Psyte
-
Posts
708 -
Joined
-
I've been using Chrome for a while now, both at home and at work. At work it has a little personality (XP), but at home (W7) its perfectly happy and zippy.
-
I can run this by my SG and see if they're interested. I'm reasonably sure we've got some folks who've never done one before and would like to try.
In the meantime - are there are good introductory guides or such? Just so we can get an idea of what we might be getting ourselves into? -
Just curious! Since we're sort of in the middle of the Pacific, floating about, I had to ask. I'm usually on evenings... Hawai'i is GMT -10 if that helps.
Looking for more occasional folks to run with than anything else
-
And you can give yourself a better upgrade path than many OEM's might decide to let you have. Power supplies are one example of this, for instance. Your case is another.
-
Quote:Well, its possibly to underspend too (even at that price range). Just because it looks like a good deal doesn't mean it will be (bad customer service, bad workmanship, is actually a lesser CPU that's been overclocked, etc).Originally Posted by Noyjitat
Dont buy a name brand pc, you'll overspend. You can get something way better than a name brand for 1600 - 1800$. Also go with a pc, you'll run into more compatibility issues and needs to emulate with a mac when it comes to gaming.
Caveat emptor and all that. -
Quote:Well, I think its a bit more up to the user than anything else. I've often compared PC ownership to having a pet - you must take care of your pet!Originally Posted by Emberly
. It's just that PCs work as well 99% of the time and when that other 1% rears its ugly head you can look at the money you saved and think "oh, well."
The folks I know who never have trouble (and aren't super techies) are the ones who do the basic maintenance, don't do high risk stuff, and don't install stuff indiscriminately. I usually see a lot of Windows problems being PEBCAK or from the OEM itself (overloaded with crapware, skimping out on RAM, using Intel integrated graphics, etc).
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=16678
But, yeah, making your own can be a fun way to go, and anything that encourages folks to know more about their computers (regardless of their OS) is a good thing in general. -
One could always install Windows and never boot into OSX
-
Quote:Thanks for catching that! While I'm still iffy if I'd ever get one, it does make that particular model easier to recommend to folks who are looking for such. I wish that was standard across the line, but oh wellOriginally Posted by je_saist
So on paper, yes, if you bought one of the 27" Imacs, it seems like you could use it as a monitor for another computer.
-
Possibly bizarre question: can the iMac be used as a monitor for another computer? Say Airhammer upgrades machines in a few years (new Mac, new PC, whatever) or wants/needs to hook a laptop or another computer up to a (larger) display - could he do that?
I personally hate most of the all-in-ones I used to see (I don't bother looking at them, generally) since I dislike the idea of them but also the lack of this functionality. With the screen the iMac has it would be a bit of shame if you couldn't... a gamer might outgrow the iMac's hardware if they're really aggressive, but they wouldn't outgrow the display nearly as quick (if at all).
heh... just thinking my boss's Apple Cinema Display at his house has never had any gaming love... maybe I can talk him into trying COH when he finally gets a Mac Pro to replace his G5... -
Quote:Keep an eye out - things like that can change depending on who's getting fat and complacent, who's refocusing, etc. Better to do that kind of research closer to buying time, I think. Still good to do now, mind you, but past performance is no guarantee of future results.Originally Posted by Airhammer
I want to thank everyone for all the great responses. They have been a great help. If I wait a few more months I can get a better system so that is what I think I will do at the very least.
Can anyone name some good PC companies besides stuff like Dell ?? -
Quote:I'll agree with this 100%.Originally Posted by je_saist
Unless you desperately need a new computer between now and then, I'd save your cash and wait for the expansion to actually launch before going out and spending money.
And I've not heard rumors of an AMD-based Mac before... that makes me warm and happy inside
-
If you do look at the iMacs, look at the 27" model with the Radeon 4850, plus be sure to double check the forums here to see what issues you might run into, regardless if you're running OSX or Windows. Everything else on that model looks pretty good. I would say look at the quad core i5 model, but that's outside your specified budget by $200 (and that's without Applecare, which is $169). I'd recommend Applecare since the iMac is an all-in-one deal, and I don't think very much of it would be user-serviceable. Sadly, you'll probably have to up your budget a bit more to get an iMac with the 4850 and Applecare.
Now, when GR comes out? You will hopefully be able to get a more powerful iMac for the same price. Waiting always pays.
If you look at Dell and Alienware, keep in mind that Dell owns Alienware. You might want to compare the specs of the Studio XPS systems with the Alienware systems, and keep in mind you always drop in a newer video card later. But pay attention to the small details - the Alienware Aurora, for instance, lets you choose your case color (big whoop) and the power supply (which is a big deal!). The Studio XPS doesn't. I don't think Dell is doing custom power supplies anymore, but that would be one more thing to consider if you decided to upgrade your video card later on... "Can my PSU handle it?" Also, the Studio XPS won't do SLI or Crossfire, whereas the Alienware will. -
Quote:Okay, I'm going to assume you're computer literate and capable of running a Windows machine, don't install crapware, don't do high-risk stuff (ie, pirating/stealing stuff), etc. A few things to consider then:Originally Posted by Airhammer
Im probably looking to spend between 1600-1800. I have been looking at iMac's, Dell, Alienware, Gateway and Cyberpower ( only because thats what I have now )
1. Can you get anything locally? Or will it have to be shipped? Will it cost you to get something shipped or not? Shipping can stink, that's for sure - if you can get free shipping that's always a plus. If the computer maker won't do it, check if Amazon or Newegg has what you're looking for, and see if they will.
2. Do you want to upgrade stuff later on? Major stuff, like the CPU/motherboard (which then will likely include new RAM)? If so, no to Apple, likely no to most Dells, not sure about Gateway, Alienware or Cyberpower. For instance, my Dell has a BX motherboard and case, so I can't just go to Newegg and get a new motherboard, CPU, etc. I'd have to buy all that plus a new case (basically, make a whole new computer), then gut my current computer for everything else (harddrive, CD/DVD drive, etc).
2a. Do you need or want any add-in PCI cards? The iMacs will be no good for you.
2b. Do you want to run SLI or Crossfire in the future? The iMacs will be no good for you. The PC's will depend on what you buy, so pay attention to the specs (ie, SLI/Crossfire support and the power supply). At this time Mac Pros do not support SLI or Crossfire... I hope that changes at some point
2c. Do you have any USB devices that might not supported by OSX? Check the maker's website or do a Google on it - it might work even if its not officially supported by the company.
3. How is the customer service for each company? How reliable are their systems? This will be worth some research time.
3a. Are you willing to pay more to get a computer that's better made and more reliable instead of getting the highest possible specs? How much can you handle by yourself?
3b. Do you want to get the extended warranty for the computer? How long does it last? What does it offer and protect? What does it not?
4. You cannot get a Mac Pro within your budget, new. So you're looking at iMacs. Have you compared what you'll get with an iMac's price versus a PC plus monitor?
5. PC only - can you get a clean install of Windows or an actual Windows disc? Because of how cut-throat the PC market is and how slim profit margins are, one way they make money is installing software (trials, demos, etc - "crapware"). If you can get it clean, do it. Otherwise, you might want to get PC Decrapifer or something. All my PC's have had clean installs of Windows (ie, no OEM crap) have been wonderful (and stay that way since I don't install crap).
6. Mac only - are you keeping your PC? Or do you want your Mac to do everything? If so, you'll likely want to get an OEM copy of Windows 7 to go along with it, as well as a copy of Parallels (in case you need/want to use Windows while in OSX). Be sure to check their website for any known issues.
I realize this isn't a straight answer. But its good to think about and should help you come to a decision you're happy with.
Oh, and if you don't have one already? Look into a UPS. You're looking to buy an expensive piece of hardware, so make sure its protected, you know? -
Quote:Bootcamp, though.Originally Posted by Zortel
If you're looking to play Star Wars: The Old Republic later on, get a PC. There may not be a Mac release.
-
1. What's your budget?
2. What do you want out of a computer?
3. You do know that if you get a Mac you can also have Windows, right?
If you get something, be sure to watch the specs. I personally don't recommend the Mac Minis - if you get a desktop get an iMac (if you needed a Mac Pro you would've known it already), or get a MacBook Pro. Also note - there are NO system requirements/recommendations for the upcoming Star Wars MMO, so honestly? Kinda hard to tell there. That's not coming out for a while, anyhow.
Likewise, we don't know exactly what will do how well with GR yet - too soon to tell.
One gripe - the iMacs and Minis cannot upgrade their video; only the Mac Pros can. So if you needed to upgrade that, then you're out of luck. I'd get the best that you can at the time of purchase if you did go that route (ditto for the laptops).
By the time GR comes out, there might be some upgrades done to the iMac and MacBook Pro specs, so then might be a better time to decide if you're factoring Ultra mode. Likewise, maybe we'll have more info on SW:TOR. You'll have to wait, but you can save money in the meantime, and when you do buy you'll get more power for your money.
Honestly - if you've already bought-in with Windows (ie, have a lot of software and such for it) I'd strongly recommend coming up with more reasons to switch to Mac OR make sure you buy a copy of Windows 7 along with the Mac.
And again, consider your budget and what you want out of a computer... it has to make sense for you. For instance, the only reason I haven't upgraded my old G4 (now collecting dust) is that Apple will not make a Mac that I want (consumer tower between $1,000 and $1,2000, and I have no interest in hackintoshing). The Mac Mini is too underpowered for my wants, I don't want an iMac, and the Mac Pro is such overkill its not even funny (ie, I'm not paying that much money on a computer I can't use as a tax deduction!). I don't want a laptop (PC, Mac or otherwise), so I, personally, am out of luck.
If you do get a Mac, it'll be a good machine that with a little TLC will last you for years to come. If you do get a PC, do your research first (regardless if you buy pre-made or make it yourself), give it a little TLC and it will last you for years to come. -
I wanted to try OS/2 but my old computer wouldn't support it. It also did tricks with DOS and Windows 3.x that weren't seen again until recently (ie, running each application in its own virtual machine). And of course, it gave Stardock, one of my favorite companies, a home for many, many years. Sadly, back then IBM couldn't market themselves out of a wet paper bag. I likewise wish I could've seen OS/2 take off - it was far ahead of Windows and MacOS at the time...
I only recently found out what the big deal was about Amiga recently. That was ahead of its time...
Aaaanyhow...
edit: And I really want to try Haiku when its in beta status... you're making me all misty eyed! -
Wuigly Squigly, have you checked Microsoft's website or contacted their technical support or anything? That's... uhm... more interesting than I can wrap my head around, so... Can also try your laptop maker's website too, perhaps?
(tangent)
Yeah - its a good move for Microsoft. The biggest trick was the drivers, and since Vista and W7 share the same model? So much the better! Microsoft is a software company, after all - it makes sense for them. Apple, on the other hand? I'm pretty sure I could hand out burned copies of OSX and they won't care one bit... that's not where their money is really made, anyhow. Now, I start selling non-Macs running OSX like Psystar did? Their lawyers will come-a-calling. Now, Microsoft doesn't care what you run Windows on so long as its a legit copy. If you run a legit copy of Windows on an Mac, then its a win/win/win (Microsoft wins, Apple wins, and the customer wins since they pretty much have the entire world open to them).
I used to hate Windows until XP came out. I quite love it now (particularly 7) and that's with me having used OSX for the past few years everyday at work. While I have 0% desire to use Linux (tried it a few times - its not for me at the moment), I'm very glad its around. I love OSX. In all honesty, I think right now is a great time to be a (literate) computer user. No one OS is perfect or does everything the way I want it to (I've got a list for all three of things I'd like to see), but its wonderful that you can be functional with whatever you choose, and can choose on what's most important to you versus having no feasible alternatives. Heck, with the way things are going with online applications your OS seems to becoming less and less important! I like that.
I do miss BeOS, though. The idea of it being here, a lot more mature than when I had it (4.5?), and maybe having virtualization software for it is kind of drool worthy. Heck, BeOS would've been wonderful with todays "how many cores?" market. After all, wasn't their old slogan "one CPU isn't enough"?
(/tangent) -
Thanks for the help. I've decided, overall, that if I do anything I'm just going to go for the q6600. A new video card would be nice but I can wait. Moving to an i5 or X4 requires too much other stuff to be bought as well. At least I'll still get a good upgrade over my C2D 6300
-
Hrm... actually, I'm now wondering... if I can find a AM2+/AM3 or AM2/AM2+/AM3 motherboard that can use my old DDR667/PC2 5300 RAM? I could spend about $200, get a better CPU (Athlon II X4) and maybe (but not sure if I'd bet on it) be in a position for AMD's next round of AM3 CPUs (at which point I could upgrade the CPU and the RAM).
It seems like I really would have to spend $100 more to beat the X4. Intel's $150 Q8200 and $160 Q8400 doesn't beat it enough to be worthwhile (depending on the game the X4 beats the Q8200). The trick for me really gets to is the i5's performance worth the difference in price or not. That's where I'm a bit hesitant. Saw I do get Starcraft II when that comes out - you know Blizzard is going to keep the system requirements on that as low as possible so I should have more than enough hardware to run it happily.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=3638&p=8
I'm already running most of my games at very good resolutions and quality settings. Since I generally don't like or play the super-demanding titles I'm good there (and even then I've got a 360 as well, so if I get Batman it would be on console). -
I went straight from XP to Win7 Beta/RC. Love it. I'm finding Microsoft's Security Essentials to be nice. AVG was good too - just wanted to try something else. I didn't like Kaspersky under XP so I'm not going to try it with Win7 (paid for it, so that's the pity)... too fussy. Pretty much all my games have been good, as have my drivers. Open Office, Firefox, Chrome, iTunes, etc., have all been fine for me. FRAPS works better for me under W7 than it did under XP for some reason (under XP it never did record sound for me).
I always thought of Vista the same way as OSX 10.0 - not something I wanted to use but I recognize it did a lot groundwork for future stuff. Windows 7 would not be as good as it is now if not for Vista, methinks (especially since there were sooo many driver issues early on). XP wasn't exactly thrilling a lot of people early on, either, but its easy to forget that.
I sometimes wonder what Microsoft could make if they did an Apple-style culling of old support. As someone who owns a G4 I'm a little annoyed that I can't use OSX 10.6 (not as pissed as my boss with a very nice G5), but at the same time I think Microsoft holds on to things a bit too long as well (for instance, I see no reason why W7 has 32-bit support instead of being 64-bit only).
And I wouldn't say there's nothing new under the hood, exactly.
http://www.osnews.com/story/22501/Mi...ows_7_s_Kernel
edit: And for the record I was waiting on Vista SP2. When I first started hearing about W7, I decided to hold off to "wait and see." For some reason I got giddy and hopped onto the public beta...
edit 2: Devil May Cry 4's DRM didn't like the RC, with SecuROM complaining about imaging software. I don't know if its a false positive or if W7 has stuff built in. -
Alan Davis, anyone?
-
Yay! Thank you!
-
Hmm... and something I found...
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/26...0ct017-support
Quote:Trying to see if I can verify this some how. Or figure out what the hell some of these things are @_@Dell has a new bios release that was posted on 12/17/2007
Just go to Dell website / Support / Drivers & Downloads, put your service tag in and download the new BIOS ver. 2.5.3. Unzip it and double click it and it will flash your BIOS with the new version and restart your computer for you.
You now have the new BIOS!
This new BIOS will support ALL these processors.
(This is from a dell Technition right off the dell forum where a person asked for all supported Processors)
XPS 410 - List of ALL CPU's that are compatable as of Bios DXP061-020501 (new BIOS you just updated)
06 Sep 2007 03:47PM
PR173 Presler P4 915, 2.80G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, D0
UY273 Presler P4 915, 2.08G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, C1
YW816 Presler P4 925, 3.00G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, D0
XJ848 Presler P4 930, 3.00G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, C1
PU963 Presler PD 935, 3.20G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, D0
DK050 Presler P4 940, 3.20G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, C1
RT922 Presler P4 945, 3.40G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, C1
UJ776 Presler P4 950, 3.40G, 2X2MB, 800FSB, C1
CJ163 Presler P4 960, 3.60G, 2x2MB, 800FSB, B1
DK593 Cedar Mill 631, 3.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, C1
PN407 Cedar Mill 641, 3.20G, 2MB, 800FSB, D0
PY394 Cedar Mill 641, 3.20G, 2MB, 800FSB, C1
KU339 Cedar Mill 651, 3.40G, 2MB, 800FSB, D0
PY395 Cedar Mill 651, 3.40G, 2MB, 800FSB, C1
DK594 Cedar Mill 661, 3.60G, 2MB, 800FSB, C1
DT883 Cedar Mill 661, 3.60G, 2MB, 800FSB, D0
HU587 Conroe E4300, 1.80G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
DX483 Conroe E4400, 2.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
RX522 Conroe E4400, 2.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, M0
DT893 Conroe E6300, 1.86G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
DU362 Conroe E6300, 1.86G, 2MB, 1066FSB, L2
DX485 Conroe E6320, 1.86G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
DU361 Conroe E6400, 2.13G, 2MB, 1066FSB, L2
KN977 Conroe E6400, 2.13G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
DX484 Conroe E6420, 2.13G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
KU345 Conroe E6600, 2.40G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
PN416 Conroe E6700, 2.66G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
WM543 Conroe XE X6800, 2.93G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
FG941 Smithfield P4 820, 2.80G, 2MB, 800FSB, Mainstream, B0
UY272 Smithfield P4 805, 2.66G, 2X1MB, 533FSB, B0
HU585 Kentsfield Quad Core Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, B30
MP626 Kentsfield Quad Core Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
UT713 Prescott P4 531, 3.0G, 800FSB, 1MB, ALT, G1
UT714 Prescott P4 541, 3.2G, 800FSB, 1MB, ALT, G1
UY274 Prescott P4 524, 3.06G, 1MB, 533FSB, G1
edit: gack - they're worse than what I've got @_@ -
Quote:You know, that made me think of something... I did some digging in my old emails and found this...Originally Posted by Father Xmas
Well since you have a Dell, it's doubtful that they have a BIOS update so you could take advantage of the current crop of 1066MHZ FSB CPUs from Intel (like the Pentium Dual Core 6xxx series or the Core2 7xxx series).
That probably doesn't help me much, thoughQuote:Thank you for contacting Dell Warranty Support. I understand that you would like to know if Dell offers any sort of CPU upgrade for your Dimension 9200 desktop, as well as the option for a Dell certified technician to install it. You want to find out what CPU options are available and the price for installation.
I would be glad to help you with your concern. Your Dimension 9200 desktop has the following current processor specification:
Conroe, 6300, 1.86G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
The following are the the CPU upgrade options that you can choose from:
Conroe Kit, E6600, 2.4G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
Conroe Kit, E6400, 2.13G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
Conroe Kit, E6700, 2.66G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
Conroe XE Kit, X6800, 2.93G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
edit: Ack! Can't find them anywhere but Pricewatch and geez they're expensive. -
Thanks Father Xmas. I guess I should mention I am thoroughly not attached to ATI (or Nvidia), so I've got no problem switching who makes my card's GPU