My computer's video card died on me and since it's a laptop so that means it's integrated to the motherboard. Fixing it means I have to shell out 400+ USD to replace the part and install it. I'm thinking I'm better off selling it in parts on eBay and just get a new one. Trouble is that there are tons of computers out there and while I've decided that I want a desktop this time around, I still need some help in finding the computer for me.
As a media student, I do a lot of video editing and 3D graphics. The programs I use the most are After Effects, Photoshop, and Maya. I don't want a laptop anymore because even though I love the portability of one, they tend to be less bang for your buck when compared to desktops.
I was looking into HP's new Blackbird pc, google it. That thing is SUPAH SEXXXY and it's got everything I need, but I wonder if there's something out there that could cost less and have just as much power.
My budget? At most 2,300 USD but I'd prefer something less expensive.
Posted by Blayne Bradley (Member # 8565) on :
talk to me on gmail I'll help you.
Posted by rollainm (Member # 8318) on :
Dell's XPS 420 is a bit more affordable.
But that Blackbird sure is pretty.
Posted by adfectio (Member # 11070) on :
Although I would push building one yourself, where you can get a really great computer for under 1000, if you'd rather just buy one, I'd go HP. There have been a few bad stories about them, but for the most part, They've proven themselves pretty reliable to me, at least as long as you have a warranty.
I stay as far away from Dell (and now Alienware, too) as I can. I've had nothing but bad experience with their computers, their parts, their customer service. You name it, and Dell has done badly for me.
Oh, and if you were considering it, Blayne has enough problems with his own computers.......
Posted by MEC (Member # 2968) on :
If I had the cash I think I'd go with the Blackbird 002. I looked into it when it was first introduced, it seemed pretty sweet.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
The Blackbird is overpriced for its components.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
quote:Originally posted by adfectio: Although I would push building one yourself, where you can get a really great computer for under 1000, if you'd rather just buy one, I'd go HP.
My stepson just built a computer for me at very low cost, and it arrived today.
Good luck, AoD!
---
Edited to add: dead laptop + already deep in debt + need for electronic review access ~10h/day = snafu
technogeek stepson = priceless!
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: The Blackbird is overpriced for its components.
Holy crap, yes. I just looked at the base configuration, and I think you could build something comparable for less than half the price.
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
I would read up (the system guides on arstechnica.com would be good) and go to a place like mwave or newegg and look into a "barebones system". They plug in the CPU, RAM, powersupply and motherboard all into a case, and do a quick tesk of it. Installing other stuff is just a matter of screwing things in and an OS install. It also leaves you more flexible to partial upgrades down the road, so you upgrade you whole system less cheaply.
-Bok
Posted by TheGrimace (Member # 9178) on :
I've had pretty good luck with ibuypower.com (my last two desktops were from there) I like it because it's about half-way between doing it all on your own and buying a prefab computer.
Basically you can pick out just about everything you want (i.e. beefier power supplies, more case fans, set up RAID configurations etc etc) but they put it together for a pretty good price. Though I don't know how their customer service is. I'm sure there's other similar places online, but that's the one I've had experience with.
Posted by adfectio (Member # 11070) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jon Boy:
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: The Blackbird is overpriced for its components.
Holy crap, yes. I just looked at the base configuration, and I think you could build something comparable for less than half the price.
However some people aren't as comfortable which building their own/ installing an OS. In which case, buying one is their only option.
Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :
quote:Originally posted by TheGrimace: I've had pretty good luck with ibuypower.com (my last two desktops were from there) I like it because it's about half-way between doing it all on your own and buying a prefab computer.
Basically you can pick out just about everything you want (i.e. beefier power supplies, more case fans, set up RAID configurations etc etc) but they put it together for a pretty good price. Though I don't know how their customer service is. I'm sure there's other similar places online, but that's the one I've had experience with.
It seems like it could be the way to go, I played around with their stuff for a bit and came up with a good machine. Before I whip out the cash though, I decided to take a look at them in the BBB, and I didn't like what I saw. Check out the reviews. BBB Profile Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Avoid this company, and find another one.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:Originally posted by adfectio: However some people aren't as comfortable which building their own/ installing an OS. In which case, buying one is their only option.
You could still buy a premade system elsewhere for considerably less. You could get a Dell XPS with a better processor for about $900 less. The only real difference would be that the Dell wouldn't have a water-cooled processor, but it's not like that affects performance anyway.
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