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Topic: New Computer Recommendations |
Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 3:08 am |
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Well, it's getting about time to upgrade...my system is at it's max now, and has lasted me about 6 yrs, so I guess it's time...(I currently have a Pentium 3 733 Mgz). I added a 75 gig HD which is almost full now. I think I may pay to have that HD taken out of this one and put in the new one, using it for music archiving. I also upgraded the sound card, which I should probably keep, too.
I'd kind of like to have a lap top to use when I want portability...I've noveled at the idea of setting up the wireless internet here at home, too, since I have high speed. Can't I plug my existing monitor, keyboard, speakers, and mouse into the laptop, using it as my CPU? But since it's compact, I don't see how it can have the same processing ability as a desktop. Maybe it would be better to spend the bucks on the destop system, and get a less expensive lap top down the road?? I predict my only portable needs to be surfing the internet, storing all my tabulature (which I will have to scan in), and playing music. But since the sound is crappy on those things, I'd see myself still needing a desktop system. It could maybe just have some music on it to enjoy while traveling.
I'd like to get a desktop system with which I can transfer my videos to DVD and maybe play around with a little simple home audio recording for practice/learning.
I've had people tell me to go MAC for simplicity. But it's more pricey, and I only know IBM Compatible/Microsoft.
Any suggestions on what directions I should head, and any avenues to pursue or avoid? I was going to head up to Best Buy this week just to see what's out there. The system I use now is a Dell which I mail ordered when I originally got it.
Sorry for the long ramble...Thanks for any help/replies![This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 24 October 2006 at 04:11 AM.] |
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Dave Potter
From:
Texas
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 3:58 am
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Only red flag I read in your post is using the keyboard with your laptop. I don't think that would be feasible, but, what's wrong with the keyboard that's on the laptop?
As opposed to buying off the shelf, I'd encourage you to delve into the wonders of putting together a new desktop system from components. It's pretty simple - you can't plug the wrong thing into the wrong place, the connectors won't fit.
If you just take your time and do a little research (newegg.com), you can select the combination of case, motherboard, cpu, memory, power supply (a P4 cpu needs more power than your P3, and newer video cards need more power as well), and video card, and with a Windows XP fresh install on your existing hard drive, you're there. It's fun, you'll learn good stuff about your PC, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing what's in there, and you'll be the geekiest guy at the party  . Might want to spice up your life a little with a new LCD flat panel monitor, too - prices have come down a lot.
Oh, by the way, please don't pay anyone to pull that hard drive out of there, what ever you do. It's too easy to do yourself. Couple of connectors on the back of the drive, coupla' screws on each side, and it's out.
Wireless is in, too. Nice to have a home LAN. Having experience with both D-Link and LinkSys, I like LinkSys better.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 24 October 2006 at 05:04 AM.] |
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 8:05 am
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Thanks Dave, I'll look into that option. I think I'm going to get a good desk system, and a cheap laptop.
The lap keyboards aren't very ergonomic for me...they'll do when traveling and in your lap 'n such, but if I were to sit down at a desk with one at home, I might as well have a comfortable keyboard...I also like having the number keypad to the right.
I hoping to run across some holiday sales in the next month or two. |
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Mitch Drumm
From:
Frostbite Falls, hard by Veronica Lake
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 11:11 am
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Jeff:
Here is my take.
I think a desktop and a cheap laptop is preferable to a laptop alone unless portability is a major factor. Portability is about the only advantage of a laptop, and I wouldn’t have one at all if portability weren’t a factor. That said, current laptop processors are plenty powerful enough to do anything you are likely to consider.
Buy or build is the major issue. I prefer to build because the components can be completely controlled. Customer service for all the nationally known outfits has declined in recent years due to declining profit margins for the industry as a whole. I bought a new Dell in 1996 and a Dell monitor in 2003 and was a firm Dell believer until the monitor failed in 2004. Honest to God, it took me 11 phone calls to customer service in India to get it replaced. That was absolutely inexcusable and I have sworn off Dell. They are still a good source so long as you don’t need service and that is largely a crapshoot. I would go Dell before buying off the shelf from someone like Best Buy.
Finding a local builder can be difficult as well. Friends will recommend builder X or Y, but that’s just anecdotal info and the luck of the draw in many respects.
Build it yourself if you can, if for no other reason than the experience and adding to your own understanding of the critters. You shouldn’t have much trouble if you do some Internet research and stick with major brands and avoid the bleeding edge of technology. I wouldn’t get caught up in the AMD/Intel debate—either will run several circles around what you have now. If you choose Intel for a desktop, be sure it has the new Conroe processor (E6300, E6400, E6600, etc).
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Dave Potter
From:
Texas
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 3:10 pm
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| Quote: |
| If you choose Intel for a desktop, be sure it has the new Conroe processor (E6300, E6400, E6600, etc). |
Or, the Core 2 X6800, which I just upgraded to. 
I like to stick to Intel (and I put that cpu on an Intel D975XBX mobo) to minimize compatibility issues. Others will disagree.[This message was edited by Dave Potter on 24 October 2006 at 04:11 PM.] |
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Jeff Strouse
From:
Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 3:14 pm
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| That sounds good, but I need a "...for Dummies" manual to set it all up an do it. Are there any other websites that can walk a dummy through the process? My only worry with putting it together myself is lack of knowlege on how to do so and no tech support.... |
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Terry Edwards
From:
Florida... livin' on spongecake...
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Posted 24 Oct 2006 6:34 pm
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Whatever you do, don't go to a Mac store and look at the new iMac computers!
The power of technical seduction is real.
Resist!!!!
Terry
Mac G5 (I know what I'm talking about)
[This message was edited by Terry Edwards on 24 October 2006 at 07:35 PM.] |
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Mitch Drumm
From:
Frostbite Falls, hard by Veronica Lake
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