Should I get a PC??? - Page 2

MegalosSkylaki · 03-13-2002, 07:08 PM

If you are going to buy a PC, look at some of the smaller Companies like ABS, NuTrend, and that type. They Ad in Computer mags and most will allow you to pick parts from a menu and these are well known non-proprietary Cards.

Your pocketbook is your guide and they probably have figured out the glitches and conflicts from their set of parts. You pick the OS.

You could probably ask them to omit some card if you have, say, a sound card you'd rather use.

Often the warranty is three years Under One Roof (CHECK THAT !)--if they stay in business !
Even Alien makes some mid-priced modals a la carte I think.

I'm not sure Dell which has been under relentless, aggresssive, price-competition is as "premium" a Manufacturer as it was a while ago.

Yes, and you can make your own. Pride of OWN-ership !

I suspect people who have made several before are more likely to save money that way.

I want to make my own because its a graduation rite out of NewbieHood and a learning experience.

I want to be a well-rounded DooG.

DOOOOG

Warthog · 03-13-2002, 07:23 PM

Quote:

As far as your brother getting a machine- a reasonable computer can be built with good stats between $350-450 and do everything that you want it to- daily use and games.

I agree with everything but the games part

....maybe Age of Empires or some FPS on ultra low rez with minimum graphics...

If we talking gaming, it's 2nd only to high end video and photo editing.

Moon - Welcome to TechIMO, first of all. Dell provides fantastic support. I would definately choose Dell over Gateway, between the two.

Perhaps one of the most important questions is: What do you use your computer for? If you don't do gaming, photo/video editing or other system intensive hobbies, you only need a system that is half of that.

I get the feeling that you pretty much know what you're talking about when it comes to system specs, judging by listing all that you listed. And I have a hunch you do do gaming (hint: mega graphics card

).

Even though I haven't built a comp before, I have played around with them, taking them apart and such. It truly isn't that hard. I was in a similar place as you, about 1 1/2 years ago...wasn't sure of my abilities to build but knew a good amount about the innards of a computer (specs, etc.).

Warthog

03-13-2002, 07:26 PM

i heard dell desktops are not all that great tho from several people who has bought them

anyone here own a dell desktop?

thekingofpain · 03-13-2002, 08:34 PM

Check this tho psyco:

Processor: Intel® Celeron™ Processor 1200MHz (1.2GHz) with 256K Cache

Memory: 128MB SDRAM

Hard Drive: 20GB Ultra ATA100 hard drive

Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive

CD-ROM: 16x/10x/40x Recordable ReWriteable CDRW

Certification: Energy Star Compliant

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

Application Software: Microsoft® Works Suite 2002 - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta2

Monitor: EV700 17" Color Monitor (15.9" viewable area) (Limited Time ONLY)

Video: Integrated Intel® 3D Graphics

Keyboard: Multi-function Keyboard

Mouse: Logitech USB Optical Wheel Mouse and Gateway mouse pad

Sound System: Integrated Enhanced Audio

Speakers: GCS300™ Speakers

Case: Gateway Micro-Tower Case

Modem: 56K PCI Voice Modem 3

Network Adapter: 10/100 Ethernet Adapter

Internet Service Provider: One year America Online® Internet Access (New members only)
ARGGGGGH! dont want THAT!!! Even for FREE!

Limited Warranty Program: 1 Year Limited Parts / Labor / Support4

AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 90 day Introductory Offer
at no additional charge

$599 complete from Gateway similar---w/OS and warranty and 17"mon not too bad...

Mortis · 03-13-2002, 08:44 PM

I still say 350-450 wont be bad for gaming... check this out: http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com...tID=COM-1G256N . Add an additional 45-50 for a Geforce 2 gts-v and tell me what game it wont run (wont be a power gaming machine with record benchmarks, but it will play them all). Now, for everything in this box, if you build it yourself and get a hd and G2, you can come in right around the same price. All in what ya want Moon. This does not include monitor.

MegalosSkylaki · 03-13-2002, 10:46 PM

GroundZero3 ,

A couple of years ago I used to tell people who askes me, "What [brand] of Computer to buy ?", to plunk down the x-tra two hundred bucks and get the Dell with the biggest Trinitron monitor they can afford.

I no longer tell them that.
Warranty cut from three to one year (x-tensions available).
Complaints about Tech support seem higher.

Manufacturers seem no longer fighting over dollars, but over nickels.

Sorry state of overcapacity or undercustomers.

Country seems divided into 'three computer' households --and 'no computer' households.

Competitive consolidations.
Drop outs.
Future of industry seems in jeopardy.
Aftermarket producers need OEM market to amortize costs.

Hope industry WILL rebound.
As will innovation.

DOOOG

Moonbaseone · 03-14-2002, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vass0922

So take my advice how you will... if you have some spare timeand this is something you are really interested in, by all means DIY (do it yourself).
Otherwise, go ahead with a prebuilt BUT STAY AWAY FROM COMPAQ (pc's)

LOL

What's wrong with Compaq??? LOL I use one at work that I think is 15 years old and is slower than a Ford Escort with a flat. LOL

But, seriously, I don't think I know enough about Pc's to build one myself and I do wanna have the techsupport that Gateway gives me. I get it for life right now so i think i'll be covered for awhile.

But, I will more than likely keep this one. I'll probably just get a new graphics card and I might upgrade to Win XP, though I doubt I will even bother. Other than that everything is fine. I was just trying to help my brother out, but I might just help him find a pc and keep the one I have now.

"Till All Are ONE"

-Please visit my site PlanetCybertron.com

-And, don't forget to sign the Guestbook!!!

Moonbaseone · 03-14-2002, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GroundZero3
i heard dell desktops are not all that great tho from several people who has bought them

anyone here own a dell desktop?

Well, we started getting them at work and I really like them. They seem fine to me and I haven't heard any complaints from anyone here and a few techs who know their computers recommend them. And, I know this is least important but I really like the look and design of their pc's, as in the cases, keyboard, etc... And, I really like how they are black instead of white or gray. But, I know as far as the keyboard goes, I could easily go to BestBuy and get another one that I will like better. lol

But, I do like DELL and I have worked with a couple so I'm not just going by word of mouth or how they look or what the stock market guy says, etc...

"Till All Are ONE"

-Please visit my site PlanetCybertron.com

-And, don't forget to sign the Guestbook!!!

radio1_mike · 03-14-2002, 09:13 AM

I think you could not go wrong with a:

1. Dell
2. Gateway
3. Sony VAIO

But I do think your computer is fine for the next year or year and a half unless your are into online gaming or something.

Try building a computer, it's fun and informative. Plus you control what you put in the box and on as far as software is concerned. I've been building my own for 5 years now, it was confusing at first, and support can be an issue.

Just make sure you buy quality parts and you are pretty good to go. If you ever installed a new video card, sound card or CD-drive device on your computer; you can certainly build a whole one from ground up.

Good luck.

Moonbaseone · 03-14-2002, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by radio1_mike
I think you could not go wrong with a:

1. Dell
2. Gateway
3. Sony VAIO

But I do think your computer is fine for the next year or year and a half unless your are into online gaming or something.

Try building a computer, it's fun and informative. Plus you control what you put in the box and on as far as software is concerned. I've been building my own for 5 years now, it was confusing at first, and support can be an issue.

Just make sure you buy quality parts and you are pretty good to go. If you ever installed a new video card, sound card or CD-drive device on your computer; you can certainly build a whole one from ground up.

Good luck.

Well, I just started getting into playing games online and my pc is fine. I even play them on 56K with AOL service(which sucks). I just wish the graphics were abit better. I will probably just upgrade the graphics card and I might get Win XP and call it a day. I like the Sony Viao's but they seem to be a bit more expensive, atleast the ones I saw.

I also use my pc to edit pics for my website, but I am doing fine with that now after I added more momory.

I don't think I will get rid of this one and I will probably keep it for a few years as i am not the type to go out and buy whatever is new out there just because it is supposed to be better.