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| Thread ID: 43308 | 2004-03-10 07:54:00 | new computer for 2.5K | berniebee (5367) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 221568 | 2004-03-10 19:39:00 | > I have about $2500 for a new computer, my main use > for it is family and internet. > > It will not be used for gaming. > > My main priorities are good sound system, Monitor > must be at least 19" or 17" if a flat one. > > A good processor but not top of the range with enough > ram and hard drive to keep me going. > > I have seen Dell site and they seem very good value. > > Anyone else have any thoughts? > > ta > > Bernard As some of the others have said in amongst all the other posts, there is no need to spend that much on a computer that you intend to use just for the internet. Try looking at tastech.co.nz they have some good prices for complete systems just for the family and the components are mostly good brand names. You can get a good internet computer for about $1100 then you can spend the rest on the money on other things such as a nice desk and or comfortable chair. Don't go overboard with the price if you aren't going to use it to play high spec games or do intensive video compression editing, you could even uses the extra $1000 you have left over to get one or two years orth of adsl service etc. Good luck. |
Odin (227) | ||
| 221569 | 2004-03-10 20:25:00 | buy the cheap 2nd hand PC around 800 MHZ and upwards is fine thats all you need for just surfing and family use get a decent 21" monitor, fit a audigy sound card into the system and hook it up to a stereo system for the best sound. | kiwibeat (304) | ||
| 221570 | 2004-03-10 20:33:00 | This is what I reccommend for a good basic system for home use and a bit more . Firstly get a custom built PC from a local manufacturer, ensure they belong to CMANZ or computer manufacturers association of new zealand . very inportant as this means if they go bust then CMANZ will continue the warranty etc and they also have set standards to meet in building your system . Go for either a pentium4 or AMD athlon processor . Avoid celeron or duron if possible . 2 . 4GHZ or 2500xp would be the minimum speed I suggest . 256Mb DDR ram is OK but try to stretch to 512 if possible 80GB hard drive and ensure it is 7200rpm NOT 5400 . The speed makes a difference as the slower drive means your pc is slower accessing data . Add a graphics card as this helps take the load off your memory and more and more software is graphics intensive . Unless you are planning on extensive networking etc stick to Windows XP home edition DVD/CDRW combo unit . DVD drives are still falling in price at the moment and once they get cheaper you can always add it into your system . Takes about 5 minutes to put one in . 56k modem . Even if you are planning to get jetstream/start add the modem as a back up Keyboard is personal choice as different people like the feel of different units but most systems will come with a basic unit . Optical mouse . Apart from being optical once again personal choice 17" crt or tube screen or 15" LCD . Most manufacturers have now switched main production over to 17" LCD so prices are dropping as they become mainstream but still have a way to drop yet . Software Norton Anti Virus . Yes you pay but I believe it is still the easiest to set up and use for the beginner to average user . Forget the version with firewall etc or systemworks just grab the basic anti virus . Firewall is free off the net or PC World cd Office software Your choice once again but Microsoft Office is still one of the most popular and commomnly used so more help etc should be available . If you know someone with student ID get them to buy your copy . Will save you a fortune . Picture Editing programs Once again free from the net . As a general rule if they are throwing in heaps of software then they have skimped elsewhere to keep their profit margin . You are buying the basic PC not a cornucopia of programs . Printer Canon or epson . Personally I prefer Canon but look at a unit from the i560 upwards . Something with individual ink tanks . Always ask how much to replace the ink tanks as refilling voids warranties on printers so don't plan on that in the first year . Speakers TDK tremor are nice sounding units at an ok price . I have the 60w versions here and are more than enough . Webcam,microphone,assorted paraphenalia NO wait till you need it and then look carefully . I have a webcam . scanner,micrphone and other assorted "wonder" toys that I thought I really needed or wanted . Every so often my kids dust em off and have a play and thats about it . |
dipstick01 (445) | ||
| 221571 | 2004-03-12 00:07:00 | What is the opinion of the panel::)) on Dell, i have been comparing there custom built machines a 3.2GHz w/HT Desktop which retails at approx $2500, it can be found at dellstore01.dell.com.au I have tried to build a few machines on line and they cost more for the same kind of specs or am I doing it wrong? Your opinions would be great. |
berniebee (5367) | ||
| 221572 | 2004-03-12 03:30:00 | Argh! That link has expired so we can't see what system you chose . :-( Generally Dell has a good name and reputation and I have heard very few complaints about them here, if any . One of the biggest problems with Dell is their support . If you get stuck you may have to talk to an overseas (sometimes Indian!) person about your problem and I have heard of communication difficulties occuring . Whether that applies to NZers trying to get assistance I don't know but if something goes wrong with your computer you will have to send it away for them to look at/repair it which means being without it for a while . If you buy from a local shop it should be easier and quicker to get it seen to . If you feel happier buying from Dell then go that way but I personally, and a lot of others here, would rather go for a custom built machine . Why? For control over the exact parts used, for one thing . :-) |
Susan B (19) | ||
| 221573 | 2004-03-12 03:57:00 | To look at what I choose go to www1.ap.dell.com Go to desktops and look at DimensionTM 8300 Desktop |
berniebee (5367) | ||
| 221574 | 2004-03-12 04:10:00 | with that pc i would get the sound card upgrade, add a floppy drive and if your a bit of a gamer upgrade the video card. unfortunatly they do not tell you things like how many pci slots are spare and the actuall brands of parts. dell is known to customise its parts eg slow down the video card even tho its still got the same model number as the faster ones. also drivers can be fun later on. just make sure you get everything you need and don't plan on upgradeing later. dell support i here is quite good. don't know what replacement part prices are like tho. |
tweak'e (174) | ||
| 221575 | 2004-03-12 06:03:00 | Can you recommend a computer shop in Christchurch to build a good system? | berniebee (5367) | ||
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