Hatrack River Forum: Buying a new computer

This is topic Buying a new computer - help/advice appreciated! in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=050321

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

We're looking for a new computer to replace Tony's old one - it's 7 years old and not a happy chappy.

We only need a basic one for mostly word processing/internet though we do play a few games (SimCity and Flight Simulator are probably the most graphics/memory intensive). We also use photos and itunes, but not to any great extent.

So far this one from Dell (details below) seems to be the best option.

Mostly we would like one that is reasonably fast, can handle multiple applications open at once, and doesn't crash!

Is there anything there I really need and don't have or vice versa? We don't need a new monitor, but that one comes free with one, which is fine. Don't need a new keyboard/mouse either.

Thanks techhy people. [Smile]

Oh, we're also in Australia - so limited to products available here.

[ October 05, 2007, 03:14 AM: Message edited by: imogen ]

Posted by MattP (Member # 10495) on :

That link takes me to a "expired session" page. Perhaps you should just share the model number and options you are considering.

Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :

Well, which version of Simcity/flight simulator? You'll probably be just fine with just about anything you purchase now. Processors have gotten to the point that, well...they can handle everything you throw at them and then some. I can't seem to get your link to work, but I'll give you a few basic Specs. You'll definitely want a Dual core processor, since it's getting harder *not* to get one of those. RAM is getting pretty cheap lately, so you might want to think about investing in 2gigs or more (Though you may want to go through a third party vendor to get it, since Dell charges a premium for their upgrades), particularly if you want to get Vista with your new computer (I don't like recommending it, since it takes a good bit of getting used to). Those are really the major things that are going to affect your performance, assuming you are just going to stick with older SimCity and flight sim stuff. The newer stuff might get me recommending a good video card (it's always nice to have a video card that isn't integrated, since it doesn't chew up your available RAM and they tend to be much more responsive.) You'd probably be in great shape with an nVidia 8300 or ATI x1300 range video card. Avoice using the anti-virus that comes with a Dell. McAfee is utter garbage and does more to slow down your computer than it does to protect it. I'd recommend AVG or Kaspersky. There are some other free Anti-virus suites besides AVG, but I've never liked the majority of them. At any rate, good luck with the new computer. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask people [Big Grin]

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Aaah, I wondered if it would do that.

It's a Dell Inspiron 530 Desktop, Intel Premium Dual-Core E2180, 2 GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, windows vista basic.

Graphics is Intel Graphics Media accelerator X3100, DVD drive is 16x DVD +/-RW with dual layer write capabilities.

We were going to go Norton antivirus, not McAfee - Boris, would you still recommend the others you mentioned over Norton?

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

Hrm. I would recommend several machines from Dell -- for just a little more money -- over that one. If you buy that one, you're buying one that you can't effectively upgrade without buying another computer seven years from now.

The big red light for me is Vista Basic. Pay the extra for Premium, or ask that they put XP on instead.

Note that if you're buying through Dell's website, you can often get different deals and discounts by checking out their Small Business store, too.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

If you aren't already getting a deal, there's a few places online where you can get coupons (promotional codes basically) for discounts, but usually you can't combine them with other offers. Just something to keep in the back of your head if you aren't getting and special savings.

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Tom, we can get XP for less money actually - or Vista premium for about $120 (AUD) more. From what I figure, we don't actually *need* premium. What features make you think we would need it?

I did check the small business store - the best they we can do via them is about $100 more, and only 160GB HD.

Lyrhawn - where, do you know? Will they work for Australia?

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Tom - Also, what model(s) would you recommend more than the one we're looking at (from Dell)?

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

Well, honestly, the next question I have is: how comfortable are you with putting in your own hardware? Just as an example, a $100 memory upgrade through Dell would cost you $40 to do yourself; upgrading their Vostro systems to a DVD burner costs $70, but about $40 through NewEgg (and includes better DVD software).

Next question: are your current keyboard and mouse PS2 or USB? Do you use any Firewire devices right now, like camcorders?

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Tom - installing hardware - honestly, not very at this stage, but I could be willing to learn.

Just a mention - are your prices US prices? Because both software and hardware here is much more pricey than in the US.

We don't use any firewire devices at all, and I don't think we will start to soon. (And even if we do, we have access to enough computers with firewire that it doesn't matter.)

Current keyboard and mouse are wireless, run off a usb.

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

quote:
Just a mention - are your prices US prices?

Yep. I have no idea how to make NewEgg display an Australian price. [Smile]

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Luckily there are these fancy online currency converters [Wink]