View Full Version : Computer recommendation
tommymac
11-21-2008, 08:52 AM
Through a program at the hospital we participated in i am getting a "check" about 850 dollars. Only thing is it has to be spent on something educational. They will also allow us to spend it on electronic devices. Computers, laptops, PDA's etc....
my desktop is about 8 years old so its def time to go. Just wanted to hear some input or recommendations on what to go for. I will use it mostly to surf the net and store music, pics and maybe some video, but thats about it.
Also I need to submit something before the end of the year, an dam not sure about sales tax.
Tom
Build it yourself using sites like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com
Gas Man
11-21-2008, 09:37 AM
Nah... get a fuckin laptop... I've had less problems with laptops then desktops... plus portability and run wireless internet at your house... sit where ever you want... then leave your desktop hook up... and setup network printing thru that desktop.
Rider
11-21-2008, 09:40 AM
Nah... get a fuckin laptop... I've had less problems with laptops then desktops... plus portability and run wireless internet at your house... sit where ever you want... then leave your desktop hook up... and setup network printing thru that desktop.
I had that setup but then I had to reinstall the operating system on my desktop and now I cant print from my laptop anymore. :idk:
I am partial to the higher speeds, higher volume of memory for everything (2 terabytes is nice, but I needz MOAR!!!), easily upgradable desktops. Run media center and have it connected through your xbox to your HDTV and you got a party.
Gas Man
11-21-2008, 09:53 AM
I had that setup but then I had to reinstall the operating system on my desktop and now I cant print from my laptop anymore. :idk:
It gets tricky when you go Vista and XP... if that is your problem.
I would get a laptop. I wouldn't get a Dell though.
Rider
11-21-2008, 09:56 AM
It gets tricky when you go Vista and XP... if that is your problem.
Yep Vista on the Laptop and XP on the Desktop.
Gas Man
11-21-2008, 09:58 AM
Yeah I had the same thing... it can be done... but you have to have that printer driver on both computers
Rider
11-21-2008, 09:59 AM
Yeah I had the same thing... it can be done... but you have to have that printer driver on both computers
Yep I do. I had it working before but I don't remember what I did to get it to work.
jgalt
11-21-2008, 10:02 AM
Build it yourself using sites like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com
Thinking about that myself, but by the time I get software it will end up more expensive. Besides my son will use it for school mainly. If it were for me, then double throw down, give me the best you got, so I can build it myself! :rockout:
Thinking about that myself, but by the time I get software it will end up more expensive.
That's why you get creative with the software.
NOTE: TWFix does not endorse or condone illegal activities.
Papa_Complex
11-21-2008, 10:12 AM
I'm a computer support tech and I've given up on building myself. I can't do it as cheaply as I can buy a pre-built unit that will do the basic stuff that I need. Since I'm certified for their service, I just buy Dell.
jgalt
11-21-2008, 10:12 AM
That's why you get creative with the software.
NOTE: TWFix does not endorse or condone illegal activities.
My problem is I have grown to hate PC work, so I don't want to spend the time finding way around paying for software.
I'm a computer support tech and I've given up on building myself. I can't do it as cheaply as I can buy a pre-built unit that will do the basic stuff that I need. Since I'm certified for their service, I just buy Dell.
yeah the packages have gotten cheap enough that they are cheaper than built if you are just wanting a comp to do basic stuff fast. It becomes a lot more cost effective when you want to build something high end.
Papa_Complex
11-21-2008, 10:28 AM
yeah the packages have gotten cheap enough that they are cheaper than built if you are just wanting a comp to do basic stuff fast. It becomes a lot more cost effective when you want to build something high end.
Even if you want to do something a little heavier, like photo or video editing, just get the basic box and add a second large drive, and a good video adapter.
Even if you want to do something a little heavier, like photo or video editing, just get the basic box and add a second large drive, and a good video adapter.
I rather build my own box still, I like having full control over what I put in it. Plus when I build, I don't build in one step. I buy as I see things on sale.
Papa_Complex
11-21-2008, 12:37 PM
I run 'em until they die, so piece by piece generally isn't an option.
Antwanny
11-21-2008, 12:41 PM
Build it yourself using sites like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com
Best way to go most bang for your buck.
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t-homo
11-21-2008, 02:09 PM
Get a Mac. You're welcome.
Amorok
11-21-2008, 02:16 PM
I run 'em until they die, so piece by piece generally isn't an option.
Well sure, but with a box you buy you're only going to get about two years reliability before things start breaking down. I spent the coin on my rig at home and it's been running for six years without being turned off except for moving and blowing the dust out, and I run my rig hard. Why? Because it was built quality and for success. Building your own is always better.
Papa_Complex
11-21-2008, 03:06 PM
Well sure, but with a box you buy you're only going to get about two years reliability before things start breaking down. I spent the coin on my rig at home and it's been running for six years without being turned off except for moving and blowing the dust out, and I run my rig hard. Why? Because it was built quality and for success. Building your own is always better.
The web server that I'm running is a 7 year old P-III 1GHz, so I think that I'm getting my money's worth out of the gear ;)
Hondahugger
11-21-2008, 03:45 PM
I purchased an HP desktop and a Dell Laptop about 4 months ago and I love them both. Both have Vista which took some adjusting but paid under $800.00 each because I am a price whore and fought for the prices I paid. Both good computers and work for what I need them for.
Antwanny
11-22-2008, 01:16 AM
Get a Mac. You're welcome.
Dont you ever blaspheme like that again
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t-homo
11-22-2008, 04:21 AM
Dont you ever blaspheme like that again
Obviously you have never been introduced to the greatness.
Mr Lefty
11-22-2008, 05:16 AM
Build it yourself using sites like newegg.com and tigerdirect.com
It gets tricky when you go Vista and XP... if that is your problem.
Best way to go most bang for your buck.
I will NEVER build another computer... and unless your up to speed on the latest and greatest in the PC world... I'd just spend the little extra it costs you and buy a pre-fab'd computer.
when you build a computer now a days you have to really pay attention to what works with what... it's no longer just a collection of the parts that work best for you... that "perfect" video card may not work with that "perfect" sound card... going beyond that... software... the software my not be compatible with the hardware you want.
Unless your going to do some serious research... and put the pc through it's paces... jut buy a HP, Dell, Sony, Mac... what ever.
:2cents:
also when it comes to if shit breaks... I buy the warranty... then the stress is on them.. not me... but I back up my shit OFTEN.
Mr Lefty
11-22-2008, 10:14 AM
You just suck at it Ebbs
no... i'm just lazy anymore.
marko138
11-22-2008, 10:16 AM
Mac Book Pro. But your gonna need about 3x that 850 bucks.
OneSickPsycho
11-22-2008, 10:18 AM
I tend to build my own... just cause I'm a nerd and that's what we do. I always point my family members toward the pre-packaged stuff... Most everyone doesn't need 3/4 of the power the new machines offer... You don't need a sextuple core ultra uber terahertz CPU with 512 gigs of RAM and an exabyte hard drive to surf the net and jerk off to internet porn. My 2.4GHz CPU, 1Gb of RAM, and 666GB of hard drive space is way more than what I need... Well, the HDD's are getting pretty full with porn...
Gas Man
11-22-2008, 10:38 AM
Ebbs is right. Also, the pre-fab can cost about the same amount. Sure you may get better components in the build yourself. However the warrenties take the pre-fab over top of them.
I've had some prefab and some custom jobs. My prefabs pretty much become custom jobs because I always have failures with them and I don't like sending my boxes to them to work on. I always erase the HD as soon as I get it and start over, so it kinda defeats the purpose of me buying a prefab.
As a former Best Buy employee, store/online store warranties are for suckers.
Mr Lefty
11-22-2008, 10:57 AM
I've had some prefab and some custom jobs. My prefabs pretty much become custom jobs because I always have failures with them and I don't like sending my boxes to them to work on. I always erase the HD as soon as I get it and start over, so it kinda defeats the purpose of me buying a prefab.
As a former Best Buy employee, store/online store warranties are for suckers.
I worked for Circuit City and Magnolia (before bestbuy bought them out) I bought them even when I worked there... yes... 90% of the time they went unused... but I've had 4 blown subs, 3 amp's, a camera, a TV, and a DVD player all replaced with brand new jobies through the warranties... (all through mag though) saved me a lot of money in my case :idk:
Papa_Complex
11-22-2008, 11:27 AM
I've had some prefab and some custom jobs. My prefabs pretty much become custom jobs because I always have failures with them and I don't like sending my boxes to them to work on. I always erase the HD as soon as I get it and start over, so it kinda defeats the purpose of me buying a prefab.
As a former Best Buy employee, store/online store warranties are for suckers.
Manufacturer warranties are a different story, as long as you buy from a solid company. That's as a former service manager for several small to mid size computer companies.
Shit, if all your gonna do is surf, store music/pics/video, there should be a decent system out there for that price. Some places have clearance, too. I got my $1200 Sony Vaio laptop for $825 on clearance. It's been running strong for a few years now and all I do is surf, chat and download music...and watch a lot of streaming porn. I also have a Vaio desktop (for four years now), but it was a bit more. I use the laptop more than the desktop. Just get something with a shitload of memory. You don't need to get all technical like the nerds on here because you'll only be using it for the basic stuff, ya dig?
Gas Man
11-22-2008, 05:36 PM
Yeah it all depends on what you do. But I have bought good laptops for like $800... EASY.
Shit just wait till black friday and then buy.
marko138
11-22-2008, 05:39 PM
Mac. Book. Pro.
OneSickPsycho
11-22-2008, 05:39 PM
My aunt and uncle bought their Acer laptop for $350... again, it's way more than what they even need it for. If all you do is surf the net and aren't into games or photo/video editing, you don't need anything more. Hell, I'd bet you can find Black Friday laptop deals in the $200 range...
Gas Man
11-22-2008, 05:44 PM
Mac. Book. Pro.
Yeah if you want to be a homo!
marko138
11-22-2008, 05:45 PM
Yeah if you want to be a homo!
Are you kidding? That shit is top notch.
Gas Man
11-22-2008, 05:46 PM
Are you kidding? That shit is top notch.
Yes for homo's.
Manufacturer warranties are a different story, as long as you buy from a solid company. That's as a former service manager for several small to mid size computer companies.
you get those with individual parts
Shift
11-22-2008, 06:05 PM
You silly noobs.
My GFX card > your pc's.
Yes I am a computer nerd and I vote for building your own if your wanting more then basic tasks out of it.
Papa_Complex
11-22-2008, 07:52 PM
you get those with individual parts
And you have to deal with all of those individual warranties, plus occasionally having to convince one manufacturer that the problem is their part rather than being caused by the part of another manufacturer. Hardly the ideal situation for the average user.
And you have to deal with all of those individual warranties, plus occasionally having to convince one manufacturer that the problem is their part rather than being caused by the part of another manufacturer. Hardly the ideal situation for the average user.
I'm not the average user, so it's not a problem for me. I can usually locate the individual part and have actually done some SMT soldering to replace that individual part to bring a board back to life.
Papa_Complex
11-22-2008, 08:22 PM
I'm not the average user, so it's not a problem for me. I can usually locate the individual part and have actually done some SMT soldering to replace that individual part to bring a board back to life.
About 3/4 of the cost of a K75RT came from piecework conversions of socketed components to SMT, by hand, for a company that I'd just left back in 1991. I'd be happy if I never had to solder another component again, as long as I live :lol:
About 3/4 of the cost of a K75RT came from piecework conversions of socketed components to SMT, by hand, for a company that I'd just left back in 1991. I'd be happy if I never had to solder another component again, as long as I live :lol:
I like it, but I pretty much just do mechanical/material science stuff now that I am the breaker engineer and don't do much electrical stuff anymore. The electrical stuff on my breakers hardly ever fail.
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