Jim Scanlon (deceased)
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Post by Jim Scanlon (deceased) on Jan 10, 2010 8:12:20 GMT 9
I'm looking for information. We have a six year-old Dell XP desktop. That means it is almost pre-historic in computer age. We are looking to get a replacement, and not sure what to get. The arguments rage between PC & Mac. Both have their good, and bad points. We are looking to get a 22" or larger monitor. Price is a factor, so the 27" Mac at 1999.99 is not in the running. However, when looking, we want to get the most memory we can, both RAM and hard drive. So, I'm soliciting your help. Any recent purchases that you are happy with? Any recommendations about brands? You know all the stuff I need to know to make an intelligent choice. Thanks for your help. You can send me a PM if you don't want to post on the Forum. Jim Too  |
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Jan 10, 2010 9:12:58 GMT 9
Desktops I'm a Dell fan, notebooks I'm a Sony Vaio fan.
I have a Dell Optiplex GX960 at home, the Optiplex being more of an offcie system than a home system, but it's great. At work we deal with Dell, Gateway, and others and the Dell's are the best. I've been using the Dell Optiplexes as home systems since my first GX280... as old as your XP machine I'm sure. Many desktops are good, but I personally would stay away from Gateway.
If you're 22" monitor is of key importance, as it should be, you could piece meal a system by purchasing a desktop without monitor and then the monitor separate of the size you want. Don't be scared of off name monitors! Monitors that are not name brands are not all bad, in fact if it's made in Korea, regardless of its name, it's 1) probably very good and 2) probably what the name brand models are anyway.
Notebooks... you do have many good options to choose from, however I do like this Sony FW465 I'm using now. Have had it for about 8 months, my first Sony based on inputs from my computer tech guru's and they did not steer me wrong. Prior to this, notebook-wise, I was a Panasonic fan, still am, but I also like Dell. But, if you are looking for the magic combo of cheap and good, I bought my asawa (wife) an Acer about a year ago that I am very pleased with. I am NOT and HP fan, or Toshiba.
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Bullhunter
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Post by Bullhunter on Jan 10, 2010 9:36:26 GMT 9
Christmas 2008 I purchased my wife a HP in the military exchange. Excellent price and features. Her's is a dual core and I think they all are dual core now. Her system came with Vista and I do not like it. I suppose the new systems will have Windows-7 installed.
I'm not that smart with computers so this is about all I can say.
Just look closely at what is in it for video & audio. If you plan to do any online multi-gaming you will need extra RAM and an excellent video package.
Keep in mind that whatever you get new stuff comes out constantly.
I had my system custom built about 4 years ago with a GForce 6800 vidio care wth extra memory on it. Today is rated as a bit lower than average. You just can't keep up with the progress in the computer field..
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MOW
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Post by MOW on Jan 10, 2010 13:15:28 GMT 9
MAC's are by far the best system to buy and what I highly recommend, but cost seems to be his concern if $2K is too much so a MAC is probably not in his future.
That said, MAC is THE system! You can run both MAC and MS OS's, as well as a version of Virtual Machine, which gives you unlimited OS options.
If you can afford it, but a MAC with as much RAM as you can afford. It will last forever.
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Post by dude on Jan 11, 2010 13:25:22 GMT 9
 Most folks I know that are heavy into graphics (a.k.a. graphic artists) swear by MACs. I've got an Dimension XPS that's about the same age. I've never come close to using its computing power. So about a year ago I moved it up to a 540GB hard drive & 4GB RAM. I now use my old 120 GB as an archive. Also put on a 21" flat screen Dell had on sale. Cost under $500. Probably cheaper now. I've been getting my laptops from HP. They always seem to package more computer for the buck than Dell. $600-$800 will trick you out a decent one. HP also has recycling support. Recommend avoiding the 17" monitor. Had one and its a real power hog. Heck they're all coming from Singapore anyway. In the end, its the software deals you get that will really determine if you'll get your money's worth.
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Post by lindel on Jan 11, 2010 22:44:15 GMT 9
First question, is there a Fry's or CompUSA near you? If so, you can find some excellent deals on PC's that will meet your needs. (They do mail/online orders and shipping as well, www.frys.com and www.compusa.com ) |
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Post by Marvin Pine on Feb 13, 2010 11:27:50 GMT 9
If you have an independent computer shop near you it might be best to have a system built for you, often it is cheaper this way and a custom system usually does't have the problems of propriatary parts that you run into with name brand systems. If there isn't a good shop near you try Ozark Mountain Computer Supplies at omcs@fidnet.com and they can help you.
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Most folks I know that are heavy into graphics (a.k.a. graphic artists) swear by MACs.
