Need a new computer???

[Rastoff]

I've been squeeking away on this PC for some time now. It's got a 1.8Ghz Dual Core processor and 2GB of RAM. It has a 200G HDD and I'm running out of room. (Anyone remember when we thought 40MB HDD would be more than we'd ever need?)

Anyway, processing photos has become slow and attempting video is an exercise in hurry up and wait, if it doesn't just freeze up.

So, got any suggestions for a new machine? I'd like to run two monitors if I can.

 

[finesse_r]

My last two computers have been Dell desktops. I am currently using a three-year-old Dell desktop Inspiron. It is very fast with everything I do with it. It's has a 3.2 Ghz processor with 4GB of high speed RAM. I find the 500GB hard drive to be inadequate, and I used external hard drives for additional space and to keep everything backed up in case the thing should ever crash.

Unfortunately I use a dial up connection so my online activities are limited some by the slow phone lines, but that is not the fault of the computer.

I used to run dual monitors on old IBM clones so I am certain you can do that with an Inspiron, as long as you have the proper dual monitor card installed. I no longer need two monitors, and I have not for many years, so the technology is probably much better today. Good dual monitor cards were about $150 back then, and should be a lot less today.

 

[Robotech]

For a desktop computer, I build my own. You can get a lot more capability for much less money, and pick the components you need or are most important for what YOU want to do with it. The name brand machines are overpriced, and I've found that customer support quality is, um, 'uneven' at best.

Of course, I'm an engineer (Among other things...), so designing and building my own from off-the shelf components isn't a big deal. Many people new to building their own might start with a "bare bones" kit from a supplier such as Tiger Direct or NewEgg, and add the remaining components they want. You can also easily upgrade individual components later if you find that you need to.

In some areas you may even be able to find classes being taught on building PCs, so you get the help you need as well as a custom machine.

Working a lot with photos and video, I'd recommend going with a faster multi-core processor, lots of main memory, and a separate video card (Not video built-onto the motherboard!), with as much memory as you can afford if you're wanting to run two monitors at high resolution. Also, use a 64-bit operating system rather than 32-bit, otherwise you're limited on how much main memory you can actually use.

I also use a second internal hard drive and an external networked drive for video and photo storage, so as not to clutter up the C: drive. Traditional 'spinning' hard drives are fine for storage, but some people are going to solid-state drives for the main C: drive for the speed.

 

[Smithsrevenge]

Desktop. Build your own, or find someone that can. You can get 1TB harddrives, up to 3.5-4Ghz processors and 10GB of ram easily for not much money at all. Alienware is good on them, Newegg has a LOT of stuff for them, Liquid coolers etc. Don't be afraid to spend a little extra for some good stuff either. That will last the next 5-10 years. Not necessary but think of it like a gun.....if you're spending 500 on a smith, why cheap out and get a highpoint :-D

Laptops........Only brand I use is ASUS. They are really well built, ridiculously powerful, fast as heck and last forever. Typing on one now that cost me about $500 off the shelf and has not given me a single issue in the past year and a half.

 

[perrazi]

my current one is a dell that was bought for gaming. has 16gb ram and 1.5 tera memory. don't remember the video cards but there were top of the line when I bought the machine two years ago. haven't used it for the reason I bought it,but it sure holds a lot and is fast.

 

[Rastoff]

Years ago I had built a couple of computers. Time marches on and I have not kept up with technology. I'm not opposed to building one, I'm just not sure I'm up to it.

 

[dcxplant]

iMac running Mavericks.

I have a mid-2011 27in iMac, combined with a MacBook Air, iPad, and iPhone 5S. Yeah, a bit of a Mac addict…

The new Mavericks OS on the Macs runs really well with multiple screens, and a lot of premium apps come free that Apple was charging for.

 

[Robotech]

Years ago I had built a couple of computers. Time marches on and I have not kept up with technology. I'm not opposed to building one, I'm just not sure I'm up to it.

I'd say that if anything, it's gotten easier to build your own computer, except that your component choices have multiplied exponentially...

Probably the biggest single change is the switch to SATA interface drives internally.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

iMac running Mavericks.

I have a mid-2011 27in iMac, combined with a MacBook Air, iPad, and iPhone 5S. Yeah, a bit of a Mac addict…

The new Mavericks OS on the Macs runs really well with multiple screens, and a lot of premium apps come free that Apple was charging for.

We just got around to downloading this. a bit different but seems fine so far. We are Apple people here and I could start a museum with the ones I have in my closet. We both got new machines last Spring so I hope they work for awhile. I use Aperture but you need the LATEST update or it wont even open, at least mine wouldn't.

Here is a little Downy Woodpecker that stopped by yesterday.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

I'm in the same boat, for different reasons. I'm running WXP SP3 and it works fine for an old duck like me. However, Microsoft stops supporting WXP for security updates etc around April of next year. All of the technical people and colleagues that I know have recommended migrating to Windows 7 and not Windows 8. I want to continue to use my FP monitor and have no desire to use my fingers on that screen. I plan to migrate to W7 in January, skip W8 altogether, and then go to W9 or whatever MSFT calls it. W7 will support a dual monitor configuration.

I've also owned many Dells since 1990 and they have always worked great for me. I buy the Optiplex (business) product line systems. More reliable, fewer problems. Dell went from a public company to a private company yesterday. Their 4th Quarter and fiscal year both end around January 31st. That's when the great buys are offered. I'm counting on them having their act together by that time.

Microsoft has a free Windows 7 Migration Analysis software tool on their website. You can download and run it and determine which of your software programs will work with W7, and which ones won't. I'm still using Quicken 2000 (imagine that) and it's history. The 64-bit version is best. 1 TB HDDs are almost standard. I remember when we paid $1/MB for a HDD.

The only problem that I see is that hardware vendors are defeaturing W7 machines in terms of options to "force" customers to go to W8.

I just bought a new W7 Optiplex for my wife in January. If anyone is interested, send me a PM with your e-mail address and I'll send you the detailed configuration. It's an $1,800 PC which Dell sold us for just under $1K. You can also defeature that configuration to save $$$ if you wish.

 

[Hack]

So, got any suggestions for a new machine? I'd like to run two monitors if I can.

My main desktop is a re-manufactured HP. Every now and then you can find one of their top of the line machines that has been re-manned at a good discount to new. 1 year basic warranty.


It's got an Intel I5 processor running, IIRC, at 3.2, 8g of memory, and 1tb HD. I added a 1.5tb external HD.

I run 4-23" Viewsonic monitors on it:


The multiple monitors necessitated a 'downgrade' in the original video card, as the 4 monitor card had less on board memory. I don't notice any difference, but I don't game.

If I was into gaming, I'd either build one or have one built with smoking hot crossfired dual video cards.

 

[NCTexan]

No matter what you finally decide to buy... rest assured that new applications and your expectations will surpass it over time.

I remember when I thought my new Radio Shack TRS-80 with 4k of RAM and audio tape recorder storage was the "ultimate" on my desk top.

 

[Hack]

I remember when I thought my new Radio Shack TRS-80 with 4k of RAM and audio tape recorder storage was the "ultimate" on my desk top.

Yeah, my Vic 20 was the bomb....

 

[fdw]

Was always a windows man till about a year and half ago. Went to Mac and never looked back.

Get a Mac.

Personally I like the iMac but you can step up and go as big as you want to go.


Apple - iMac

 

[Tom K]

I don't understand how people can use a laptop as their primary machine. I had to use one for a couple of weeks while traveling for work, and having to look down at the screen instead of straight ahead for a desktop monitor just killed my neck. And the keyboard sucks in comparison - at least I had a mouse and didn't have to use that miserable trackpad.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Sounds like your computer has the hardware to cruise the Internet as well has handle pic and vid files just fine. If you want more RAM and more storage, you can get it dirt cheap these days. Around $100 for both a 1TB external and 2G more RAM. Dual monitors is as easy as dropping anther cheap vid card in it.

Or.... Last year I picked up an HP open box at BestBuy for the wife (work related) with Windows 7, 1TB drive and 4G RAM for $250. Despite what people say about Windows, it has been bulletproof.

I have a ton of Apple equipment. Pricey stuff, but worth it to me due to how all the devices work together, especially to deliver music and movies throughout the home and away. But to spend the extra money just to surf the Net I don't think is really worth it. I very much enjoy the 27" screen on my iMac. You'll pay a considerable amount for a monitor of equal quality with a Windows machine. Dual monitors is plug and play with any monitor with any native resolution.

For many years I used DELL. I liked their prices and ease of customizing a purchase to exactly what I wanted.

(Anyone remember when we thought 40MB HDD would be more than we'd ever need?)

Yup. That's what was on my IBM PS/1. Figured that would be all I would ever need. My underestimating storage needs has been consistent through the years. When I bought my iMac three years ago I figured a 1TB drive would be more than I could ever use. When I found out I was once again wrong... I bought a 2TB external drive fully confident that would satisfy any additional storage needs. I now have 100G free space remaining.

 

[Comrad]

They are a little pricey but get a Mac, there is nothing like it for easy of use and TROUBLE FREE operation. I spent my life in the PC windows world from PC DOS 1.0 up to Windows 7 then got a MAC. Wow, I never knew what I was missing, been over a year now and not one problem, lightening fast start up and shut down and killer graphics. If you can't live without MS apps, they make a version that runs on a MAC.

 

[bobf]

Years ago I had built a couple of computers. Time marches on and I have not kept up with technology. I'm not opposed to building one, I'm just not sure I'm up to it.

You're up to it. I recently built my first one and really enjoyed it. I would like to do it again but don't need another one.

There are a lot of videos on Newegg that will go thru it.

If you have time it's fun researching and selecting the components.

For my C: drive I used a Samsung digitial HDD with only the operating system on it, all files and programs are on a 2TB Western Digitial Black HDD.

An ASUS mother board, a generation 4 Intel processor and 16gb ram. A good graphics card, my monitors are a 23" and my 55" TV.

 

[Rastoff]

Well, I took a year to do the research for my .308Winchester rifle and scope. I guess I can focus my efforts on building a computer.

I should have said initially that I'll not get an Apple product. I refuse to get into the debate so, I'll just leave that as is. Before you start, we have an iMac so, I already know about them and they're not for me. I don't like coffee either.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I do need to upgrade because processing videos in Adobe Premiere is really bogging my system down. Just processing photos with Photoshop is really slowing things down. My 1.8Ghz Dual Core processor is just too slow and 2GB of RAM is pathetic these days.

I will look into a build.

 

[ChuckS1]

Years ago I had built a couple of computers. Time marches on and I have not kept up with technology. I'm not opposed to building one, I'm just not sure I'm up to it.

It's easier than ever to build your own. You can get 10X the computer for the price you'd pay at Dell or Best Buy. Like others have said, Newegg is the place to buy.