On the computer hunt.... any suggestions?

[slippkidd129]

Im doing some shopping for a new computer and I have no idea what I want. I have a Sony Vaio now and its getting a little old (about 6 years). I want something fast with alot of memory & room to expand. Im not shure if I want Vista or not, Ive gotten word that it has some problems. What would you suggest in a computer brand and would you recomend Vista or XP?

[mr.handsomeman]

hmm....Apple. I'm sorry man but the computers kick butt. I hate the Ipod though, but Apple computers are great for everything. you can't go wrong.

[slippkidd129]

hmm....Apple. I'm sorry man but the computers kick butt. I hate the Ipod though, but Apple computers are great for everything. you can't go wrong.

Ill keep that in mind. Ive never used an Apple before, so that might be interesting. Thanks!

[133794m3r]

well I'd say that when you get your computer try to avoid vista, try to get it custom made if you can... and if you can't put linux on it. Wait... let me ask you this... what are you going to be using this computer primarily for? (not too much detail just a little)
Like are you going to be using it for media and such?
Or are you going to be using it for everything else?
If the first you answered yes, a Mac is for you.
If you answered yes to the latter a PC is for you.
I hope that this helped you out.

[SilentWalrus]

Just build your own.
it's cheaper and you'll get better components.
As for the OS install Linux.
Go to Newegg.com for amazing parts for pretty cheap.

[mr.handsomeman]

Originally Posted by SilentWalrus

Just build your own.
it's cheaper and you'll get better components.
As for the OS install Linux.
Go to Newegg.com for amazing parts for pretty cheap.

would be a very good idea if you're going to get a PC, but if not, then just buy the Mac.
Go by what they said earlier. Media and graphics = Mac. Anything else = PC.

[SilentWalrus]

Or everything else > Mac.

[metheweirdo]

well i suggest you custom make a computer, second, only install vista if you have 2 gb of memory or more, vista kicks as with 4 gb of memory though.
If you want it to look pretty = get a mac
If you want it to be Compatible with most stuff = Get xp
If you want some eye candy and wanna play directx 10 games = get vista
if you want something new, fresh = get linux (ubuntu especially)

[runtohell121]

Mac sucks, i have to admit that. if you still want XP computer.. only way is to go call the manufacture and tell them you want xp instead of vista and they might send you a disc otherwise, you'll have to find xp yourself and the drivers also. the best choice is to build your computer but theres risk on building a computer. if you want a regular use of computer not for gaming or anything, i'll recommend going to stores to buy a computer. Those can be cheap usually and when you want to game.. then just go buy a power supply and a good video card for the pre built manufacture computer

[Gregory]

Just remember the limited amount of applications. Also, MacBooks(other than the overpriced Pro) have integrated graphics. Google OSx86 if you want to build a mac.

Originally Posted by mr.handsomeman

would be a very good idea if you're going to get a PC, but if not, then just buy the Mac.
Go by what they said earlier. Media and graphics = Mac. Anything else = PC.

I'd recommend building yourself if you are going to spend over $500

[Gow616]

1) Mac Mini ain't the way to go. Thus making an Apple Computer a pricey option. If you go Macbook only Macbook Pro is worth it and barely at that due to a Dell/Lenovo/etc. can be had for cheaper and more power PLUS better quality parts.

2) XP if you are going 32 bit and older hardware. Vista if you are going 64 bit and newer hardware. 4gb DDR2 800 can be had for $100 or less no reason not to get it and Vista with a few tweaks and SP1 boots and runs faster than XP x64 period.

3) Face it you probably want to use the Zune software so why add extra headache trying to get it to run in a non-native OS. Though if you want to go Vista and Linux that should work if you use Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuse, ** cetera. Remember if you got 64 bit to grab 64 bit version of the Linux operating system AND only so many distros do 64 bit. People hate change, case in point Vista and XP.

4) Building a computer is easy it is just a matter of deciding on what processor route you want to go with, Intel or AMD. Than match up motherboard with processor, tack on RAM, power supply, graphics card, hard drives, case (Antec, Coolermaster, Lian Li), keyboard and monitor if needed, mouse (Razer is my personal choice) and anything else needed. Going this route will yield a more powerful computer than the pre-fab ones.

Yet, one could look at a Dell Vostro tower or something akin to that if one wanted to pursue the pre-fab route. Building seems scary but its actually quite easy nowadays if one knows how to read literature in English (sometimes they print Spanish, French and Simplified Chinese).

5) Remember this above all. There is no such thing as perfection in computers or operating systems, each has its quirks, downsides, pros, cons, etc.

Mac OSX is pretty and supposedly good for Graphics
Vista is pretty and has the almost all the same programs of OSX and games
Linux is pretty (in some cases) and has open source applications but lacks games

Remember FREE does not always = good.

Trust me I have dealt with my fair share of payware and freeware that just plain sucks arse. Plus I have messed with only an Atari Computer, Apple Computer II, Gateway 75mhz Pentium, Gateway Pentium II, self built computers Pentium III, IV and Dual Core, Toshiba notebook, Dell notebooks, Macbooks (use a friend's) and Lenovo Thinkpad T61P. Not to mention using or have used the following mac os up to X, linux, solaris, BSD and of course Windows (3.1, 95, NT, 2000, XP Pro, XP x64, Vista x64).

EDIT:

P.S.
Dual Core versus Quad Core http://www.digit-life.com/articles3/...6600-9300.html

Look at Wolfdale Core 2 Duo if going Intel.

[AquaToad]

Originally Posted by SilentWalrus

Or everything else > Mac.

YES

[Marshillboy]

Why do people always say graphics and stuff = mac? What makes apple products superior to their PC counterparts? I find Vegas video to be far superior to iMovie, and photoshop runs on both systems. Personally, I find there to be no reason to get an Apple computer other than conformity/"hipness".

[HaaGeN]

macs are so overpriced

[runtohell121]

Originally Posted by HaaGeN

macs are so overpriced

only reason why people say macs are good with graphics and stuff is that they can't do any gaming lol and they are very limited softwares unless you have windows on the Mac.. lol

[slippkidd129]

Alot of good info guys.... Thanks!!!

Im gonna have to do some pondering on what I may do..?..

[masonpwiley]

Originally Posted by mr.handsomeman

hmm....Apple. I'm sorry man but the computers kick butt. I hate the Ipod though, but Apple computers are great for everything. you can't go wrong.

Except for gaming and not costing an arm and a leg.

[ShotgunSnipist]

If your poor, (hoping to spend less then $500)
I suggest this EMachines.
It's on CNet's top 5 computers. =D
EMachines-t5254

It's about 400 Dollars.