Need a new computer???

Much of the time the computer hardware is fine, it is the software junk you have let build up over the years that slows it down. I'm assuming this is a Windows box. How many icons are present on the lower right of the screen? You probably have icons for your internet connection, anti-virus program and the "remove hardware safely" icon for USB devices. Frankly, EVERYTHING after that is junk gumming up the works. I used CCleaner on an old machine recently and it cleared out a ton of junk.

Example story. I tried to sort out my BIL's computer a while back and he refused to let any of the junk go, including that damned music application Kazaa, AKA Hackers Enter Here. After ten minutes of explaining the computer facts of life to him all I got was flapping arms and denial. I left his machine as it was, which is probably why he never uses it any more AND he just got the "Pay $300 and we'll unlock your computer" virus on his laptop.

One more thing, the Microsoft disk defragger for XP is questionable and the one for Vista useless. Go to Auslogics.com and download their free disk defragger AND the registry defragger. It made a difference to my 700 MHz XP box (yes, really) but the big difference was in the 2.6 GHz multi-core Vista box. The speed improvement was huge.
 
Rastoff said:
I was looking on NewEgg and saw this "package" deal:
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!

It may not be the answer, but it's close. Does anyone see a problem with this computer?

The one question I can't find myself is if it will handle dual monitors. Will it, with the video card listed?
Click to expand...


It looks like it will support two monitors IF one uses the DVI interface, and the other uses the HDMI. You're out of luck if you need to connect to a VGA connector on an older monitor. Check the reviews for the card. XFX FX-775A-ZNP4 Radeon HD 7750 Core Edition 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Newegg.com
 
Tom K said:
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.
Click to expand...

Pretty simple solution. I have a 24" monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard sitting on my desk. Either my wife or I can plug in and be running using the extended desktop feature with both the big screen and the laptop.

It's easier (and more comfortable) to sit a laptop on my desk when needed than to sit a desktop PC in my lap on the sofa. :D
 
I'm out.
This sent from my iPad.
Anything I can do, I can do on this thing.
Had PCs for years. This was one of the greatest simplifications I've made.
(I MAY be a luddite)
 
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Robotech said:
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.
Click to expand...

I'm with this guy. Order from Tiger or Newegg and put it together yourself. If you not comfortable doing so just order a complete pc from them. I order everything from tiger and they have really good CS. I prefer building them as I dont like all the extra stuff thats on the ones that are already put together. on the other hand you could possibly just upgrade yours and clean it up maybe get a external HD for all your pics and videos and stuff.
 
Code: 
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5291965&Sku=H24-2407

Thats a pretty nice machine 1TB HD and a decent processor. 4gb ddr3 ram. Comes with a new mouse and Keyboard just use your old lcd if thats what you have. Comes loaded with Windows 7 and a disc for Windows 8 if you choose to load that on it later. I prefer 7 myself. But you can still build one cheaper ordering a bare-bone kit from same website.
 
Code: 
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
Use that to check your processor. The processor makes all the difference in a machine. Have any questions about 2 different ones just ask. Would be glad to help.
 
Buy a copy of "wipe drive" and slick the whole hard drive and reinstall everything. Usually getting rid of all the old clutter will make it feel like a new machine again. Most of the time people find that they don't need more memory because the existing memory is just being used up by junk you aren't really using. I must admit though that Mac seems to be the king for video editing. I used to record events to then burn everything to DVD's. I had a very well loaded HP desktop that the specs said it should blaze through video editing. On a whim I bought a first gen Macbook Pro when Mac went Intel. I was used to the process taking several hours and sometimes erroring out on the HP. Plugged the cam into the Mac and inserted a blank DVD. I think it was 15-20 minues later it spit out a DVD and asked if I wanted to make another copy. I was blown away.
 
Old TexMex said:
This sent from my iPad.
Anything I can do, I can do on this thing.
Had PCs for years. This was one of the greatest simplifications I've made.
(I MAY be a luddite)
Click to expand...
Sorry, but editing pictures and videos cannot be done on a tiny screen like that.

chief38 said:
Go Mac...... You'll never look back!
Click to expand...

Maximumbob54 said:
I must admit though that Mac seems to be the king for video editing.
Click to expand...

arjay said:
Ive never regretted buying an apple computer or device,even after years of use.Cant say the same for win pcs.
Click to expand...
I have never regretted buying any of the PCs I've owned.

This may sound rude, but you guys should go back and read what I posted previously. I refuse to get into the inane Mac vs PC debate.

I owned a Macbook Air and still own an iMac. This new computer will be a PC.
 
To those that have helped, thank you for all your advice and help. I appreciate it very much.


To those that just want to say, "Go buy a Mac", you're not helping. I've already stated a few times that I've owned a couple and don't want another. If you want to help with finding a new PC, fine. Otherwise...
 
I'm not trying to say go buy a Mac. I'm just trying to admit that several years ago I did buy one and one of the things I did with it was some light video editing and was blown away by it. I still would try the Wipedrive and reinstall what you actually need first before buying a new PC and spending all the money. As an FYI I'm still seeing reports that people upgrading to Windows 8.1 are getting some serious blue screen of death type bugs so if you do go new keep that in mind.
 
Rastoff said:
Sorry, but editing pictures and videos cannot be done on a tiny screen like that.





I have never regretted buying any of the PCs I've owned.

This may sound rude, but you guys should go back and read what I posted previously. I refuse to get into the inane Mac vs PC debate.

I owned a Macbook Air and still own an iMac. This new computer will be a PC.
Click to expand...

No, it's not rude to say that, no offense taken, you're o.k., no need to apologise. Glad you have no regrets, neither do I.:D
Like I said, I MAY be a Luddite.
 
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Seems pretty clear to me. Not much different than someone wanting a new revolver and folks telling him about autoloaders.

Ya want a revolver, then ya want a revolver. ;)
 
As an added FYI, before you toss the old 'puter that's chugging along...

Have you ever tired Linux? I've only recently tired Linux Mint and MATE on an old very out of date Sony laptop. It has saved me from scrapping that machine. I can still bebop around on the internet, I downloaded my Google Chrome, and while I won't say it acts brand new again it is operating at a speed I'm impressed with while Win 7 kept crashing on it because it only bearly meets the minimum specs for it. And I'm not trying to steer you to Linux, just saying it might breath some life into what would otherwise be dead.

If you are buying new, I agree with the previous posts about Newegg.com as being hard to beat their prices.
 
Get a refurb...

We bought from Overstock.com and got a refurbished HP with 1 TB and 4 Gig of ram for $265 delivered to my door. My wife spent 1 evening setting it up and it is great.
 
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