I am researching about buying a computer. i haven't actually decided, but want to gather as much info about it as possible from people innthe know

make sure it has a cd burner for backups

Buy one that does what you want it to do, NOT what you tell it to do!! :)

Baron Max
(Ph.D. in POWER ON/POWER OFF)

For what purposes / tasks do you need it? Everything follows from that.

Get your criteria right and then ask your question. Consider 1) What you want to do with it, eg gaming, graphics, music, video, word tasks? 2) What your budget is?

From your condescending comments duendy I assume you are not interested in playing computer games. This means you can save some money and not get a top of the line model.

Or he could get a mac.
I'm not even suggesting a Linux install :D

I would never go for a top of the line model. You pay through your ears for it and in 4 weeks it is yesterday's news.

A laptop could be an option if you are often on the move and do not play games. There are gaming laptops but they are usually quite expensive and still not as fast as their desktop equivalents.

Why a CD burner if you can get a DVD burner for only a little bit more. Get a nice one. A quiet one preferably. And thanks to some anonymous guy I know nowadays how I can backup my (cough) movie DVDs, make them region free, compress them to put on a regular DVD+r disk. I also have lots of data and pictures so a DVD burner is good.

As for processors. I always go for cheap and not fastest. I intend to have a computer for 2 years or so. Do I really want to spend 200-300$ more right now to have a computer that is a few percent faster? Technology will have progressed so much in 2 years that both cheap and expensive processor are relatively slow. I don't need the best of the best.

graphics card: I would certainly like the best one available, but the best one cost almost as much as my entire computer. I make a compromise with the intention of possibly upgrading later on (or not). I don't go for the budget one. I don't go for the fastest one, somewhere in the middle or lower middle. If you don't care abotu graphics you can get an intergrated graphics card on the motherboard.

Sound: I don't care much about sound. I just listen to music occasionally, listen to games. So I use onboard soundcard. Cheap! As for speakers I use a decent 2.1 sound system. For less than 50$ you can get quite a decent sound coming out.

So if you are just interested in surfing the net and such you could get a system with integrated video, sound, and lan. If you are doing some light gaming, get at least a dedicated graphics card. If you want a top of the line machine, do not ask me.

A laptop is convenient. A dell is easy. Home build is a bit more complex.

so what you need?

yeah...one of the things that has put me off is.....the cost of broadband.......and the excelaration of technology, as spuriousmonkey points out. youthink that if you buy someting nowit'll be outta date soon...!

i want it for internet, includingbeing able to see video/film s...mp3s

advice i was given by one of the techicitns from my service povider was: go to a regular retailer and ask lots of questions regarding what i want, and themn go to a specailist maker of computer, UNLESS there are prticularly good bargains at the general computer store. wll, it sounds esy to him...!

i have heard tat you can get computers that fit to TV and thats the way it will go. but that that is very expensive...?

so a quation. where do you see theimmediate future rgrading computers. should one wqiat a few months, a year?...is somethin about to happen in the filed ...what what? spill?

also remind us of the lingo if yanwill

ie., i need good memory which is ...?

etcetera

also aswell as your kindly intelligent homey advice. are there specific help agencies online you can --in UK--ask fr advice too?
but keep it comin if you will. i need to make me mind up soon

oh yeah. i dont like computers where you are too close to screen. can you get em where keyboard is farish away from screen. and do they have zoom facilities......?

do you mind if join the thread to aska question?i am going to buy a laptop for music production.i have a soundcard already but am not the most computer literate person in the world.was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

What do you mean you have a soundcard already?

Is it one made for laptops?

http://creative.com/products/product.asp?category=1&subcategory=204&product=9103

i have this one.,its external,unless im being a complete retard

I am researching about buying a computer. i haven't actually decided, but want to gather as much info about it as possible from people innthe know

£390.00 will get you a perfectly descent, perfectly functioning, very pretty machine from Woollies. Out the box, ready to rock, including VAT. That's with XP, DVD/CD Burner, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers plus software.

Shop around places like Curry's, Dixon's, PC World etc, under £400.00 is the sort of price range your looking at for what you need right now and more besides. Whatever buy d, it's obsolete as soon as its on the shelf, so go lower entry level end, there's plenty of poke under the hood and its hassle free.

Investing £40.00 extra in a cordless mouse and keyboard will sort out your distance problem - don't faph around with a TV hookup, a PC monitor is far, far higher resolution and much eminently better around.

Duendy

If you don't want to sit close to the monitor, you're going to need a BIIIG screen.

Kenworth

If you are serious about music production check out the forums on music related sites like soundonsound.com or mix, etc.

Get an athlon 64 CPU and overclock it

I recommend
512MB Ram
AMD Athlon 3200+ processor
160GB HDD
Graphics doesn't seem to be an issue with you, but make sure it isn't onboard (that is, built into the motherboard)
Don't get the TFT monitor taht comes with any package, they usually blow and you'll save a lot of money as well, which can be put towards a bigger CRT monitor, or a graphics card with one of those ports that lets you plug it into a regular TV.

CRTs are nice, but they are so fucking big on your desk. I really like them, but space is a consideration.

CRT's have better colours though. If anyone wants to get a good colour LCD, then it costs.

From what I remember of a College Course, they had one particular preportion to the qualification that dealt with the "Hypothetically build a personal computer". Simply you had to use a bit of logic when it came to building one, Afterall it's all very well stating you want the top of the Range graphics card but can your Motherboard cope and is it a well known board etc.

So with that in mind I would suggest looking for a motherboard type first, Then you can adjust your CPU/RAM to what it can handle, work out which power supply it needs and then slowly build up your fittings for your requirements.

my suggestion would be to wait untill 07 if at all possible.

for moniters get a CTX 19inch,its the cheapest highest quality moniter on the market.

and if you want a good comp you need to build it or have it built,off the shelf pcs are junk.

I'd wait a couple months before upgrading, that's what I'm doing. I have the money to upgrade, and I really wanna do, but AMD's socket M2 is coming out very soon. The new, dual-core FX-60 chip was stated to be the last socket 939 chip. And well, I'd rather not have to buy a whole new CPU, new motherboard, and new RAM as the M2 socket allows for DDR2 RAM.

Luckily, with the expansion pack for Half-Life 2 being delayed a couple months and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion being delayed until this quarter, I'm doing fine waiting on upgrading, otherwise I'd be having nervous twitches, lol.

- N

I'm seriously thinking of going for the new dual core IMac---style and substance.

Why are computers better than dedicated consoles for gaming, or are they?

suggest you wait a bit with a Mac,
they are shifting now from PPC to x86

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4600442.stm

why 07, is there something big coming out then?

P.S I don't agree with Communist Hamster, i think you need more RAM than that

Ah, but all duendy will use it for is browsing. She doesn't game or edit photos, or videos. So 512MB of RAM will probably suffice.

I'm also a bit with spurious here.

Even when it comes to gaming, which is usually resource-greedy, the latest PC specs aren't really all that necessary. Try getting stuffs which were hot maybe a year ago and I guess that's already good enough.

Oh, and as for disk-burning, CD/DVD, you can do that, though if you can do with USB, that'll be just as fine IMO.

why 07, is there something big coming out then?

P.S I don't agree with Communist Hamster, i think you need more RAM than that

'07 is when AMD is scheduled to release the procs with more than dual core, as well as the 65nm process. Both of these equate to a drop in the price of the late '06 top of the line prices. Even if you aren't planning on going with AMD, these releases will most likely be echoed in the Intel camp and a similar price drop will be seen there.

But sureley those will be top end computers and highly expensive, just like dual core was last year

Mmm, triple core processors. The PS3 has a sextuple core processor effectviely doesn't it? 6 Cell processors in parallel.

Cool, then you can just buy a PS3 instead of a heater when your room is a bit chilly.

I heard the new XBox is a bit noisy due to the presence intensive cooling systems known to man as fans. Is that true?

But sureley those will be top end computers and highly expensive, just like dual core was last year

yes they will, but they will drive the price on the dual core top end down. that was my point. Also, by that point the dual core fx's should be out and refined. fx's having their core clock unlocked, are a thing of beauty for oc'ing.
If you want to go top of the line, you'll always pay dearly. I tend to go with the best of what has just become outdone.
That was, you'll be able to pick up a dual core running at 3.5-5 ghz range for what a about $400-600 (just a guess) as opposed to paying over a grand for a dual that isn't hitting those speeds.

If you are getting a new computer now in 2006, anything that is not 64bit will be legacy soon, so make sure you get a 64 processor, and a motherboard with a PCIE slot on it for your video card. This will be the standard for the next few years.

I use Intel suff. I would be gear towards the P4 630. It is the cheapest 64 processor with hyperthread, prescott, and 2MB cache. Otherwise, the P4 521 is the cheapest that has the same features, and 1MB cache.

I use ATI for graphics cards because they manufacture their own cards.
NVidia does not, and I do not know who their main card manufacturer is.
Also, I suggest a minimum of 256MB for your vid card. That is because many online games and high end software will work much better.

For ATI, the X800XT is ideal, but it's very expensive at $260. It's a 256MB card for a PCIE slot. There is also the X700PRO, but they do not have much info on it.

For hard drive, I use Western Digital. At least 200GB
For RAM, I use Corsaire. At least 1GB.
For DVD burner, I would go with a Toshiba. I had a friend that had probs with Sony. I have burnt DVDs with the Toshiba for years with no prob.
Sound card, an Audigy 2 ZS is the best short of going platinum. Then there is the Audigy 4 series, but they are still too new and high priced.

Oh man, someone admitted they use Intel! :p

- N

my brother builds computers and his setups run cooler AND faster then the ones on toms hardware.

technicly,he is building the fastest,most reliable comps with the same parts as anyone else.


a new medium range gamer is around $1000 with delivery,allthou a bargin gamer is around $750,and thats with software optimization[thats VERY important to a good comp].

its what im using now and it kicks super ass for the price.


i dont mean to hock my wares on here,but if you want the best for the money,go with costum built.


amd 64 3000
asus motherboard
1GIG dual channel patriot ram
maxtor 80gig HD
NEC dvd burner
nvidia 6800 256 video card
audigy 2 sound card

and the processor runs around 85-90 degress F.and it runs 5-7 FPS faster then other sytems with the same parts.

suggest you wait a bit with a Mac,
they are shifting now from PPC to x86

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4600442.stm
I agree. While the new iMacs are powerful, not all applications are built to run on Intel hardware. They do still run, but through software emulation, and are a bit slow. For instance, Warcraft 3 runs, but crashes on cinematics, because the system is trying to access a function that only existed on the old PPC chips; something that the emulation doesn't catch for some reason.

The emulation is good enough for 95% of the work a person will need to do, but I'm not getting one until more applications have been ported (or built as a Universal Binary that can run on either platform).


Mmm, triple core processors. The PS3 has a sextuple core processor effectviely doesn't it? 6 Cell processors in parallel.

almost. The PS3's Cell has one full-fledged core, and then a bunch of simple SPEs that do very specific tasks. So if you want to add 2+2, great! you have 6 SPE's to choose from. If you want to add 2.43756+1.973647, then you have to use to the main PPC core.

sweet jeeeesus. tis is all like chiNEESE. can we cool it. try and communicate what a novice may be able to dig??

sorry i have not responded. there are various reasons. i am v e rrrry tantative about new technology. shit whenever i get anything i am almost frightened to touch it. so u can imagine me considering getting a fukin wack off compuutee. this is a big thaaaang fo me

i receieved a notification from our server yesterday that the broadband monthly cost is gonna be much lower than i imagined. it was THAT thatr been one of theputt offs for me getting a computer

thanks everyone btw FOR the inof but as i say it was getting a little chinese. you are all so familiar wid the terminology, but it isrelly confusing when yu aint

can i first ak tis---mybe i should go find the quote. will later. someone said--DONT buy off-the-shelf-computer they are crap.
now this advice is commensurate wit what a technician from my server told me, but i forgot to ask---WHY?

so, why...?

Duendy

You should do some research, try dialling 'computers faq' on your browser and see what you come up with.

If you're not computer savvy, forget about putting one together yourself, that stuff is for hardcore gamers that don't mind spending anything up to 4 grand on their pukka component rigs.

For a cheaper home/office type system, prices are very reasonable when you buy off the shelf, but don't pay a premium for 'names' like Dell, Gateway, HP etc, because at the end of the day, it's the components that make the system, not the company that markets them under their 'brand' name.

In UK, check out Mesh and computerelectronics (Cube), 2 British companies that seem to have it sussed on quality and value for money. After researching their stuff on their websites you should call them and discuss your queries with them and then go with the one that sounds genuinely helpful.

Good luck.

Duendy

You should do some research, try dialling 'computers faq' on your browser and see what you come up with.

If you're not computer savvy, forget about putting one together yourself, that stuff is for hardcore gamers that don't mind spending anything up to 4 grand on their pukka component rigs.

For a cheaper home/office type system, prices are very reasonable when you buy off the shelf, but don't pay a premium for 'names' like Dell, Gateway, HP etc, because at the end of the day, it's the components that make the system, not the company that markets them under their 'brand' name.

In UK, check out Mesh and computerelectronics (Cube), 2 British companies that seem to have it sussed on quality and value for money. After researching their stuff on their websites you should call them and discuss your queries with them and then go with the one that sounds genuinely helpful.

Good luck.

Thanks Tablariddim

i'm closest i've been to actuuuually going out tere and gettin one

as i have been getting a...limited experience of te wwWeb on a widescreen telly, the tought of losing the big screen was also a turn

is the largest monitor one you can get a 19"

can you 'zoom' computers......? ie., i ideally would want a keyboard away from the monitor, so it'd be handy to be able to make text, pics bigger

i am manly wanting it for Web, and include s need for mp3s, video-----say tere was alos a film on, or a TV channel running shit on thw web. being able to see it

so i need how much memory for tis

i guess what i am looking fr now is help wit itemizing in a ordered list

u know like

monitor/large

manly for internet/vide--whateever internet can do?? am not really hip to it

memory?

makig sure it can be upgraded if needs be

a bargain!

a dvd burner

i knoooow. i am such a novice

but if you dont assssk...

Duendy

I'm no expert, but because I'm currently researching the subject myself, I'm sort of getting a clearer picture of what this shit is about.

Basically, the latest machines use Dual Core chipsets; AMD Athlon are faster than Intel, the more RAM (memory) you have the more applications you can use at the same time, the better the graphics card the better video/gaming experience, The bigger the Hard Disk the more stuff you can store, for TV you need a TV tuner card, screens go up to 23" but they're expensive, you could probably use your big screen TV if the graphics card supports it, it has to have TV/divi out, I think it also needs to have SPDFQ port, Firewire port as well, you can use wireless keyboard and mouse.

Like I said before, contact Mesh or Cube and tell them exactly what you want and what your budget is. You could probably get a very good system for close to a grand or an amazing one for up to 2 grand.

I am researching about buying a computer. i haven't actually decided, but want to gather as much info about it as possible from people innthe know
Be sure not to buy one with Microsoft Works. It's the worst piece of crap I've seen in my life... :bugeye:

Be sure not to buy one with Microsoft Works. It's the worst piece of crap I've seen in my life... :bugeye:
thanks a lot for that warning mate

screens go up to 23" but they're expensive

24" and 30" now. :)

- N

ok, i'm in a bit of a quanry...hearme out:
several people, including a technician who helps me with technical problems with my system, have advised tis:

find out all you need for what you want regarding buying a computer. mke a list and then find some reputable company to make you one.
I have been told they are superior than off the shelf ones.
BUT the technician sai that that is so, but if you find abargain grab it.
THING is o. IF you arent savvy about comps and all tetehcnical shit how thehell do you REALIZE A 'bargain'?? thats te dilemma i'm in

so. i am askin for help regarding this .
Dell computers are having a March sale. so if i givew you the wbaddress could maybe you who ARE saavyy check what they are offering and let me know if there is a bargain going

i would sooner a person who had adised me to get a spciality made cmop advise going for a possibly off-the shelf bargain--as did my techician, if you see what i mean..?

hees URL www.dell.co.uk/b2b
sale ends by 15th March

Well if you are buying off the shelf theres no better time then November with after Thanksgiving sales. Two years ago my dad picked up a full system with 80g hard drive 512 ram and everything but a printer for $199! Since he mostly only goes on the internet and listens to music it was a good deal.

But that was a while ago and unless you want to wait till next Thanksgiving you might be better off looking for a more recent weekly deal online or in your local Sunday paper.

Which brings me to my next point. Later in the year Windows Vista will start shipping with new computers and Windows XP will be old tech as fair as new programs go. So you might want to wait for that or simply go with something other then windows. But operating systems like linux might not be as compatable with some programs as windows. But i dont know much about compatabily outside of windows since i just keep it on my computer because im used to it.

There is no Thanksgiving in Europe, duendy lives in the UK.
And it'll be lucky (I don't really care, use Linux) if Windows Vista (means "chicken" in Latvian) comes out before December. I believe MS themselves have said -> late 2006.
So it might be a little bit too much of waiting.

Better opt for the March sale.