computer???

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
This is such an overwhelming topic...

I've been researching a LOT, on which digital camera to get. I've NEARLY decided on a Sony DSC-F707 (thanks Jim Cooper!). This is a pretty spanky 5 MP camera. The only thing holding me back is the fact that it will be "too big for my britches" to start with.

Enter a new problem. I'm using an old dinosaur computer..probably 5-6 years old or so. So I started doing searches for computers (like on ebay) and have found that there is an insurmountable number of them for sale online.

Right now I'm typing on a Dell Dimension 2800 with Hitachi monitor(friend's computer) and it's pretty darn nice.

So what kind of pc are you using? Would you buy it again? Where did you get it? What would you look for in one if you were to buy another one?

I've always been big on buying new, but with the amount of pc's on ebay at such low prices (since yesterday's is already old news) it almost seems silly not to get an "almost" new one.

Thoughts? I'm almost scared about the can of worms I just opened ;)

THANKS!
Nick
 
I have a Packard bell with an AMD Athlon XP 2600+, 80GB harddrive, and 256RAM, with the other general stuff like DVD and CD-RW, 2 USB ports. I would buy again, because it was the cheapest computer here!hehe, although nothing compared to how cheap stuff is in america right now. If I were to buy another one I would probably get one with more RAM, but than again I can just buy some and install it myself anyways so it's not really a big deal. For genereal purposes I think most of the new computers are more than fast enough.By the way a more computer knowledge friend informed me that 384MB RAM is more than the general person needs, unless your running servers. You don't really need 2Gigahertz processor either, unless you play mordern games, he uses 1.4 and it runs fine. Hope that helps.
 
I entered a different world this year.I had an old notebook pc about 5 years old. I bought a new sony notebook, that meant xp and it came with adobe photoshop and many other things, light years ahead of the other one especially when hooked up to dsl. I then bought my first digital camera a sony P72.A good digital camera really needs a good computer to get full use .Aprogram like adobe photoshop may not even work with the old system or at least not fully. Get a new pc ,install photoshop, get high speed access and be happy !
 
Nick, all things electronic go by us too quickly for the pocket book to keep up. Even I who makes a living making and keeping running computers for my customer find myself easily falling behind in the technology.

I am not a photography person. I have no aptitude for it. But I can say I bought what I thought was the best for the buck a couple years ago and got 1.3 mega pixels of resolution. I paid about 450 bucks. It is practically worthless on the market now. For a camera go for the highest resolution and zoom you determine you do not mind loosing your expenditure on in a couple years or a little less.

Computers today are adequate for our general purposes except for the overwhelming appetite of continuing new software developments and the new hardware peripherals designed to support these softwares and software services.

One thing we all must realize about the so called 'notebook' computers, and they were not always called that, is that they are not generally hardware upgradable. They are exceptionally subjest to obsolecence. They are the most suceptable to becoming useless of all full purpose computing and should only be considered as a tool of convenience or absolute necessity.

Desk top computers can be, historically to date, hardware upgraded without excess expendeture by those knowing how. The day of this is soon to end though. Before much longer computers will be a throw away item and not servicable or upgradable as we now enjoy them.

Nick, my sincere advise to you is if you are in the market for a newer machine is to forget the mail order route and shop locally at a computer shop. I do not mean a Walmart or a Staples but rather a Mom and Pop operation if you have one close by. You will get better 'I know you' service and you will get a computer built by them (him) that complies with current industry standards. A mail order machine most usually has propriatory electronics and form factors that generally lock you into that particular vendor. I am one of those 'mom and pop' operations and all my systems comply with current industry standards, form factors and all else. You should look for this locally. These machines can be upgraded as time requires by most anyone locally knowing what they are doing. Those knowing what they are doing is growing in number as time passes.

Wheel and deal too.

Roger
 
Man, Roger just nailed it! Shop locally, pay a little more and get decent longterm service to go with it.

I have an iMac that's about 3 years old; I will never, ever, for any reason whatsoever, ever own another Microsoft-driven computer, ever! No way! And I know; I learned on Wintels, use em every day at work. But nope: Mac for me.

This thing is so stable and so pleasant to use that it is a whole other class; and it's not even a 'real nice' Mac, just a basic one that was going out of style, and so was (relatively speaking) cheap. And Nick, when I unpacked it, plugged everything in and turned it on for the first time...it worked, right out of the box. No futzing around with anything, it just worked. And always has.

I have no camera advice; mine sucks and I need a better one, so I'm waiting to see what you end up with - I may just copy you. :D

Dave
 
I broke down this past April and bought a Dell Dimension 4550.

It has:

2.53Ghz processor
512MB memory (didn't need that much, 256 for me would do)
1 DVDrom drive (plays CDs as well)
1 DVD R+W drive (have used for CDs)
128MB graphics card (didn't need)
17 in LCD flat screen. (wouldn't live without)

All this to run AOL software(ugh!)to connect to the Internet.:)
(I have too many socialists known as kids, offspring, or spawns with their own accounts using it!)

Some very good deals right now are with Dell are at the link below:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/advertised_dimen?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

If all you do is primarily use it for Internet access and some odds and ends then these are not a bad deal at all. The $699 deal that includes a 17 in flat panel display (I love mine by the way) is pretty good. The lowest deal at $499 is not bad. All this and free shipping.

You could build your own but why go through the trouble to save $50 to $100 these days.

Why did I go with a Dell desktop or tower? I maintain over 200 of them at work. I feel like the Maytag repairman as far as these PCs are concerned.

As far as the form factors are concerned, I do agree in the case of HP and Compaq but I have been more than pleased with Dell. The darn things just work.

I must agree with Roger, laptops or notebooks (whatever they market them as these days) leave a lot to be desired. However as far as the "mom and pop" shops are concerned, I have seen instances where certain software will not run on some of the machines they have built up. Its not a bad way to go but if you do make sure the software runs before you take it out the door.

Craig
 
Originally posted by NickWheeler
This is such an overwhelming topic...

I've been researching a LOT, on which digital camera to get. I've NEARLY decided on a Sony DSC-F707 (thanks Jim Cooper!). This is a pretty spanky 5 MP camera. The only thing holding me back is the fact that it will be "too big for my britches" to start with.

Enter a new problem. I'm using an old dinosaur computer..probably 5-6 years old or so. So I started doing searches for computers (like on ebay) and have found that there is an insurmountable number of them for sale online.

Right now I'm typing on a Dell Dimension 2800 with Hitachi monitor(friend's computer) and it's pretty darn nice.

So what kind of pc are you using? Would you buy it again? Where did you get it? What would you look for in one if you were to buy another one?

I've always been big on buying new, but with the amount of pc's on ebay at such low prices (since yesterday's is already old news) it almost seems silly not to get an "almost" new one.

Thoughts? I'm almost scared about the can of worms I just opened ;)

THANKS!
Nick
Click to expand...

I have a Dell 82OO with XP pro and all the dings and bells,
up from windows 95 yesyesyes
light years ahead
I've bought used and bought small new, and every
time have been dissatisfied.

they are selling them on e-bay to up grade,,
I say go big `and new so it will last a few more years.
it's a pain for me to get used to the new programs..
I have the MVC-f7 Sony camera that takes the 3 1/2" disk
I've had it for 5 or 6 years and no problems,,
other that the wife dropping it on the floor at blade
this year,( g0d love her, she felt bad),
I fixed it once back home but
I couldn't take the pictures I wanted to while there:(
I'd get the newer Sony again with-out a 2nd thought..
 
I bought a Dell Dimension 4100, three years ago. It is totally outdated now, as far as power, and memory go.
I would definitetly buy Dell again. BTW, free shipping from them for the next week or so.
If you want the special sheet they just emailed me, let me know.
 
Well, I have a computer from a computer shop down the street...it was built to my specs..AMD Athlon XP 2600+, 40GB harddrive, and 512RAM, with the other general stuff like DVD and CD-RW, 6 USB ports, and a 21 inch Sony Monitor, ....I agree with Roger...SERVICE is the number one thing...I have owned 2 Gateways and a Dell in the past...when I upgrade again...it will be the computer store down the street....I am lucky there service is excellent!!!!!:D :D :D
 
I have had several computers through the years. I had one of the first IBM PC's (way back when) ever sold in WA. My reccomendation is think ---------- Dell.
 
Nick, find yourself a computer geek friend and have one custom built,He can build it with top quality parts and it will be upgradable for several years although it probably won,t save you any money, It won,t be a compromise.Paint Shop Pro vs Photoshop will save you a bundle and most lightly would fill your needs...2 cents
 
You have two choices. You can buy locally (know who you are dealing with before you purchase your machine locally), or you can call Dell. I suggest you call Dell if you do not have the expertise to build/repair the machine yourself.

If you are going to spend the money, get all the machine you can afford from whoever you decide to buy from. It may be overkill now, but in 6 months to a year it may be mediocre.

Just for a side note. I prefer Linux far and above anything Microshaft ever put out for software. The learning curve is fairly big, but nothing unsurmountable.

On second thought.....remove the local option and just call Dell. It will make your life simpler, and they will send someone to you if necessary to get things working right if something goes wrong.

Doc
 
I agree. Have some computer geek build you a custom computer. The problem with buying a computer from one of the major distributors is they tend to use whatever components that barely work, and that will bring them the most profits. Motherboards being one of the components skimped on a lot. Manufactured, mass produced computers tend to have onboard sound and video, which is not what you want ideally. Spend some money, and get as much of a computer as you can. I am actually going through this computer building situation myself, and am looking for advice. See my thread in Gadgets & Gear.
 
Nick im with the Boy's here who say get one Custom Built. i built my own 2 year's ago and it out does many that i could have bought for upward's of $3500.00 im not a " Computer Geek " but i talked to many before i built mine . One Piece of Advice on the Camera make sure it is Window's XP compatible ! if not you will find the camera and Computer will "Have Issues " . Good Luck .
 
If you have the money, get a dell dimension 8300 off ebay. It's the only computer I would even think about buying off ebay.
Alot of the custom computers on ebay tend to have cheap bulk packaged parts installed.

Here's what I got for my father off ebay. $830 + s/h BNIB

Dell dimension 8300-
(forgot the MB make)On board LAN,4 slots for Ram modules, 8x agp slot
Pentium 4 2.6ghz proc. 800mhz fsb HTT
512mb of ram 400 mhz pc 3200
Dvd-rw (copier/burner)
80GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
128MB DDR ATI RADEON 9800 Graphics Card w/ TV-OUT & DVI
Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 Card with Dolby® Digital 5.1 capability
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
8 USB Ports (2 Front/6 Back)
keyboard/mouse
Software bundle
Plus it's all under warranty

There isn't a thing you can't do on this comp.. Games wise, you can't really get much better. I had a similar setup with a slightly better graphics card and payed nearly twice as much. Dell sells these for around $1600-1700 I think.
I asked my local puter shop how much it costs to build a similar system. $1900-2200.
Great buy if you ask me.
Gonna grab one for myself when I get the $$.

Ryan
 
Originally posted by Graymaker
I have a Dell 82OO with XP pro and all the dings and bells,
up from windows 95 yesyesyes
light years ahead
I've bought used and bought small new, and every
time have been dissatisfied.

they are selling them on e-bay to up grade,,
I say go big `and new so it will last a few more years.
it's a pain for me to get used to the new programs..
I have the MVC-f7 Sony camera that takes the 3 1/2" disk
I've had it for 5 or 6 years and no problems,,
other that the wife dropping it on the floor at blade
this year,( g0d love her, she felt bad),
I fixed it once back home but
I couldn't take the pictures I wanted to while there:(
I'd get the newer Sony again with-out a 2nd thought..
Click to expand...


The problem with buying a computer from one of the major distributors is they tend to use whatever components that barely work, and that will bring them the most profits
Click to expand...


Danbo Sorry but that's hog wash to lump them all together,
imho some guys
still want to stay in business making computers

(I wanted to add because of the puter geek guy down the road thoughts.
Keep in mind some may be good some may not be...
In computers anyone that knows
more about them than you or me or someone else is good.
just hope your right when you hand over the money.
if we know more then we could build our own right?

My last one was built by my local internet host 19 miles down
the road( and I know these guys.., I don't default them
(much anyway)
but it's the worst one I ever got,
out of 8 or 9 now(I got two boys in college too.)

win,95 in it was one of the problems ,
it was when 98 just came out with it's bugs..

The hard drive toasted in 3 months. the mouse went bad, the
zip drive killed 3 of my backed up files before it got replaced by Omega
and the monitor screwed, up while most of it was under warranty,
I could have done without all the down times, and all the software problems.
I will say the Dell guys are big enough and they want to stay in
business,, and they have too take care of their customers if not
they would have been gone by now, the UMO
(university Of Maine Orono here uses Dell and have for some time now.
..I had a gateway too :rolleyes: you do what you want.
I have a friend that works for citi Bank doing their programming
and he said he'd kill to have my computer.
if it wasn't for him
I would have killed myself years ago on the last one I owned.
I had years of stuff that he retrieved that I thought was toasted.
I'll take he's word on this stuff,,I barely know how to turn the
computer on compared to this guy. I bought the Dell and he likes it
:D
 
Everyone mentions about how the computers can become obsolete in a couple of years. For a person who uses it for normal use, that doesnt really matter. Unless your going to play online games that are hi res or download and play huge videos, than even computers from a couple of years back with 600mhz processors are fine. of course if you can afford it, than there is no reason to get the best, it's just not necessary for most.
 
Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell.
Canon camera.
 
Thanks for the advice fellas :)

If you all knew what I've been using and how little it has kept to keep me somewhat satisfied, you would just laugh. The biggest fanciest whiz bang pc is not something I need.

About the only thing I will use it for is going online, downloading/editing photos, and typing up certficate's for customers. I have never been a video game guy, don't play video's or songs on my pc....

And I'm am sooooo far from being a computer snob, that buying the latest and greatest just to say that I have it is the last thing I'd do.

I do appreciate the advice, and will explore all of it.

THANKS!
Nick
 
I would really call Dell. You won't get one built by the mom and pops as cheap or well made for 5 to 600 bucks.

I have built over the years all of my computers but the one I work with at the office now, and I would not hesitate to call Dell just to save me the aggravation of stuff not working.

If you really don't need that much out of one, and it really doesn't sound as though you do, I would just call Dell. You have to be honest with yourself though. If you have kids that play games and stuff then you may want to talk to the mom and pop shops. I used to own one of those shops and I know they all appreciate the business, but they will tell you that they have a hard time competing with Dell on any level be it hardware or warranty.

Doc
 
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