New Computer Help

me

[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!

[N3WBI3]

Well that's what you just said you had said, in post #55, so it brings into question whether what you are posting is ever correct, doesn't it?

Only to someone looking very hard for a reason. I was also wrong about the 3% those are other numbers you have decided to throw around.

You are beginning to look more for a fight than a discussion and that being the case you may go back a few post on continue. I will not engage in petty bickering with you as I have more than given you a chance to have a discussion..