Author Topic: New Computer Recommendation? (Read 14654 times)

Snowyolddog · « **on:** January 10, 2014, 10:16:13 am »

Current computer Dell Dimension 8300 Desktop

Any hints or recommendations as to merits of a newer model/computer?
I do some graphic work, cards, etc. Play games through Pogo Big Fish. Also photography and writing projects and also some accounting stuff. Mostly use for social connections and groups and research. Might do more if the computer could do more.

Hubby has same computer..he does more with autosketch and design work.......also Facebook and photo sharing

what should we be looking for as far as speed and capabilities?

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #1 on:** January 13, 2014, 08:16:26 am »

Am seeing Dell Inspiron with Intel Core i3-3240 8 gb cache

Decent ?
Also seeing names I am not familiar with, Lenovox?

Shane · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2014, 11:51:23 am »

I build all my systems and hate store bought computers lol

If you know how to put a computer together I could give you the newegg.com links to build a new system like the ones I build for my customers

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2014, 12:47:18 pm »

HI
I have to giggle..if you mean build my own by knowing where to plug in the tower, monitor and keyboard well then Sure (

)

No sadly, apart from maybe downloading some software I don't know how to build them. But thank you so much for your thoughts
Smiles

Shane · « **Reply #4 on:** January 14, 2014, 06:18:56 pm »

Then if you go with a store bought machine then dont worry about brand but more of the specs.

First off if you have a costco store in your area like I do, they add a 2nd year warranty for free on the computers so I tell my customers who want a laptop and such to get them there just for that reason, otherwise all store machines normally come with only a 1 year.

The system you get you want to make sure is at least a quad (4) core CPU, each core is like a brain for the system, so while 1 program is use one core you have 3 more for other programs allowing you to multitask much better than the old days of a single core cpu.

As for memory and for a normal use machine 4GB or more and you are fine. No need to get a system with 16 GB or anything like that.

And for hard drive, SSD is dang fast, if you can find a system with a SSD drive it is worth the extra cost, we are talking 10x to 20X the HD speed.

As for size of the hard drive, look to see how much you use now, no need to pay for huge drives when you will never need that kind of space.

Other than that keep an eye on specs and try to find a good deal

I didnt mention video as they all have a default and you only need a killer video card if you are a gamer

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #5 on:** January 14, 2014, 06:49:05 pm »

Ahh Thank you... This helps! At this point I think anything would be an upgrade, even if its not a recent model. I believe we still have 128 ram?
Thank you very much!
Cheers!

Shane · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2014, 06:53:31 pm »

Ram is memory, no one was 128 gb, you might be thinking the hard drive.

If you like tell me if you have a costco or anything by you or give me a website of a store you have by you and I will look at what they have and give you some options.

Let me know if you want a laptop or tower

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2014, 07:00:51 pm »

We are looking for a tower. Actually upgrade our monitor as well.
Hubby needs to use Autosketch 10, which we are learning is not easily compatible with windows 8.
I want to do graphic work, cards, photos, writings and some accounting stuff. I store a lot of photos, and documents. Would liike to do a print workshop or such for labels and tags etc.
Yep, sorry, my blonde roots are showing...128 hard drive. Is that an antique now? <S>
No costco here, Best Buys, Staples
Thank you!

Shane · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2014, 07:07:37 pm »

I never buy parts form a store, because you pay the middle man fee.

Example, a 100 foot network cable at staples is anywhere from $100 to $150 dollars. On newegg.com I can get a 100 foot cable for $15.

So I buy all my stuff on newegg.com

Never bought a premade system but I get monitors, parts, everything from there.

What is the price range you are looking at spending?

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #9 on:** January 14, 2014, 09:10:11 pm »

Is newegg reliable? I saw some reviews that they had poor customer service. ?? Looking to spend hopefully $700 each. More if it will be a reliable long lasting easy to use etc etc model. 23 inch monitor preferred.
Again at this point anything will be an upgrade, but we want to have a system that will stay in the flow and not be obsolete in a few years. If that makes sense? Smiles

Shane · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2014, 04:45:57 pm »

I order all my parts through newegg because of how good their support is. I have a bad part they dont give me a hard time about it at all and most of the time when I ask for a pre paid shipping lable back they give me one. They have to be the easiest to return to. Also when you read reviews on products and something fails you will see a lot of users who love newegg for making the part get replaced nice and easy

I just got home from working all day. If you like remind me tomorrow and I will try to find a good system with monitor for you in your price range.

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #11 on:** January 15, 2014, 08:04:00 pm »

Thank you very much! Have a pleasant evening

Shane · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2014, 10:30:49 am »

I am not a store bought computer fan, I like to build my own. But newegg didnt have many options. This one is a dell and has the spcs I told you to look for plus the 23 in monitor.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155736

You can use that as a base line to shop around and compare

Shane

Snowyolddog · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2014, 10:47:27 am »

Thank you very much.. A good starting point. I appreciate your efforts!