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| Thread ID: 78510 | 2007-04-18 08:12:00 | Need a new computer - advice | echothreezero (6612) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 542042 | 2007-04-18 08:12:00 | Hi folks, Back in the deep dark ages (2002ish) I was a major contributor to this forum (under a different alias) and a self-proclaimed computer geek etc, etc, but the years have passed me by as has the new technology. I am still using the same PC I hand built myself in 2001. She was a rocket back then - Asus Mobo with the then new VIA chipset with 400MHz FSB, RAID capable, AMD Athalon 1200Mhz Socket A CPU, a WHOPPING! 256MB DDR 400 RAM, 32 MB NVidia Graphics card and a brand new copy of the then new Windows XP. Blah blah blah - it won't keep up any more and drives me nuts. My question to you guys is - do I send $200 on 1GB of RAM and carry on, or do I need a new machine??? I'm sick of this slow hunk of crap. I have plenty of HDD space for my needs (around 80GB). My CD-RW was a then blisteringly fast Lite-on 48x12x48 and still does all I require (although DVD would be nice but not essential). I have WiFi and hook to my broadband through a wireless network gateway at home. I use the machine for surfing the web, listening to music, watching videos, storing photographs and the odd bit of Photoshop, Microsoft Office etc. But basically it is a web portal and media machine. I will never be using it for games as I'm just really not interested. thanks for the help Graham P (for those with long memories) |
echothreezero (6612) | ||
| 542043 | 2007-04-18 08:20:00 | If your wanting to build yourself a new computer at a reasonable price you should check out this forum posting, it would be worth your while. pressf1.pcworld.co.nz | winmacguy (3367) | ||
| 542044 | 2007-04-18 08:24:00 | Thanks, although I was more looking for advice as to whether to try and upgrade what I have or start again. if I start again, I see no point in a desktop and will be buying a laptop as a desktop replacement. | echothreezero (6612) | ||
| 542045 | 2007-04-18 08:34:00 | Thanks, although I was more looking for advice as to whether to try and upgrade what I have or start again. if I start again, I see no point in a desktop and will be buying a laptop as a desktop replacement. Thats a nice idea... easier to steal and so much more fun using the integrated keyboard and mouse pad thingy... Desktops still have a place if you need flexibility... a notebook is a good backup machine for when needed... good luck... (ps buying extra mem for such an old machine is a waste of good dosh...IMHO) |
zcc (50) | ||
| 542046 | 2007-04-18 08:35:00 | The forum replies should be able to tell you if the cost of upgrading your existing PC would be worth it as they cover the cost of all hardware brands and components against the cost of just buying a new machine. If you would prefer portability over a fixed desktop then a new laptop would be a viable decision. Virtually all new laptops these days are powerful enough to cover all aspects of what you want as well as having good battery life over all. The price of a decent 15" or possibly 17"laptop is also very competitive with a 17" or 19" desktop. |
winmacguy (3367) | ||
| 542047 | 2007-04-18 08:43:00 | I live in the country - we don't have such a problem with theft as you city folk. Reason for laptop would be: Portable so can take away with me on trips. Can sit in my lounge,bathroom, wherever and surf web on wireless. Happy to use integrated keyboard, and usb wireless mouse easy upgrade. Small, compact. Against: hard to upgrade later on. More expensive to buy. I have a 400W Enermax PSU and a large Thermaltake case (2001 model whatever that may be). Could I upgrade the internals and how much to do the following: New mobo and decent CPU as listed in the above mentioned "build your own" thread. New DVD writer. New graphics card 2GB RAM New HDD of sensible proportions - what the hell would I do with 320GB??? I barely use half of the 80GB I have!!! 19" LCD |
echothreezero (6612) | ||
| 542048 | 2007-04-18 08:49:00 | The more I read, the better that sounds Anyone recommend a supplier Auckland or north? I am WAY past searching around on the net to secure the best bargain - it bores me to tears. One good supplier with competitive prices and good service and support will do me. I'm a huge fan of hassle free these days (must be getting old). |
echothreezero (6612) | ||
| 542049 | 2007-04-18 08:49:00 | I live in the country - we don't have such a problem with theft as you city folk. New HDD of sensible proportions - what the hell would I do with 320GB??? I barely use half of the 80GB I have!!! 19" LCD I take it your not into keeping lots of images and movies on your HD, because they can chew up HD space very quickly. Big HDs are actually quite cheap these days. Even a 100GB HD is actually very affordable. |
winmacguy (3367) | ||
| 542050 | 2007-04-18 08:51:00 | Maybe I'm out of touch then. I've only been able to get broadband in my street for 3 months - havn't downloaded many movies as of yet as the damn computer struggels to run them, but I will if or when I can. | echothreezero (6612) | ||
| 542051 | 2007-04-18 08:52:00 | I live in the country - we don't have such a problem with theft as you city folk. New HDD of sensible proportions - what the hell would I do with 320GB??? I barely use half of the 80GB I have!!! 19" LCD I take it your not into keeping lots of images and movies on your HD, because they can chew up HD space very quickly. Big HDs are actually quite cheap these days. Even a 100GB HD is actually very affordable. Not sure about a supplier north of Auckland but you could try pricespy or have a look around Whangarei (pardon my spelling) |
winmacguy (3367) | ||
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