Out of Game for a Bit

[Daemona]

Well, my PC gave up on me last night just after logging out on Nuvar. I started looking for a replacement and am more or less settled on Dell. I am bouncing back and forth between two presently. I am personally a bit leery of 64 bit machines due to a lot of access failure at work. Comments?

Warranty Terms - Parts1 year limitedWarranty
Terms - Labor1 year limitedProduct
Processor Brand - Intel
Processor - Intel Core(TM)2 Duo Desktop
Processor Speed - 3.0GHz
System Bus1333MHz
Cache Memory6MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM)6GB
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To8GB
Type of Memory (RAM)PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
Hard Drive TypeSerial ATA (7200 rpm)
Hard Drive Size640GB
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT
Video Memory512MB (dedicated)
Audio7.1-channel support
Modem56 Kbps**Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Network CardBuilt-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless NetworkingNone
Recordable DVD DriveYes, DVD�RW/CD-RW
Recordable DVD Drive Speeds16x8x16 DVD+RW; 16x6x16 DVD-RW; 48x4x48 CD-RW
Digital Media Reader or SlotsYes, digital media card reader
Total Expansion BaysExternal: 2 (5.25"); Internal: 4 (3.5")
Available Expansion BaysExternal: 1 (5.25"); Internal: 3 (3.5")
Total Expansion Slots2 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x8, 2 PCI-E x16
USB 2.0 Ports6 (2 front, 4 rear)
IEEE 1394 Ports2 (1 front, 1 rear)
S-Video Outputs1
Additional Audio/Video ConnectorsS/PDIF
Keyboard DescriptionDell multimedia USBOther
Control Devices (mouse, etc.)Dell optical USB mouse
Operating SystemWindows Vista Home Premium 64-bit with SP1
Software IncludedMicrosoft Works 9; Roxio Creator 10 Dell edition

or

Warranty Terms - Parts1 year limited
Warranty Terms - Labor1 year limited
Processor Brand - Intel
Processor - Intel Core(TM)2 Quad
Processor Speed - 2.4GHz
System Bus1066MHz
Cache Memory 8MB on die Level 2
System Memory (RAM)2GB
System Memory (RAM) Expandable To4GB
Type of Memory (RAM)PC2-5300 DDR2
Hard Drive Size480GB
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT
Video MemoryUp to 512MB
AudioSound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer sound card
Modem56 Kbps* *Capable of receiving 56 Kbps downloads. However, current regulations limit download speed to 53 Kbps.
Network CardBuilt-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless NetworkingNone
Recordable DVD DriveYes, DVD�RW/CD-RW
Recordable DVD Drive Speeds16x8x16 DVD+RW; 16x6x16 DVD-RW; 48x4x48 CD-RW
Digital Media Reader or SlotsYes, digital media card reader
Total Expansion BaysExternal: 1 (3.5"), 2 (5.25"); Internal: 4 (3.5")
Available Expansion BaysExternal: 1 (3.5"), 1 (5.25"); Internal: 2 (3.5")
Total Expansion Slots3 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x8, 2 PCI-E x16
Available Expansion Slots2 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x8
USB 2.0 Ports10 (2 front, 6 rear, 2 internal)
IEEE 1394 Ports2 (1 front, 1 rear)
S-Video Outputs1
Additional Audio/Video Connectors7.1 audio in/out, S/PDIF
Keyboard DescriptionDell USB
Other Control Devices (mouse, etc.)Dell optical USB mouse
Operating SystemWindows Vista Home Premium with SP1
Software IncludedMicrosoft Works 9.0; Roxio Creater 10 Dell Edition

[Thor]

Yikes, sorry to hear about the computer troubles. Tis never fun...

Mmm, thoughts. Well.. 64Bit is the future! There is a lack of good drivers at times and occasional incompatibility with old software written for 32bit processors (nearly all of it works fine, however), but on the whole it tends to be fine.

[corwink]

That really sucks.

I'd go with the first one, except it's a Dell. I persoanlly hate dells, have them at work here ,and had them in the Marines and they are always having trouble. I personally perfer either HP or Sony. I've had my Sony for over three years now and never had any trouble out of it that I didn't cause. Jen's got a HP laptop and we've had hp's before and they've always worked great.

[Tremayne7]

Get a Mac. They run Windows through a program called "Bootcamp". You would not have to buy all new Mac programs. I've heard many former PC users rave about their Macs.

Me, I have a much older Mac and I still love it. But seriously, think about a Mac. They run Windows better than any other machine on the market.

[corwink]

Get a Mac. They run Windows through a program called "Bootcamp". You would not have to buy all new Mac programs. I've heard many former PC users rave about their Macs.

Me, I have a much older Mac and I still love it. But seriously, think about a Mac. They run Windows better than any other machine on the market.

j/k hun

[Daemona]

Well the vid card went the way of dodo. One of the capacitors actually had a bulge that usually indicates either a defective component or voltage drop. I replaced it with a cheap one that seems to be working. I will be replacing it though but can just order it instead of finidng one in stock someplace.

Tremayne7 I actually prefer a PC as due to my job I am permitted to use company owned software at home and it does not work on a mac, although I will admit the graphics on a mac are second to none.

Corwink, Dell is not the best but I have had more problems at work with Gateway then I care to remember. I do not like the propriotary hardware with HP, Compac and IBM and due to the company I work for I get a 10% discount and prefered dilivery and service from Dell. I have actually never had problems with Dell but I bet there are those out there that do.

[corwink]

Yeah Gateway sucks to high heaven.

10% discount is definately the way to go

[Tremayne7]

No problem. But yes, graphics rock on a Mac. If you need the PC for work then go with one you can get for the best price.

*sigh* I hate having to think about buying a new computer.

[ambrosia]

Sorry I can't help with the PC problems, but I sure am sorry to hear you are having them! Hope you find the answers you need to get the best machine that works for you so you can come back to plllllllllay! 8)

[Gutemensch]

Something not mentioned

Vista 64 = up to 4gig ram but currently driver and software issues are a big draw back
Vista 32 = up to 3gig (rumored 4 gig through MSCONFIG) more compatible with drivers and software

With "Windows 7" in development and expected in 2010; which isn't that far away. I go with the Vista 32 machine; 64bit is the future but currently so much doesn't work in that environment and the emulators far short at times. Vista got problems and it took 7 years to get XP as solid as it was but it's feeling like Vista is the new WinME to me.