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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> HELP with computer upgrade Qld's or Aussies.
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Showing posts 1 - 8 of 8, (reverse)
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 07/17/2008 11:10:57 PM · #1
I have been having an on0going problems with my computer, which is five years old.

My family have agreed to help me with a new computer system will suits my photography.

I am ASKING all Aussies, especially Queenslanders for help please.

This is one system I am looking at

Product ID:AMTP9750
Brand:AMD Multimedia PC
Product Name:AMTP9750
Category:AMD SystemsPrice:1049.00
Warranty:1 Year Return to Base Warranty. I would also like a three year extended warranty.
Details:
AM2 Phenom 9750
Gigabyte MA770-S3 Motherboard
2 x 1GB DDRII 800 PC6400 Ram
Nvidia GF8500GT 512M PCI-Ex
Integrated 8 Channel Audio
320G SATA2 7200RPM Hard Drive
Multi Internal Card Reader
20X DVD Rewriter (Dual Layer)
Digital High Definition TV Tuner
ATX Mid Tower Case
MS Multimedia K/B & Optical Mouse
Power Subwoofer Speakers (2.1)
19" WideScreen LCD Monitor
+MS Windows Vista Home Premium (Plus $155)
Freight $ 59
All up $1263.00

My requirements are a good graphics card, plenty of speed and ram, broadband access plus what ever you suggest that I need for a gos system . I send a lot of time on my computer, so service and tech support is also important, as I cannot get around much these days.

Any advice would be appreciated, as when it comes to technical things, I am completely lost.

Thanks in advance,
from shez
 07/17/2008 11:21:11 PM · #2
Have you looked at Dell? They always have awesome deals where you can upgrade your ram/graphics card and hard drive.. well worth looking into

Dell Australia

Message edited by author 2008-07-17 23:22:45.
 07/17/2008 11:26:39 PM · #3
I like those Power Subwoofer Speakers ... seems like you will be jamming to the tunes while you edit pictures!! :D
 07/18/2008 12:18:37 AM · #4
Details:

2 x 1GB DDRII 800 PC6400 Ram
You do not list what software you will be running. If you are using the latest version of Photoshop CS3, and use Bridge (image "find and sort" software) 2GB RAM is ok, but with RAM and image editing, more is better.

Digital High Definition TV Tuner
Must have for image editing... :)

19" WideScreen LCD Monitor
Widescreen is not necessarily an advantage if editing portrait images. A 19" wide screen has more horizontal width but less vertical height than a 19" standard monitor. Some places push the wide screen for viewing movies (or watching the snazzy High Definition Tuner...)

Basically, processors are over rated when it comes to image editing. The difference between a fast processor and a very fast processor is small, but can cost heaps.
Lots of RAM and a pretty good processor are good for image editing. Quality of the monitor can be important. If you can view the monitor, try looking at images you know (particularly with fine detail in both the highlight and shadow regions). LCD monitors tend to get "muddy" in the shadows, losing details. This really sucks when watching dark movies like The Matrix or similar. (oh... and editing darker images).
External Hard drives are getting cheaper by the month, so don't stress out about not having enough storage space.

Good luck.
 07/18/2008 04:39:19 AM · #5
You would probably appreciate a larger monitor, say 22" - more space to work with, but more importantly you can use larger fonts etc.

P.S. I'm not an Aussie, does this count? :)
 07/18/2008 11:14:05 PM · #6
I think one of the major Australian computer magazines regularly publishes the latest figures on the "sweet spot" for performance/price for different components. Certainly you can save a fair bit of money by getting the not-quite-fastest CPU that costs a lot less, but only takes a small performance hit. Much better to make sure you have plenty of RAM (2-4GB) that is the fastest speed possible.

The specs you posted look pretty good to me, with the disclaimer that I'm not really familiar the AMD range of CPUs. I remember reading a few years ago that AMD was considered better for gaming, but Intel was considered better for Photoshop - not sure if that was (or is still) true though. Gigabyte is a good brand of motherboard (Asus is another good brand).

Personally, I don't think three year extended warranties are worth it for computer gear. If a computer is going to fail (i.e. a component failure that would be handled under warranty), it's most likely to happen either in the first few weeks or after 3+ years. The rate of failure for components between the 3 month and the 3 year mark is very low. (This is called the "bathtub curve", although note that the shape is usually more dramatic than the example in that article.) The exception would be if having an operational computer is absolutely critical, and you have a three-year onsite warranty that includes replacing parts on the spot when required, and the cost of that is worth it to you.

07/19/2008 12:44:47 AM · #7
Thanks everyone, I have just about decided what to get, as I received this response from one of the dealers that I am thinking of. Dell still hasn't got back to me but I will try again on Monday morning.

Received this reply email from them yesterday.

Thanks for email! The computer you choose is suitable for what you need. It comes with a high speed performance processor, compatible with broadband Internet. I might suggest to upgrade to Nvidia GF9600GT video card (extra $100), this card will provide the high level graphic solution.

Regarding the printer, we have the Epson CX7300($88.00), it has the memory card reader built-in, using separate cartridges and compatible with thirty-party cartridges.

Regarding the warranty issue, we will provide one year warranty for the system, because our base is in Sydney, we are unable to provide on site warranty ourself. We will suggest our customers a company called United Electrical Engineering(UEE), they are the specialist for extended warranty or onsite service for electrical products, they also have a big servicing network around Australia to provide customer the best warranty support. You can purchase their Extended warranty directly from their website, //www.unitedelectrical.com.au/extendedWarranty.htm

I am thinking of having more than 2 Gigabytes

Maybe a larger monitor 22" re my sight, and having to enlarge the print, as suggested above by [user]jhonan[/user].

I like this idea - Digital High Definition TV Tuner
Must have for image editing... :)

Also forgot to ask them about a keyboard, re my sight, as I have a black matt keyboard with gray letters, and that not good for me to see properly, so will need a keyboard with bright letters. Either cream white or light gray keyboard with black lettering, or a black keyboard, with white or pale gray lettering if possible.
Hard to come by.....

I think I am happy with all of the above unless you can think of something to add or take away. I am not going to rush into this but do all the research as BEST as I can, along with your help.

I am a good listener, as I am not good with the technical side.

Thank heaps for all your HELP.....


07/19/2008 04:35:57 AM · #8
I should imagine there's no problem finding a cream/beige keyboard with black lettering; once upon a time this was pretty much all that was available.
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