New computer

[sir_dan]

Hey guys
As u are probably aware from my last thread, this computer is about to die. Instead of spending money to fix it up I have decided to bin it and buy a new one due to this being about 8 years old.
I have about 3.5k to spend and want to get a killer machine that will especially handle games, but also do the application thing pretty well (I have a fantasy footy league I need to run and maintain). I would like a cd burner, scanner, colour printer and a nice new screen.

Just wondering what you guys would suggest I purchase knowing the above things.

 

[nonchalance]

Go to www.cworld.com.au
Build yourself a system.

$3500 is a LOT to be able to spend.

 

[sir_dan]

Thanks for that.

My only problem is that I know very little about computer parts. What is good quality? What parts do I need to buy, which ones don't I need to buy? The computer will be for personal use, but I would still like it to be a mind-blower.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Most people find it easier to have a mouse keyboard and screen aswell as the computer itself. Some tend to find it hard to use without things called 'essentials'

Had to do that..

Now, a moniter. You'll need an LCD screen 17 inch (15 is too small these days when you have 3 and a half grand in ur hand.)

Also, Ive got a cordless keyboard and mouse. Both Logitech and I find that Logitech is the most reliable. Logitech also make your speakers and webcams.. stuff like that. Cordless will be the thing this year so may aswell grab them now.

Make sure you have cable internet. I know its not 'part' of your computer but if you dont have it already you'll need to upgrade. Simply because its faster and more reliable.

 

[Red_Devil]

Man, if I had 3,500 to spend. Weeeeeee, I'd have a blast. Seriously, only spend about 2,500/3,000, save some cash. That's still more then enough. If you don't know much on the parts, I really advise you get a mater who knows computers to help you out. I wouldn't ask the company or anything, they'll give you the most expensive part that's likely to break the quickest so you can come back and get it repaired.

 

[Mr Eagle]

Originally posted by rfctigerarmy
Now, a moniter. You'll need an LCD screen 17 inch (15 is too small these days when you have 3 and a half grand in ur hand.)

Mate, 17" is too small when you've got $2500, never mind $3500! LCD, shmellCD. Go for a 19" monitor.

I've just been playing around with the quote page at navada.com.au, and come up with the following for ~$3400, which would more than satisfy most human beings...

P4 3.2Ghz processor
Intel mainboard with all the extras
1024MB DDRAM
Radeon 9700 Pro video card
Silver/black mid tower case
200Gb Hard drive
16x DVD Drive
52x CDRW drive
Soundblaster Extigy
Creative Inspire speakers
Bog standard 1.44" drive
Viewsonic 19" Monitor
MS keyboard + optical mouse
Network card and ADSL modem
Windows XP Pro (OEM vers)

The only shortcomings I can see with this beast are the absence of a DVD burner (they will be getting cheaper before long), and the single hard drive (two smaller ones might be nicer). The video card I'm also not so certain about, there might be a better option but the list I'm working off isn't that helpful...

 

[jim boy]

Your other big issue is where to buy it.

Firstly shop around, I suggest going to a small private individual computer shop, rather than a big shop like Harvey Normans or the Internet.

The problem with the big shops is that the sales staff aren't very knowledgable. Also, like it or not, things go wrong with computers (even macs). It's much better to be able to go back to a shop, who know you, know your computer and can get you back up and running again as quickly as possible.

The Internet, while cheap, often involves lengthy time lags, and virtually no expert advice. Not the place for the novice.

The biggest downside is that small shops can go under. Not that the big players are immune from that. When Gateway closed up in Europe (I don't know if it was in Oz), they were one of the biggest players in the industry.

 

[sir_dan]

Excellent

thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll certainly take notes from these lists and take them with me when shopping around. And I agree, taking a mate that knows a bit about computers will also help. I even have one that knows how to build them, so I guess its just a matter of buying the parts. And that will save me some dosh as well I guess.

I can't see a printer suggested anywhere as yet? and LCD or just a plain monitor seems debatable. The girlfriend wants an LCD, but I'm not sure of what the advantages are, apart from space.

 

[rfctigerarmy]

Originally posted by sir_dan

I can't see a printer suggested anywhere as yet? and LCD or just a plain monitor seems debatable. The girlfriend wants an LCD, but I'm not sure of what the advantages are, apart from space.

Much sharper, no glare.

Only negative Ive had is you cant see the screen clearly from all angles but thats never an issue

 

[jim boy]

Originally posted by sir_dan
I even have one that knows how to build them, so I guess its just a matter of buying the parts. And that will save me some dosh as well I guess.

only do that if they charge, the last time I bought a PC , I said I would build it myself as they charged to build it. They then offered to build it for free, as it's less hassle for them to do it, than in the case where the customer builds it, damages something and then claims it was like that we he bought it.

 

[Mr Eagle]

Originally posted by sir_dan
I can't see a printer suggested anywhere as yet?

That's what you buy next year