Posted on 09/02/2007 12:44:29 PM PDT by hc87
I need some help with a new computer purchase. I'm going to be replacing my almost seven year old computer (1 gz Athlon processor) and would like some advice from Freepers who know PCs. My general philosophy on PC purchases over the years has been to invest in a higher-end processor in a new computer and then plan to do mid-life upgrades on other components over the years. I've had great luck with my HP Pavilion and probably will look first at an HP mail order custom build, starting with one of their media center PCs. That being said, I would be interested in what people think about the following:
1. XP or Vista? If Vista, what flavor?
2 Processor. Single, Core 2, Quad? What speed?
3. Hard drive. Size? Two on board or just one? Portable back up?
4. Graphics Card? I'm more of a Civilization-type/Strategy gamer than anything else. I don't need bleeding edge graphics but would like room for growth.
5. Networking. Probably will use the new machine as the hub of network and use the old one as a kids machine. I'm inclined to worry about this later, so all I really want are expansion slots and (I'm guessing) some kind of network card.
6. Monitor. The 19" flat panel seems like a good trade between cost and screen size. Thoughts?
7. All in one. HP is offering All-in-one printer/copier/scanner/fax machines for $100-$200. Does anyone have any notable experiences with these?
8. Data transfer? HP pushes a Belkin transfer cable. Is this anything more than a USB cable? Or should I just set up a network and deal with data transfer that way?
Thanks for any help you can offer. This is a lot more complicated than choosing between an 8086 and an 8088 processor!
Until the first Vista service pack comes out at least, if you have choice, stick with XP, service pack 2.
2 Processor. Single, Core 2, Quad? What speed?
If its a portable and if you are into to any type of strong processing, go duo, and I would go Pentium Duos. If a laptop, then use the mobile versions, up to 2 ghz or a little more. I personally like the duo 3 ghz in my XPS 600.
3. Hard drive. Size? Two on board or just one? Portable back up?
I'd use a RAID configuration giving 320 Gig first line, and 320 Gig backup.
4. Graphics Card? I'm more of a Civilization-type/Strategy gamer than anything else. I don't need bleeding edge graphics but would like room for growth.
I'd make sure, if its a desktop that you had at least two PCI-E 16 slots so you can SLI if you ever need to. I personally like the NVidia cards, 7900 or higher.
5. Networking. Probably will use the new machine as the hub of network and use the old one as a kids machine. I'm inclined to worry about this later, so all I really want are expansion slots and (I'm guessing) some kind of network card.
I'd stay wired as opposed to being wirelss and use a good 10/110 card and a decent 10/100 hub.
6. Monitor. The 19" flat panel seems like a good trade between cost and screen size. Thoughts?
I'd get a 20" or 22" wide screen flat panel. That's what I sue on my XPS and it's great and reasonable price.
7. All in one. HP is offering All-in-one printer/copier/scanner/fax machines for $100-$200. Does anyone have any notable experiences with these?
If you are going to have a network, get an HP networkable color all in one, either inkjet or laserjet. I have four compuers networked in what my kids call the "control room". Mom, Dad, two sons. Lots of gaming, lots of surfing, lots of music and movies. We use the HP Photosmart D7260 and REALLY like it. It';'s a network, phot, all in one.
8. Data transfer? HP pushes a Belkin transfer cable. Is this anything more than a USB cable? Or should I just set up a network and deal with data transfer that way?
I always take care of this myself over the network.
Great. Thanks for the advice.
1. XP or Vista? If Vista, what flavor?
If that is what you are limiting yourself to, hands down...XP. Vista is just not ready for prime time, the EULA is a nightmare, and many applications just cough up hairballs on it.
2 Processor. Single, Core 2, Quad? What speed?
Depends on your intended usage. Since you mentioned Media Center, I’ll use that. Core 2 Extreme. Best all around processor on the market today.
3. Hard drive. Size? Two on board or just one? Portable back up?
I always prefer two hard drives in a mirrored array. This provides complete backup of all of your data, programs, settings without a performance hit. You’ll need to specify that in your order, or buy software after the fact.
4. Graphics Card? I’m more of a Civilization-type/Strategy gamer than anything else. I don’t need bleeding edge graphics but would like room for growth.
Graphic cards have come a long way in the last several years. What you buy depends a lot on the manufacturer of your machine and/or motherboard. No matter what you wind up with, you’ll want a graphics card that has it’s own GPU on board.
5. Networking. Probably will use the new machine as the hub of network and use the old one as a kids machine. I’m inclined to worry about this later, so all I really want are expansion slots and (I’m guessing) some kind of network card.
I’m old fashioned and security consciences (hey, I still use NetBEUI internally LOL). So, for me, any backwards compatible 10/100/1000 card will do. I haven’t noticed any functional differences in the lot of them.
6. Monitor. The 19” flat panel seems like a good trade between cost and screen size. Thoughts?
19” is the largest I’d go. To be honest, even at 19”, I find myself physically turning my head left and right to see everything. I much prefer two or three 17” flat screens to work with.
7. All in one. HP is offering All-in-one printer/copier/scanner/fax machines for $100-$200. Does anyone have any notable experiences with these?
I have grown away from mainstream HP Printer products in the last few years. They just don’t seem to last as long. Their commercial stuff is still up there, but consumer level has dropped in quality. I prefer Brother or even Lexmark.
8. Data transfer? HP pushes a Belkin transfer cable. Is this anything more than a USB cable? Or should I just set up a network and deal with data transfer that way?
If you’re staying with windows, just configure your network, prepare the files and settings you want to migrate, and use the transfer wizard. It does work well and it’s simple.
I can’t be more strong in my caution of Vista. That’s all I have to say. LOL
Good luck! :O)
Jeff did mention something I forgot. Networkable printer. What a Godsend.
Although I do like wireless, and I use a Brother 665CW for that. Don’t forget, printers can be “shared” also across your network, so it’s not mandatory to get a networkable one. It’s nice to have because you can print, scan, copy, etc. to/from it even if the other machines are off.
Have you considered Unix or Linux with VMware ?I would recommend that you to get Root !
I have an HP V40XI printer/scanner/copier/fax.
I am very happy with it, but get ready, the color cartridge was 39 bux.
ping
Great graphic!
A true keeper!
Somebody needs to put the Intel logo on it!
Thanks. Good stuff to think about.
I’m not sure that this old dog can learn a new trick with Unix/Linux!
That would have been my recommendation if he had not limited the choices to XP or Vista. :)
Ubuntu rocks!
Mac OS X is Unix and far more userfriendly
than any Windows product and can run your current windows
under VMware Fusion seamlessly.Just an option to consider.
All of the above.
Curious why you pick Core 2 Duo Extreme over Quad?
Tech Support Ping..
papa, don’t forget to help him set up his new box for folding !!!!
Oh, no. Sorry. Hmmm. Maybe he’ll let me write an “install” script? HeHe.
Borg time!
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