Buying a PC (finally) need some input
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
scorch99
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 09 Oct 2003
Posts: 782
Location: On the road
|
| Back to top
|
|
 Posted: 10/29/03 - 10:36 Post subject: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
After a chat session with some of the RR a few
weeks back while in Calgary, and a couple
of chat sessions with Genie (also in Calgary) I
finally decided I need a PC.
I've held out this long because I spend 10+ hours at work
writing code or doing presentations or system support
and upgrades that the last thing on my list of things
to do at home is get on the PC.
Not sure what I want (Windows or Apple) but feel the time
has come.
So for those that have them some questions:
1. What works for you? (brand)
2. Does your Laptop (for those that have one ) work for you?
3. Space how much does a PC box dominate your room?
4. DSL, Cable modem, Phone router????? and $$$$$ value
5. DVD yes/no ?
6. Able to burn CD's/DVD's yes/no?
Decided to pass on the two week December trip and just buy a PC.
If you have additional thoughts you can also PM
S99
|
|
|
|
|
jrjo
Gone Fishin
|
|
|
Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16451
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 10:48 Post subject:
I'm such a dolt about computer hardware, I went to the Gateway store and let 'em sell me on one. 
|
|
|
|
|
MechEngDropout
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 27 Jun 2003
Posts: 10474
Location: Off the grid
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 10:48 Post subject:
I have a Gateway desktop. My current pc is not a good reference because it's 3 years old this Christmas and I think it's about to kick the bucket. I will be looking to get a laptop soon. For me, a laptop would be very efficient because just about all my classes require doing work on computers. Very often I'm forced to juggle between lab computers and the one at home, so I've definitely decided on a laptop. It really depends on what you will be using it for. I'd like to be able to game on mine as well, but all the good gaming laptops cost over $1500. I may just stick to business with it. DVD player and cd burner will be a must, as well as wireless internet. They have wireless internet in some buildings at school, and it's amazing. We have a wireless router at home for my roommate, and currently I'm just running a cat5 cable to my pc from it. We have cable internet access (high speed is a must) that we get pretty inexpensively through some deal for LSU students ($25/mo). Before going with cable or dsl, I suggest that you find other people in your area that have either. In some areas the cable companies do a really crappy job and frequent outages result. Same thing for dsl. The cable modem was about 80 bucks, but you can usually get them with rebates so they cost $40 or less.
|
|
|
|
|
Pug
The Movie Geek
|
|
|
Joined: 21 Aug 2003
Posts: 8924
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 11:25 Post subject:
| jrjo wrote: | | I'm such a dolt about computer hardware, I went to the Gateway store and let 'em sell me on one. |
That sounds like what'll happen when i get a computer.
|
|
|
|
|
elkid
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8353
Location: hiding out in Philly
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 11:31 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
I wanted to get an Apple because they are so cool and have better graphics, but with all the bells & whistles couldn't justify spending 3x the price so I went with my HP desktop. I do all my "heavy" PC work at work, so at home I didn't need it all. Based on my experience:
1. What works for you? (brand)
- HP and Compaq are all I've bought. I've had Dells, IBMs, and Gateways at work and have had nothing but problems with them, desktop or laptop. Then again, I know people who swear by Dell.
2. Does your Laptop (for those that have one) work for you?
- My laptop is kinda old (no, really old), but for more purposes is fine. Only used when we go on vacation and such. Compaq Presario running Win98.
3. Space how much does a PC box dominate your room?
- HP Pavilion desktop box doesn't take up much space. We put it under the corner desk in such a way where it would get minimal kicking and chair bumping.
4. DSL, Cable modem, Phone router????? and $$$$$ value
- Again, I do my heavy work at work, so dial up at home. $18.95 a month. Couldn't justify the price of DSL for checking email, shopping, and RRing at home. Cable scares me, because there are security risks.
5. DVD yes/no?
- HELL YES. I believe this is now standard.
6. Able to burn CD's/DVD's yes/no?
- HELL YES to both. This is a must have, particularly for CDs. I believe this is now standard as well.
There are some things you can skimp on, but buy the biggest, baddest, clearest monitor you can. I spent an extra $300 on my flatscreen and still love it - the clarity is unmatched. I would recommend a box over a laptop every time. I've been in the computer field for years and one constant from my years in support to management is that a desktop is more stable, takes more abuse, and will seriously outlive a laptop. It's also a lot cheaper. Unless you need the portability a laptop will afford you for work constraints, GO WITH THE DESKTOP.
PM me if you need more info.
|
|
|
|
|
Running Brewer
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 12 Oct 2004
Posts: 3872
Location: Santa Poco
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 11:46 Post subject:
I am a Dell guy. I use there laptops at work and they are great!  their service has been great. (I had some bad memory) the new stuff was here right away. My laptops take a lot of abuse, I use them to program our machinery and shop floor/customer visits take their toll on a system.
Most of the big names put out a decent product, I don't think you really can make a wrong choice. I don't like dealing with the mom and pop stores, you never know how long they will be around, and with my travel they can't support me in Mexico or else where. 
|
|
|
|
|
scorch99
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 09 Oct 2003
Posts: 782
Location: On the road
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 12:20 Post subject:
Thanks folks this really mean alot getting some feedback.
Yes I'm leaning towards a laptop with the intel centrino hookups.
Gameing was on my list of stuff to do and for that you need a PC.
Space is an issue more with the monitor 1st and PC 2nd.
With travel I do take a company laptop but its 3 yrs old and pretty much outdated and slow to load.
I've head nothing but good review from folks here at work on Gateway.
Thanks team.
S99
|
|
|
|
|
brie k
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 5661
Location: where the wild things are
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 12:30 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
1. What works for you? (brand)
Depends. Hubby is a gamer, needs a high-end machine. He has an Alienware, although the innards are all newish (bought in March). I am a heavy user, but more of the program type stuff, and my Dell Laptop rocks, as does my HP desktop. Both not too expensive, about $1300 each.
2. Does your Laptop (for those that have one ) work for you?
LOVE my laptop. It's got the wireless cable so I can surf from anywhere in the house. Batteries last for 3 hours each, bought a backup, so I have 6 hours of battery time if the power goes out (it has, and we've used it to watch movies, and we also take it on road-trips so the kids can watch movies as well.) It also has TONS of space and lots of great programs. It's really a fabulous machine, and I use it far more than I do the desktop anymore.
3. Space how much does a PC box dominate your room?
John's machine isn't really bigger than most desktops, but he has 2 monitors hooked up so he utilizes most of the 5 foot anthro cart. My desktop doesn't take up too much space, but coupled with the printer... Still, you can get by on a small desk.
4. DSL, Cable modem, Phone router????? and $$$$$ value
Cable all the way, wireless. All 4 PC's we have are hooked up to it, and they're all over the house, one being upstairs. It's the only way to fly. (Cable doesn't have security issues if you have a firewall, and you can have the same issue with DSL. You MUST have a firewall installed on your computer if you have either.) Cable is faster than DSL. WAY faster.
As far as value, it really depends on what you want to use the net for I guess. We are heavy net users, and don't like to wait for a page to load. So we pay $50/month for it. It's worth it, if nothing else so I don't have to listen to hubby whine. 
5. DVD yes/no ? 6. Able to burn CD's/DVD's yes/no?
Absolutely on both counts. My big thing today is transferring the hundreds of photos onto CD's. It's super easy, and such a nice thing to have. We use it for our documents, music, etc. Gotta get a burner. (Although my laptop doesn't have one, but can read off what we burn.)
You know, they advertise those computers, any brand anymore, for $800 and up. That's a joke. You could buy their base computer, but you want the speed. A good processor & lottsa ram is worth the few hundred $ upgrade. Trust me. I wish I'd upgraded my laptop more than I did. It's still fast, but a dog compared to the desktop. Oh well, live and learn.
|
|
|
|
|
bburgoyne26
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 16 Sep 2003
Posts: 2959
Location: Ft. Worth, Texas
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:41 Post subject:
Dude...get a Dell!
|
|
|
|
|
purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
|
|
|
Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:48 Post subject:
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Build your own (or have someone build it for you). I work all day on a Pentium II 233 MHz that's a franken-box and it never gives me problems.
Save your hard-earned money for the Beanie Babies.
|
|
|
|
|
kobyj
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 24 Jul 2002
Posts: 2370
Location: Lake Pine
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:51 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
| scorch99 wrote: |
1. What works for you? (brand) |
I have a dell laptop and a home-built desktop
| Quote: | | 2. Does your Laptop (for those that have one ) work for you? |
I love the laptop. I am so mobile now. When I head home from work, I just take it with me. When I go to Purdue or to visit friends, it goes with me. It serves as my map, my Internet, and a place to take notes.
| Quote: | | 3. Space how much does a PC box dominate your room? |
Laptop is not much. The desktop takes up about a desk.
| Quote: | | 4. DSL, Cable modem, Phone router????? and $$$$$ value |
I don't have any of those. I have had Cable modem before and loved it. Whenever I want Internet, I just drive into work.
YES! It is great when you are on a trip with a couple hours to spare. Pop a DVD in and watch.
| Quote: | | 6. Able to burn CD's/DVD's yes/no? |
Burning CDs is good. DVDs are not necessary yet (IMO). By being able to burn CDs, you can make your own music mixes.
|
|
|
|
|
elkid
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 18 Nov 2002
Posts: 8353
Location: hiding out in Philly
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:54 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
| brie k wrote: | | Cable doesn't have security issues if you have a firewall, and you can have the same issue with DSL. You MUST have a firewall installed on your computer if you have either. |
Not true. Firewalls can be broken through and your open IRQs can be used for ... illicit and illegal activities. This has happened to more than one PC guru I know, and their security was super elaborate.
|
|
|
|
|
purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
|
|
|
Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:55 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
| elkid wrote: | | ... illicit and illegal activities. |
Such as?
|
|
|
|
|
kobyj
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 24 Jul 2002
Posts: 2370
Location: Lake Pine
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:56 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
| elkid wrote: | | brie k wrote: | | Cable doesn't have security issues if you have a firewall, and you can have the same issue with DSL. You MUST have a firewall installed on your computer if you have either. |
Not true. Firewalls can be broken through and your open IRQs can be used for ... illicit and illegal activities. This has happened to more than one PC guru I know, and their security was super elaborate. |
Plus a firewall does NOT encrypt the data being sent out on the cable line. People on the line can still "sniff" what you are sending. If you send passwords or credit card numbers, in theory, if they are not encrypted, somebody else could see them and use them.
Not many people care about that though. Plus, credit card numbers are typically encrypted anyway. Typically usernames and passwords for email would still be in the clear readable format.
|
|
|
|
|
purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
|
|
|
Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
|
| Back to top
|
|
Posted: 10/29/03 - 17:59 Post subject: Re: Buying a PC (finally) need some input
| kobyj wrote: | | Plus a firewall does NOT encrypt the data being sent out on the cable line. People on the line can still "sniff" what you are sending. If you send passwords or credit card numbers, in theory, if they are not encrypted, somebody else could see them and use them. |
SSL does. 99.9% of the web sites out there are using SSL on their pages where they're asking for credit card information. It's too much trouble for a cracker to try to unencrypt it in transit.
|
|
|
|
| |
All times are GMT - 4 Hours
|
|
|
