Looking for a new moderate computer - suggestions please

08-29-07, 03:23 PM

OK, my mom needs a new computer, and after looking at the low end models at Dell Gateway and such, and talking with my wife, I think I am going to give my current computer (with XP) to my mom and get a new one for me. (the basic PCs I looked at are all much better than mine).

So, I looking for a simple unit; it does not need to be the fastest or anything like that. I don't do too much with it that I need super power on my home computer.

I'm trying to stay under $500,
I have an external DVD burner, external HD (big enough), flat screen that is pretty good, so I think I can save a little money by not having to get a DVD burner, and not needing a 200Gig HD, for example.

[b]1.[/b] As I've said I have looked some, but would like suggestions on any particular brands (I looked at 2 of the cube or mini computers, but don't know too much about them, but their small size is appealing).

[b]2.[/b] Another area I am not too sure about is the Processor. Any suggestions abouit what is good, and what to avoid?

[b]3.[/b] And. lastly, what about Vista? Some places only have Vista, some don't at all; and some have both (your choice).
Are there problems with Vista and Active Sync (I use version 3.9 with my Axim X5)?

Thanks.

**radimus** · 08-29-07, 04:15 PM

as far as PCs go, the typical user only needs the lower end of the current device crop. I tell all my co-workers to just go to dell and buy the front page special with any descretionary money going to larger screens and warranty (3 years at most)

If they need extra memory, that can be done after the fact... but 512-1gb is plenty and typical for new machines.

as a ballpark $400-$600 depending on screen size and warranty.

Processor is of little concern any longer, you will come across fanatics that swear by one or the other, but the reality is that AMD is a mature product and either will crash just as easily runing XP or Vista :)

If expediency is an issue, Dell sells to prepackaged systems at WalMart for $400 and $600 respectively and then you can upgrade the warranty at Dell.

Vista doesn't use ActiceSync, but the new service of "Mobile Device Center"... I'd expect it to work fine. It works fine on my 8525.

You can watch [url=http://www.techbargains.com]Techbargains - dell coupons discount computer sale buy cheap digital camera cheap laptop Best Buy tech bargain - Techbargains.com[/url] and wait for Dell to post their sales for the week, usually on every other Thursday

BTW, if you are gamer, then the low end box isn't what you need... Aim at $1000-1600, unless you live and breathe Counterstrike

Julie · 08-29-07, 05:07 PM

[quote=radimus;1059146400]If they need extra memory, that can be done after the fact... but 512-1gb is plenty and typical for new machines.

Vista doesn't use ActiceSync, but the new service of "Mobile Device Center"... I'd expect it to work fine. It works fine on my 8525.
[/quote]

Everything I've read about Vista is that for Vista to run well, the recommended minimum RAM is 1 GB. So I think you'd want to get your RAM at least to the minimum and maybe even more.

julie

Gigi · 08-29-07, 06:43 PM

[QUOTE=Julie;1059146421]Everything I've read about Vista is that for Vista to run well, the recommended minimum RAM is 1 GB. So I think you'd want to get your RAM at least to the minimum and maybe even more.

julie[/QUOTE]

Actually, I've heard that the minimum is actually 2GB!!! :hide:

**radimus** · 08-29-07, 07:15 PM

[QUOTE=Gigi;1059146462]Actually, I've heard that the minimum is actually 2GB!!! :hide:[/QUOTE]

now now.. I'm running on a few machines at work... a 1gb tablet, optiplex 620 w/1gb, latitude 520 w/1gb, and optiplex 745 w/2gb.

It runs fine on 1gb... if you want a performance machine then of course 2gb is better... but then again, it always was better to double the average ram in any OS

aleki · 09-17-07, 12:19 PM

it may be a little late, but have you considered building your own?

i recently put a enthusiast's pc together for under 800 bucks.

specs include -items in bold are what most pc vendors advertise-
$150 - antec p180
[B]$125 - core 2 duo 4400 (overclocked and completely stable at 3ghz)[/B]
$111 - neo2fr (p35 motherboard)
[B]$99 - msi 8600gt oc[/B]
[B]$51 - 2gb crucial ballistix ram (currently overclocked to 1ghz @ 4-4-4-10)[/B]
$85 - 700w ocz gamexstream psu
[B]$75 - 320gb harddrive[/B]
$30 - lg dvd burner (sata version)
$20 - arctic freezer 7 pro (need to keep that hardworking cpu cool)

there are ways to trim down on the costs, like the case that i bought for example. that ran me $150. you could get away with one for 20-30. i just feel that building your own computer can save you some serious dough. my computer scores a 5.6 out of 5.9 on the vista performance test, and the only thing holding me back is my video card and processor (even though it plays games beautifully)

vista pairs fine with the axim. i kinda like the mobile device center versus activesync due to its simple interface and ease of navigation. the only known bug with mobile center is that when you have a device docked and you are listening to music through windows media player, then you close wmp, the music keeps playing. the problem goes away after closing it through task manager the first time though.

in terms of vista vs xp. vista has far more going for it than xp. ive been through the whole xp wave when it first came out, and all i remember were people bashing me for having xp and not windows 98. vista is going through the same criticizm right now, but when microsoft works out the kinks. it will kick xp's behind

spunker88 · 09-17-07, 06:47 PM

Alright here is my 2 cents:

-Go through dell or hp, they seem to have the best prices.
-If u are good with technology and will be one of the only people using that pc, get vista. Youll have a newer os for later down the road when the sp come out, and you wont have to pay for the upgrade.
-Get enough ram for vista. Sometimes its cheaper to buy aftermarket, but depending on what version u want, basic is okay with 1gb, but any other "better" version should have 2gb.
-Get a Core 2 duo processor. These are a good processor. I used to reccomend p4, but they are disc. STAY AWAY from plain ol celerons and amds. They are slow even with xp, i cant imagine how bad they could ruin a vista experience!

You can usually get better deals through dell small business, all u have to do is fake a small business, just make up a name with ur address. Small business also offers both xp and vista. Dell home offers only vista.

U cant use as with vista, youll need mobile device center.

**radimus** · 09-17-07, 07:04 PM

You do not need to fake "Small Business" it doesn't matter.

stevenator65 · 09-17-07, 09:24 PM

I have Vista with 1GB of ram. I recommend 2GB. Ram is relatively cheap anyway. Also, all the advice on this thread has been excellent. Except Radimus'. Don't listen to him. Otherwise it's all good:).

musicetime101 · 09-25-07, 04:59 AM

Do you want a desktop or a laptop?
Here I got to know a good laptop on sale righ now for $499 :
[url=http://www.dealstudio.com/viewtopic.php?t=31691]dealstudio.com :: View topic - Dell Inspiron 1501 AMD 1.8GHz 512MB 60GB Notebook $499 :: Deals, Coupons, Rebates, Freebies, Discounts, Bargains[/url]
Mobile AMD Sempron 3500+ (1.8GHz/512KB) ,this CPU speed is quite fast .
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic.
15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display; 512MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ, 1 DIMM; Size: 60GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM).
With multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media .
As for the OS ,right now most of the pcs use the vista ,so you can believe in it .
How do you like it , I think it is worth while . Hope this helps.