Which Computer?

[MightyGem]

I'm considering converting to the dark side and buying a Windows computer. I would be wanting it for Internet use, digital photos and video editing.

in terms of cost/quality, would I do better than buying a standard box, or going to my local computer specialist and getting one made to order?

[Koyo]

Well you have a few options when it comes to x86 PC.

1. Buy the parts yourself and build it yourself.
2. Spec out the computer and have it build for you by a local computer store.
3. Go into a local computer store and buy a prebuild.
4. Buy from well known direct retailers such as Dell and HP.

I live in Canada so I don't know what is the best option for you. I'm sure your fellow Brits will reply to this thread sooner or later.

[ORAC]

If you have not already got any bits, it will be cheaper to buy a complete machine. That will also ensure compatibility, particularly if you want XP Media Center. Dell are cheap but can be expense to upgrade, Mesh (http://www.meshcomputers.com/updated/index.htm) are worth a look.

[Conan the Librarian]

If tempted to spec up your own machine I advise caution. In this hugely competitive market, the big boys are working on margins sharper than the edge of a razor blade. Independants have no way of being competitive with this lot. An example of "How to blow a budget" will include this. A nicely hidden cost is simply that of Windows XP which in OEM form will set you back £130 for Xp Pro or about £90 for XP unPro. Nicest thing is that Microsoft will not and do not support OEM installations, so you get customer support of absolutely zilch for your money.

Depending on how long you want your machine to stay current, many of the boxes on sale now will do photo and video editing quite well. I do a lot of photo editing etc. with Photoshop and your main requirements if like me, you are serious about your photography will be something like this. Lots of RAM - and not less than 1024mb. Lots of storage. - I currently run a total of 520GB and am filling it fast. (each photo about 6MB) Processor and peripherals - Not as important as you might think. Thirdly, do mke sure that you have good Firewire support. In this digital World, it is unlikely to now find a machine without it, but if you do, you are going to be stuffed. Multi media isn't a top end requirement nowadays and a good mid range machine will be viable for some time to come.

Yes, I specced up the machine on which I type now and it is a really good performer. Sadly, through building and upping the spec. it cost me slightly more than two new Typhoons. From now on, I will buy ready made as the general level of performance has improved so much in recent years. I would never - never, never however, go to P* ****d.

[BoeingBoy]

Check this out, I have three of their computers with no major complaints. (Well none more than I would any other manufacturer)

http://uk.aldi.com/special_buys/product_171.html

[Daysleeper]

Friend of mine just cancelled a Dell having seen a Mac and decided to go for that instead.
He had Dell on the phone the next day offering 25% extra off if he would re-instate his order. He didn't but it just shows how cut throat it has become.
I would suggest haggling (bit hard to do with a website but telesales might)

edit to add just had a look at the aldi advert,

do you think they really mean that they include a TV.

XL-PACKAGE

DVD-ROM 16x
DVB-T Digital TV TUNER***
Analogue stereo TV
Bluetooth
WLAN 54 MBit/s Built-in wireless adaptor IEEE .......etc etc.

[leonbrumsack]

I have a Medion PC which I bought from Aldi and I've been very happy with it, it's a great piece of kit. My graphics card blew a couple of months ago, but within a couple of days, someone came round and replaced it (everything is covered by a three-year warranty, provided by Synstar). I'd recommend Medion PCs without a doubt!

[MightyGem]

Thanks for some useful tips guys.

[Hamrah]

I, on the otherhand, went overboard....

with THIS!!!! (http://www.savrow.com/mysavrow/jmahon.html)

when it came to a PC.

H

[Fat Dog]

So you'll be doing the rounds in CS et al then John?! Or is all that grunt for IE and email? ;)

[Hamrah]

CS, Half life, Far cry

Video editing...music editing...DVD watching ( Big screen, great sound)

oh and monitoring PPRuNe :)

H