[ex]

sorry if this has been mentioned guys.

I want a new computer, at least, I'm thinking of getting one over the summer. I'm totally confused as what to get. All pc users I know, say mac sucks, truth be told though, i don't kow any mac users. What should I do?

[Chris]

/looks at his clock

here comes the flames...

OK, here goes, PC if you want to use software right out of stores. Games, business software, etc. = get a PC

Designing, Heavy drawing, photoshop, graphics, flash development and SOME games, etc. = get a MAC.

Thats it....

[wayfinder]

as a work computer, get whatever you want. i tend to get more work done on a mac, but the major gfx programs are equally good/buggy on both systems.

if money is an issue, go PC.

if you are concerned about your artsy image, go mac

if you are doing audio stuff, go PC

[ex]

I think that I'll just build my own computer. Dell is expencive.

Has anyone done this?

[J Bradford]

I use a PC for all graphic/software/etc. needs. I have access to G4 Macs at my university but I find them to be extremely fustrating and hard to navigate with - not to mention the complete lack of software compatibility.

If I were in your shoes, stick with PC. I don't know where people come up with the conclusion that macs are better for graphics. But maybe I am overlooking something.

Oh well - my 2 cents.

[J Bradford]

Building is a very good option.

1. You end up saving money
2. You get the parts that you want - unlike a lot of retail systems (prebuilt). Especially with a lot of these companies putting propeitary parts in their systems, which suck.

Check out www.sharkyextreme.com for the lowest Processor/memory prices. And www.pricewatch.com for all other parts you might need.

[Jabberwocky]

I use a PC at home and a G3 at school. A PC would be cheaper in a lot of ways to up grade and easier to get software... plus I like the right click on the mouse.

The mac is okay it runs faster and does better with my graphics, but does get annoying at times. Plus a lot of the newer macs like G3 and up don't come with 3 1/2 floppys - unless specified (which I do get a lot of graphics at school on those and it does get annoying).

As a first computer I would say get a PC cause you can do and get a lot more, and maybe later as a side comp get a mac...

On the building your own... That's what my home computer is... up grade about 7 times working on a big 8 (pretty much a new computer - new system's board, processor, case, c drive maybe 4 gm)(about $250) plus a USB hub ($20) and a wacom pen ($85 + a mouse) and a new printer ($150 - $300)... That's what I'm looking at paying for my stuff. All new stuff (prices may vary - I do have favors that are owed to me). I found it cheaper.

[A.Buttle]

I have a mac (G4) and I love it.

Really, what it comes down to is preference. Unless you want to do video, then it's a mac all the way.

[ex]

Awesome guys.
Really, you've been tons of help. (Bradford, Jabberwocky and A.Buttle) If i have any more questions, I'm sure I'll bother you with them.

Again, thanks.

[Chris]

Building a computer is not a good idea on your first. In most cases for the best parts you don't save money, sometimes it is more individualy then put together from dell, etc. Why? Cause dell buys in bulk and they get multiple discounts on every part in your computer to save you money off the market. About 5 years ago it was worth it but the prices that these pc companies spend on bulk, you will most likely save $$ and most importantly time if you buy from them.

It is cool to build for an experience, but I have built 3 and the last one I built was 2 years ago and on comparison, I only saved 150 bucks and with dell shipping free, that would've paid off too, so I broke even really.

So I wouldn't build your own, plus you gotta think about it, you have to do research on parts and not only on price, but on compability, some say windows will take care of it, but that is a lie sometimes.

I am buying a Alienware 1.7ghz in about 3 weeks, and I did the specs and it would cost me 3900 bucks to build it myself, alienware can do it for 3495 (same specs) with free shipping and 19" flat panel monitor....so....your call.

*Update* - if you do go pre-built I would go dell, you might think it is too expensive, but if you think you are going to build a superior computer then dells on a 600-700 dollar budget, you might regret it.

[ May 18, 2001: Message edited by: Chris ]

[Impaler]

Chris: Alienware cheaper than BYO? You've gotta be kidding me. Alienware charges manufacturer prices, plus a hundred for profit. They charge $4500 for 3.3 grand systems. Dell rocks, though.

A.Buttle: You're Mac? Whoa. I always figured you for a PC..

[ex]

I think I might just go with a Dell in that case. I'm stuck on the sound card though, and the speakers. I know this much:
1.3 ghz
200 ish megs of ram
dvd
32 geforce ATI
40 or 20 gig, probably 40

more suggestions?

[Chris]

part for part alienware is cheaper. I did the research, their cases alone are worth 175 dollars and I customized it with a gforce 3 and a flat 19" monitor the price jumps up dramaticly on buying these parts individualy...plus you have to expect to pay for it being put together, I would pay 100 bucks easy to have the whole (tested) system put together AND have a warrenty on top of that for everything....on site.

*update* - plus I price retail, not OEM, because OEM's well, have limited warrenty and are treated like crap on delivery.

[ May 18, 2001: Message edited by: Chris ]

[Chris]

If I were to buy a Dell right now, today this minute, it would be the specs below.

This is only $63/month if you are approved for credit, It is $2118 total, which is very reasonable. Both my parents and 2 of my friends just bought dells in the last 5 months and the reason I like them, is because none of them have called me to fix their computer plus they are fast with a good video card.

code:

---

Dell Dimension 8100 Series: Dimension� 8100 Series,Pentium� 4 Processor at 1.7Ghz


D817NHB - [220-2472]   


 Memory: 128MB PC800 RDRAM


128M8 - [311-8424]   


 Keyboard: New Dell� Enhanced Quiet Key Keyboard


EQK - [310-2753]   


 Monitor: 17 in (16.0 in viewable,.26DP)M781s Monitor


M781S - [461-2537]   


 Video Card: 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce3 4X AGP Graphics


64NV20 - [320-2503]   


 Hard Drive: 40GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive


40 - [340-1921]   


 Floppy Drive: 3.5 in Floppy Drive


3DHS - [340-2805] [461-2956]   


 Operating System: Microsoft� Windows� Millennium Edition (Windows Me)


WME - [313-7222] [412-1050] [420-8050]   


 Mouse: Dell� Button Mouse


SM - [310-2758]   


 Network Card: Integrated 3Com� EtherLink� 10/100 Ethernet Controller


IN - [461-1292]   


 Modem: 56K Telephone Modem for Windows ME-Sound Option


56KWS - [313-5551]   


 DVD-ROM or CD-ROM Drive: 48x Max Variable CD-ROM Drive


CD48 - [313-1476]   


 Sound Card: SoundBlaster 64V PCI LC Sound Card


SB64 - [313-6170]   


 Speakers: AltecLansing ACS340 Speakers w/Subwoofer


ACS340 - [313-0417]   


 Bundled Software: Microsoft� Office XP Small Business with Money 2001 Standard


XPSBM - [412-2356] [412-1200]   


 Norton Antivirus� at No Additional Charge: Norton Antivirus� 2001


NAV - [412-4630]   


 Digital Music: Dell Jukebox powered by MusicMatch 6.0


JUKEBOX - [412-1411]   


 Digital Imaging Software: Image Expert� 2000, Dell Edition ($0)


DPS - [412-2108]   


 Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options: 3 Year Ltd. Warranty, 3 Year At Home Service, Lifetime 24x7 Phone Support


S3OS - [950-1270] [950-1272]   


 Internet Access Service at no additional charge: 1-Year DellNet� by MSN� Internet Access Service[add$0]


MSN1YRP - [412-9800]   


 Resolution Assistant: Resolution Assistant


RA - [412-0175]  

---

[ex]

Check this:
P3 1 GHz
60 gig hard drive
256 ram
32 GeForce2
DVD
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz DSP Sound Card
harman/kardon speakers (i have better at home that i plan to use)
3 com NIC

$1,249

*clap*

[leat hacksaw]

pc. Thats all i have to say.

i am forced to use macs at uni,
and they crash so much >:|

Remember, an iMac is better in a bar fight, because it has a handle. Besides that, the pc would be my choice.

( engineers + beer + computer labs is not a good mixture. mmmmm, beer.)

[ex]

wheeee, thanks

[Chris]

that is a good deal....now just have to wait for that free shipping so you save 50-100 bucks...or tell them that your not going to buy unless they ship it for free, they usually budge when someone says that

[ex]

AHHAHA!
That's the best, thank you for the tip.

[Dr.Squirley]

i have nothing aginst the mac os but every fucking mac i have ever had the Miss. Fourtune of using has totally crashed or screwed up in someother way. Get a PC and put windows or unix on it. . .

[Dr.Squirley]

sorry for the double post but im too lazy to hit the edit button....

um i have a costum built dell and it is great, maybe expensive but its worth it for a powerful PC...

[A.Buttle]

You had me figured so wrong, Impaler...

[pixualize]

I own both a Mac and a PC and I have had more down time with screwed up OS and driver problems in addition to network bugginess on the PC than on the Mac.

I pulled my G3 300 outta the box, popped the door open, plugged in 128mg ram and SCSI card, and installed all my software in 30 minutes. I've had no problems with it exept the time Real Player overwrote all my QuickTime extentions (but that was my fault for installing the damn thing to begin with )

My opinion (for what its worth):
Mac is very low maintenance and can do ALL the stuff a PC can do if you don't have to play the latest game the day it comes out. Plus new Macs are loaded with all the cool mutimedia stuff now too, so if you're thinking you may need to do any video work at all, they're already set up for that.