recommend desktop computer to buy

[Orpheus6]

looking to buy a desktop computer as my existing one is outdated. Don't know too much about computer, so was hoping to see what everyone would recommend.

Facts:
i already have a monitor, so I don't need a new one.
hoping to spend $700-1000 on the system (replacing everything except the monitor).
i am using it for dvd burning, watching movies, surfing the internet and do some typing. I am not much of a gamer. So nothing major.

I was checking out dell canada, but i can't find the option where you indicate you don't want a monitor.

Please recommend a system (brand, model, cpu, motherboard, video card etc...) and where you think i should buy it. Like i said, i am not very good with computers.

thanks

 

[JV1]

For what you say your needing it for "dvd burning, watching movies, surfing the internet and do some typing" almost anything new will suffice. If you want my opinion I would just head down to walmart and buy one of the compaq's that they always have on sale for $500-600. It will do what you need and and also save you some money so you can upgrade in 18 months or two years when you need something a little more. Whatever you do don't drop a bunch of extra cash on expensive upgrades or a fancy video card etc just because someone (likely a salesman) tells you its a must have.

 

[snafu]

there are some good deals on the dell website, go to the hot deals section and then "customize" the system you choose ... there is an option for no monitor. By taking the monitor away you can deduct another $160 off the price, consider adding extra memory though

http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/hot_offers_dt?c=ca&cs=CADHS1&l=en&s=dhs

 

[Randy Whorewald]

Rather than buy a brand name you can save some\$$$'s by buying a clone from someone like Anitec for about $300. (sans Windoze).

http://www.anitec.ca/system/1/index.html

I have bought several of their Sempron systems in the past year and they are good, basic, reliable machines.

 

[Mr.O]

It depends...

looking to buy a desktop computer as my existing one is outdated. Don`t know too much about computer, so was hoping to see what everyone would recommend.

Facts:
i already have a monitor, so I don`t need a new one.
hoping to spend $700-1000 on the system (replacing everything except the monitor).
i am using it for dvd burning, watching movies, surfing the internet and do some typing. I am not much of a gamer. So nothing major.

I was checking out dell canada, but i can`t find the option where you indicate you don`t want a monitor.

Please recommend a system (brand, model, cpu, motherboard, video card etc...) and where you think i should buy it. Like i said, i am not very good with computers.

thanks

Orph - Firts thing you need to do is decide what you want to do with yer computer.
If ya just want to surf the net then bare bones basic is all you need.

If you want to get into Multi Media then I recommend an HP Multimedia or Gateway, even E-machines at Costco.

If you want to get into Gaming then the Dell XPS & Alienware etc. are good pre-built systems.

Then the other choice is to build it yourself or have a store put one together for you, like London Drugs or NXCI there`s quite a few out there.

I own HP desktop Multimedia Center & really like it as I can record TV up to one year in advance, play games (installed ATI X800XL card) & it is easy to set-up. Another nice feature is the removable Personal Hard Drive.

Do a search on Google for computer reviews.

For Laptop see this link:
https://perb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=61288

 

[FuZzYknUckLeS]

...i am using it for dvd burning, watching movies, surfing the internet and do some typing. I am not much of a gamer. So nothing major.

dvd burning and watching movies. you'll need a decent processor and ram, and a half-assed vid card. the net surfing and typing you can do on a basic cell phone, so any basic PC will do it with ease.
I think RW's advice is good, but I'd recommend the Proma series, which are right in your range at 600-800 beans. All have dual core processors, gig of ram and sufficient vid cards to play your movies, plus at least 5.1 surround audio.
Mr. O's advice to go to a place like London Drugs and tell them what you want to use it for and have them assemble one to your needs is also a good idea.
I put my own together. You'd be surprised how easy it actually is.

 

[87112]

Dont buy one over your needs and waste money like I did. I bought one of those fancy gaming machines so I could get into this gaming world and be blown away. I tried a few games and damm its take hours and hours and finding hints online and cheat codes online and well thats just too much work and time.

I spent about 1700 usa dollars when a simple 500 dollar HP celeron would have worked since all I do is surf the web.

 

[westwoody]

Dont buy one over your needs and waste money like I did.

Haha, six years ago I got a super-duper Dell for 2400 and now it's only good for a doorstop! Never buy cutting-edge.
Seriously though, one of my friends has a teenage son who builds computers for people to order, he builds exactly what you need and no more, and he will come over and fix it if you bugger it up. He's a tech fanatic and knows as much as any salesman. Find a kid like that and you have it made.

 

[LonelyGhost]

looking to buy a desktop computer as my existing one is outdated. Don't know too much about computer, so was hoping to see what everyone would recommend.


thanks

buy a package with a new monitor ... if its better than what you have
use it for vids etc ... if not, use it with the old machine:

the old machine I would use exclusively for the internet ... this
stops all the garbage from ending up in your nice new system. just
make sure you have tons of virus protection, firewall, spyware etc.

for your new system, i would get the best processor and forget
about the 'extras' ... you can build them on IF you need them,
though most systems come loaded with crap anyway.

and you can, if you need to transfer data, link the two
comps together.

 

[threepeat]

Orpheus, here is a nice basic system to buy: http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm?uuid=11B8B939-6D18-12D5-846BB64C102321D0-1276613

Nothing too fancy, but it uses all name-brand, high-quality components. I prefer custom-built computers to box-brand (eg., Dell, HP) because they don't include all the junkware/spamware/bloatware (eg., free AOL for six months, Encarta, QuickTax, blah blah blah) that clutter up your hard drive. Also, if you know any nerds, they will be much more willing and able to help you repair or upgrade a custom-built PC than a box-brand.

 

[Juggy]

Orpheus

You mention you want a computer for ripping, burning, and decoding dvds.

I suggest you go Core 2 Duo, an Intel 965 chipset Motherboard, 2 gigs of ddr2 ram, and an inexpensive video card. This can be had for under 500 bucks before tax.

What is your current set up? You may still be able to use your hdd, case, soundcard and monitor(obviously).

If your case is ATX, then you can still use it, just swap out the old for the new. As for burners, any can be picked up for 50 bucks. But if you want quality, suggest you go for a plextor for about 100 more.

If you need a hdd, and can manage space well, suggest you try a Raptor from Western Digital. 10000 rpm really helps speed up the ripping process.


NCIX is a great place to shop online, but suggest you go into the store to make the purchase, haggle a little about prices, like oh I saw such and such at anitec for such and such. Whatever.

 

[Orpheus6]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I really appreciate the input.
I bought an HP desktop (no monitor) at compusmart.
paid $671 (not including tax). Its got intel 2 duo core, 2 gb memory and over 250 gb hard drive, etc... The vidoe card is not good (integrated and shared), so i am going to have to look around for a video card. I am thinking of going with gt 7300.

If anyone knows a good deal around $100-150 video card, let me know. But it must need dvi input.

thanks again eveyone.

 

[Mr.O]

Video Card

Thanks for all the help and advice. I really appreciate the input.
I bought an HP desktop (no monitor) at compusmart.
paid $671 (not including tax). Its got intel 2 duo core, 2 gb memory and over 250 gb hard drive, etc... The vidoe card is not good (integrated and shared), so i am going to have to look around for a video card. I am thinking of going with gt 7300.

If anyone knows a good deal around $100-150 video card, let me know. But it must need dvi input.

thanks again eveyone.

Scratch that, pony up the extra $50 - $80 & get the 7600 at least, you will find it money WELL spent!

 

[Randy Whorewald]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I really appreciate the input.
I bought an HP desktop (no monitor) at compusmart.
paid $671 (not including tax). Its got intel 2 duo core, 2 gb memory and over 250 gb hard drive, etc... The vidoe card is not good (integrated and shared), so i am going to have to look around for a video card. I am thinking of going with gt 7300.

If anyone knows a good deal around $100-150 video card, let me know. But it must need dvi input.

thanks again eveyone.

I notice Compusmart is closing their downtown Vancouver store so there are some good deals to be had there. I suggest you consider one of the numerous offerings from ATI. First make sure you new machine has either a PCI Express slot or an AGP slot.

 

[Mr.O]

I notice Compusmart is closing their downtown Vancouver store so there are some good deals to be had there. I suggest you consider one of the numerous offerings from ATI. First make sure you new machine has either a PCI Express slot or an AGP slot.

I'm relatively sure the new MB's out now have all switched to PCI.

It being an HP I am damn near positive it is.

 

[Randy Whorewald]

I'm relatively sure the new MB's out now have all switched to PCI.

It being an HP I am damn near positive it is.

My point is that some of those "integrated" mb's do not even have a slot for adding a video card.

 

[Mr.O]

Good point

My point is that some of those "integrated" mb's do not even have a slot for adding a video card.

For the price he paid you just may be right!

That would SUCK!

I know mine has no available expansion slot but I am able to replace with a single slot VC upgrade.