mountainman 0 #1 March 12, 2002 hey there all. I am wondering about getting a new computer. I want to get a really good one, but would like to get a pre-fab (less problems). So, what do you guys think is the best pre-fab?I was thinking Dell is probably the best. However, one thing I want to get is the video card with 2 outputs so I can have the 2 monitor system.Comments? Suggestions?JumpinDuo.com...come and sign the guestbook. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #2 March 12, 2002 blah! pre-fab! blah!Make it yourself.. less problems and you know what's in it and can fix it if you do have problems...My New Website with 24hr Chat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #3 March 12, 2002 Ok take this for what it's worth, I own a compaq (are they still making computers?) I also have worked on Dell's and Gateways and had no problem with them whether it was hardware of software upgrades. In the other hand I would avoid IBMs and HPs I've had nothing but headaches with them, my boyfriend has an IBM and I'm seriously thinking of replace it for him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #4 March 12, 2002 For someone who doesn't really know motherboards and which ones are compatible with what RAM or processors that can be a huge headache and not everyone understand all that "hardware mumbo-jumbo", it also can be more expensive if you don't know what you want or need and are unable to really shop around. There is nothing wrong with pre-fab other than you can get screwed when it comes to up grading hardware cause the motherboard can't handle it.Also then you have the expense of buying all the software that comes standard with systems.Personally I can build myself a new system much cheaper, but that is cause I can harvest alot out of my current system including alot of the software. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #5 March 12, 2002 I have a Compaq with an AMD K6/2. Worked great for a year, then started being weird. Replaced the floppy drive, the CDROM and the hard drive. Still weird. They say it needs a processor now. It's in a box in the closet.Now I have an HP with a Pentium 3. It's worked great for a year. Should be breaking any day now... pull and flare,lisa--I'll be in the bar... you'll find me... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #6 March 12, 2002 QuoteMake it yourself.. Amen. When I read the subject, the first thought that popped into my head was "Frankenstein"...."Zero Tolerance: the politically correct term for zero thought, zero common sense." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #7 March 12, 2002 My vote's for Dell, but it's the only prefab I've had. Built previous ones myself. But, I've had it almost 6 months, and no problems.You can get a really, I mean really good deal from www.tigerdirect.com. My friend got his there and I was kicking myself for not checking there first. Go for the systemax systems....just a quick one I yanked at random:Specifications:AMD Athlon XP 2000 Processor 256MB PC2100 DDR RAM 80GB ATA/100 Hard Drive 16X DVD 24x10x32x CD-RW ATI Radeon 7000 Video w/ 64MB 10/100 NIC and 56K v.90 Modem Wavetable Sound Onboard 3-Piece Speaker System w/ Subwoofer Microsoft Windows XP Pre-loaded Now Just $1,079.99 cielos azules y cerveza fría-Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cornholio 0 #8 March 12, 2002 here here!!I concur that statement. They only type of pre-fab that you buy is a laptop. If it sits in the floor or sits on your desk, then you build it yourself. Not only do you learn a lot, if you don't know anything about building one, but you also know what to fix if something goes wrong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #9 March 12, 2002 I love my Dell....marcBSBD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #10 March 12, 2002 If you are going to build your own, http://www4.tomshardware.com/ is an invaluable resource.cielos azules y cerveza fría-Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #11 March 12, 2002 I've had my K6-3 going on 4 years now...damn it's probably time to upgrade. Actually it is, games are starting to run a little slow on it and the motherboard can't take a faster processor which means I can't add more ram. *sigh*Personally I'll end up buying pre-fab....a) I'm lazy I deal with this stuff at work all day long, so if it takes longer than 15 min I won't bother with it and I'll end up without a boxb) I have a linux box at home that has needed some hardware upgrades for oh about a year now that hasn't been touched, and currently is dead cause I keep stealing parts out of it.c) I have a pookie bear and his computer issues to deal withd) I'll probably get a gateway or a dell due to the compaq/HP(I think) merger. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #12 March 12, 2002 a chic that's a computer geek...gotta love it...marcBSBD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #13 March 12, 2002 QuoteI have a pookie bear and his computer issues to deal withYou have one of those too eh? Only mine's a she. I cringe every time she goes back into the computer room because all I wind up hearing is a bunch of swearing and then she comes out in a foul mood. Oh, and if it's between Gateway and Dell, I'd go with Dell, their customer service is better from what I hear."Zero Tolerance: the politically correct term for zero thought, zero common sense." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #14 March 12, 2002 "a chic that's a computer geek...gotta love it..."A skydiving geek chic, hubba hubba..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slappie 9 #15 March 12, 2002 QuoteA skydiving geek chic, hubba hubba..... Who jumps a smaller canopy then most anyone on this forum!! My New Website with 24hr Chat Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #16 March 12, 2002 Everyone jumps a smaller canopy than me, its the wing load that counts tho.....never mind the width, feel the quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #17 March 12, 2002 QuoteMake it yourself.. less problems and you know what's in it and can fix it if you do have problems...Bwhahah!!! I tried this once. Lots of problems.JumpinDuo.com...come and sign the guestbook. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #18 March 12, 2002 QuoteWho jumps a smaller canopy then most anyone on this forum!! Ummm...that only has to do with the fact that I'm light in the ass Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #19 March 12, 2002 I've got 3 homebuilt systems at home and 2 compaqs and a Dell at the office. I like the Compaqs over the Dell. The Dell laptop has never left its docking station since it crashes too much. The Compaq laptop treats me nicely. I'm acutally thinking about tossing together a 1800XP or possibly 1900MP system here later this summer. Ahhhhhhhh.....drool........ But If I had to buy out of a retailer I'd look at Compaq or Gateway. Gateway since they will customize more then the other companies seem to.Cause I don't wanna come back down from this cloud... ~ Bush Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mountainman 0 #20 March 12, 2002 To build on my "no self-build" statement, last year, I built one for my parents and it has been nothing but headaches. I built the whole thing in about 5 hrs and then installed the OS and then it went to shit quick. I just dont know what to get and what works well together.I have put more hours into that thing than I care to admit and wish I would have just got them a Dell. Oh well, next time I'll know.JumpinDuo.com...come and sign the guestbook. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #21 March 12, 2002 >I want to get a really good one, but would like to get a pre-fab (less problems.)For general purposes: Dell works.For video editing: Sony Vaio. S-video and firewire in/out, available with a DVD writer.-bill von Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 284 #22 March 12, 2002 I'm on a dell laptop at the moment - it sucks but I don't think its the hardware, I just think Bill Gates has a lot to answer for.... contemplating a move to Linux - any opinions?? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #23 March 12, 2002 FYI....sony's are almost 100% proprietary which makes them a bitch to upgrade or replace messed up parts. On the other hand they look cool Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skycat 0 #24 March 12, 2002 My personal favorite flavor is Mandrake Linux Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zennie 0 #25 March 12, 2002 QuoteMy personal favorite flavor is Mandrake LinuxAnother thumbs-up for Mandrake. The install is a breeze and it supports my dual flatpanel monitors without a problem. "Zero Tolerance: the politically correct term for zero thought, zero common sense." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
