Buying a desktop, need advice!!

[CWood2]

Since the HDTV thread helped me select the perfect tv, here goes...

I've had a laptop forever, and I no longer have to worry about portability or needing it for school/work. I've considered building one, but to be honest, I don't know enough to demand that type of customization. I'm not a computer gamer, so I'm not ultra picky about video cards. What I'm really looking for is a fast computer with plenty of memory and upgradeability (like if I want an HD-DVD burner in a few years ) that's great for movies and multimedia. I want to be able to burn dvds and create my own through editing and piecing together clips. I also like the idea of getting software included with the purchase, like photoshop and the latest from adobe that's great for graphics and editing. Lastly, I'm intrigued by the tv tuner feature and would love to be able to record shows and store them on the harddrive...especially if there's a way to view your library in high def to supliment the HD DVR I already have.

With that said, I'm seriously considering the following, even though I'm not quite sure how I'd like Windows Media Center vs. XP as my OS...

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VAIO_RC110G/4505-3118_7-31518027.html?tag=pdtl-list

Input very much appreciated, my budget including monitor and extended warranty is def under $3K, preferably $2,500.

[fishepa]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

If you're not gaming, there is no need to spend over $1500 on a PC. I would look at Dell's.

[CWood2]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

That's good to know. The Vaio I linked is about $1400 and that was the highest priced model I was looking at. That one has a ton of software too which is part of what I'm looking for. I like the ability to build your own desktop on Dell's website, but I was impressed with all the multimedia functions that the Sony has. I'm about a week or two from pulling the trigger...

[e0820]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Whatever you choose make sure it has upgrade options. For instance alot of the Gateway, Dell pc makers will offer a system with onboard video. On board video gets its memory from your RAM, which means less RAM for XP, programs. Make sure the system has a AGP or PCIE slot to upgrade to. Also make sure ram is upgradeable, you dont want to get stuck with something that wont take more then 1gb of ram. Always leave the option open incase you do become a gamer/video editor/whatever in the future.

[CWood2]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Good call, I agree.

How about the multimedia aspects I'm looking for. Does anyone have Windows Media Center, video editing programs, or tv tuners worth talking about?

[Holic]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Well, I just bought a new desktop w/Windows Media Center and a 19'' WS Monitor from Dell for a little over $1300. It's got a dual processor, 1 gig of ram (upgradable up to 4) 256 ati graphics card, and a dual TV tuner, along with a 250 GB hard drive.

I've had it just over a week now, and love it. I've also got my 360 running through the flat panel lcd I got, and it's just as good as my HDTV.

It's something to look into. Just go to http://www.dell.com and check out the XPS 400. I chose it, and upgraded from there. They were running a special when I bought mine, so I'm not sure about now.

[BGarrett7]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

A very good reason why you should get a Dell.

[CWood2]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

A very good reason why you should get a Dell.

...saw that one coming

[bravosfan]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

A very good reason why you should get a Dell.

LMAO!

[jmw1137]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

The software list looks impressive, but there are several trials...meaning if you want to keep that software you'll have to pay for it (Norton & MS Office). The Adobe products are Elements & Photo Album. I know nothing about the Album and all I've heard about Elements is it's ok but not as good as Photoshop. You'd almost be better off getting Paint Shop Pro or something like that.

I got my last computer from here about a month ago: http://www.pugetsystems.com/

I was able to customize everything and got a great computer for $1500. Quick rundown is 1Gb RAM, 500GB hard drive (SATA), AMD 64 processor, media card reader and more. It shipped 4 days after I ordered and it has been perfect...and very quiet!

[CWood2]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

The software list looks impressive, but there are several trials...meaning if you want to keep that software you'll have to pay for it (Norton & MS Office). The Adobe products are Elements & Photo Album. I know nothing about the Album and all I've heard about Elements is it's ok but not as good as Photoshop. You'd almost be better off getting Paint Shop Pro or something like that.

I got my last computer from here about a month ago: http://www.pugetsystems.com/

I was able to customize everything and got a great computer for $1500. Quick rundown is 1Gb RAM, 500GB hard drive (SATA), AMD 64 processor, media card reader and more. It shipped 4 days after I ordered and it has been perfect...and very quiet!

I saw Norton was a 90 day trial, which isn't that great but doesn't deter me too much. They list Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and Premiere Standard Edition...

Would it be completely ridiculous to think that this program could come in a desktop package (I'm assuming this is the edition everyone would want):
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...tware&n=541966

[jmw1137]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Microsoft Office is also a 90 day trial. So you're not really getting software worth that much in the package you posted.

Since you have up to $2500 to spend why not spend $1500-$2000 on the computer and then get Photoshop? You're right though...you probably won't find many computers that come with Photoshop CS2 pre-loaded.

Another option is buying CS1. I have used both CS1 & CS2 quite a bit and overall they are very comparable. I think the biggest difference is the ability to create vector images in CS2. So, if you aren't concerned with that you can probably find CS1 a lot cheaper than CS2.

[CWood2]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Appreciate the software advice jmw1137.

If I buy an HD LCD monitor for my desktop, or maybe I simply hook it up to the HD TV already in my room, will the TV tuner allow me to record shows in high definition? I currently use an HD-DVR from Comcast so I wouldn't know how it works on the Vaio desktop or others I'm considering.

[jmw1137]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

I don't think the monitor has anything to do with the recording. If your TV tuner card supports HD recording then it should do it. Your monitor only matters when you play it...if it's HD then it will be HD....if not then it will just be SD (but should still play ok).

[CM1847]

Re: Buying a desktop, need advice!!

Use http://www.gimp.org/ if you want a good photo editing program. The so called "free Photoshop." Not as slick as PS, but about $700 cheaper and it does a lot. Photoshop is obviously the best, but it is not worth full price unless you have that much to burn or you need it for your profession.