| Forum Home | ||||
| Press F1 | ||||
| Thread ID: 51218 | 2004-11-14 20:35:00 | Advice on choosing a family computer, please. | MattG (6409) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 292074 | 2004-11-14 21:45:00 | > External ethernet is more reliable than both USB and > internal. It probably would not make much difference > to a modern machine but, USB and PCI use the PC's > resources to do their job whereas the ethernet > routers are almost entirely independent. One less USB > port taken up, once peripherals are considered or, > one less PCI slot taken up (ethernet router can be > used as LAN switch) on a board that will probably not > have a surplus of either. The addition of NAT with, > in some models, a hardware firewall in a router, > provides more security which I would consider > important in a mixed use, internet, environment. Thanks. I'll still stick with my internal and software firewall for simplicity until I learnnetworking or need a LAN. > PCI use the PC's > resources to do their job whereas the ethernet > routers are almost entirely independent. Could that mean an improvement in online gaming? |
Greg S (201) | ||
| 292075 | 2004-11-14 21:51:00 | Thanks Susan B. Computer Medic is the one on Guyton Street, right? We went there a couple of weeks ago and had a look. Got talking to the salesman but we left even more confused than when we went in! I gather the owner is one of the people here? Perhaps I'd be better talking to him maybe. But my wife thinks that a bigger store would be better, we have some friend who bought a computer from a company that went bust last year. The thing broke and they had to get a new one. | MattG (6409) | ||
| 292076 | 2004-11-14 21:57:00 | Doh! That would have been me,Owner and salesperson. |
metla (154) | ||
| 292077 | 2004-11-14 21:58:00 | Oh, sorry! | MattG (6409) | ||
| 292078 | 2004-11-14 22:00:00 | Nothing to be sorry about,If you left confused then thats a failing at my end. | metla (154) | ||
| 292079 | 2004-11-14 22:00:00 | > Computer Medic is the one on Guyton > Street, right? We went there a couple of weeks ago > and had a look. Got talking to the salesman but we > left even more confused than when we went in! I > gather the owner is one of the people here? Perhaps > I'd be better talking to him maybe. Yeah it's not uncommon for computer people to talk above folks' heads - but the reason you won't find that in larger chains is probably because of less knowledge. You have online communities like this for help when you do get confused. but most importantly, the smaller independents will probably give you real advice, compared to the 18 y/o salesman just trying to meet his sales budget. Also, if something goes dramatically wrong in a custom built PC you will likely only need to replace a part or reinstall some software - whereas a chain store's machines are a lot more difficult to repair, and whose to say the chain store won't go bust either... lots of precedence for that here in NZ. |
Greg S (201) | ||
| 292080 | 2004-11-14 22:03:00 | Yes, that is the shop we are all talking about . It is owned by Metla here, one of the most experienced members of this forum, hence all the digs for him . We can't guarantee that Metla won't go bust in the near or distant future but there is no guarantee that any other store in Wanganui, Auckland, Christchurch or wherever won't either . Beetle, another PF1 member, is very happy with the computer that Melta put together for her and unlike buying from Dick Smith, Harvey Norman, etc a computer from Metla will have Windows right up-to-date as well as have alternative, safer programs to what comes with Windows, eg Firefox browser . I am surprised that you came out of his shop confused - maybe your computer knowledge appeared to be greater than it actually is? I would suggest going back (take your wife with you if you can) and ask for Metla and ask him to explain what he is talking about in more simple terms . He is very good at explaining things simply here when asked . Not sure if I should refer you to this thread ( . pcworld . co . nz/thread . jsp?forum=1&thread=53281&start=0&msRange=50" target="_blank">pressf1 . pcworld . co . nz) or not but it is a good read if you can ignore the bickering and flame posts . |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 292081 | 2004-11-14 22:26:00 | Thanks again Susan B. I read through the other conversation. Sorry, but I won't be going back to Metlas shop. He doesn't seem very professional after reading some of his comments. But I have taken on a lot of new info and I'm trying to digest it. | MattG (6409) | ||
| 292082 | 2004-11-14 22:26:00 | Probally not a good idea to refer to that thread.... Anyhow,Granted im not good at being a self critic but sometimes its hard to balance the amount of info to give to someone,Trying to pass along enough info for someone to make an informed desicion can often swamp people,And depending on the customer sometimes the completely wrong aproach to take. |
metla (154) | ||
| 292083 | 2004-11-14 22:27:00 | Matt . . . . you seem to be on the "keep it simple road" which is the way to go . PC's are like cars - it's very easy to be seduced by optional extras . You have specified your requirements and Metla has suggested that a $1200 machine will do the job well . He has even agreed that a celeron-based PC will satisfy your needs . The choice is yours . At that price level you won't really go wrong wherever you buy . Just satisfy yourself on two things: 1 . The PC meets your requirements (if you want a 17-inch LCD then get it) and you are not paying for unwanted extras . 2 . You get a warranty that you are happy with . The ability of the vendor to support your machine is the most important factor to consider . As to internet connections, with two teenagers you should go for broadband . They may hog the internet but you will at least have the phone . Telecom is the "keep-it-simple" solution . If you are already a Telecom customer you can get a 1 Mbps/3 Gb connection for $44 . 95 a month . With a little discipline 3 Gb should meet your teenagers requirements . This thread has already covered the options you have for an ADSL connection . They will all work, although some are better than others, but on the economy front Telecom have an offer going until 12 Dec in which you will get a free Self Install Kit (modem, 2 filters and all cables) and a free connection . It is a $199 saving and well worth considering . You can be up and running for $1200 total - that's not too bad . |
Raymondo (5284) | ||
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 | |||||