or Friday.  Work is getting in the way of my fun.  Oh well, work takes a back seat until next year starting Friday 12/14 at 5pm.