Help! I need an Tech Opinion on Another New Computer

01.28.04 | mlmr

[mlmr]

I found a computer that looks nice. I am going to have to upgrade to XP pro. I will need to buy a new screen. But I cannot tell if this is a good buy and a good computer. It costs about $900.

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

AMD Athlon™ 64-bit Processor 3200+

Hypertransport™ Technology (1600MHz Bus)

512MB PC2700 DDR Memory

80GB† 7200RPM Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive

CD-RW / DVD-RW Drive w/ Ulead VideoStudio 6

Realtek® Integrated Audio

128MB ATI® RADEON 9200 SE AGP 8x Video Card

56K v.92 Send/Receive Fax Modem

Realtek Integrated 10/100 Ethernet Controller

7 in 1 Digital Media Reader

USB 2.0 and FireWire Interfaces!

Systemax® Internet Keyboard w/ Optical Mouse

Monitor Sold Separately

[mlmr]

Also, if you intend to play games, get something better than a Radeon 9200 (either a Radeon 9600 or GeforceFX 5700).

I never play games.

[Krafty123]

256 is sufficient for XP; 512 is very comfortable, more is only necessary if you need it for a specific program/application (ie not for a home computer).

[al baby]

nope there jusy all my old ones

[Salo]

Seems expensive for the upgrade, and if you can afford 1024 Meg of Ram - or even more, yes.

I am being quoted 190 for XP home to Pro upgrade. Do you mean I should go to 1000 instead of the 512?

[mlmr]

Techie help needed!

[mlmr]

Do you know how much more it would cost me to add memeory?

[The Duke]

My wife and I purchased 3 machines (one for each kid) with exactly these specifications, and including monitor, for about $500 each (maybe a little less). We got these at (I believe Circuit City). The brand name was 'eMachines'.

I was skeptical about these systems, but since unpacking them and turning them on I've been *very* impressed. We added an additional 250 meg of memory to each one with no problems, and the kids are playing all their games with no problems. And, quite honestly, the systems are just a delight to work with (I've also been impressed with the customer support we've received from them via phone when resolving some minor game issues).

The systems are also ergonomically attractive, featuring dual USB ports and headset jacks on the front panel.

By the way, I'm an Electrical Engineer with 21 years of experience working with advanced technologies, which maybe lends a little more meaning to my observations.

I suspect that eMachines has its detractors, and I'm sure there are some negative stories about the brand that have basis in truth, but so far we've been extremely pleased.

DISCLAIMER: I have no business relationship with eMachines.

[Krafty123]

Are you installing it or is the company? It is highly variable, but it will run at least $50.

[mlmr]

nope there jusy all my old ones

I'm impressed!

[mlmr]

Are you installing it or is the company? It is highly variable, but it will run at least $50.

I just called them and they said around 70 and their technical support will walk me through (Boy will they be sorry!)

[billorites]

"Who's that?"

You don't recognize Mr. Barry White?

"The Love God", "The Godfather Of Love" and "The Maestro"?

Whose timeless music ignites romance around the world...

[mlmr]

You don't recognize Mr. Barry White?

He sings? I think that my popular music attetion stopped at a guy with the last name of Brown who wore a cape.

[mlmr]

One can always tell when one has been moved to chat. The thread stops dead.

[xrp]

and what do you have currently?

You might want to check www.neocomputers.com

I got my Athlon 1.4Ghz back in Fall 2001 from them and aside from the memory going bad and me upgrading RAM to 1.5Gb, I've not had a problem with the system at all. You should be able to config a system to meet your requirements for $600 there. Hint: Never go with the absolute fastest processor available, always choose 1 or 2 clock speeds lower. The highest processors are always disproportionately priced higher.

[Severa]

*jaw drop* $900 and it comes with an ATI Radeon 9200? DAMN. That's a helluva system. I'd go for it. Only other thing I'd add besides the XP Pro would be to check the hardware requirements for the software you'll be installing and make sure that 512MB of memory will be enough. I imagine it would but it's always best to check ahead of time.

[mlmr]

So you think it is a good deal.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

That is a good deal, for the most part. You seem to have the software to write DVD but you don't have a DVD writer.
Do you have cable TV? You might consider adding a 250 gigabyte hard drive and an ATI All in Wonder 9600 Pro video card if you have the money. Would allow you to capture CSPAN shows or whatever directly off the cable.

I have been picking up the 250 gig drives at Fry for 150 to 170 after rebate. The video card is 200 to 250.

The AMD64 is just outstanding as far as I am concerned. Mine runs great. Way faster and cooler than the Athlon XP 2000+ I had!

I have 1 Gigabyte of memory and with a tabbed browser , even with 30, 40 windows open the computer mostly waits on me or the Free Republic server or the cable modem! I can browse, post multiple articles , have massive downloads going in the background and processor seems to running like 20 or 30 %.


One should never have to wait on the computer!!!!

With this one and sufficient memory, you won't!!!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Sort of!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

That sounds like the one tigerdirect.com is running a special on.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Upgrade this config from an Athlon 3000+ to an Athlon 3200+ FREE! Click here to go to the configuration page and select the 3200+ CPU when you configure this PC.

Note: Deal ends Friday January 30th

NOW$999!!!!!

This looks good and it has a DVD Writer,I think although not a combo unit.
PCI slots, only has 3 but likely not a problem, could limit future upgrades but I don't see anything to might want to add . The motherboard already has the whole kitchen sink included!

____________________________________________________

Specifications:
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition (Click to upgrade)
• AMD Athlon™ 64-bit Processor 3000+
  Select 3200+ Upgrade for FREE (Click to upgrade)
• Hypertransport™ Technology (1600MHz Bus)
• 1GB PC2700 DDR Memory (Click to upgrade)
• 120GB 7200RPM Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive (Click to upgrade)
• CD-RW / DVD-RW Drive w/ Ulead VideoStudio 6
• Realtek® Integrated Audio
• 128MB ATI® RADEON 9200 SE Video Card (Click to upgrade)
• 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Adapter
• 56K v.92 Send/Receive Fax Modem
• 7 in 1 Digital Media Reader
• USB 2.0 and FireWire Interfaces!
• Systemax® Internet Keyboard w/ Optical Mouse
• 1 Year Limited Warranty
• Configured, Tested, and Shipped within 3 to 5 Days