Computer shopping

[Blynn]

I am shopping around for a new computer. I purchased a Dell 3 years ago without putting much thought into what I was purchasing.

I never had any problems with it, but it is now seriously outdated and it is time for a new one.

One thing that I have noticed in shopping around is that there are different processors available. I thought the Pentium was the only processor avaliable. I have read good things about Athlon, but I am not sure what the difference is.

Can someone comment or give suggestions on a good system to buy?

Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[webboffin]

I have used AMD and Intel processors. They are really about the same. What one is lesser in one thing it is greater than in another.
Either plugged in a computer I have noticed squat. Both still does the same tasks.

 

[seebs]

Athlon and Pentium are names for basically equivalent products made by different companies. Some people say one is better, some say the other is better. I like the Athlon, but I'm not as happy with the boards that run it - but for reasons that probably won't matter to end-users.

Any strong preference between PC and Mac? For most users, both will work just fine. If you have a lot of existing software, you're probably better off getting the same kind of machine you have now.

I build servers as a hobby, so most of my experience is probably not directly relevant. Of the major brands, IBM is my favorite, by a fair margin. I had good luck with Toshiba, but I think they abandoned the end-user market. I like HP a bit better than Sony, but... Eww. I hate most of the mainstream brands, most of them are jerks.

If you want a decent, but not overwhelming, laptop, I have a spare.

 

[GREG]

i use to work at Dell Computers and will be willing to help you with whatever you may need. I was one over those that made sure you got what you wanted not what I was trying to put in my pocket. I guess that is why half of this city doesn't work there anymore.

 

lol

 

[webboffin]

With commision no doubt

 

[sphiz]

why don't u buy the parts at www.ebuyer.com and assemble it yourself its a lot cheeper that way and you actually know whats in it

 

[GREG]

no commission.................lol

 

[Blynn]

Thank you all for your suggestions and input! Although a new computer purchase for me is still a few months off, I want to do it right this time.

I bought on impulse last time and this time I want to shop around before making a major purchase like this.

Assembling my own is out of the question because I am not good at things like that, but thank you for providing the link sphiz. Very intersting.

I am going to do some more research, but right now I am leaning heavily toward purchasing a HP or a Compaq with the AMD Athlon processor.

One other thing that I would like to ask though; is now a good time to buy a computer or if I buy now will my computer be outdated in a year like last time?

 

[seebs]

It's *always* better to wait; there has been no time in the last 30 years when computers weren't better or cheaper 6 months later.

 

[Blynn]

Thanks seebs.

I have read recently that Dell will stop producing computers that you can use a floppy disk on and soon all manufactures will follow suit. The floppy disk will very soon be a thing of the past. I am just wondering how much more technology will change in the next year or so.

 

[Hojo Hominygrits]

How come you don't want to go with Dell again for your new system?

 

[Deadroth]

Pentiums and Athlons really aren't too different for the home-user. They might have better reputations in the gaming and over-clocking communities respectively , but most modern processors (i.e. last year or so) should be enough for what you need as well as having spare cycles for lounging around.

Memory is important here - don't go home with less than 256mb DDR.
Hard-drive - you should struggle to fill up more than 60gb if you keep your PC spick and span , you might need more if you're a kazaarite or mp3 collector , however. Get at least an ata100 7200rpm. Don't bother with RAID or SCSI , you wont need it.
Software modems are the pits for online gaming , but ok for everything else.
Don't be swayed by the software package.
Don't let yourself get stuck with a PC that does not have an actual , physical , AGP. "Onboard-AGP" , "Integrated-AGP" won't cut it.
LCD's are still too slow for FPS-gaming , but okay(ish) for most other stuff.
WinMillenium should be avoided.

You might be best off getting the tower by itself and using your old peripherals.