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11/29/2002 09:16:41 AM · #1 |
I have already asked a few of you, but would like a general concensus..
I am finally shopping for a new computer!! (yeah!!).
Would like to mainly do my photos and video editing, and would like to make cd's or dvd's to show movies/slide shows on a dvd player (that I also don't own yet)....
The concensus I would like to get is... what brand? what operating system? etc.. Should I stay PC or go Mac? Which is better or are they all the same.. I don't have $3000. to spend. I need to keep it to $2000 or less if possible, or at least hang around $2000 on either end.
Dell? Gateway? Sony? Mac (iMac or G4?)????
Thanks, in advance, from those who have been helpful so far.
Thanks, in advance, to all those who may help now.
:0)
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11/29/2002 09:24:20 AM · #2 |
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11/29/2002 09:37:32 AM · #3 |
Mac for sure -- it is so much easier to configure, run, and troubleshoot, that you will not regret the $300 or so up front cost difference. If you're willing to go with VHS-quality video you can go with the low-end G4 (about$1700) but you can only burn Video-CDs -- they will play in most DVD players but are lower quality than true DVD video.
If you go $2500 you'll get a SuperDrive which can burn DVDs, and dual 1GHz processors. Look for deals with "free" additional RAM. Please note that there will soon be a new version of the SuperDrive which will write DVDs faster. You might want to wait for the faster drive for either the speed, or the price drop on the older models. Starting in January, Macs will be OS X only (no system 9).
MacWarehouse has an iMac with SuperDrive, extra RAM, USB floppy drive, Epson printer, and 17" flat-panel for $2000. But I still don't like using the LCD monitors for photo editing...
If you're not REALLY into video I'd recommend the cheaper G4 and spend the extra on a good monitor and an external FireWire drive to capture your video and keep the internal disk cleaner and more efficient. |
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11/29/2002 10:24:03 AM · #4 |
| I'd suggest going to your local computer shop and have it custom built to you specs. That way you dont have to worry about shipping and the long wait when something goes out. |
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11/29/2002 10:26:41 AM · #5 |
Karen,
Go on zdnet.com and read the hardware reviews and find out what are the editor's choices.
I have had 5 macs over the years but now have a toshiba pentium 4 laptop running windows xp and i like it very much.
i switched because i had enough experience with both platforms (been all mac at home since 1994 -- windows at work since 1998) to finally believe that the premium price for mac wasn't worth it anymore (i'm sure all the mac heads - myself a year ago included -- will totally and vehemently disagree).
also, it's so weird to finally be compatible with everything!
no matter what you pick though, i think it will be great, the cost-preformance ratio of computers these days is absolutely incredible. it's as if you could get ferraris for the price of a used pinto.
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11/29/2002 11:00:52 AM · #6 |
I would get a Dell PC. They put together very good computers at reasonable prices. I use one at work. My home computer I built from components purchased at an electronics store called Fry's. If you have the knowhow, it's cheaper sometimes to buy components on sale and build it yourself. Stay away from Celeron CPUs as they are not dependable in the long run. I don't have any experience with Macs.
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11/29/2002 11:16:56 AM · #7 |
I have one of the new iMacs at work an have got to say that in 10 years of multimedia development, it's the best computer I've EVER had.
The monitor alone is worth $1000 bucks -- it's bright, crisp, clear, wide, and huge!! Plus it's got a superdrive (burn CDs & DVDs), is zippy, has tons of Firewire and USB ports, and, best of all, ONE PLUG. I come home and look at that rat's nest of cables underneath my PC and just sigh. It's really the best computer for art/multimedia/photography that I've ever used...and I've used a lot.
17" widescreen flat panel and DVD burner for less than $2K? Definitely worth it -- and I'm a PC person!
Rob 8) |
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11/29/2002 11:35:44 AM · #8 |
My personal experience is:
* all brands suck
* cheap components are expensive in the end
I've got a custom build reliable 350mhz Pentium 1 that outperforms a NEC/ Packard Bell Celeron600 with ease. My custom build Athlon 1200 (all other components are very fast too) outperforms a friend's Pentium 1800 brand set. They are more reliable and its easier to change parts.
AMD make good processors for a good price. See to it that the busspeed of the motherboard, processor and memory match. My Athlon 1200 is a 266mhz, so is my motherboard and so is my RAM.
When you decide to go for a P4, check that they don't put SDRam running at 133mhz in the system. P4 works at best with 400mhz Rambus memory I believe.
Don't go for the latest processor. The advantage over a much cheaper previous one is only a few procents. But do invest in RAM, 256mb at leat, 512mb or more is better for dvd stuff.
Ask for silent cooling, and a good brand silent harddrive. Modern systems can be very very silent.
Try to get something with Firewire and USB2.0.
Get a good graphics card with a lot of onthecard memory (128mb or more would be very nice for dvd's).
Read hardware reviews, they are for free on many sites.
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11/29/2002 11:45:15 AM · #9 |
If you are happy buying components for a self build, you must consider Linux as the OS. Linux is just as capable as Win/Mac, but may require some configuration.
If you are not very tech oriented (or cant find a relative to do it for you), then stick with a win/mac bundle. |
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11/29/2002 12:17:00 PM · #10 |
if graphics are what you will do most then I would say a MAC, but they can be pricey.
You can build a screaming PC for under $600 with a monitor and tons-o-storage.
If you have PC now you may be able to get a new mother board, processor, memory and a newer hard drive for that extra storage.
you can reuse a lot of your older equipment, keyboard, mouse, floppy drive, cd , hard drive, monitor and some times the case. The only problem I have run into with building my own is the AGP slot on my old mother board fried the video card. So I got a PCI video card.
but I have an ASUS mother board w/ AMD 1.3 Ghz processor
640 MB os PC 133 SDRAM
2 40 gig 7200 RPM Maxtor hard drives
CD-R
DVD player
64 mb AGP Radeon video card
17 inch Sony monitor
It screams !!!!!
James |
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11/29/2002 12:47:42 PM · #11 |
I always buy IBM, my last PC before this one lasted 6 years and ran great and now my daughter uses it and now I bought a NETVISTA and it is very reliable with WIN professional
I work for Big Blue so maybe i am biased but have many friends who run out and buy HP or Dell or whatever clone de jour and i work on their systems and they just aren't the same, your choice here is the link if you are interested
IBM only sells direct now and if you know anyone that works for us you can get them to buy you one at a discount
IBM
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11/29/2002 02:26:07 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by taylorbehne:
I'd suggest going to your local computer shop and have it custom built to you specs. That way you dont have to worry about shipping and the long wait when something goes out.
I agree with this 100%... Dollar for dollar you get the best bang from a local computer shop. Just be sure they have been in business a while and not a "just opened last week" deal... Anyone that's been in business for 5+ years should be ok...
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11/29/2002 02:50:43 PM · #13 |
while macs are the king of the hill when it comes to graphics and such, they leave A LOT to be desired when it comes to available software and upgrades...
you would be suprised to find out how easy it is to build your own hotrod PC that will outperform any sony, gateway, dell, hp, etc... if you can read and follow instructions, you can build your own... many of these names brands are also designed so as to not allow you to upgrade... they want you to buy another.... in the end build one yourself or have someone build it for you... if your going to be doing photos, don't skrimp on RAM and get a good video card also... I have 1.5GB of ram and 2mb photo files pop up on the screen in less than 2 secs... I have had trouble with load times when not using lots of ram... and if your building your own, you'll probably be able to find a great motherboard/amd processor for a really good price... I think the local store here has an AMD 2.2 ghz processor and mother board capable of 3GB of DDR ram for $200... they have a website you can even order barebones systems on to get you started...
Fry's Electronics
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11/29/2002 06:21:20 PM · #14 |
I have been watching this infomercial about systemax pc's. Anybody heard of them or have one? I'm in the market for a new PC too.
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11/29/2002 07:01:52 PM · #15 |
My husband works for United Parcel Services (UPS) and says that he picks up more Gateway computers to be sent back to the factory to be fixed than any other computer. He hasnt picked one up in a couple months so they may have fixed the problem.
I myself have a compac that I had specially made just for picture and movies. I really like it. I think your best route is build one yourself or have someone build it for you. |
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11/29/2002 08:55:24 PM · #16 |
pcworld.com is a great place for computer information.
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11/29/2002 09:22:46 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Karen Bryan:
I have already asked a few of you, but would like a general concensus..
Well...you asked...
Your final decision might be forced by what software you have and need...For Mac you might have to get PS Elements for the photos, but it includes enough video/DVD capability for most folks to get started. I've tried to use some video software on my PC an it's a pain. Apple's iMovie and iDVD have very good reputations and come bundled. Mac's should read your old PC disks.
If you already own all the PC software (Photoshop) you still have to make sure it will run on the XP systm you'll probably get without needing (paid) upgrades.
* This message has been edited by the author on 11/29/2002 9:20:20 PM. |
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11/29/2002 09:35:39 PM · #18 |
Do not get a Dell, Compaq, Gateway or HP as they are very very expensive to repair as they have unique motherboards etc.
* This message has been edited by the author on 11/29/2002 9:32:59 PM. |
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11/29/2002 10:28:41 PM · #19 |
| For handling photos and video, my older iMac is easier to use than my PC . If I were to upgrade, I'd get the new iMac. I've also heard great things about the new eMac which is super cheap -less than $1000 |
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11/29/2002 11:21:50 PM · #20 |
If you decide to go PC rather than Mac, I agree that the best thing to do is go to a competent local store and tell them exactly all the uses you expect for the forseeable future (next 5 years). They should be able to recommend the most reliable hard drives, optimum amount of RAM for your needs, etc. As for name brand PCs -- you get cheaper components such as a Celeron processor and pay more than you would for a fast Pentium in a clone from a local store.
That's what I did and I'm still happy with mine even tho' it's now 4 years old. |
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11/29/2002 11:39:33 PM · #21 |
I say, go with Dell.
sjgleah |
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11/30/2002 12:17:42 AM · #22 |
Thanks you so much everyone for your input! It has really been helpful...
:0)
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11/30/2002 01:07:28 AM · #23 |
no imac. imac is crap.
since you're doing for video and picture editing i'm going to go with *cringe* a mac. pick up a snazy g4 or something. get one of the ones that comes with windows as well, cause, lets face it, NOTHING good besides video/image editing and music software (protools!) is made for mac.
and no. macs are not easier. this is what we call a myth. if you can plug color-coded plugs into similarly colored holes, you can set up a pc. and they're actually more open-ended.
i screwed up software on my old mac once (a mac plus. old skool) and that software NEVER worked again. i've always been able to fix or otherwise recover my pc's. |
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11/30/2002 01:29:51 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by Arachnophilia:
and no. macs are not easier. this is what we call a myth. if you can plug color-coded plugs into similarly colored holes, you can set up a pc. and they're actually more open-ended.
Personally I wasn't talking about Macs being easier in this respect -- I'm talking about things like setting up a printer driver, obtaining network connectons, etc.
For example, I just had a corrupt file (I guess) which, every time I tried to open the window containing it, cause "Explorer" to crash. I couldn't even open the folder to throw out the offending file. I eventually had to copy the whole folder to another computer, delete the original folder on the PC, and then copy the files back one-by-one until I could crash the window again and figure out which was the bad file.
And, I really don't think there's any REALLY necessary software you can't find for the Mac -- certainly not in the areas of image editing and video. There may be ten times as many programs written for PC, but how many do you really want to install? Gaming is the only critical area where I think there's a functional difference, and I have little time to spend pretending to blow up aliens or enemies...
* This message has been edited by the author on 11/30/2002 1:29:36 PM. |
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11/30/2002 05:39:45 PM · #25 |
| Go with Dell.Pick out all your hardware and addons on line and then call them and talk to a salesperson.You'll get a really good deal. |
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