Expert: Bobbert - 5/8/2009

Question
I am looking at 2 different computers for my main home computer. General usage, some light gaming, internet, etc.. I will also want to be able to upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released with no problems. I am deciding between these 2 systems, and would like to know which is the better buy.

Here are the 2 systems:
1.     *  2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 processor
   * 22" diagonal widescreen LCD monitor
   * 4GB DDR2 memory
   * 1TB SATA hard drive
   * 22X DVD+/-RW optical drive
   * Realtek RTL8201CP, 100/10 network interface
   * Integrated GeForce 7050 GPU/NVIDIA CineFX 3.0 graphics
   * Eight-channel high-definition audio codec
   * ZT 104-key keyboard and optical mouse
   * Front panel 19-in-1 memory card reader
   * Six USB 2.0 ports
   * Two PS/2 ports
   * VGA, COM, parallel, RJ-45, audio ports
   * PCI Express 16x slot
   * PCI Express x1 slot
   * Two PCI slots
   * Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium, 64-bit
   * MS Office Pro 60-day trial
   * Norton Internet Security 2009 90-day trial
   * ZT Systems Recovery Solutions software
   * Measures approximately 14-1/4"H x 7-1/4"W x 16"D
   * UL listed; 2-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
   * Made in USA
$759

2.     *  2.8GHz AMD Phenom II X4 920 quad-core processor
   * 22" diagonal widescreen LCD monitor
   * AMD 780V and SB700 chipset
   * 4GB DDR2 memory
   * 750GB SATA hard drive
   * 20X DVD SuperMulti drive with dual-layer capability
   * Integrated Radeon HD 3100 graphics with DVI
   * Realtek ALC888 8-channel audio with jack sensing
   * Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN
   * Realtek PCI-E GbLAN controller 8111C
   * ZT 104-key desktop keyboard
   * Optical mouse
   * 19-in-1 multiformat media reader
   * Six USB 2.0 ports
   * Two PS/2 connectors
   * VGA port
   * 6-in-1 audio port
   * DVI port
   * RJ-45 port
   * Two PCI, one PCI Express 16X, one PCI Express slots
   * Genuine Microsoft Vista Home Premium, 64-bit
   * ZT Systems Recovery Solution
   * Tower measures approximately 13-7/8"H x 7-1/8"W x     16-7/8"D
   * UL listed; 2-year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
   * Made in USA
$799

Answer
Without knowing about the power supply in either system, and based purely on the specifications provided, and my own definition of "light gaming" (being 2D or old 3D games, or a "light" load for the system), I would take the first offering.

I would also see if you can go with Vista 32-bit, as 64-bit variations of Windows are still iffy with many legacy applications and some older hardware.

Regarding the Windows 7 point, there is no gurantee of anything, it is generally safe to assume that modern hardware (both of these systems look to be about a year and a half old (for reference), excepting the CPU) should be compatable, although Windows 7 is an unreleased beta product currently, so nothing is assured (point being, I wouldn't be worried, but just keep it in the back of your mind that you may be waiting a bit for official drivers for all hardware, and legacy devices have no gurantee of support (although anything working under Vista, *should* be working under 7)).

-bob