New Computer

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 11:37 AM

Hi guys,

I'm planning on buying a new computer after Christmas. I would have prefered to get another Gateway, my current computer is a gateway G7-450, but Gateway have pulled out of the UK.

I know Dell is good, but I'd like peoples opinions on different computers.

**Cander** · Sep 25th, 2002, 11:58 AM

Well alot of people say Dell sucks, but i dont see it. I have 2 Dells and both were excellent. Although I would have prefered to build my own system, I just dont have the time to do it anymore, plus I have a bad right hand, so it is hard to deal with those tiny screws.

Micron was always good, but i dont think they do PC's anymore.

eMachines are cheap and are good, but it is best to uninstall and format everything when you get it and re-isntall Windows.

Wal Mart offers cheap PC's now also with no OS. Just install a floppy drive(why they didnt add floppies, i dont know) and install the OS of your choice.

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 12:01 PM

When I do buy the computer i want to get it from somewhere like Dell rather than the smaller shops. I bought my first computer from an electrical store and when things went wrong I couldn't get any help cause they didn't have a clue. That's why I bought my second from gateway.

I actually thought of building my own, but I don't really have the time.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 25th, 2002, 12:18 PM

You have the time to chat on a forum, then you have time to build your own comp.

**Sheppe** · Sep 25th, 2002, 01:00 PM

Originally posted by GingerNut
Hi guys,

I'm planning on buying a new computer after Christmas. I would have prefered to get another Gateway, my current computer is a gateway G7-450, but Gateway have pulled out of the UK.

I know Dell is good, but I'd like peoples opinions on different computers.

For the last several years I have owned nothing but Dells, and I'm extremely pleased with them all. They're always in the top three when comparing them to the competition, and they have an excellent service record. The one thing to keep in mind - avoid RDRAM. It is going to be phased out by DDR RAM (even tho RDRAM is better/faster), and it is extremely expensive when compared to SDRAM, etc. I got RDRAM for my current system, and I just spent a small fortune in upgrading the amount I have.

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 01:10 PM

Sold...Dell it is.

I've heard a lot of good reports about Dell computers.

**JoshT** · Sep 25th, 2002, 01:13 PM

Dell and Gateway are better than a lot of brands (HP, Compaq, Packard Bell). However, their service has been lessened in recent times, and it does add a bit to the price of the computer. I can beat their prices by building computers myself, but their service is great if you have an actual hardware failure (and you can convince them of it * see aside *). Just make sure you get standard parts so you can upgrade any part of the computer (motherboard, case, power supply separately).

* aside *
Dell once refused to swap a bad tape drive in one of my servers without me taking the server down. I had already swapped the drive with a spare and that worked, so I knew the drive was bad. However, they wanted me to take the server down during business hours and put the old drive back in it, something I couldn't due at the time. Then there was the time I had a printer that made loud grinding noises and smoked little bit, but the tech wouldn't let me return it because it wouldn't repeat the noise while I was on the phone with him. The thing had smoked - you'd think that would be grounds for a quick RMA...

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 01:22 PM

I'd love another Gateway, but like I said, they pulled out of the UK.
My current computer is about three years old and I've never had any hardware probs. I've upgraded it three times now but I think it's time to say farewell and buy new.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 25th, 2002, 01:22 PM

www.pricewatch.com

RDRAM isn't that badly priced.

**Sheppe** · Sep 25th, 2002, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by DiGiTaIErRoR
www.pricewatch.com

RDRAM isn't that badly priced.

Yeah, only 2,3, or 4 times the average price of other types of RAM.

**Sheppe** · Sep 25th, 2002, 04:39 PM

Originally posted by GingerNut
I'd love another Gateway, but like I said, they pulled out of the UK.
My current computer is about three years old and I've never had any hardware probs. I've upgraded it three times now but I think it's time to say farewell and buy new.

I've never had a problem with any of my Dells, FYI.

**JungleMan** · Sep 25th, 2002, 04:58 PM

Building your own computer is a good learning experience, and saves you money and trouble.

**Sastraxi** · Sep 25th, 2002, 05:00 PM

If he doesn't have time to build his own computer, stop trying to convince him to do something impossible, for him

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 05:12 PM

I've been checking out the Dell website. Some nice looking computers.
I'd probably go for something like this, only with a load of extras, depending on much money I have after Christmas.
http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/u...dimen_8200.htm

**GingerNut** · Sep 25th, 2002, 05:15 PM

I'd love to build my own computer, I'll see how things go. I have a load of work to get through, plus I'm still trying to finish my VB course. Hopefully in the new year I should have some time.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 26th, 2002, 06:34 AM

We only suggest building your own computer because it saves money, time, and effort. Plus the result is far better than anything Dell(or other brandname companies) will ever sell you. No matter how much money you waste.

**GingerNut** · Sep 26th, 2002, 06:43 AM

The main problem is getting the parts. There isn't a big choice over here. The best we have is PC World, and I wouldn't buy anything important from them.

Where would you recommend getting the parts from, at a good price?

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 26th, 2002, 07:17 AM

Pricewatch.com

A lot of the stores ship internationally.

Search at resellerratings.com before you buy though.

**GingerNut** · Sep 26th, 2002, 07:21 AM

Thanks.

I'll check them out.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 26th, 2002, 07:26 AM

You're welcome.

**Sheppe** · Sep 26th, 2002, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by GingerNut
I'd love to build my own computer, I'll see how things go. I have a load of work to get through, plus I'm still trying to finish my VB course. Hopefully in the new year I should have some time.

Have you ever pieced together a PC before? If not then it may be best to just order a PC from Dell. Their delivery (to my location, at least) is usually the same business week; in fact, they've always come in days earlier than expected. Building a PC is not like putting together a model, but if you have built a PC before then have at 'er.

**GingerNut** · Sep 26th, 2002, 11:29 AM

I haven't built a PC before, but I have been in and out of quite a few computers, upgrading and fixing hardware. My computer has so many extras that I can't get the side back on properly. I'd like to think I had enough know how to put one together.
Besides, I bought a book when I first thought of building a computer a while back, "Building a PC for Dummies"

**JPicasso** · Sep 26th, 2002, 02:00 PM

Building your own will save you money, yes
building your own won't necessarily save you trouble,
and certainly not time.

having a working machine and adding memory and a new video card
is a few steps away from starting with a room full of parts.
But it is fun. And you will learn a lot, espcially when you are on
the internet at 2 am trying to find an answer to dip switch settings
cause you're stupid shiney new computer parts aren't talking to each other.

If you do build your own, let us know how it goes.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 26th, 2002, 03:25 PM

Originally posted by JPicasso
Building your own will save you money, yes
building your own won't necessarily save you trouble,
and certainly not time.

having a working machine and adding memory and a new video card
is a few steps away from starting with a room full of parts.
But it is fun. And you will learn a lot, espcially when you are on
the internet at 2 am trying to find an answer to dip switch settings
cause you're stupid shiney new computer parts aren't talking to each other.

If you do build your own, let us know how it goes.

How is not having the problems of a typical namebrand computer not saving time?

It's more stable so it won't crash. That doesn't save time though.

No, not ever.

**zmerlinz** · Sep 27th, 2002, 04:51 AM

Originally posted by GingerNut
The main problem is getting the parts. There isn't a big choice over here. The best we have is PC World, and I wouldn't buy anything important from them.

Where would you recommend getting the parts from, at a good price?

ever thought about buying anything on the net, there are loads that deliver to the uk

www.novatech.co.uk
www.dabs.com
www.scan.co.uk
www.insight.com ?? not sure this one is still alive

even amazon sell tech

worht a shot

**GingerNut** · Sep 27th, 2002, 04:59 AM

I think I'll make out a list of everything I need and want, and shop around for some prices.

**GingerNut** · Sep 27th, 2002, 06:50 AM

What OS would you recommend getting. I'm currently running ME, which is alright, but I'd want something a bit more stable.
I won't be using it for games, I'm keeping my current one for that.

**DiGiTaIErRoR** · Sep 27th, 2002, 08:10 AM

Win2k.

**GingerNut** · Sep 27th, 2002, 08:24 AM

What about XP?
Is it any good or is it just another ME?

**zmerlinz** · Sep 27th, 2002, 08:41 AM

when you mention XP i think of barge poles and not going near it with one of them,

if you want to use windows, and you don't want to play games then i suggest that you use 2K as well.

what sort of things are you going to be doing on it ??

<linux plug>

there are other operating sytems out there, that are much more stabler than windows

</linux plug>

**GingerNut** · Sep 27th, 2002, 08:45 AM

I'll be using it for work. So I'll have VB on it, of course. I'll also have a load of software for graphic design and web development.

**zmerlinz** · Sep 27th, 2002, 08:52 AM

ok then, i think that win2K is the best option as i don't think that you would be able to run VB using wine!!

oh well hope you find/build the machine that you want

**JPicasso** · Sep 27th, 2002, 09:33 AM

The optiplex 240 by dell is a piece of crap.

I just had one turn off on me. no reason, and only a whole mornings worth of work down the S**tter.

I hate my life.

**parksie** · Sep 27th, 2002, 12:43 PM

Originally posted by zmerlinz
<linux plug>

there are other operating sytems out there, that are much more stabler than windows

</linux plug>

True, true

**Sheppe** · Sep 30th, 2002, 11:10 AM

Originally posted by GingerNut
What about XP?
Is it any good or is it just another ME?

XP Pro is a good OS. It's based on the W2K Kernel, but is a bit more refined. I've been running it for a couple years (I ran a couple RCs), and am extremely pleased with it. I do all of my development and gaming on it, with no problems at all.

**mepaco** · Oct 1st, 2002, 04:29 PM

Well, I agree with everything said so far ... but there is one thing I haven't heard yet. When building your own you need to be careful about when you get the parts. When I built my first one I bought parts as I got money. Big mistake. I ended up getting my motherboard first and my processor next to last. Well, by the time I put it together and found out that the motherboard was bad they wouldn't take it back. They had a 30 day return/refund policy and since it took a while to get it all together I was out of luck. Very bad experience. I would recommend getting it all at once or testing the parts you can in your old computer.

**nemaroller** · Oct 2nd, 2002, 10:08 AM

Defintely, I'd build the computer, because more often than not, you can easily upgrade it compared to a retail made computer..

As far as XP, I use it religiously, and it hasn't failed me once... never crashed, works with more hardware than Win2k did when it came out, and runs all the programs I had on my 98 machine.

I have consistently used http://www.TigerDirect.com for building computers.. although you would have to call and ask about shipping prices to the UK...

**JPicasso** · Oct 2nd, 2002, 01:04 PM

Everyone who is "in" the computer world constantly says to build your
own computers....

are there any websites out there that address this issue directly?

I know of one or two overclocking sites that are extreamly helpful,
but it seems like there would be a need for a site that would breakdown
the components of a computer, what's imporant to look for when buying items
and the best way to hook all this crap together, including
hints like, make sure you don't rake your metal screwdriver over the MB.
It seems like there would be a need for this, otherwise, the best advice is to just try it, but that
can at times, be frustrating if you don't have the information you need.

anyone know of any?

**JPicasso** · Oct 2nd, 2002, 03:16 PM

Hmm, well, google to the rescue. aparanelty there are several
such websites out there.

search for build your own computer or something.

And JPicasso, quit asking stupid questions before you
at least visit google.

**GingerNut** · Oct 4th, 2002, 04:49 PM

I've been thinking about the OS. I've always used Windows, it's what I've become used to, but I might try Linux. I've never used it before and don't know much about it. Is it easy to use, or learn?

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