Calling all geeks! To build or to buy- that is the question!
I really need a new computer... but I'm stuck on whether I'd be better off buying or putting one together... I know, I know- it's a debate as old as "Mary Kate or Ashley?" Anyway...
I think that I have the mental acumen to put all of the pieces together properly, but I don't have the benefit of experience. In addition, I'm not up to date on all of the good bits (processors, video cards, etc...) so I would have to rely on advice from others that are in the loop.
What would I use it for?! Work spreadsheets, some photo editing, chatting on DH... oh, and my brother is tryin' to get me hooked on EverCrack II... Recording TV programs on the hard drive (a la TiVo) would be pretty cool, but I don't really watch too much TV as it is- would this ability change my viewing habits?
As always, any advice is greatly appreciated!
I think that I have the mental acumen to put all of the pieces together properly, but I don't have the benefit of experience. In addition, I'm not up to date on all of the good bits (processors, video cards, etc...) so I would have to rely on advice from others that are in the loop.
What would I use it for?! Work spreadsheets, some photo editing, chatting on DH... oh, and my brother is tryin' to get me hooked on EverCrack II... Recording TV programs on the hard drive (a la TiVo) would be pretty cool, but I don't really watch too much TV as it is- would this ability change my viewing habits?
As always, any advice is greatly appreciated!
Comments
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What OS do you plan to use on it? As DaveB and I were discussing last week, when you buy a new PC you're effectively paying for Windows whether you want it or not. If you DO want Windows, you can get a computer damn cheap. I'm not sure it building a computer and buying Windows to put on it makes economic sense unless you think you'd find the actual building really fun. But if you want to put Linux on it anyway (which a lot of people building TiVo type devices do), then it might make sense, plus, you'll have proven that you're already a masochist anyway.
Having TiVo would probably change your viewing habits unless you actively dislike the process of sitting on the sofa and watching TV--in which case you probably shouldn't bother with TiVo. I like it because if I'm going to attack some craft project, I can choose from a wide array of episodes of programs I like rather than just watching whateverthecrap is on TV on Saturday afternoons.
ETA: Reading more carefully about what you want to do with it, I'd guess Windows. I dunno--take a look at the Dell website and see if you can beat those prices, even discounting the cost of your own labor. -
Subject: Re: Calling all geeks! To build or to buy- that is the quest
nybt wrote: I really need a new computer... but I'm stuck on whether I'd be better off buying or putting one together... I know, I know- it's a debate as old as "Mary Kate or Ashley?" Anyway...
Evercrack II rules. I'm fully hooked.
I think that I have the mental acumen to put all of the pieces together properly, but I don't have the benefit of experience. In addition, I'm not up to date on all of the good bits (processors, video cards, etc...) so I would have to rely on advice from others that are in the loop.
What would I use it for?! Work spreadsheets, some photo editing, chatting on DH... oh, and my brother is tryin' to get me hooked on EverCrack II... Recording TV programs on the hard drive (a la TiVo) would be pretty cool, but I don't really watch too much TV as it is- would this ability change my viewing habits?
As always, any advice is greatly appreciated!
I'd advise you just buy something and make sure you have at least a 128 meg video card, sound card and P4 processor. I say buy because while yeah, you could do it, it's not like it's "snap, crackle pop-i got a new computer!" I feel semi to fully confident handling that shit now, but my first forays were such a headache that I generally buy computers and then mod them to whatever I need. Some people are really into it and that's cool, it just takes takes time and effort, especially if you're new to it and me... I like that semi-instant gratification. -
EmilyM wrote: What OS do you plan to use on it?
Dunno... Don't know the relative benefits of the available options. My heart still says, "get a Mac!" but my wife says, "a Mac? No." I used Macs, and only Macs, until college, so I see Windows as the pale shadow it is. My wife was raised PC, and (in the past) found Macs to be... well, not her cuppa... -
I run all three major OS platforms. I use a g5 for working, Linux for living and Xp for video games only because i'm too lazy to port them to Linux.
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What's the story with Linux?
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daveb wrote: [quote=nybt]What's the story with Linux?
It rocks. I love it. I use the ubuntu distribution which is a pretty good contender for a fully fleshed out alternative to Windoze and Mac. I actually run a dual install of XP and Linux on one PC and just boot XP only when I'm doing some Evercrack
I've read through some of the site that you've linked, and it looks interesting- I'll have to do a little more in-depth lookin' when I'm at home. What were/are your main reasons for choosing ubuntu? Usability? Security? Affinity for the ubuntu ideal? Intense dislike for Microsoft? -
nybt wrote: [quote=daveb][quote=nybt]What's the story with Linux?
It rocks. I love it. I use the ubuntu distribution which is a pretty good contender for a fully fleshed out alternative to Windoze and Mac. I actually run a dual install of XP and Linux on one PC and just boot XP only when I'm doing some Evercrack
I've read through some of the site that you've linked, and it looks interesting- I'll have to do a little more in-depth lookin' when I'm at home. What were/are your main reasons for choosing ubuntu? Usability? Security? Affinity for the ubuntu ideal? Intense dislike for Microsoft?
All of the above. Ubuntu's great as a full fledged distro, comes with everything you need and more and is one of the better ones for working "straight outta the box". I prefer Debian based distros (like ubuntu). Another good one is Mandriva.
One thing you can do is download and burn a live CD from the site. You can pop it into your computer and boot it and it will run Ubuntu without installing anything or changing any files. It's great for checking out and previewing. If you're coming to Soda tonight, i likely have a live CD kicking around you can have to play with. The thing I like most about ubuntu is that it's straight up linux kernal, the guts are there, but it's built and supported to be a normal desktop OS, so just about anyone can use it with little or no experience or a lot of expertise. This week is the launch of the new big version "Breezy Badger" which I've previewed and it's MAD HOT. -
Shit! it's Wednesday! :shock:
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I have a live CD but it's the last version, not the new one. I also use Ubuntu, a little bit, and like it. I am not hardcore like DaveB, but I managed to get it up and running, which seems to be the major obstacle with Linux in general.
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EmilyM wrote: I have a live CD but it's the last version, not the new one. I also use Ubuntu, a little bit, and like it. I am not hardcore like DaveB, but I managed to get it up and running, which seems to be the major obstacle with Linux in general.
Well with ubuntu it's usually not a problem, excepting laptops, which can be iffy depending on the model or processor. Desktops tend to be pretty smooth. My Dell Pentium 4 was smooth sailing. I'll never go back to windows. OSX is great, but I prefer Linux for sheer evil geek power. -
You could run linux. But you then need to know how to build the decss software to run your DVD player.
And if you get a really new system, you better know how to build/install drivers, 'cuz there's a chance that there IS NO COMMERICALLY SUPPORTED DRIVER for that newfangled, cutting edge piece-o-technology that you put into your box.
I really would NOT recommend any linux distro (including ubuntu/mandriva/lindows) to anyone who needs a system compatible with today's garbage formats(ie. M$ proprietary shit like M$ office, wma, or shit like .aac). Yeah, there is software like AbiWord and OpenOffice that will open up your word doc, but you might not have perfect compatibility with it.
Also, please refrain from referring to Linux as a self-standing entity; most people don't just run the Linux kernel, but they run an operating system based on it. Such as Red Hat, Suse, Slackware, Debian, Ubuntu, etc. All these distros have their little differences here and there. I've run RH, Suse, Slackware, Ubuntu, and various other distros, and I've never had software build and install perfectly. Except for Slackware, but that's a bit over the top for most non-techs...
I would really recommend giving Macs another look. 10.4 is supposed to be wonderful, with disk file indexing and other goodies. Your wife may have used macs back in the shitty days of OS 7/8, but things have changed drastically. 10.4 is a nice, stable BSD system that you can run commerical apps like MS Office or Adobe * on and has pretty great open source software.
As for building your own system - you will be paying more - unless you know a guy at a computer store. But even then, most mom and pop computer stores do not have the kind of economic leverage that Dell/Gateway/HP do when it comes to getting parts for dirt cheap. Sure, if you buy any of these machines, you will be paying M$ tax, but you will probably still save money in the end. I would only build my own system if I had some specialized needs - like needing a high performance system for gaming or for running a server online. Computers you find on Best Buy's or Circuit City's shelves will be sufficient for most things, including gaming and DVD playback.
If you decide to build your own system, you should go to sites like www.tomshardware.com and look at reviews and benchmarks on hardware.... -
FYI: Apple introduced a whole new product line today, which means that everything that was in their product line up until today is up to 40% off. It's a well known fact that the apple store in the city dumps stuff when a new model line is introduced, so schmooze will the sales's reps and see what kind of deal you can get.
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Anonymous wrote: Also, please refrain from referring to Linux as a self-standing entity; most people don't just run the Linux kernel, but they run an operating system based on it. Such as Red Hat, Suse, Slackware, Debian, Ubuntu, etc. All these distros have their little differences here and there. I've run RH, Suse, Slackware, Ubuntu, and various other distros, and I've never had software build and install perfectly. Except for Slackware, but that's a bit over the top for most non-techs...
Yeah... okay Mr Hot Pants. -
I have a Mac. And I have a PC. And while I am not a Linux person, I do a lot of server setups so I have some insight.
First, if you have to ask if you should use Linux, then you should not. Unless you're a complete geek, it's just not worth it.
I'm not too sure what the aversion to Macs is, but since OS X, Macs are really great. Like all people doing design work, I started using Macs with OS 7. Then OS 8. Then OS 9. All adequate. But very limp in comparison to OS X. The machine is very stable. And I can do web development using PHP/MySQL on the same machine I am running Quark and Photoshop on (NOTE: I know you could techincally do that on a PC as well, but I assure you on all fronts it's not the same on all levels). Also, the Mac mini is amazing! I own one and it's the best machine I have ever bought. I got it after using Dual 1Ghz G4 machines and while not exactlty as fast, it's still quite fast. And I'm not disappointed.
And as far as cost goes, go to the Apple Store Online and look for the red SAVE tag that reads "Looking for a great deal?" That's the link to the official Apple clearance page where older--but very usable--models and refurbished machines are sold. Right now you can get a 1.25Ghz Mac mini for $399 with free shipping. That's quite a good deal. There are also tons of other deals on other models. Savings are up to 40% on certain models and all come with the standard Apple 1 year warranty. Great deal all around. And here's a tip: The stock on that page is updated at 12 midnight PST. So if you're hardcore about saving on Apple gear stay up until 3:00am EST and reload the page. They've had sweet PowerMac G5 deals for $999 and even iPod deals that you're just not going to get anywhere else.
If you must have a PC and must run Windows XP my basic advice is the days of building a machine on your own to save money are over. 12 years ago, it made more sense to buy all of the parts on your own. But nowadays everything is so cheap to begin with that prebuilt systems--like those from Dell and Gateway--are worth the price. Building it on your own nowadays is a lot of hassle for little reward.
Unless you do what I did...
Buy a Shuttle Mini-ATX kit from a place like NewEgg. They are the best online parts retailer and have great deals. And the Shuttle like of Mini-ATX machines is really sweet. You basically get a 'kit' that comes with the case for the PC itself, Mini-ATX logicboard installed, power-supply and all needed cables. All you need to do is buy a CPU, RAM, hard-drive, DVD/CD drive and maybe the floppy drive and that's it. It's alot easier building from a kit like that than having to hunt for a case, then hunt for the logicboard and then hunt for the powersupply. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big difference, but getting my Shuttle up and running was a lot easier than PC builds I did in the past. And the case is so tiny and compact, it doesn't get in the way at all. As far as an oprating system goes, NewEgg has great deals on OEM versions of WindowsXP. -
Jack wrote: Unless you do what I did...
i second this. newegg is an excellent site. my brother built his computer from various parts he found there & on similar sites.. bought tons of ram & hard drive space for very cheap.
Buy a Shuttle Mini-ATX kit from a place like NewEgg. They are the best online parts retailer and have great deals. And the Shuttle like of Mini-ATX machines is really sweet. You basically get a 'kit' that comes with the case for the PC itself, Mini-ATX logicboard installed, power-supply and all needed cables. All you need to do is buy a CPU, RAM, hard-drive, DVD/CD drive and maybe the floppy drive and that's it. It's alot easier building from a kit like that than having to hunt for a case, then hunt for the logicboard and then hunt for the powersupply. Maybe it doesn't seem like a big difference, but getting my Shuttle up and running was a lot easier than PC builds I did in the past. And the case is so tiny and compact, it doesn't get in the way at all. As far as an oprating system goes, NewEgg has great deals on OEM versions of WindowsXP.
the entire thing is incredible, but it took a lot of painstaking effort to search & buy & put everything together. still, it's worth it to him, as he, among other things, runs video-editing software (and pirated movies). and it was just satisfying to do it all himself.
anyway, if you're looking for a good project, nybt, maybe that's for you :] -
Also, regarding ordering from NewEgg, here's a tip to save on shipping.
They have two warehouses. One in New Jersey. One in California. 9 times out of 10, they'll ship stuff out from the New Jersey warehouse. And because of that--if you're in Brooklyn--you can have stuff shipped via UPS ground and it will get to you in 1-2 days without having to pay extra for faster shipping. And many times NewEgg offers free or $1 shipping. So it's really a great deal all around. -
Thanks for the NewEgg shipping tip. I need to buy a DVD burner for my mom and people have been recommending them to me.
FWIW, I'm not trying to talk anyone into Linux. I only brought it up because everyone I know who has built a computer in the last few years has done it for the purpose of making a TiVo device, and they've all used Linux. Therefore, if one of the things nybt wants to accomplish is TiVo, it seems germane to mention it. -
daveb wrote: OSX is great, but I prefer Linux for sheer evil geek power.
if you really meant that, youd be running slackware. or freebsd if youre a wuss. 8) -
rhodamine wrote: [quote=daveb]OSX is great, but I prefer Linux for sheer evil geek power.
if you really meant that, youd be running slackware. or freebsd if youre a wuss. 8)
I actually do have a box with slackware that's for backup...sorta. An old Pentium III with Fluxbox as the desktop. I like Ubuntu though. -
daveb wrote: [quote=rhodamine][quote=daveb]OSX is great, but I prefer Linux for sheer evil geek power.
if you really meant that, youd be running slackware. or freebsd if youre a wuss. 8)
I actually do have a box with slackware that's for backup...sorta. An old Pentium III with Fluxbox as the desktop. I like Ubuntu though.
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EmilyM wrote: Thanks for the NewEgg shipping tip. I need to buy a DVD burner for my mom and people have been recommending them to me.
http://www.mythtv.org/
FWIW, I'm not trying to talk anyone into Linux. I only brought it up because everyone I know who has built a computer in the last few years has done it for the purpose of making a TiVo device, and they've all used Linux. Therefore, if one of the things nybt wants to accomplish is TiVo, it seems germane to mention it. -
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daveb wrote: I can't wait to get home.
DORK! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
:idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: -
rhodamine wrote: [quote=daveb]I can't wait to get home.
DORK! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:
:idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea:
Whoa, hey, it's not like I'm SSH'ing the update from here!
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daveb wrote: Whoa, hey, it's not like I'm SSH'ing the update from here!
heh. all gratuitous insults aside, id love to get the disk-images from you if you manage a successful download, as i have no net at home right now.
ill comp you some blanks and a 6pack! -
rhodamine wrote: [quote=daveb]Whoa, hey, it's not like I'm SSH'ing the update from here!
heh. all gratuitous insults aside, id love to get the disk-images from you if you manage a successful download, as i have no net at home right now.
ill comp you some blanks and a 6pack!
I'm planning on running anapt-get update
for it, but I'd be happy to download and burn an ISO image of it for you. -
daveb wrote: [quote=rhodamine][quote=daveb]Whoa, hey, it's not like I'm SSH'ing the update from here!
heh. all gratuitous insults aside, id love to get the disk-images from you if you manage a successful download, as i have no net at home right now.
ill comp you some blanks and a 6pack!
I'm planning on running anapt-get update
for it, but I'd be happy to download and burn an ISO image of it for you.
perhaps i should just get net at home. my leech-able wifi neighbors moved :roll:
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