I need advice/help selecting a new computer.

dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
Hey all,

I know there are people on here who are much more knowledgable than I am when it comes to selecting a computer. I also know I am not buying a computer from you so you will most likely steer me in the correct direction. I live in Columbus, OH so we have nearly every major retailer and we also have a Microcenter too. I am not opposed to buying online, but I'd prefer to buy from a local company so if I were to have trouble, I could just drop it off or return it without too much stress.

Here is what I currently have: I have an older Dell Dimension 4600 w/ Intel Pentium 4, 2.39 GHz, 256 MB of RAM running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 w/ Service Pack 2 and 40 GB Hard Drive.

It is still okay for running what we do around the house which is wordprocessing, spreadsheets, surfing the Internet (tennistalk, justin.tv, email, etc.), storing photos, music, etc.

I want to be able to burn CDs, DVDs, and do more than one thing at a time without the computer coming to a halt. It runs very slow at times. Last year, I was given as a gift a Sony Handycam DVC camcorder that I have shot many videos with and cannot complete a film project of my kids' soccer teams' highlights or my tennis or golf exploits (ha ha) because the computer just can't seem to process anything over two minutes or so long.

I have an external Hard Drive that is 1TB so storage really isn't an issue.

I'd like both a desktop and a laptop for under a $1000. The laptop just needs to do the basics as I'd just use it to do my schoolwork while my kids are at practice. I am a teacher and I might also do projects that I would then connect to a projectore for classroom work.

Can you help?

The Microcenter salesman tried to get me to buy the following this evening and I decided I better do more homework 1st. He wanted me to buy this desktop for $499 + a $99 two year extended warranty:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326274

and this laptop for $399 + a $149 three year extended warranty:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326279

Okay, tell me what you think. I didn't mind the extended warranties as they covered nearly everything and you could just drop the computers back off at Microcenter and labor, parts, everything was included.

Thanks for the help.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
buy a mac. The isuite of apps can handle all basic photo and video editing dvd authoring tasks.
 
tennisguyak

tennisguyak

Semi-Pro
Considering what you're looking for, I'd say the desktop would be more than enough. Strong processor, plenty of ram, huge hard drive, good video card and video memory - you should have no problems at all making those videos and doing everything else you mentioned.

The laptop seems good too. Its got a pretty strong processor and plenty of ram.
Two things I would check into though:

Battery life, b/c my HP (similar to that one) eats up that 6-cell battery in 2 hours (but it does have some better features).

Also it has a factory video card so processing high quality video files may be tough at times. If you want to make those videos on your laptop too then I would look for one with an ATI or nvidia graphics card.

But then again you did say you just need it for the basics (wordprocessing, spreadsheets, internet, etc) and I think it would be plenty good for that.

All in all I think they advised you pretty well and since they are both refurbs I would definitely get those warranties.
 
Photoshop

Photoshop

Professional
OP wants to buy both a desktop and a laptop for $1000, and you guys are suggesting a Mac/Vaio? LOL

Since you'll be using the laptop for basic everyday tasks, get a cheap netbook and invest more into a desktop that will last you at least 3 years.

something like this: http://www.frys.com/product/6046418?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

As for the desktop, get a Dell with a quad core processor, ~4gig DDR3 memory, and a dedicated video card. You should be able to configure it to fit your needs for under $700
 
tennisguyak

tennisguyak

Semi-Pro
Photoshop said:
OP wants to buy both a desktop and a laptop for $1000, and you guys are suggesting a Mac/Vaio? LOL

Since you'll be using the laptop for basic everyday tasks, get a cheap netbook and invest more into a desktop that will last you at least 3 years.

something like this: http://www.frys.com/product/6046418?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

As for the desktop, get a Dell with a quad core processor, ~4gig DDR3 memory, and a dedicated video card. You should be able to configure it to fit your needs for under $700
Click to expand...

I personally don't see any sense in getting a netbook unless you're looking for 90% portability and 10% performance. Its not a bad idea if you're constantly on-the-go with it, but otherwise just get a regular laptop IMO.

Also the desktop he's looking at did have everything you mentioned - its just not a Dell. Again, this is just my opinion, but a PC is a PC whether its a Dell, Gateway, HP, Acer, whatever. You won't notice any significant differences between a Dell and a Gateway with the same hardware specs. The only difference I would predict is with customer service, and since he's trying to buy locally that wouldn't be a problem either.
 
mtommer

mtommer

Hall of Fame
Well I would be leary of the desktop.

1. The power supply is only 300 watts. The Phenom processor is going to be close to 100W and so is the 4650 vid card. This isn't leaving much once you add in fans and other peripherals.

2. The computer is refurbished and only comes with a 90 day warranty. On refurbished units, with a warranty this low, I would back away. Reputable refurb merchandise is backed by the full manufacturers warranty as if new. While you may be getting an extended warranty, it won't cover the headaches from the constant back and forth of trying to keep the machine running. Usually one just ends up buying a new computer from a different seller.



For the laptop I would also be leary simply because refurb and laptop do not go well together under most circumstances.
 
mtommer

mtommer

Hall of Fame
tennisguyak said:
Again, this is just my opinion, but a PC is a PC whether its a Dell, Gateway, HP, Acer, whatever. You won't notice any significant differences between a Dell and a Gateway with the same hardware specs.
Click to expand...

The biggest difference is in the motherboard as well as the ability to connect after-market parts. Fortunately USB is making after-market parts much easier to use with proprietary PC makers.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
dak95_00 said:
Hey all,

I know there are people on here who are much more knowledgable than I am when it comes to selecting a computer. I also know I am not buying a computer from you so you will most likely steer me in the correct direction. I live in Columbus, OH so we have nearly every major retailer and we also have a Microcenter too. I am not opposed to buying online, but I'd prefer to buy from a local company so if I were to have trouble, I could just drop it off or return it without too much stress.

Here is what I currently have: I have an older Dell Dimension 4600 w/ Intel Pentium 4, 2.39 GHz, 256 MB of RAM running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 w/ Service Pack 2 and 40 GB Hard Drive.

It is still okay for running what we do around the house which is wordprocessing, spreadsheets, surfing the Internet (tennistalk, justin.tv, email, etc.), storing photos, music, etc.

I want to be able to burn CDs, DVDs, and do more than one thing at a time without the computer coming to a halt. It runs very slow at times. Last year, I was given as a gift a Sony Handycam DVC camcorder that I have shot many videos with and cannot complete a film project of my kids' soccer teams' highlights or my tennis or golf exploits (ha ha) because the computer just can't seem to process anything over two minutes or so long.

I have an external Hard Drive that is 1TB so storage really isn't an issue.

I'd like both a desktop and a laptop for under a $1000. The laptop just needs to do the basics as I'd just use it to do my schoolwork while my kids are at practice. I am a teacher and I might also do projects that I would then connect to a projectore for classroom work.

Can you help?

The Microcenter salesman tried to get me to buy the following this evening and I decided I better do more homework 1st. He wanted me to buy this desktop for $499 + a $99 two year extended warranty:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326274

and this laptop for $399 + a $149 three year extended warranty:

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0326279

Okay, tell me what you think. I didn't mind the extended warranties as they covered nearly everything and you could just drop the computers back off at Microcenter and labor, parts, everything was included.

Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

If this machine is running fine, than save your money. Just boost your RAM, which is a very cheap solution. Your 256MB is why it is running so slow. Go to this site: http://www.crucial.com/mac/index.aspx, then download their scanner, and they will tell you how much maximum RAM that your machine can handle, and what type that it is.

After you install the additional RAM, copy your data, and then use your reinstallation disks to do a clean install and get rid of all of the junk that you have accrued over the past 7 years. Your XP Home w/SP 2 is fine for your needs. Then go to Windows Update and download all of the updates, but make sure not to check-off SP 3 before you hit the download/install button--you don't want to download this as it can cause you all kinds of problems!

After these updates, you should find that all your needs will be met, and you would have saved hundreds of dollars, and then you can buy a MacBook, and do any and all Media that you have ever desired, because the last thing that you want to do is to BUY A REFURBISHED MACHINE.
 
Last edited:
Mikey Fresh

Mikey Fresh

Banned
Since you are wanting to spend 1000 on each i would recomend just dishing out 2000 on a mac book pro+office 2009 it will do everything you want on desktop and laptop and has very very long batery life like 7 hours. It lasted me the whole plane ride from dallas to hawaii
 
dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the help.

I am learning from your posts and insight. I will try the scan for increasing the RAM and see how that goes. I've also read elsewhere about the power supplies but the description here made more sense than most I've read. It is hard to get simple help when people are working on commission and are trying desperately to sell you on a computer. The alternative is to go to another store where the salesperson knows as little as I do.

I probably wasn't clear enough. I have only $1000 total to spend.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
dak95_00 said:
Thanks for the help.

I am learning from your posts and insight. I will try the scan for increasing the RAM and see how that goes. I've also read elsewhere about the power supplies but the description here made more sense than most I've read. It is hard to get simple help when people are working on commission and are trying desperately to sell you on a computer. The alternative is to go to another store where the salesperson knows as little as I do.

I probably wasn't clear enough. I have only $1000 total to spend.
Click to expand...

RAM is crazy cheap, and MacBooks can be had for less than a grand.

Problem solved.
 
dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
I did the scan. The good news is that it can be upgraded from 256MB to 4GB. It can be done for less than $200 which is good. But, I still don't have a DVD/CD burner/drive that works.

I'm still looking. Is a Macbook a laptop? What about their (Apple) desktops?
 
tennisguyak

tennisguyak

Semi-Pro
dak95_00 said:
I did the scan. The good news is that it can be upgraded from 256MB to 4GB. It can be done for less than $200 which is good. But, I still don't have a DVD/CD burner/drive that works.

I'm still looking. Is a Macbook a laptop? What about their (Apple) desktops?
Click to expand...

You can buy a good external dvd/cd burner for around $100.

A Macbook is a laptop. Theres the Macbook, and the Macbook Pro. You can get a solid Macbook for $1000.

Here's what I would do if I were you: Upgrade the RAM, but shop around so you get the best price. Then reinstall Windows on that PC, maybe look into getting Windows XP Pro. You can get that for about $50 on e b a y. Then buy a decent laptop, something with a good processor, plenty of RAM, a good graphics card, and good battery life, preferably not a refurb. That can be found for $600 - 700.
 
mtommer

mtommer

Hall of Fame
For RAM I would suggest this at NewEgg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161161

BTW, don't e-b-a-y for DDR ram. Most of the cheap stuff can have compatibility issues because it's low density. The difference between "regular" and low density sticks is often only noted in small print waaaaaayyyy down in the listing because sellers are trying to make a buck at your cost. It is too easy to get confused without knowing what you're doing.

Here's a decent external DVD writer too..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827269006

So you can push more life out of your computer for $100 - $150. Not bad at all.
 
tennisguyak

tennisguyak

Semi-Pro
Another thing when buying RAM is that you make sure you know how many slots your computer has. Most have two, but I've seen some with just one and some with three. So if your PC has two slots and you want the full 4GB of RAM, then you'll have to buy 2x 2GB.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
tennisguyak said:
Another thing when buying RAM is that you make sure you know how many slots your computer has. Most have two, but I've seen some with just one and some with three. So if your PC has two slots and you want the full 4GB of RAM, then you'll have to buy 2x 2GB.
Click to expand...

The last four responses were all spot-on. The scan that you did should have told you how many slots you have. If it takes 2 gigs of RAM, go for it, because that is what is needed for media and many websites are going to be more geared towards that.

Do not buy the RAM from Crucial or e*ay. NewEgg is the way to go.

If you buy a laptop, the current ones will all burn DVD's. Mac laptops have been doing it for 7-8 years, and you cannot beat the iLife media programs, nor the Mac operating system. However, if you go for a PC laptop, make sure to go with the new Windows 7, and take a good look at Acer's products.
 
dak95_00

dak95_00

Hall of Fame
Here are the results of my scan.......

• Graphics Support: AGP 8X
• Maximum Memory: 4096MB
• Slots: 4 (2 banks of 2)
• Standard Memory: 128, 256, or 512MB removable
• USB Support: 2.x Compliant
• Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.If your model uses the Pentium 4 with a 800MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) you must use the PC3200 parts. If your system has the Pentium 4 with the 533MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) you can use either the PC2700 or PC3200 parts.

I currently have two 128MB memory modules installed. It looks like MTOMMER is spot on w/ his suggestions too. Those Newegg prices are much better than Microcenter's too. Thanks for all of the help. Now, I only hope that I am smart enough to install these after I order them.

On a side note.....
I love this site. I tell everyone about it whether they play tennis or not. There are so many knowledgeable people on here from all walks of life. I've answered questions regarding Calculus and have gotten answers too. I've even traveled across the country and have found people to play tennis with in strange places. In summary, thanks for all of the help. TT is the best!
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
wow, interesting advice. ok bad advice.

Forget about upgrading that computer, it's several generations old and the cpu is practically an inefficient heater. CPU is to slow for encoding movies. Graphics slot AGP is far to old for any modern games. You won't be able to find that ddr ram except in scrap parts bin at your local comp swap meet, I'll cost more than newer ram and possibly be unreliable secondhand. PSU is underpowered and plain crap.

Seriously junk it, give it to the kids, etc. Don't even think of upgrading it, just backup your data for the transfer to the new computer.

Go to your local yum cha (local whitebox store) and order a basic box $400.

An example of basic box.

CPU Intel core2duo 2.5ghz+

RAM 2GB Kingston DDR2 (Choose 4gb for windows 7)

MainBoard Any Basic Gigabyte or Asus P43/ P45 series

Graphics nvidia 9600gt or ati 4670

Harddrive 1TB western digital or seagate sata

DVDRW sata

x in one sdcard cardreader

Case+psu I'd spend the money and get an Antec brand with decent power supply unit.

The average yum cha will give you generic case/350w 12v 20a psu which'll go pop in 6months time. Insist on a decent psu which has atleast 33+ amps on a 12volt rail.

Windows 7 licence

You can get this very very cheap since intel is moving to a newer more expensive cpu / chipset.

This setup can play all current games '09 (except crysis) at high settings on 22" lcd.

Btw, the software required for semi professional video movie making will cost several times the computer parts.

That's why we are suggesting a mac. It comes with nearly everything bundled for amateur movie photo editing and dvd authoring and is intuitive to use. In person support way is better than dell, hp, complete with color shirts. You can still run your old windows software natively or inside the mac with a windows os licence.

Only major mac draw back is lack of PC games. But consoles have that covered well nowdays.

I strongly suggest looking around for a discounted macbook in the new year sales.

Oh i don't think asking for computer advice on a tennis forum is a good idea. It's simply being lazy.

try googling for the following forums

newegg (general parts price guide)
anandtech
toms hardware
guru3d
xbitlabs
pcperspective

for advice. They have moderators to filter out the incorrect advice. :)
 
Last edited:
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
wow, interesting advice. ok bad advice.

Forget about upgrading that computer, it's several generations old and the cpu is practically an inefficient heater. CPU is to slow for encoding movies. Graphics slot AGP is far to old for any modern games. You won't be able to find that ddr ram except in scrap parts bin at your local comp swap meet, I'll cost more than newer ram and possibly be unreliable secondhand. PSU is underpowered and plain crap.

Seriously junk it, give it to the kids, etc. Don't even think of upgrading it, just backup your data for the transfer to the new computer.

Go to your local yum cha (local whitebox store) and order a basic box $400.

An example of basic box.

CPU Intel core2duo 2.5ghz+

RAM 2GB Kingston DDR2 (Choose 4gb for windows 7)

MainBoard Any Basic Gigabyte or Asus P43/ P45 series

Graphics nvidia 9600gt or ati 4670

Harddrive 1TB western digital or seagate sata

DVDRW sata

x in one sdcard cardreader

Case+psu I'd spend the money and get an Antec brand with decent power supply unit.

The average yum cha will give you generic case/350w 12v 20a psu which'll go pop in 6months time. Insist on a decent psu which has atleast 33+ amps on a 12volt rail.

Windows 7 licence

You can get this very very cheap since intel is moving to a newer more expensive cpu / chipset.

This setup can play all current games '09 (except crysis) at high settings on 22" lcd.

Btw, the software required for semi professional video movie making will cost several times the computer parts.

That's why we are suggesting a mac. It comes with nearly everything bundled for amateur movie photo editing and dvd authoring and is intuitive to use. In person support way is better than dell, hp, complete with color shirts. You can still run your old windows software natively or inside the mac with a windows os licence.

Only major mac draw back is lack of PC games. But consoles have that covered well nowdays.

I strongly suggest looking around for a discounted macbook in the new year sales.

Oh i don't think asking for computer advice on a tennis forum is a good idea. It's simply being lazy.

try googling for the following forums

newegg (general parts price guide)
anandtech
toms hardware
guru3d
xbitlabs
pcperspective

for advice. They have moderators to filter out the incorrect advice. :)
Click to expand...

You need to read his first post.

His budget is limited to $1000 total for a desktop and laptop. He needs on machine for media, not two, so the Mac is fine. Therefore, a Pentium 4 running XP Home works, and is very simple for every non-media, including gaming, which can be done on the MacBook. Bottom Line: a well taken care of 1986 Buick will still get you door-to-door just as well as a new BMW, and unless you emotionally get off on new toys, but as transportation, there is no difference.

In subsequent posts, it is obvious that he is a neophyte regarding computer hardware; installing RAM, as simple as it is, will require a search for instructions.

Lastly, you are 100% correct regarding the other site's forum.
 
T

TW CSR

Guest
If you know anyone who will assemble your PC for you a pretty nice machine can be put together cheap as far as a desktop is concerned. I have been looking as well recently and you could pick up a intel corei7 and motherboard combo which is their top of the line processor along with a case, harddrive, dvd drive, power supply, ram, and even 1g nvidia or ATI video card and a copy of windows for a little over $600. This PC would be the absolute top of the line performance, can be easily upgraded and would last you many many years to come. I know not everyone is that computer savy, but a good site is newegg. If you know anyone who would assemble it for you there are awesome deals out there.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
TW CSR said:
If you know anyone who will assemble your PC for you a pretty nice machine can be put together cheap as far as a desktop is concerned. I have been looking as well recently and you could pick up a intel corei7 and motherboard combo which is their top of the line processor along with a case, harddrive, dvd drive, power supply, ram, and even 1g nvidia or ATI video card and a copy of windows for a little over $600. This PC would be the absolute top of the line performance, can be easily upgraded and would last you many many years to come. I know not everyone is that computer savy, but a good site is newegg. If you know anyone who would assemble it for you there are awesome deals out there.
Click to expand...

But that would leave him with only $400 to buy a laptop.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
I don't need to reread the post.

Your car analogy sucks. The computer industry changes far more rapidly than the car industry. You can't compare the two.

Look its simple. she should buy a macintosh system and get everything needed or buy a cheap but capable desktop system which'll be fine for 2-3 years and then shop around for a barely adequate netbook. Should just be doable on approximate $1000 budget. Then another $1000+ on software.

imho better off buying a mac.

We're nearly in 2010 with 3d visual computing / touchscreen interfaces / triple monitor gaming / HD Porn setups on the mainstream horizon and i guarantee a pentium 4 will not be up to future tasks. So why suggest upgrading the ram?

Next you'll us tell to keep our apple iie, 80286, 386sx,486dx, pentium1, amd k6, atari2600, commodore64, Vic20, amiga500, NES, sNES, Sega's mastersystem medgadrive gamegear, Lynx, gameboys, ps1, ps2, n64, wii for the next 10years.

I'm sorry the garage isn't big enough.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
Ultra2HolyGrail said:
Because the op just wants to burn some cd's, dvd's, make a home video movie :confused:

All she really needs is upgraded ram and probably a bigger hard drive for those needs.
Click to expand...

It's the DELL FROM HELL 4600 era 2003.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/129857-2/the_10_worst_pcs_of_all_time.html

Cost of expensive ddr ram (secondhand!) and the labour for installing would be better spent towards the purchase of new modern system.

The likely configuration of 2x512 = 1GB isn't enough now days.

XP home is no longer supported by microsoft and most consumer software companys will be moving away from supporting in the next 18-24months.

Pentium 4 doesn't support 64bit and related security features.

Hard drive interface is the slower ide or sata 150.

Pentium 4 is a really bad cpu for encoding movies.

No HD support with the onboard dell gpu, cpu is to slow for 1080p.

Better off with an efficient non-laggy dual core cpu and cheap nvidia video card for encodes.

Most importantly a modern system has heaps of power bill saving features and will save the planet.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
I don't need to reread the post.

Your car analogy sucks. The computer industry changes far more rapidly than the car industry. You can't compare the two.

Look its simple. she should buy a macintosh system and get everything needed or buy a cheap but capable desktop system which'll be fine for 2-3 years and then shop around for a barely adequate netbook. Should just be doable on approximate $1000 budget. Then another $1000+ on software.

imho better off buying a mac.

We're nearly in 2010 with 3d visual computing / touchscreen interfaces / triple monitor gaming / HD Porn setups on the mainstream horizon and i guarantee a pentium 4 will not be up to future tasks. So why suggest upgrading the ram?

Next you'll us tell to keep our apple iie, 80286, 386sx,486dx, pentium1, amd k6, atari2600, commodore64, Vic20, amiga500, NES, sNES, Sega's mastersystem medgadrive gamegear, Lynx, gameboys, ps1, ps2, n64, wii for the next 10years.

I'm sorry the garage isn't big enough.
Click to expand...

The guy is not looking for much. There is no mention about high level gaming, and he needs a desktop and a laptop but only has $1000.

Secondly, to equate my analogy with your stated parameter, unless I am putting the Buick and the BMW on the track, the analogy certainly works. There is no difference getting to work or the mall with either vehicle. I used that analogy precisely because I prefer to drive said Buick, as opposed to my BMW, unless I were to go on a long trip, and even then, I may prefer the Buick, because in many parts of the USA, GM parts are easier to find if the car has an issue. Even Sears can fix it if need be.
 
B

Bad Dog

Semi-Pro
TheLama said:
Secondly, to equate my analogy with your stated parameter, unless I am putting the Buick and the BMW on the track, the analogy certainly works. There is no difference getting to work or the mall with either vehicle. I used that analogy precisely because I prefer to drive said Buick, as opposed to my BMW, unless I were to go on a long trip, and even then, I may prefer the Buick, because in many parts of the USA, GM parts are easier to find if the car has an issue. Even Sears can fix it if need be.
Click to expand...


This is a good analogy. For those of us who do not actually fix our own cars or computers, the highest priority may be the immediate 24/7 availability of technical support (followed shortly after by replacement parts) in case things go wrong.

Thus far I have chosen Dell gold technical support. So far, no problems. But if an emergency strikes, is Dell gold technical support among the very best available from major laptop brands?
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
24/7 support = website/online chat.

Gold, Indian scripted support. Waste hours on the phone, before getting parts rma ticket or callout ticket.

Very few get usa call centre support unless your accounts worth mucho $$.

They're all the same nowdays.
 
B

Bad Dog

Semi-Pro
equinox said:
24/7 support = website/online chat.

Gold, Indian scripted support. Waste hours on the phone, before getting parts rma ticket or callout ticket.

Very few get usa call centre support unless your accounts worth mucho $$.

They're all the same nowdays.
Click to expand...


Thank you; your insight is helpful since several of my friends are originally from India or other parts of Asia. Since no better suggestions have been provided, hopefully it means that I chose one of the best options available – by default. :)
 
Ultra2HolyGrail

Ultra2HolyGrail

Hall of Fame
equinox said:
The likely configuration of 2x512 = 1GB isn't enough now days.
Click to expand...


For what the op wants to do i would say it is.

XP home is no longer supported by microsoft and most consumer software companys will be moving away from supporting in the next 18-24months.
Click to expand...

I like XP way better than vista. As far as support i don't see it being obsolete for years to come. Security? XP is more secure than vista imo. Certain firewalls, programs, that are effective do not work for vista. It seems like everything that was effective at security in xp was disabled or unable to work for vista. The activeX functions seem like the only thing improved with vista. Although i am no expert.


Pentium 4 is a really bad cpu for encoding movies.
Click to expand...

Afaik, the dvd burner determines how fast it encodes. I have no problems with pentium4.

No HD support with the onboard dell gpu, cpu is to slow for 1080p.
Click to expand...

When bluray disc media becomes affordable only then i will upgrade to a better machine.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
Ultra2HolyGrail said:
For what the op wants to do i would say it is.

I like XP way better than vista. As far as support i don't see it being obsolete for years to come. Security? XP is more secure than vista imo. Certain firewalls, programs, that are effective do not work for vista. It seems like everything that was effective at security in xp was disabled or unable to work for vista. The activeX functions seem like the only thing improved with vista. Although i am no expert.
Afaik, the dvd burner determines how fast it encodes. I have no problems with pentium4.
When bluray disc media becomes affordable only then i will upgrade to a better machine.
Click to expand...

I too believe XP PRO SP3 is far superior usability wise to the original release of VISTA. But this OS is irrelevant since new computers come with licenses for Windows 7.
XP is no longer supported and gets more insecure by the day.
Windows 7 combined with modern computer systems hardware security features has proven robust against previously common attack vectors.
WINDOWS 7 has decent XP application support. "Consumer" software companys which continue with xp support are wasting resources better spent elsewhere. It's like allowing IE6 users to connect to your website, you'd be doing users a service blocking it. Slowly securing the internet and creating a better web.

Not that it matters that much since 95% of computers have obsolete versions of adobe flash. In 2010 this software be the most attacked. no computers 100% secure not even NORAD.

DVD burner speed has little to do with trans/encoding speed. Takes less than 20mins burning versus potentially many hours encoding on a P4. Hmm wonder what's more timeconsuming in the creation process..

Thank you for proving my point about asking for advice in the wrong type of forum..

Blu-ray is sh1t, it's a defective by design, anti-consumer drm nextgen hd dvd format. You're smart to wait awhile before buying in, since you'll need a compatible monitor, video card, locked down os and more. In 2013 all the DRM features will be turned on by the big media corps and the average consumer will really be screwed over.
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/day33-failray-and-theps3

I'm sorry you deserve to be left behind in 2010.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
Bad Dog said:
Thank you; your insight is helpful since several of my friends are originally from India or other parts of Asia. Since no better suggestions have been provided, hopefully it means that I chose one of the best options available – by default. :)
Click to expand...

I'd sooner use a automated voice response system than a script monkey.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
I too believe XP PRO SP3 is far superior usability wise to the original release of VISTA. But this OS is irrelevant since new computers come with licenses for Windows 7.
XP is no longer supported and gets more insecure by the day.
Windows 7 combined with modern computer systems hardware security features has proven robust against previously common attack vectors.
WINDOWS 7 has decent XP application support. "Consumer" software companys which continue with xp support are wasting resources better spent elsewhere. It's like allowing IE6 users to connect to your website, you'd be doing users a service blocking it. Slowly securing the internet and creating a better web.

Not that it matters that much since 95% of computers have obsolete versions of adobe flash. In 2010 this software be the most attacked. no computers 100% secure not even NORAD.

DVD burner speed has little to do with trans/encoding speed. Takes less than 20mins burning versus potentially many hours encoding on a P4. Hmm wonder what's more timeconsuming in the creation process..

Thank you for proving my point about asking for advice in the wrong type of forum..

Blu-ray is sh1t, it's a defective by design, anti-consumer drm nextgen hd dvd format. You're smart to wait awhile before buying in, since you'll need a compatible monitor, video card, locked down os and more. In 2013 all the DRM features will be turned on by the big media corps and the average consumer will really be screwed over.
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/day33-failray-and-theps3

I'm sorry you deserve to be left behind in 2010.
Click to expand...

XP is to be supported until 2014. It is used extensively in netbooks.

Microsoft won't cutoff support and screw-up businesses who may decide that if they have to buy new machines to support Windows 7, that they can just as well buy Macs and no longer put-up with Microsoft BS.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
24/7 support = website/online chat.

Gold, Indian scripted support. Waste hours on the phone, before getting parts rma ticket or callout ticket.

Very few get usa call centre support unless your accounts worth mucho $$.

They're all the same nowdays.
Click to expand...

Are you saying that Indian IT support is inferior to USA IT support?

Is that actually true, or is that a prejudice towards Indians?
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
Yes, Indian it education is vastly inferior to that provided in the united states.

imho, it support should be located in the same geographic area and have similar culture values and language.

Prejuice? National Indians practice class prejudice on a daily basis. I don't need to add anymore.
 
equinox

equinox

Hall of Fame
TheLama said:
XP is to be supported until 2014. It is used extensively in netbooks.

Microsoft won't cutoff support and screw-up businesses who may decide that if they have to buy new machines to support Windows 7, that they can just as well buy Macs and no longer put-up with Microsoft BS.
Click to expand...

"WAS" used. Wndows 7 runs fine on current netbooks. Windows 7 runs XP very well under a virtual machine.

I don't expect MS will assign adequate resources to keep xp patched in a timely manner.

Besides application support will dropped way before 2014, So what good is an os without the current apps? Even gartner advises to get planning your migration strategy NOW.

Only thing sticking your head in the sand gets you is a burnt ass.

Lol, buy macs? no that's not going to happen. The staff retraining and porting custom vb apps will cost a similar amount to just staying MS.
Small businesses are locked into microsoft infrastructure, they'll have no choice but to upgrade everything. a painful very painful migration.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
"WAS" used. Wndows 7 runs fine on current netbooks. Windows 7 runs XP very well under a virtual machine.

I don't expect MS will assign adequate resources to keep xp patched in a timely manner.

Besides application support will dropped way before 2014, So what good is an os without the current apps? Even gartner advises to get planning your migration strategy NOW.

Only thing sticking your head in the sand gets you is a burnt ass.

Lol, buy macs? no that's not going to happen. The staff retraining and porting custom vb apps will cost a similar amount to just staying MS.
Small businesses are locked into microsoft infrastructure, they'll have no choice but to upgrade everything. a painful very painful migration.
Click to expand...

There are many businesses that have switched to Mac. I was recently at the Genius Bar, asking about virus and spyware protection, and the tech rep informed me on how those two products were being used in the business environment, which was news to me as well.

Regarding XP, if you are just surfing the net, and using the machine for word processing, applications without XP support are not a concern, because that individual is not using it anyway. Most users are not at your level of computer expertise, nor have the need for a race car on the street--if you get the analogy. It's just like how I explain to 4.0 players who want to use Volkl sticks, that as much as they may want to be associated with the Volkl 10 Line, they cannot totally function with the PB 10 Mid as I can. Just as the average computer user cannot function in your gaming world or build a white box desktop as you can.

Basically, it just makes no sense to put a new 17-year old driver into a Lamborghini, unless you just have money to burn.
 
TheLama

TheLama

Banned
equinox said:
Yes, Indian it education is vastly inferior to that provided in the united states.

imho, it support should be located in the same geographic area and have similar culture values and language.

Prejuice? National Indians practice class prejudice on a daily basis. I don't need to add anymore.
Click to expand...

All I can say is...WOW.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
Help me out...which computer should I get?
Replies
16
Views
1K
Flyingpanda
F
T
Camcorder to Computer Help Needed...
Replies
1
Views
450
burosky
burosky
GOOOOOGA
Computer Help!
Replies
0
Views
518
GOOOOOGA
GOOOOOGA
Tmano
Computer issue...some serious help
Replies
12
Views
1K
diredesire
diredesire
T
I need help computer geeks!
Replies
9
Views
767
StealthGnome
StealthGnome
Top