Buying a computer, opinions wanted

[TAZ]

There is a nice cross section of the population out here and everyone has a PC so I value any opinions you have.

I want the following items:
Processor speed =>2gh
Memory = as much as possible 128, 256, 512 whatever
CD/CD+RW, DVD/DVD+RW or combination of those
Big Hard Drive =>80M
Want many USB ports, 2.0 is possible
Flat Screen monitor but not too big 15" or 17" is OK
Will set up network with older PC
Have cable modem access to internet

Will use it for burning DVD's of home movies, saving digital pictures, downloading games and such for the kids. Work stuff also - Microsoft Office Apps.

Past experience: bought from Dell on-line 5yrs ago. No complaints.


Buy on-line again? Most expensive but focused company
Buy from CompUSA, Best Buy? Generic models of name brands
Buy from Private shop? Least expensive but can customize. Run risk of them going out of business.

Your Opinions here............

 

[jc76]

Go with Dell, they always worked for me no problems.

128 will not be enough RAM, try 512 if you can.

For home movies or really any graphics work you should upgrade your video card to some sort of AGP 4x 250 MHz 32 or 64MB type of card. Don't get the integrated card that comes built into the motherboard or it will be slower for sure.

 

[skulldog]

Bought a sony 752 2 gigs, 512, DVD Burner 80 HD, and the best of the bunch, a 17" flat screen monitor. Paid about $ 2300.

I'm sure you can get it for less, but I was in a hurry.

GL

 

[Felonious Monk]

TAZ,

I apologize for not getting back to you thru e-mail. I think my little girl may have grabbed that memory I had and relocated it somewher in the house. I've been extremely busy and haven't had the chance to do a thorough investigation but I'll keep looking for you.

Anyways, we have a great pc here at work that they can't seem to sell online and they are pretty tough machines for the price. In fact, it's the same one I have at the house which I bought from them several months ago to replace my aging Dell.

Here are the specs:

HP Kayak XU800
(2) Pentium 3 1.0 GHz processors
9.1 or 18.2 SCSI Hard drive
256MB or 512MB Rambus
ELSA GLoria II 64MB video card
LAN card
DVD drive
CD-RW drive
Ultra Flow cooling system
Windows 2000

I bought my system for around $500, which is a great deal. These same systems were actually retailing for close to $3,000 about 2 years ago. The Link Another thing, that video card was about $800 alone when it came out 2 years ago also. The Link I play a lot of online gams and this card kicks major ass.

Only thing is, since you are wanting an 80GB Hard drive, you would have to most likely buy a bigger one becaus the biggest ones we have for that particular model is the 18.2 GB SCSI's.

 

[nhl8810]

Taz

Taz

Go to online site and by it in pieces and put it together yourself will save son much $$$.. Get my email from jack and i will give you a great site to try if your intrested

 

[TCSN]

I totally agree with nhl. You save a ton of money & get what YOU want in a computer not parts that companies use to cut corners & save some cash. One place I suggest to pick up some parts is

http://www.newegg.com

 

[Senor Capper]

I've always bought...

I've always bought...

HPs. My current one ran about 2500.00 but well worth it. Never had any trouble with them at all.

G/L

 

[TAZ]

Thanks for the input.
Monk - no hurry on the memory, I appreciate the effort. A couple of questions, is there an advantage to 2 Pentium 3 1.0 GHz processors as opposed to 1 2.0GHz? Also what does "9.1 or 18.2 SCSI Hard drive" mean? I have only seen them measured in GB?

NHL8810, I asked Jack for your address.
NHL8810 and TCSN, I would love to build my own, but I have never done so. I would be willing to try, but the reward for the risk would need to be there. Is there some kind of a checklist of parts needed or something? Looking ahead, when it has issues, can you take a self-built to CompUSA or BestBuy or a private shop to get it fixed?

 

[Felonious Monk]

TAZ,

The 9.1 and 18.2 SCSI HDD's (hard drives) are the GB sizes, I just left it off. They are SCSI drives opposed to the IDE drives that you have in your current pc. It's just a different connection. SCSI drives are typically faster and a bit more expensive than the IDE's. Re: the processors, I'm not sure if there is a significant difference between having 2 procs or 1 equalling the same speed. I'll get back to you on that.

If you're wanting to build your own pc, take my word...it's not easy. Not trying to deter you from doing so but just be prepared to run into quite a few compatibility and configuration issues. I built one for my dad around 2 years ago and it was a BITCH. Of course it was my first time doing so but keep in mind I had plenty of pc knowledge, or so I thought.

You may want to check out www.tomshardware.com and read up on the process at hand before you decide on building your own, just to give you an idea of what all you need as well as costs.

 

[jyapur]

I have HP Pavillion 790k

pentium 4 2 ghz
memory 1 gb
dvd/dvd+rw
cd
hard drive 80 gb
usb ports 2
Flat Screen monitor 15"

 

[dawgball]

I am a partner in a ASP company and after much trial with options of buying computers, we have decided that for overall experience there is not a better option than DELL. IF you have enough computer savvy, it is definitely cheaper to buy pieces and build it yourself. With that also comes no customer support, warranty (for overall machine), and you must do all repairs.

Not discounting anyone else's opinion here, because these are all very valid options. But for us and I think the majority of people, DELL is the best option going.

Now we have to find a way to destroy the DELL dude!:moon:

 

[dta6]

The only option for the BETTOR

The only option for the BETTOR

Is truly a notebook....

I just bought a HP Pavillion zt1145:

Pentium 3 mobile 1.2 GHZ

512 MB ram

20GB HD

**15 inch LCD Screen**

Dvd-cdrw drive combo..

Built in ethernet/modem.

Paid about $1000 with rebates and for extra $150 bought docking station.... Can also upgrade DVD-R for $250 or so...

I take this baby everywhere plug my cell-phone in and am on the internet anywhere my phone gets service !


GL !

 

[Karol]

Get a DELL DUDE!

Bought mine about four months ago with dual flat panel monitors and I love it.

I've had pc's made for me, I've made them myself, I've upgraded and done all the crazy stuff you could do to a machine, but this Dell came fully loaded and with dual monitors I paid just about $2,400 with all the features you wanted. Change monitors and the price dropped to $1,500 with one 17 to 19" good monitor.

It's a great machine, quiet and of course they offer great support!