I am trying to buy a new PC (price doesn't matter much but no more then 2,500). These are the few requirements i want:
512 RAM
30 GB
usb 2.0
a way to connect to TV via HDMI or S-video inputs
at least has windows XP home edition or media center
I will be using mainly for selling item on ebay, surfing, downloading vidoes from site like rapidshare and saving to an external HD, watching anime/drama by connecting a TV, and playing MMORPG games like world of craft (but not games that require the latest graphic card etc). I won't be doing nothing like video/picture editing, burning CD or DVD or anything that require a lot of processing power.
Please also let me know any other feature I should also look for. thank you very much!
Dude, you are out of date with those requirements. Not even sure if Dell or HP sell anything that stripped down anymore.
For what you want just go with whatever deal you can find from any of the big PC assembly line companies. With Windows Vista I'd suggest a min of 2 GB memory. Get the upgraded version with Windows Media Center and add the TV tuner and you'll have everything you need.
Recently bought a Dell for about $600 for similar home use needs. That price included the 22" flat panel wide screen, TV tuner & upgraded Windows and memory. For those prices who cares if it's the greatest quality...I can afford to replace it every other year. Do google searches for coupon codes. Enjoy.
ATI and Nvida both sell vid cards that let you watch T.V. or connect to T.V.s. Wether they are HDMI I have no clue, but your primary concern is buying a video card that has those outputs/inputs. Search their prospective web sites for specifics. Frankly, I'd rather build my own P.C. than buy a new one. If you want one bone cheap you may be able to buy a second hand tower (your requirements are not high enough to justify spending 2500 on a rig), with a 1.5 gig CPU and your basic requirments, than have someone install a video T.V. card for you (or do it yourself). Oh, and if you're planning on downloading videos and what not you will need WAY more than a 30 gig hard drive. Try more like 100 gigs at the very least.
Antisthenes - when I was computer shopping recently I found going through Dell or HP...at least for the low end...was cheaper than building my own. With combining coupons, free shipping, monitor & software included the price just didn't compare. Granted, I'm sure they aren't the best components, but as I said, for $600 I can replace it often.
Windows Vista blows. Go with XP. Wait a couple years for them to get all the frigging bugs straightened out. I "upgraded" to Vista and now all my computer does is crash.
Let me make some thing clear so not to confuse anybody:
what i meant by minimum requirements was at least it should be that; not i want to buy the exact minimum requirements. so i didn't know the minimum req. of mine is out of date because i didn't buy a desktop pc in 6 years. I am only looking for brand new desktop pc not any laptop. Also what i meant by watching it on TV instead of laptop was not having a TV tuner so i can watch it on my PC, but watch all the dowloaded videos i have saved on my hard drive and watching it on Tv by connecting tv to pc (like one of the cables you get to connect dvd to tv or something similar to it that i want in a PC which is a MUST)
And i don't want any vista editions because of many reports on the internet of having bugs/problems etc, so i will settle for any windox xp edition (or should you think i should get linux OS type PC: will that work for my needs?) I won't be doing much business with it (like use microsoft word) on ebay just list some items normally, so that shouldn't be any concern of what pc i want to buy (sorry for that).
so with this conclusion, I think I should get a pc within price range of $700 to $1100 that has at least these requirments: 1 gb ram, cd-rom (i don't care about cd-dvd combo or any of the kind: if its included thats fine), High Definition 7.1 Sound (is their something better then this), 500 mb memory, 80 gb, last for more then 1 year, and something that connects tv to a pc (A MUST!). The real reason i want to buy a brand new PC and not a laptop is because i don't want to waste time having the laptop power on and off, will have the privilage to use a pc anytime and watch videos saved on my hard drive on a tv by connecting to it from my pc. (sorry to sound as if i am explaining it again)
So from the above notes, do you have any specific suggestion of PCs i should get and just to let you know i will be buying only with a credit card.
tom, all you need to connect a PC to a T.V. is a cable, go to a computer store and ask them for exactly that. If you want HDMI or S-Video you will have to look up video cards that can produce those respective siginals and have the appropriate outputs. Like I said Nvidia and ATI can probably help you out there, go to their websites and do some research.
Get a 20" iMac. It includes software to watch DVD's, a remote, and a mini-DVI output on the back if you want to connect it to a television. Plus, it's stable as hell and will hold its value much longer than any Windows-based machine.
Actually I've been using Windows and AutoCAD for well over a decade, but I'm switching to Mac and ArchiCAD next month (at least for home use).
I don't understand why Macs inspire such hatred.... The OS is Unix-based and virtually bulletproof, and you can still run Windows natively if needed. In fact, most people who do so will say that Windows runs better on a Mac than it does on a PC.
I think most of my office would gladly switch to a Mac platform, except for the fact that our IT consultant insists on us using Windows-based PC's... Probably because it means steady employment for him.
My beef with macs is they just feel very dumbed-down. Great for everyday users, but I like to play with my comps, open them up, mod them, play around in the console, etc.
I wish that Apple would get their shit together and decide if they are a software company or a hardware company. As an ex-Mac owner, yet their OS is superior, no doubt, but their machines...while sexy...are expensive. You can't go down the street and buy an "off the shelf" Mac for $500. As for resale...I want that in a car...not outdated computer equipment.
Same goes for the ipod, they got good software (at least original) and the hardware is the best looking out there...but not the most reliable or packed with the most features. Would it kill them to have an owner replaceable battery or add a built in radio tuner?
tomcruise...you must be a bigger youtube fanatic than vado if your primary need is to watch video on your tv.
add 20 more bucks to the price i quoted you for 1 gig ram
most cheap nvidia graphics cards have a TV out.
back in the day i started with the first ATI all in wonder on a pII but after so many issues with their cards and drivers i have avoided them
as far as Macs no way! that is such a denial of the individuals freedom (dumbed down) by a corporation more monopolistic that microsoft
you will be better building your own in the long run
the parts you can get now would not be outdated but low end
if you want outdated you could always get a old pc and format it with a custom(like: eXPerience tiny2003 Vista edition) build of windows as well, i'm certain it would meet your needs with a few minor upgrades.
whatever you do, 700 is the price of a very semi high end self built machine, don't spend that much based on what you require
FOR THOSE REQUIREMENTS, JUST HEAD OUT TO OFFICE DEPOT, YOU CAN GET A DECENT COMPUTER FOR A LOW PRICE WITH A GOOD WARRANTY IF YOU WANT, YOU CAN GET THOSE REQS, WITH A GOOD WARRANTY FOR ABOUT 4OO OR SO.....
I'm still torn between getting the 24" iMac or a Mac Pro tower. With the student discount, the base model Mac Pro is only $150 more than the top-of-the-line iMac (not including the cost of a new display, but I have my existing 19" Dell display I can use for now). The iMac has the sexy looks and slim lines, but the Mac Pro has the muscle and the long-term flexibility I like to have. I wish I could buy one of each.
LiG, although i'm a pc person, my sister has the mac pro tower and it's siiccckk.. the real problem with getting it is that you know you'll have to get the $900 23-inch display. it just doesn't seem right with anything else.
Yeah, that's the problem. The 23" display would be my bare minimum... Knowing me, I'd probably find myself trying to find some way to rationalize getting the 30" monster.
Also, to let you know i will only be using credit card not store credit card (bestbuy,circuit city) so they won't take my credit card if i buy in store (maybe online and if i buy online how long does it take to arrive?)
I also won't be saving videos on internal hd but an external seagate hds (5 year warranty) thats because i don't want to have my internal hd give up on me very quick because by downloading videos on it some of the time.
I also won't be buying a MAC because it doesn't have enough features like windows, don't play many PC games and a lot expensive.
From your comments, Is this the right hardwares for me (i am not purchasing the exact product but similar to it if it meets my requirements):
Dial-up modem (if possible build-in not usb connected)
Build-in Fax and Scan without using a fax machine (windowx vista business has it but it doesn't have windows media center so i don't want that)
At least 6 Month warranty
Can play HD dvd download videos
Can you also tell me if I also buy a Remote Control for Windows Media Center will it work only with windows media player or others like zoom player? Thats all i want to know so please help me out! :)
puget systems builds top notch computers. pretty sure they'll set you back more than the big name companies though. I know several people that work in the tech field that swear by them for their personal at home work. They have some sexy boxes too.
widescreen monitors are nice, but not necessary. seems everyone is going that way though. would strongly suggest the 2gb ram with windows vista. I've been using vista for about 4 months now with no problems on 2gb ram and dual core AMD chip. No crash or freeze up yet, but I haven't worked it too hard (it's a home computer). Not sure about the remote control...never used mine yet. That ATI card will tune in digital hdtv for sure...video card should be able to play hd then.
aquapura you said "That ATI card will tune in digital hdtv for sure" does that mean an ATI card is sole purpose is to tune in tv because i don't want a tv tuner. I guess i will get 2 RAM.
Also if i decide to build my own computer how long does it take because i never done it before and will it be not to hard?
A "TV Tuner" card's sole purpose is to put a TV signal on your computer screen. Plug in your CATV or antenna and get your American Idol playing right next to your ebay auction. If you don't need that...save the $100.
Visa media center does work as a pretty sexy DVR so that can save you your Tivo or cable tv subscription...and more hardware sitting next to the tv...but requires the TV tuner. That's why I have it. And yes, I pipe it right out of the computer back onto the TV screen via the video & sound card.
Forbes magazine did a pretty good write up about the virtues of windows media center and how much better it is than apple's itv.
[url=http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_xpsdt_410?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs]tomcuise,
get any of these on this page they all do 10 times what you want under $2000[/url]
if i get one with windows vista ultimate do i need more ram and memory then if i get windows vista home preimium (don't want windows vista business because it doesn't have windows media center).
Also, is their a software that has a fax/scan build in or a external hardware (so i don't need to buy wiindowx vista ultimate only any windows edition that has windows media center).
Also, please let me know what individual part are recommended to build my own computer. thank you very much
Quote of the day from a friend who works for a company that designs computer hardware. ie. electrical engineer.
"The only people that build their own computers are IT nerds that have to do it on a daily basis for their job and want people to think they're smart. The rest of us don't waste our time and let someone else making $10/hr waste their time doing that."
i changed my mind about having a computer that has fax/scan modem build in because you can fax online to other fax machines.
I guess i won't be building a computer because i might mess up and dont have the time right now.
what i want to know is do i need windows media center to connect my computer to TV (using s-video or another similar method) because thats the sole reason i wanted a windows media center?
save some money and build it yourself. If you put it together you will know how to fix if you have problems. It's easier than building a model. www.newegg.com has everything you need.
Those prices you quoted are pretty expensive. I bought my sister a Dell for about 1,500 that was much, much faster than that and included a 24" LCD. Look for the $350 off of $999 computers or similar deals (www.techbargains.com)
I would strongly recommend NOT trying to build your computer. No warranty, costs more, little compatibility, etc., etc.
It's personal opinion, but I woudl never do it. It's like building a car. Sure, you can get a 600hp V-8, but if you get the wrong transmission, it'll never work well (not to mention the warranty part, which I am a huge proponent of - next day, on site with the new part is hard to beat).
External Drives - these are not going to be any more reliable than internal drives. They are essentially the same thing, just one has it's own case and power supply.
If i don't need a sound card (because i won't be using an external stereo system) will this computer below will be fine for my need (it has 8 Integrated High Definition audio channels but what does that mean?):
HP Pavilion M7667C-B(RC644AA) 22" LCD Core 2 Duo E6400(2.13GHz) 2GB DDR2 600GB NVIDIA GeForce 7500LE Windows XP Media Center - Retail
if you build your own you will save 1/2 or more off the cost and you can't mess it up as long as you know what matching parts to get as far as ram cpu and motherboard
from the posts you make about systems it seems you have veered off your original intention and want to build near a bestish box rather than a 200-400$ solid PC that will meet your intended purposes, is this right?
as far as knowing how to build/work on your own car that is important too to get affordability, security, and a unique custom ride
PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE WHAT PC SHOULD I BUY
Dear members,
I am trying to buy a new PC (price doesn't matter much but no more then 2,500). These are the few requirements i want:
512 RAM
30 GB
usb 2.0
a way to connect to TV via HDMI or S-video inputs
at least has windows XP home edition or media center
I will be using mainly for selling item on ebay, surfing, downloading vidoes from site like rapidshare and saving to an external HD, watching anime/drama by connecting a TV, and playing MMORPG games like world of craft (but not games that require the latest graphic card etc). I won't be doing nothing like video/picture editing, burning CD or DVD or anything that require a lot of processing power.
Please also let me know any other feature I should also look for. thank you very much!
Dude, you are out of date with those requirements. Not even sure if Dell or HP sell anything that stripped down anymore.
For what you want just go with whatever deal you can find from any of the big PC assembly line companies. With Windows Vista I'd suggest a min of 2 GB memory. Get the upgraded version with Windows Media Center and add the TV tuner and you'll have everything you need.
Recently bought a Dell for about $600 for similar home use needs. That price included the 22" flat panel wide screen, TV tuner & upgraded Windows and memory. For those prices who cares if it's the greatest quality...I can afford to replace it every other year. Do google searches for coupon codes. Enjoy.
ATI and Nvida both sell vid cards that let you watch T.V. or connect to T.V.s. Wether they are HDMI I have no clue, but your primary concern is buying a video card that has those outputs/inputs. Search their prospective web sites for specifics. Frankly, I'd rather build my own P.C. than buy a new one. If you want one bone cheap you may be able to buy a second hand tower (your requirements are not high enough to justify spending 2500 on a rig), with a 1.5 gig CPU and your basic requirments, than have someone install a video T.V. card for you (or do it yourself). Oh, and if you're planning on downloading videos and what not you will need WAY more than a 30 gig hard drive. Try more like 100 gigs at the very least.
Oh, and please never post anything in all caps. It is obnoxious.
i use all caps for my drawing notes. is this obnoxious?
Personally i think it is, yes. I know thats the norm, but I pretty much think its annoying.
OR I COULD JUST POST ON THE NECT LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME TO.
NEW CONSTRUCTION TO MATCH EXISTING. BITCH.
build your own i sell PC's with these specs for 200$ basically
Antisthenes - when I was computer shopping recently I found going through Dell or HP...at least for the low end...was cheaper than building my own. With combining coupons, free shipping, monitor & software included the price just didn't compare. Granted, I'm sure they aren't the best components, but as I said, for $600 I can replace it often.
Windows Vista blows. Go with XP. Wait a couple years for them to get all the frigging bugs straightened out. I "upgraded" to Vista and now all my computer does is crash.
i would say NEVER go for a major brand PC
shop for Motherboard HD ram cd etc at pricewatch.com or pricegrabber.com
start with a motherboard get and CPU ram and HD to match it.
in your case i would aim low and go cheap
2.3 ghz celeron for 21.50$
p4 1.7 for 17$
i see 34$ motherboards from most all ( asus ecs msi ...)
or if you prefer amd a sempron fan cpu motherboard ram combo for 127$
http://www.partspc.com/Recommend.asp?Qty=1&ProdID=12982&imageField3.x=37&imageField3.y=11
just add CD drive and case. ~ 60 bucks
Architcture is cool... Macs are cool... Put one and one together... Really really cool...
Let me make some thing clear so not to confuse anybody:
what i meant by minimum requirements was at least it should be that; not i want to buy the exact minimum requirements. so i didn't know the minimum req. of mine is out of date because i didn't buy a desktop pc in 6 years. I am only looking for brand new desktop pc not any laptop. Also what i meant by watching it on TV instead of laptop was not having a TV tuner so i can watch it on my PC, but watch all the dowloaded videos i have saved on my hard drive and watching it on Tv by connecting tv to pc (like one of the cables you get to connect dvd to tv or something similar to it that i want in a PC which is a MUST)
And i don't want any vista editions because of many reports on the internet of having bugs/problems etc, so i will settle for any windox xp edition (or should you think i should get linux OS type PC: will that work for my needs?) I won't be doing much business with it (like use microsoft word) on ebay just list some items normally, so that shouldn't be any concern of what pc i want to buy (sorry for that).
so with this conclusion, I think I should get a pc within price range of $700 to $1100 that has at least these requirments: 1 gb ram, cd-rom (i don't care about cd-dvd combo or any of the kind: if its included thats fine), High Definition 7.1 Sound (is their something better then this), 500 mb memory, 80 gb, last for more then 1 year, and something that connects tv to a pc (A MUST!). The real reason i want to buy a brand new PC and not a laptop is because i don't want to waste time having the laptop power on and off, will have the privilage to use a pc anytime and watch videos saved on my hard drive on a tv by connecting to it from my pc. (sorry to sound as if i am explaining it again)
So from the above notes, do you have any specific suggestion of PCs i should get and just to let you know i will be buying only with a credit card.
tom, all you need to connect a PC to a T.V. is a cable, go to a computer store and ask them for exactly that. If you want HDMI or S-Video you will have to look up video cards that can produce those respective siginals and have the appropriate outputs. Like I said Nvidia and ATI can probably help you out there, go to their websites and do some research.
Get a 20" iMac. It includes software to watch DVD's, a remote, and a mini-DVI output on the back if you want to connect it to a television. Plus, it's stable as hell and will hold its value much longer than any Windows-based machine.
Blasphemy LiG, pure blasphemy! I take it you use Vectorworks at the office too!?
Just breaking balls man, but god i hate Macs.
Actually I've been using Windows and AutoCAD for well over a decade, but I'm switching to Mac and ArchiCAD next month (at least for home use).
I don't understand why Macs inspire such hatred.... The OS is Unix-based and virtually bulletproof, and you can still run Windows natively if needed. In fact, most people who do so will say that Windows runs better on a Mac than it does on a PC.
apu - just because you're struggling with an all-mac office does not mean you should take it out on the boys and girls from cupertino. seriously!
I think most of my office would gladly switch to a Mac platform, except for the fact that our IT consultant insists on us using Windows-based PC's... Probably because it means steady employment for him.
dude(ette) - i will solve your problem
go to puget systems - have them custom build your machine. i did, but for a heavy duty gaming/3d/cad/graphics/(occasionally adult material) machine.
i do not regret it at all - and the price for the custom rig beat any custom builder out there
24/7 support via phone and remote control (dont worry - you have to authorize it via secured conxx)
i think the website is www.pugetsystems.com or puget.com
My beef with macs is they just feel very dumbed-down. Great for everyday users, but I like to play with my comps, open them up, mod them, play around in the console, etc.
I wish that Apple would get their shit together and decide if they are a software company or a hardware company. As an ex-Mac owner, yet their OS is superior, no doubt, but their machines...while sexy...are expensive. You can't go down the street and buy an "off the shelf" Mac for $500. As for resale...I want that in a car...not outdated computer equipment.
Same goes for the ipod, they got good software (at least original) and the hardware is the best looking out there...but not the most reliable or packed with the most features. Would it kill them to have an owner replaceable battery or add a built in radio tuner?
tomcruise...you must be a bigger youtube fanatic than vado if your primary need is to watch video on your tv.
add 20 more bucks to the price i quoted you for 1 gig ram
most cheap nvidia graphics cards have a TV out.
back in the day i started with the first ATI all in wonder on a pII but after so many issues with their cards and drivers i have avoided them
as far as Macs no way! that is such a denial of the individuals freedom (dumbed down) by a corporation more monopolistic that microsoft
you will be better building your own in the long run
the parts you can get now would not be outdated but low end
if you want outdated you could always get a old pc and format it with a custom(like: eXPerience tiny2003 Vista edition) build of windows as well, i'm certain it would meet your needs with a few minor upgrades.
whatever you do, 700 is the price of a very semi high end self built machine, don't spend that much based on what you require
FOR THOSE REQUIREMENTS, JUST HEAD OUT TO OFFICE DEPOT, YOU CAN GET A DECENT COMPUTER FOR A LOW PRICE WITH A GOOD WARRANTY IF YOU WANT, YOU CAN GET THOSE REQS, WITH A GOOD WARRANTY FOR ABOUT 4OO OR SO.....
ACTUALLY YOU COMPUTER WILL BE HAVE BETTER SPECS THAN THOSE YOU MENTION, BUT STILL FOR ABOUT 4 BILLS
Just make sure you get a computer with a functioning caps lock key.
I just went to BestBuy.
Those iMacs are soooo pretty!! Just a superb job.
If Mac would just give a good warranty and Autodesk would support Macs I'd buy tomorrow.
I might buy my mom the imac for xmas to replace the Dell I got her. Just 'cause it's so damn pretty and so insanely simple!!
I'm still torn between getting the 24" iMac or a Mac Pro tower. With the student discount, the base model Mac Pro is only $150 more than the top-of-the-line iMac (not including the cost of a new display, but I have my existing 19" Dell display I can use for now). The iMac has the sexy looks and slim lines, but the Mac Pro has the muscle and the long-term flexibility I like to have. I wish I could buy one of each.
LiG, although i'm a pc person, my sister has the mac pro tower and it's siiccckk.. the real problem with getting it is that you know you'll have to get the $900 23-inch display. it just doesn't seem right with anything else.
Yeah, that's the problem. The 23" display would be my bare minimum... Knowing me, I'd probably find myself trying to find some way to rationalize getting the 30" monster.
Also, to let you know i will only be using credit card not store credit card (bestbuy,circuit city) so they won't take my credit card if i buy in store (maybe online and if i buy online how long does it take to arrive?)
I also won't be saving videos on internal hd but an external seagate hds (5 year warranty) thats because i don't want to have my internal hd give up on me very quick because by downloading videos on it some of the time.
I also won't be buying a MAC because it doesn't have enough features like windows, don't play many PC games and a lot expensive.
From your comments, Is this the right hardwares for me (i am not purchasing the exact product but similar to it if it meets my requirements):
Motherboard
[AMD] Asus M2NPV-VM
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=3875
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ AM2 DUAL CORE
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=3805
Ram
Kingston Value 1GB DDR2-667 (2x512MB)
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=4371
Video Card
GigaByte GeForce 7300GS 128MB (256MB shared) QUIET PCI-E
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=3783
Sound Card
Creative X-Fi Xtreme Audio
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=4487
CD / DVD Rom
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=4479
Accessories
ATI TV Wonder 650 PCI TV Tuner
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=4609
Operating System
Windows Vista Home Premium (it has windows media center)
Monitor
Undecided (i won't be watching videos from laptop from faraway but by connecting it to tv) should i get a widescreen or normal?
should i get a tower pc or something like this:
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=3889
Keyboard
Microsoft Multimedia Optical Combo (black)
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=1440
Mouse
Microsoft Optical Tilt Wheel
http://www.pugetsystems.com/part_info.php?part=1654
System Price: $1,406.06 (with a monitor)
What must also be included in:
Dial-up modem (if possible build-in not usb connected)
Build-in Fax and Scan without using a fax machine (windowx vista business has it but it doesn't have windows media center so i don't want that)
At least 6 Month warranty
Can play HD dvd download videos
Can you also tell me if I also buy a Remote Control for Windows Media Center will it work only with windows media player or others like zoom player? Thats all i want to know so please help me out! :)
puget systems builds top notch computers. pretty sure they'll set you back more than the big name companies though. I know several people that work in the tech field that swear by them for their personal at home work. They have some sexy boxes too.
widescreen monitors are nice, but not necessary. seems everyone is going that way though. would strongly suggest the 2gb ram with windows vista. I've been using vista for about 4 months now with no problems on 2gb ram and dual core AMD chip. No crash or freeze up yet, but I haven't worked it too hard (it's a home computer). Not sure about the remote control...never used mine yet. That ATI card will tune in digital hdtv for sure...video card should be able to play hd then.
aquapura you said "That ATI card will tune in digital hdtv for sure" does that mean an ATI card is sole purpose is to tune in tv because i don't want a tv tuner. I guess i will get 2 RAM.
Also if i decide to build my own computer how long does it take because i never done it before and will it be not to hard?
you want 64 bit and vista?
A "TV Tuner" card's sole purpose is to put a TV signal on your computer screen. Plug in your CATV or antenna and get your American Idol playing right next to your ebay auction. If you don't need that...save the $100.
Visa media center does work as a pretty sexy DVR so that can save you your Tivo or cable tv subscription...and more hardware sitting next to the tv...but requires the TV tuner. That's why I have it. And yes, I pipe it right out of the computer back onto the TV screen via the video & sound card.
Forbes magazine did a pretty good write up about the virtues of windows media center and how much better it is than apple's itv.
Make that cable tv rented DVR. For what Comcast charges...you could buy several TV tuner cards in a year.
[url=http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/cto_xpsdt_410?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs]tomcuise,
get any of these on this page they all do 10 times what you want under $2000[/url]
if i get one with windows vista ultimate do i need more ram and memory then if i get windows vista home preimium (don't want windows vista business because it doesn't have windows media center).
Also, is their a software that has a fax/scan build in or a external hardware (so i don't need to buy wiindowx vista ultimate only any windows edition that has windows media center).
Also, please let me know what individual part are recommended to build my own computer. thank you very much
media center is all hype
what you want is gordian knot and media player classic
Quote of the day from a friend who works for a company that designs computer hardware. ie. electrical engineer.
"The only people that build their own computers are IT nerds that have to do it on a daily basis for their job and want people to think they're smart. The rest of us don't waste our time and let someone else making $10/hr waste their time doing that."
i changed my mind about having a computer that has fax/scan modem build in because you can fax online to other fax machines.
I guess i won't be building a computer because i might mess up and dont have the time right now.
what i want to know is do i need windows media center to connect my computer to TV (using s-video or another similar method) because thats the sole reason i wanted a windows media center?
5 plugs i don't think you can mess it up ;)
having the video card that has TV out your pc is already hooked up to it
by going to display properties and picking tv and monitor.
save some money and build it yourself. If you put it together you will know how to fix if you have problems. It's easier than building a model. www.newegg.com has everything you need.
Can you tell me do i need a sound card if i don't buy an external audio system (i will be only using normal headphones).
Those prices you quoted are pretty expensive. I bought my sister a Dell for about 1,500 that was much, much faster than that and included a 24" LCD. Look for the $350 off of $999 computers or similar deals (www.techbargains.com)
I would strongly recommend NOT trying to build your computer. No warranty, costs more, little compatibility, etc., etc.
It's personal opinion, but I woudl never do it. It's like building a car. Sure, you can get a 600hp V-8, but if you get the wrong transmission, it'll never work well (not to mention the warranty part, which I am a huge proponent of - next day, on site with the new part is hard to beat).
External Drives - these are not going to be any more reliable than internal drives. They are essentially the same thing, just one has it's own case and power supply.
If i don't need a sound card (because i won't be using an external stereo system) will this computer below will be fine for my need (it has 8 Integrated High Definition audio channels but what does that mean?):
HP Pavilion M7667C-B(RC644AA) 22" LCD Core 2 Duo E6400(2.13GHz) 2GB DDR2 600GB NVIDIA GeForce 7500LE Windows XP Media Center - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883107502
Or this one:
4600+ EXTREME SERIES COMPLETE:
# AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4200+ AM2
# AMD SOCKET AM2 STANDARD COOLING FAN
# Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2/nforce 590 SLI/Wifi/ATX Motherboard
# AENEON AMPO 2GB DDR-2 800MHZ PC-6400 (2X 1GB)
# Seagate ST3250620AS 250GB SATA2 7200rpm 16MB
# IBM 48X CD-ROM DRIVE
# nVidia Ge-Force 8400GS 256MB w/TV-OUT/DVI PCI-Express Video Card
# Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy SE 7.1 24-bit Sound Card, Bulk
# ENCORE 10/100Mbps PCI Adapter
# AGERE V.92 PCI Fax Modem
# BBC MID-TOWER ATX TYPHOON CASE
# OKIA A-POWER 500 WATT ATX POWER SUPPLY
# 103 Keys PS2 Basic Keyboard (Black)
# I-MICRO 800dpi PS/2 Optical Mouse (Black)
# ViewSonic VG2030WM 20.1 inch 500:1 8ms DVI w/Speaker LCD Monitor (Black)
# WINDOWS XP-HOME EDITION W/SP 2
Grand Total: $1,019.90+SH
This one looks nice...
Oops, didn't post. Whatever.
if you build your own you will save 1/2 or more off the cost and you can't mess it up as long as you know what matching parts to get as far as ram cpu and motherboard
from the posts you make about systems it seems you have veered off your original intention and want to build near a bestish box rather than a 200-400$ solid PC that will meet your intended purposes, is this right?
as far as knowing how to build/work on your own car that is important too to get affordability, security, and a unique custom ride
either way. watch your footprint
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