Axim x50v - minimum PC requirements for DVD

[legorgheusa]

This is my first post after lurking for the past week. I just ordered my Axim X50v and can't wait until it arrives! But, I'm totally confused as to the PC system requirements I'll need to record DVDs and transfer to my Axim. I currently have a Compaq Presario that I bought 4 1/2 years ago with Windows ME. Do I need a DVD-ROM, a DVD burner or what? I'm looking at the Sept. Dell catalog and I'm thinking it might be nice to upgrade to a Dell Dimension, but what to add on to it??? I only use my current PC for e-mail, internet, a few games, and downloading my photos. Any help and suggestions would be most appreciated. This site is totally awesome!!!

Welcome to the site! :approve:

DVD ROM needed.
I don't know what the minimum requirements are, but if it is really slow, depending on what method you are using it could take over 24 hours (I think).
I use the autoGK w/dvd decryptor method (I heard it was one of the slower ones) and on my screaming fast laptop, it can take over...(I haven't really timed it) Probably not over 8 hours (more like 4 depending on how long the dvd is).

If you are looking into getting a new computer, RAM is more important for everyday tasks than cpu. I would recommend (if you are on a budget) to go with a cheaper cpu (cheapest???) and get as much ram as possible.

[GuOD]

If you are looking into getting a new computer, RAM is more important for everyday tasks than cpu. I would recommend (if you are on a budget) to go with a cheaper cpu (cheapest???) and get as much ram as possible.

Not exactly the greatest advice. CPU is more important than RAM and for the things you are doing you will only need MAX 1GB of cheap value ram.

[legorgheusa]

I was looking at the Dell Dimension 3000 with Intel Pentium 4 (2.80GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB) with 256 MB shared DDR SDRAM and 16x DVD-ROM; 48x CD burner for $569. Would this work? Or do I need more.... I have only the slightist clue what these specs mean? Thanks for the quick posts!

P.S. My current pc will go to the kids...it's time to upgrade.

i have that computer but i chose to upgrade to 512 mb ram. Most computer "experts" say that the minimum windows needs to operate on is 256mb. As for the computer its a good computer that is reliable, easy to use and has never let me down. take the ram upgrade to at least 512 more if you can afford,it is often cheaper to do this when the cpu is being built than to upgrade down the road. make sure your hard drive is 80 gb or bigger this will give you the space to rip and encode your movies, shawshank redemption broke down to about 7gb, but dont plan on saving alot of them cause they add up fast. BTW there is a guy named rasputinj on this site that has a site that hosts crazy deals for dell. do a search on this site for his name or dell discount in the search box and you should find it. Good luck!

btw the setup you mentioned will allow you to do what you originally asked for. as for encoding it takes a while no matter how you look at it. For me i plan on 2-3 hours per movie on the system you mentioned with the 512 mb ram upgrade.

[FlyACL]

I was looking at the Dell Dimension 3000 with Intel Pentium 4 (2.80GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB) with 256 MB shared DDR SDRAM and 16x DVD-ROM; 48x CD burner for $569. Would this work? Or do I need more.... I have only the slightist clue what these specs mean? Thanks for the quick posts!

P.S. My current pc will go to the kids...it's time to upgrade.

Looks like a nice set up. I too would recomend more RAM if you can afford it. 512 is good, 1MB is even better. The only other think I would think about is a DVD burner. I use mine more then I do the CD burner. I use it to back up DVDs and to store data just like you might with a CD but with much more room. When I backed up our digital pictures it took 7 CDs. When I did it to a DVD, I only needed one. Good Luck~

[currahee2100]

i have that computer but i chose to upgrade to 512 mb ram. Most computer "experts" say that the minimum windows needs to operate on is 256mb. As for the computer its a good computer that is reliable, easy to use and has never let me down. take the ram upgrade to at least 512 more if you can afford,it is often cheaper to do this when the cpu is being built than to upgrade down the road. make sure your hard drive is 80 gb or bigger this will give you the space to rip and encode your movies, shawshank redemption broke down to about 7gb, but dont plan on saving alot of them cause they add up fast. BTW there is a guy named rasputinj on this site that has a site that hosts crazy deals for dell. do a search on this site for his name or dell discount in the search box and you should find it. Good luck!

btw the setup you mentioned will allow you to do what you originally asked for. as for encoding it takes a while no matter how you look at it. For me i plan on 2-3 hours per movie on the system you mentioned with the 512 mb ram upgrade.

Ah yes, but as time flew by and greater applications came into play, they now all say 512MB :approve: I even remember having 256MB on my XP system was enough... until I started to run games.
But i'd aim to look for CPU and have the RAM be 512MB. Seeing that your computer is old, I think it'd be much cheaper and eaisier to get a new system than to upgrade it. Plus with ME you never know what's gonna happen while it's on

[legorgheusa]

Thanks to all for the responses! I'll definitely search for some Dell deals.

[biohzrd]

Yes, dell deals run rampant. NEVER pay the asking price on their site, as often you can get as much as 50% off by combining different coupon codes and $35 off $150 or even the awesome $750 off $1500 ones that were being used for the inspiron laptops. I'll leave it upto you to find some good DEAL SITES on the NET :)

[currahee2100]

Yeah... maybe they're selling it at retail instead of the 'sale price'... just to make the offer more attractive :P

[nawfal]

not too sure if you need a dvd