Computers/PCs => General Computer Forum => Topic started by: Thunder Chicken on September 15, 2008, 08:14:20 PM
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 15, 2008, 08:14:20 PM
First off, I want to assure Eric that I did consider getting a Mac, but the prices were just silly. Almost $700 for a Mac Mini, and iMac's starting at $1300? Thanksbutnothanks.
...So today my trusty Dell office machine shiznit the bed. Turn it on, nothing except a very loud fan. I opened it up and discovered several leaking capacitors near the CPU socket. Dells use proprietary motherboards and PSU's (I believe this machine may even have the rare BTX formfactor) so a new motherboard was out. A shame, because although not state-of-the-art it was certainly up to the task of general office work (P-4 3.06GHz, 2GB RAM, 100GB SATA HDD, integrated Intel graphics). It had served almost four troublefree years. I didn't even have to format-reinstall it except once, when it was brand new and straight out of the box contained seven viruses.
Time to move on. Since this is an office machine used primarily for emails, ebay and such, I didn't need top-of-the-line. Discrete video isn't even a necessity. I settled on a $349 "Refurbished" Compaq machine with a 2.2GHz Core2 Duo, 3GB RAM, 500GB SATA drive, 16X Lightscribe DVD burner, an onboard Intel graphics chip with 128MB dedicated memory, and Windows Vista Home Premuim. I couldn't even buy a decent chip and motherboard for the Dell case for that much, and a standard mobo wouldn't even fit the Dell anyway... the 5-fold increase in HDD space and triple the memory are icing on the cake :hick:
...Anyway, expect to hear me bitching and moaning about Vista over the next few weeks as I learn it, then get sick of it, and finally install XP or Ubuntu
I placed the order earlier today. I pick it up tomorrow. Here's full specs: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10109015&catid=
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Haystack on September 15, 2008, 08:20:32 PM
if you own xp throw it on. Vista automatically updates windows every time you shut down unless you unplug it from the internet. Also, all those resources will be used up about the same, but slightly higher then xp, so why not throw xp on?
Other then that, sounds like a good computer, and you can't beat the price now a days. I remember paying $75 for a 20 gig hard drive...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 15, 2008, 08:37:24 PM
It's not a bad price for an email machine. as for the Mac part, if you ever do get one. I'm sure you'll never go back to windows. I used to build my own computers for myself, but will probably never do that again with the low cost of todays disposable computers. I only have 1 windows system left running all my tivo grabbers. been running nonstop for 8 years now, and i'm afraid to shut it off. LOL
Can't wait for the Vista bitching, that should be entertaining. LOL
You should try the Mac Leopard hack on the computer before you install XP. I hear it's blazing fast on a PC.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 15, 2008, 08:40:21 PM
Quote
I remember paying $75 for a 20 gig hard drive...
I remember paying $320 for a 110 meg drive. Yes I said meg.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 15, 2008, 08:50:41 PM
Quote from: Haystack;236303
if you own xp throw it on. Vista automatically updates windows every time you shut down unless you unplug it from the internet. Also, all those resources will be used up about the same, but slightly higher then xp, so why not throw xp on?
Other then that, sounds like a good computer, and you can't beat the price now a days. I remember paying $75 for a 20 gig hard drive...
I remember paying $400 for a 6.3GB hard drive... and $400 for a 17" monitor... and $300 for a SCSI 4X CD burner... and another $100 for the SCSI card so I could run the burner... and my father paying $600 for a 1MB ATI RAGE video card (as an add-on option for the new $2000 12-MHz 80286 he was buying when I was in high school - the ATI Rage was necessary to have color, otherwise it would've been Hercules monochrome graphics).
I used to build my own computers as well, but new retail machines are sooooooo much cheaper now. Unless you're building a super-high-end gaming machine that requires a custom build it's almost impossible to beat the likes of Dell, Gateway, Compaq, and the other retail machines. I mean, $350 for a dual-core Intel machine with lightscribe DVD burner, 3GB RAM and half a terabyte of storage? And it's not even a Celeron? I haven't built my own machine for years - the Dell was the first store-bought machine and heralded the end of building my own.
I'll play with Vista for a bit, just to try it out. I'd love to try the Mac Hack, but this is an office machine so I can't really screw around with it too much. I'll be keeping the old Dell for parts, so some day I might build another computer out of it and try the Mac OS...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 15, 2008, 08:55:40 PM
Quote from: daminc;236311
I remember paying $320 for a 110 meg drive. Yes I said meg.
I don't know what my father paid for the 20MB hard drive in that 286, but I'd wager it wasn't cheap. I remember running a program called "Stacker" on it that compressed the data on the fly and nearly doubled capacity to 40MB. I also remember my father using XTREE Gold and exploring the contents of said drive, only to discover a huge, nearly 20MB file called "Stackvol.dsk". He thought he'd free up a bunch of space by deleting it. It was the compressed contents of the hard drive, so he essentially formatted the drive with a single key press.
Price-per MB, though, it's pretty hard to beat the old TRS-80 8.4 MB hard disk: (http://www.foxthundercats.com/images/radioshack/page9.jpg) I also remember trying to run Microsoft Windows 286 on that machine. Running a windows shell on a machine with 1MB RAM? Yeah, right...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 15, 2008, 08:59:35 PM
You know, at that price, you should get 2. It's a work write off.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: shame302 on September 15, 2008, 09:08:28 PM
if its an option id go right to XP...the machine will run much faster. vista is a resorce hog. i have learned to like it but i realy would probably be happier with xp.
i would at least go over its "services" and tweak a little. i use black viper as my resorce... http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/servicecfg.htm
i would deffinetly disable the user account control, otherwise vista will ask you for permition to do prettey much anything other than to just sit there. its under the "super tweaks" section.
id also consider getting an exturnal HD and backup to that and disable the system restore and indexing feature (also in supertweaks). i knew it used alot of memory but i about had a heart attack when i found the 35 GIGS i was missing....
sounds like a good little machine...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 15, 2008, 09:31:31 PM
I used x-tree all the way up to win 2000. Great file program. fitted great on a 3-1/2 floppy boot disk. as long as were on old expensive . I still have a $650 mediavision video grabber card for a VL-bus 486 motherboard. If anyone is interested, I'll send it for free. LOL
I also still have Geoworks. A dos based graphical interface, before windows
I also have a Powerbook 160
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 15, 2008, 10:26:12 PM
Remember installing Windows 95 with floppy disks? And having a disk read error when you insert the 23rd (last) disk, after sitting in front of the machine for half a day while the FDD squeaked and squawked through the previous 22 disks? I have actually experienced that (on a 486 computer). They were factory, Microsoft-issued floppies, too.
I imagine the big determining factor on whether Vista stays or not will be whether Mitchell OnDemand works. If it doesn't, Vista will be off before suppertime.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daboss351 on September 15, 2008, 10:30:03 PM
Quote from: daminc;236309
It's not a bad price for an email machine. as for the Mac part, if you ever do get one. I'm sure you'll never go back to windows. I used to build my own computers for myself, but will probably never do that again with the low cost of todays disposable computers. I only have 1 windows system left running all my tivo grabbers. been running nonstop for 8 years now, and i'm afraid to shut it off. LOL
Can't wait for the Vista bitching, that should be entertaining. LOL
You should try the Mac Leopard hack on the computer before you install XP. I hear it's blazing fast on a PC.
I hate mac I cant stand to use it it drives me insane!
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: shame302 on September 16, 2008, 12:30:19 AM
i dunno...i heared all the compatability horror stories but in all honestly, i havent had a single compatability issue yet.
im sure it will work, if not, im sure theres a hack or fix for it....
if not (disclaimer) i hope it works but im a carpenter...not a computer tech guy....geesh....lol
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 16, 2008, 07:16:58 AM
Quote
Remember installing Windows 95 with floppy disks? And having a disk read error when you insert the 23rd (last) disk, after sitting in front of the machine for half a day while the FDD squeaked and squawked through the previous 22 disks? I have actually experienced that (on a 486 computer). They were factory, Microsoft-issued floppies, too.
Ahh, Good Times LOL
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 16, 2008, 09:56:20 AM
Quote from: daboss351
I hate mac I cant stand to use it it drives me insane!
Believe me, the feeling is mutual. It doesn't like you either.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 16, 2008, 05:15:52 PM
Uh-oh, he touched a nerve :D
New computer is off to a flying start. The B and V don't work on the keyboard. After 45 minutes on hold a new one is on the way.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 16, 2008, 06:06:04 PM
Who needs a stinkin B and V anyway. I feel this is going to only get better. LOL
Mason, the problem is.... Your so used to the hard way of thinking using a windows computer. I had the same problem, and then I said "I'll pretend I never used a computer before" and everything was where it was expected to be, not buried in some folder in another folder. I'm also less stressed out, using a mac. Also does video chatting very well, providing your firewall isn't locked down like Fort Knox. LOL
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 16, 2008, 08:15:37 PM
Quote
Uh-oh, he touched a nerve
Naw...my comment was just as irrelevant and unnecessary as his. ;)
Quote
Also does video chatting very well, providing your firewall isn't locked down like Fort Knox. LOL
Low blow, man...low blow... :nutkick:
For what you did I don't blame you, Carm. For most people it does come down to price, and the bang for the buck factor, when it comes to a computer. Whatever gets the job done. Actually $1300 for a new Mac is pretty cheap, to be honest. I bought a refurbished 24" iMac back in May directly from Apple for $1399. It was $400 off the OEM price, came with the same warranty and everything. For me...THAT was a bargain. So it's all relative, and all in what you want to spend, but for me I didn't see $1400 (plus another $160 for the extended 3-year warranty) as a horrible deal.
But my keys all work. ;)
Did you get Mitchell On-Demand to work with Vista, then?
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 16, 2008, 09:17:34 PM
Quote
Low blow, man...low blow...
Got to admit, it was pretty funny after all that troubleshooting.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Haystack on September 16, 2008, 10:00:31 PM
Yeah. I remembered using the windows 95 "upgrade" from 3.1... installing 3.1 and then throwing in the cd for 95. Anyone ever run windows 95 on a 386? seriously 45 minutes to load up...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: shame302 on September 17, 2008, 12:09:55 AM
ive never used or even see an apple run since the comodore 64 and apple mac days. whats so wonderfull about them, im totaly ignorrant in reguards to them...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 17, 2008, 07:59:17 AM
Quote from: shame302;236451
ive never used or even see an apple run since the comodore 64 and apple mac days. whats so wonderfull about them, im totaly ignorrant in reguards to them...
from my view: no viruses no popups no crashes no lookups no long waiting for anything to load (even Photoshop) no memory leaks no reason to reboot, unless you want to. no drivers for anything 99% backwards compatible with programs I'm also running multiple desktops and the widgets screen is the coolest. total wifi and bluetooth ready on the laptop. That's all I have time to list right now, I'm sure Eric has more
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 17, 2008, 11:52:27 AM
OK, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm actually liking Vista. Almost enough to want it on my laptop. Almost. Doesn't seem to bring much new to the table, but it sure is pretty. Haven't tried Mitchell yet (it takes a long time to transfer 8 DVD's onto the hard drive) but I'll let y'all know how that goes...
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daboss351 on September 17, 2008, 06:51:55 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;236352
Believe me, the feeling is mutual. It doesn't like you either.
good cause its the most confusing unselfexplantiory OS ever tryed to use my mom's bf's stupid g6 or what ever it is and all it did was screw up
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 17, 2008, 07:11:41 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;236490
OK, I'm ashamed to admit it, but I'm actually liking Vista. Almost enough to want it on my laptop. Almost. Doesn't seem to bring much new to the table, but it sure is pretty. Haven't tried Mitchell yet (it takes a long time to transfer 8 DVD's onto the hard drive) but I'll let y'all know how that goes...
I tried to use my son's Vista computer, and it kept asking me if I should accept or deny everything that I did. took me about 10 mins to get nowhere. LOL
It does look cool though, I see they they tried there best to make it look and act like a Mac.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: EricCoolCats on September 17, 2008, 08:24:05 PM
Quote
good cause its the most confusing unselfexplantiory OS ever tryed to use my mom's bf's stupid g6 or what ever it is and all it did was screw up
Sounds like a PEBCAK problem.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on September 17, 2008, 08:36:01 PM
Quote from: daminc;236532
I tried to use my son's Vista computer, and it kept asking me if I should accept or deny everything that I did. took me about 10 mins to get nowhere. LOL
It does look cool though, I see they they tried there best to make it look and act like a Mac.
Ahh, the nefarious "User Account Control". I disabled that within minutes of first boot. It's a good idea, poorly executed. It's supposed to protect computer noobs from themselves, but does it with such zeal that it trains people to mindlessly click the windows away. I don't need the protection.
BTW, Mitchell installed flawlessly :D
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daboss351 on September 17, 2008, 09:02:41 PM
Quote from: EricCoolCats;236542
Sounds like a PEBCAK problem.
im sticking with PC
i have a mild built intel 3 gateway now next is a custom case with a AMD and 4g's ram, much better pci express video card instead of a AGP card. i wont go mac
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 17, 2008, 09:15:46 PM
Quote from: daboss351;236544
im sticking with PC
i have a mild built intel 3 gateway now next is a custom case with a AMD and 4g's ram, much better pci express video card instead of a AGP card. i wont go mac
My G5 will still kick it's butt. LOL
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daboss351 on September 18, 2008, 12:32:37 PM
shiznit happens lol i cant justify spending mad money on something that is outdated next week. I modded my current comp cheap 1gb 3200hz ram agp graphics card with 512mb ram and a 120gb harddrive. cost me around 250, and i traded a pci card for the AGP card
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Vbelisle on September 18, 2008, 12:40:20 PM
I have a macbook for college and i love it. Its so easy to use and works perfectly, the only thing that gets annoying is converting my files from word to .doc from.docx before i send them to my professor other than that i love it, and dont use my pc at all.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: daminc on September 18, 2008, 05:55:52 PM
There's a free unix open source office suite that I use that is comparable to MS office. It's called Open Office give it a try. Neo Office is another. I use open office for all my business stuff and contracts. totally compatible with MS Office too.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Vbelisle on September 18, 2008, 07:05:57 PM
Quote from: daminc;236662
There's a free unix open source office suite that I use that is comparable to MS office. It's called Open Office give it a try. Neo Office is another. I use open office for all my business stuff and contracts. totally compatible with MS Office too.
i don't need that because i do have Microsoft office its just that they save in a different format automatically.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: GreyWolf30 on November 12, 2008, 06:19:41 PM
Quote from: Thunder Chicken;236312
I remember paying $400 for a 6.3GB hard drive... and $400 for a 17" monitor... and $300 for a SCSI 4X CD burner... and another $100 for the SCSI card so I could run the burner... and my father paying $600 for a 1MB ATI RAGE video card (as an add-on option for the new $2000 12-MHz 80286 he was buying when I was in high school - the ATI Rage was necessary to have color, otherwise it would've been Hercules monochrome graphics).
I used to build my own computers as well, but new retail machines are sooooooo much cheaper now. Unless you're building a super-high-end gaming machine that requires a custom build it's almost impossible to beat the likes of Dell, Gateway, Compaq, and the other retail machines. I mean, $350 for a dual-core Intel machine with lightscribe DVD burner, 3GB RAM and half a terabyte of storage? And it's not even a Celeron? I haven't built my own machine for years - the Dell was the first store-bought machine and heralded the end of building my own.
I'll play with Vista for a bit, just to try it out. I'd love to try the Mac Hack, but this is an office machine so I can't really screw around with it too much. I'll be keeping the old Dell for parts, so some day I might build another computer out of it and try the Mac OS...
Sounds like you got a decent deal!
You may want to check with Dell on those capacitors. There was a very large batch of them that were leaking/blowing several years back on many brands of mainboards. Something about a "stolen/copied" electrolite formula. I had my Abit KT7-R and a couple of other brand boards that lost the caps repaired free of charge.
I remember the old hardware too. It was expensive comparatively. I do have an oldie in top shape though. It is an Epson FX1040 line printer (tractor feed & wide carriage). Only good for gathering dust now but you would be hard pressed find a new line printer (yes, they still sell them) of the "desktop" classification with similar features.
Title: Getting a new computer
Post by: Thunder Chicken on November 12, 2008, 08:30:47 PM
I had an Epson LQ-1050 back in the early 90's. Noisy, slow, expensive it was. You're right, you can still get line printers, as they're still used for printing multi-copy documents (such as invoices and work orders). Hella expensive tho...
As for the caps, I replaced 'em myself but the computer still wouldn't boot. I'm guessing they cooked the VR circuit.