Computer help: No I don't want to build one
Build your own PC
by Francisjakee - 10/21/05 6:01 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorI humbly suggest that you build it yourself, this way you'll learn as well as know better on what you want for your system. It's much cheaper and you can divert your money on which you want to give more attention. If you need more detail color then you can focus on a nice CRT monitor and video card. Also you can choose on the storage you prefer, CD, DVD and the hard drive capacity. As well as learn to partition your drive so you can organize your files better. And find a more stylish casing if you want to customize for your personality. In the long run it would be much cheaper. If you need support, well here are your CNET members will always lend you a helping hand. This site has already posted numerous free PC building lessons and honestly they were well conducted. It's nice to venture on something new to you. I hope you get my point, if you think you don't want to venture with building your own, I'd suggest dell. The only problem i usually encounter is the units power supply.
Building your own PC
by schmeagle - 10/21/05 9:05 AM In reply to: Build your own PC by FrancisjakeeI'd certainly would love to build my own PC but when I price up the components, it's just about as expensive as buying a complete system from one of the PC manufacturers. I priced out the components on newegg.com. If anybody has suggestions where to purchase PC components at a competitive price, please let me know. I am also considering going to a PC show ran by MarketPro, Inc. on 10/22 at the Meadowlands Expo Center in NJ. Can anybody share their thoughts about buying a PC at a show?
Build your own PC
by Francisjakee - 10/21/05 11:15 AM In reply to: Building your own PC by schmeagleAs I was saying, branded PC's such as Dell have custom built PSU(Power supply unit), lest if you want to wait for their support or should your warranty ends and have this problem, you can't buy a PSU that will fit the casing. It's a learning curve as well as a convinience to buy parts within your reach rather than wait for it.
building your own not cheaper
by JayHays - 10/21/05 1:11 PM In reply to: Build your own PC by FrancisjakeeI have found that building your own PC is NOT cheaper but does bring several benefits.
First you end up with a better more reliable product because you can use first class components rather than the least costly. I wanted to try AMD processor and ended up with a PC that smokes my wife's 2.2G P4.
Secondly you end up with a PC that best suits your needs rather than one that is close to what you want. I do a lot of audio/video work so I invested in high quality video card with lots of DDR RAM.
And thirdly you end up with a better understanding of what makes a computer work. And you find out that while hardware is easy... software is the b...h!
Get a.......................................................
by Cluchetti - 10/21/05 6:09 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorHp desktop with an AMD Athlon 64 Processor. That should serve you well.
Do not go with:
1. Compaq
2. Gateway
3. Dell
Good Luck
Alternative Sources
by benoddo - 10/21/05 6:24 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorToday's gaming rigs are tomorrow's mainstream PC's. Pick up a gaming magazine like PC Gamer. In it there are dozens of ads by different builders. Most of the ads list their systems' components so you'll know exactly what's making your machine tick. Quite often they review gaming rigs and offer some solid recommendations.
I build my own, and if I ever get to the point where I just don't want to build a new one, I'd look at the gaming systems.
Other Sources
by whitexaf - 10/21/05 1:50 PM In reply to: Alternative Sources by benoddoAnother old guy here, and I agree that today`s game machine is tomorrow`s mainstream machine. I saw an ad in PCWorld magazine by CyberpowerPC.com, and had them modify one of their gamers to my specs (goes back to the post that said, READ, READ READ!). For a great price, I spec`ed every component, including case and power supply! I got quality, name brand components, and a 1-year on-site warrenty for less than I could have bought a ready-made box. Others have mentioned Monarch... there are lots of builders out there. My last machine was built by a local shop, and has been great for 6 years. My grown kids always have bought standard ''sale'' computers from Best Buy, etc., and are always having to get a new one in a couple of years.
Apple... or Sun
by revbingo25 - 10/21/05 7:31 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorIf you using the computer for web, photography, and desktop publishing you should go with Apple (Mac has much better graphics than WinTel and no viruses, spyware, worms, etc.) However next year Apple plans on using a lot of generic parts, so if you buy a computer this year go for Apple (while they're still good). If you plan on waiting more than a year to buy a new computer I would recommend a Sun SPARC computer from Sun MicroSystems (They're great computers but quite expensive).
The straight info
by edlerm - 10/21/05 7:52 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorEveryone has their preference on what is a good computer or what "runs well". Truth of the matter is yes building a computer yourself is better bedcause you choose the parts and are buying quality. Where as, every manufacturer skimps on their product here and there. For manufactured systems I like Dell and I really like Powerspec. Dell is ready to go and as long as you maintain it it will run trouble free as will most computers. Powerspec you get more for your money but the memory that comes with them are poor and should be replaced with a quality memory like my favorite manufacturer Corsair.
What usually goes wrong is people do not protect them or maintain them. Yes maintenance. When you install or uninstall files you need to clean the registry my favorite software to perform this action is TuneUp Utilities 2004. You also need to defrag you hard drive every couple months (software comes with XP). This will help maintain your file structure and how coherent it is to the computer.
Next use 2 good spyware programs (I like Ad-aware and Spybot) and make sure they updated frequently and you run the thorough scans.
Finally a srong Anti-Virus Program AVAST! It is free to home users like most of the software I have mentioned but I have never pulled a virus of a computer that uses AVAST! Norton is the worst it not only slows down your computer but I have found numerous viruses on a system and its data file is up-to-date. McAfee I have had the same problems but not to same degree as Norton.
You almost need to know what is in a computer to determine if it is good or not. Once you have that tidbit of understanding you may find it cheaper with better results to build your own (very easy to do). But if you don't want to spend a day gathering parts. Then research a computers motherboard, videocard, etc.. find out if they are name brand and expect that the memory and power supply will be junk (this is where a lot of companies cut corners). I like Powerspec because when these items fail the cases are simple and universal so it is easier to install a replacement part yourself!
No, I don't want to build one
by jennywren1420 - 10/21/05 8:05 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorI am a great fan of Macs, but many of my nearest and dearest swear by PCs. That said, I agree with those who recommend that you get a Mac because of your interest in graphics and photography, and if you are daunted by Mac prices, you might even find a recent Mac among the many sale items at reliable online computer Web sites.
If you would like some comparisons of the merits (including repair records, customer service and other things) of computers from the manufacturers you've mentioned, why not go to the library and read Consumer Reports's most recent issue on computers? Or use the excellent reviews at CNET? They may not tell you everything you want to know, but they can provide a solid base of information and a basis for comparing the computers for the features that you want. I expect that you can do some research online in PC and Mac magazines as well, but I think that CR and CNET may put the issues forward more succinctly.
Just by the way, I don't agree with whoever said that PCs are better than Macs for surfing, and everyone I know who has had dealings with Dell--which seems to come up consistently high on repair records and other important matters in Consumer Reports--has been pleased with them. As with computers from any manufacturer, though, ratings on Dell will depend on which model you are investigating.
Apple's record on repairs and customer service is excellent, too, and they consistently get high ratings in other areas (except, of course, the amount of gaming software available and a few other things that may or may not matter to you). Further, if there is an Apple store near you with a ''genius'' or two (that's what Apple calls those employees) on the site, you can get one-to-one, face-to-face help with whatever puzzles or bothers you about your Mac or the software you are using. I seem to recall that it's free (I don't know whether that is only during the warranty period, though), and some repairs are done on the spot.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope that you'll be very happy with your new computer. How exciting for you!
Basic Formula...........
by Bill Veik - 10/21/05 8:07 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorMost of the major manufacturers will pretty much give you good luck. The names that you know as familiar are still out there because they have provided enough satisfaction to keep going. The important part is to do your research.
The "packages" you speak of may be your best route price-wise. You get a lot for the money, it all comes in one or 2 boxes, and the compiled equipment will have software already installed, and may even allow the opportunity for rebates not found with buying one or two pieces of equipment.
scan your local sale papers to find possible best buys-make sure your hard drive is at least 60 gig, and ideally you would like 256MB of RAM or more (512 is great). When you spot possibilities, then do a Google search for that model computer to read reviews and prices-see the experiences others have had with that brand and model. READ, READ, READ-CNet is also an excellent source. (cheap plug) :]
Here is what that method produces-the system we found for a tenager featured an 80 gig drive, 256MB RAM, 9-in-1 media reader, cd burner, DVD player, speakers, keyboard, monitor, and printer.
the price after rebates? 299.00. Not one problem 1 year later........despite the teen's best atempts :]
Bill Veik
Trenton, MI
Depends on one other factor
by cscoder - 10/21/05 8:29 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorEven though I'm a Microsoft developer, unless you need to be in the business mainstream, for your requirements, I'd suggest Apple.
Otherwise, I'd stick with Dell or HP if you need to go with Windows XP.
I can't give you any advice on OS'es based on Unix.
Security is also a concern, but I can't give you any adivce there other than whatever you choose make sure you keep the security patches updated. I know with Windows XP you can automate patch downloads and either approve them or have them installed automatically. That's convenient, but has nothing to do with security overall.
My personal preference is to research the best current hardware for my needs - there are books that can help with that. Then go on ebay and search for package deals you can customize. I got a great computer built that way, and I can send you links for the books and manufacturer if you are interested.
Two corrections
by cscoder - 10/21/05 11:38 AM In reply to: Depends on one other factor by cscoderI'm not a Microsoft Developer, I am a developer who primarily uses Microsoft products and develops for the .NET framework almost exclusively.
I'm recommending Apple based on many people I know who have similar requirments to yours and prefer Apple. I use Windows for those types of applications because that's what's convenient to me. I have no actual experience on Apple computers or solid basis for comparison.
RE: No I don't want to build one
by MJ Pollard - 10/21/05 9:15 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorMaybe I missed the point of the question. So here goes. . .
Remember you never mentioned a budget but I have to think it's a consideration since you are posting here.
Apple - Not viable since you are already a PC platform for your apps and any conversion would require new purchases of DTP and photo editing software. I assume you are using 'quality' software for that right now and you are serious about the work since you took the time to mention it in your original post.
Dell - Dell can beat anyone on price, anyone can beat Dell on quality (for their 'get you in the door' cheap systems). Their support site sucks! You punch in your service tag to get driver updates and get back multiple combinations of cards that might of shipped with your system.
Sony - From past experience, Sony only supports your PC for what shipped on it. You are hit and miss for whether there will be driver support for Vista which may or may not be an issue for you. Very nice quality systems.
Gateway - Seems to have overall better build quality than Dell, not as good as Sony. Really like their support web site.
HP - Little better build quality than Gateway (very, very slight). Web support site not as good as Gateway's.
That covers the brands you mentioned.
If support is an issue, buy local since you can go to the shop you got the PC at and see the owner and support staff. See some systems they build to see the quality.
Once you have decided on a brand, then you can see how much PC you need and can afford. Remember, most manufacturers use the same mainstream motherboards, video cards, hard drives, etc. and right now the only important feature is to get a BTX type system.
A parting comment would be that if you can afford the premium, you may want to look at MPC for a PC. Build quality is at a minimum on par with Sony and the web site support page is almost as good as Gateway's (GW will find your serial number for you, MPC you have to type it in by hand) but best of all, if there is ever a problem, phone support is great to deal with. Check them out at BuyMPC.com.
Just so you know where I'm at, my wife and son have Dell's (both with monitors 17" & 19" LCD) that came in at under $750 all total. My mother-in-law has a new HP. My daughter has a home-built PC. I have never owned an MPC PC. My CNC router uses an eMachines PC. I have a Compaq laptop, the wife an HP. My desktops are seven home-built PCs. My job is providing support to multiple businesses (around 2000 users) and I see and support all the brands you mentioned plus several others (like Averatec, Systemax, etc.)
Go with Apple
by Guido Muldoon - 10/21/05 9:26 AM In reply to: No I don't want to build one by quackagatorVisit the Apple website. They have just lowered prices and upgraded components and performance across the board. Faster memory, bigger and faster hard drives, higher screen resolutions, etc.
I'm not a great fan of ''Hollywood people'' but they almost without exception use Macs because they really are designed for the creative mind. Macs and Mac software are the best for things like sound and video editing, graphics design, desktop publishing. Most of the computer special effects you see in movies today were created using Apple computers.
Of course, Apples do the usual tasks very well: web surfing, email, word processing, spreadsheets and databases. They are also virtually immune to viruses, spyware etc. If you prefer you can get many Microsoft programs designed for Macs (i.e. Microsoft Office). In fact, Microsoft has a section of their website dedicated to Mac compatible software.
The quality of Mac computers and their customer support is amazingly good.
Lest you think I'm an Apple fanatic I have a Windows desktop I built myself, an old Dell desktop for testing software, a Gateway AMD 64 laptop and an Apple 15'' Powerbook G4. All do their respective jobs well and I really love the one I built myself but if the house caught fire I'd grab the Apple.
Hope this helps.
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