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| Thread ID: 87070 | 2008-02-06 20:46:00 | PC for my parents - Recommendations for specifications. | KiwiTT_NZ (233) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 638085 | 2008-02-06 20:46:00 | My Parents key criteria are: 1) Decent CPU for video-encoding VHS tapes (our 40 year-old home 8mm movies are on them) to Digital format Therefore I believe an Intel Core 2 will be the best for this. In addition, the later version of Skype, requires then to have a "Dual Core" if they want to do HD Video calling later. 2) Software for this video-encoding I thought "Vista Ultimate" as opposed to "XP Media Centre Edition", because the later version would be better supported in the long term. Another alternative I thought about was XP with a 3rd party dedicated Encoder software, but I think the M$ one would be easy to use. 3) 3 year warranty This is a biggie. They want it to last and given previous experiences with past PCs it has proven invaluable. 4) DVI-D output They have a 19" LCD monitor which I gave them after my upgrade to a 22" LCD TV, so I want them to be able to plug it in. So no onboard VGA, but a dedicated graphics card with this. 5) Software They complain about not being able to watch PPS files, and this is after I have multiple times installed, cleaned the registry, the PPT Viewer from Microsoft. So I am determined that they get their own full version of Office with Powerpoint to ensure this pleasure is not affected. 6) TV-In I need a card for this and is there any advantage in getting higher cost version. -------------------------------------- The are basics that are needed as well; Floppy disk, DVD/CD writer, Hard Disk. |
KiwiTT_NZ (233) | ||
| 638086 | 2008-02-06 22:08:00 | The Core 2 Duo 3.0Ghz 6M Cache 1333FSB #E8400 is a good choice, cheap too. As for 3 yr warranties, you will need to buy custom built from a reputable shop. ASUS and Gigabyte motherboards have a 3 year warranty. ALL CPUs regardless of brand and typ are 3 years. Seagate HDDs are 3 years. WD HHDs are 3 years. Kingston, Corsair, Legend RAM all have 5 or more years warranty. ASUS dc/DVD drives have 2 year warranties. Enermax PSUs have 3 year warranties. |
pctek (84) | ||
| 638087 | 2008-02-07 00:36:00 | How's this for $1,700 + GST. Intel E6750 CPU Asus P5K SE Motherboard 2GB DDR2 PC6400 EAM Asus 8400 GS Video Card WD SATA2 320 GB HDD Asus DRW-1814L Asus TA-951 ATX Case Logitech 350 KeyB/Mouse Vista Home Premium Office 2007 Small Business Haupage WinTV-PVR TV Card 3 year warranty |
KiwiTT_NZ (233) | ||
| 638088 | 2008-02-07 02:16:00 | Sure you want to go with Vista? Just that depending on how experienced they are with computers, XP might be easier. On the other hand, my parents have no issues with Vista and actually like its effects:lol: |
beeswax34 (63) | ||
| 638089 | 2008-02-07 02:35:00 | Beh even my mother can use Vista just as well as she did with XP. Granted, all she uses the PC for is Spider Solitaire, Windows Mail and Firefox. |
qazwsxokmijn (102) | ||
| 638090 | 2008-02-07 03:22:00 | Asus 8400 GS Video Card You might want something better then this, an 8600GT is heaps better and still not that expensive. |
stormdragon (6013) | ||
| 638091 | 2008-02-07 03:27:00 | You might want something better then this, an 8600GT is heaps better and still not that expensive. Yip - especially if they want to do lots of video work - your getting a good CPU, might as well get a decent graphics card to go with it. 8600GT is a good choice. |
wratterus (105) | ||
| 638092 | 2008-02-07 09:39:00 | How's this for $1,700 + GST. Intel E6750 CPU Asus P5K SE Motherboard 2GB DDR2 PC6400 EAM Asus 8400 GS Video Card WD SATA2 320 GB HDD Asus DRW-1814L Asus TA-951 ATX Case Logitech 350 KeyB/Mouse Vista Home Premium Office 2007 Small Business Haupage WinTV-PVR TV Card 3 year warranty One thing I would change: Office 2007 - I'd get MS Office XP/2003 - I find I get lots of support calls about 'Where's such-and-such a feature?' due to the new Ribbon interface in Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Access. Best to avoid all that and go with a slightly older version. 2003 is still available from most PC shops. |
jwil1 (65) | ||
| 638093 | 2008-02-07 10:03:00 | No, I say go for Office 2007. Not only will it future proof things but it actually is a pleasure to use. Who knew there were so many features! | beeswax34 (63) | ||
| 638094 | 2008-02-07 10:10:00 | How's this for $1,700 + GST. Intel E6750 CPU Asus P5K SE Motherboard 2GB DDR2 PC6400 EAM Asus 8400 GS Video Card WD SATA2 320 GB HDD Asus DRW-1814L Asus TA-951 ATX Case Logitech 350 KeyB/Mouse Vista Home Premium Office 2007 Small Business Haupage WinTV-PVR TV Card 3 year warranty Basically it is what I've got, very happy with it :thumbs:, would also recommend the 8600GT vid card. |
feersumendjinn (64) | ||
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