On the Dell, better be sure to buy a powered USB hub for Ham use. I spent a few hours getting the sound and printer going on a new one for a relative last week. The Dell USB powered speakers, keyboard and mouse consumed 3 of the rear USB ports. A Brother color laser printer took up the fourth one. Until I was able to balance the load among the 4 USB ports in the back, there wasn't enough current available for stable voltage to get a recognition signal on the bus for Vista to identify the USB items and activate them for use. With most ham software written for Serial ports (which haven't been standard on computers for nearly a decade), the need for high enough current reserve on the USB bus is a must. Dell managed to fall below the minimal acceptance on this model, but a properly powered external USB Hub will probably solve the problem. Otherwise, it looked to be an OK computer for beginner or dedicated purpose. I don't know how the sound card would do on digital modes, but it did have front-mounted line in and headphone out jacks, and the sound applet lets you disable rear channels and special effects for straight stereo and 2 speaker operation. David KD4NUE
-----Original Message----- From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andrew O'Brien Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2008 5:51 AM To: DIGITALRADIO; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [digitalradio] Black Friday deals of interest to hams Early rumors for deal of interest to hams in the USA. ... Garmin Nuvi 205 GPS - $119.99 Best Buy (and several other places) Acer 19" LCD Widescreen Monitor - $99.99 Best Buy Sandisk 8GB USB Flash Drive - $19.99 Best Buy Dell Inspiron 530 $299 (http://www.blackfri <http://www.blackfriday.info/item/17442> day.info/item/17442) Lexar 4 GB FireFly USB Drive - $9.99 Office Max More in the next week or so. -- Andy K3UK
