Need help in buying new computer 2

[changky]

Hello everyone.

I'm planning to get a computer for my office with a tight budget. I've decided to get a P4 since fake Athlons have been going around here in the Philippines, and I don't want to risk getting a dud athlon. I'll be doing a lot of photo editing (Photoshop and Illustrator) with it, and I'm gonna use WinXP.

I'm considering two options:

P4-1.8A
512MB DDR
Geforce 2 MX400 64 DDR

P4-2.0A
256MB DDR
Geforce 2 MX400 64 DDR

These systems have the same price. Which system do you think would be better? I want something that can handle future applications and hopefully will last for years.

Thanks!!

 

[Xemus]

Of those two systems, the 1.8 with 512MB RAM is the best bet. Video is fairly memory intensive and 256 is sufficient to run XP, but not with a heavy photoshop/illustrator regiment. However both are seriously limited by the video card (since you're going to be doing graphics).
I would look around for a better system with a faster processor and better graphics, but if those are your only choices, go with the first one. Those two have a life expectancy of about 2 years, since they're about a generation old already.

http://www.newegg.com

http://www.mwave.com

http://www.closedsocket.com

 

[08231999]

Hello,

I have sold many "Small Business" computers in the past.
The PC that you would need for a "Small Business" will contain all of this features:

*Intel Pentium 4 2.6 Ghz or 2.0 Ghz: (The 2.0 Ghz will be good for the job).
*256 MB Ram or 512 MB Ram: (Most of the time there will be a $55 and up to upgrade from 256 to 516).
*80 GB Hard Drive: (You will not need a bigger Hard Drive
because you can burn a CD for your information and not save files on the hard drive.
*CD Burn Drive: (You may want a comb CD Burn/DVD player). Some business need a DVD player for job classes or programs.
*Floppy Drive: (May need but they are being replaced by CD Burns). You may save about $10 to $15 if you don't need it.
*56K V.92 Modem: (If you don't use a dial-up then it may save you money to not have a Modem). I say about $35 to $45.
*Speakers: (You may not need Speakers saves you about $15 and up).
*Keyboard/Mouse
*17" Monitor (Runs you about $125 and up).
*Windows XP Professional (I good idea for a business).
*MS Office SBE (Small Business Edition 2003 includes the following Microsoft Office System programs: Microsoft Office Word 2003; Microsoft Office Excel 2003; Outlook 2003 with Business Contact Manager; Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003; Publisher 2003. It will run about $150 and up. Prices will be different.
*Norton Antivirus 2004 (I must have virus program).
*350 Watt UPS (They will run about $35 and up and OfficeMax). You will want to get one. Reason being is because the UPS will give you 5 to 10mins. to shut down your PC. Also, the UPS comes with a software program that shut the computer down without hurt the PC.
*Networking card (I must have if you want to network more than one PC and if you want high speed internet).

***A "RADEON 9200 128MB AGP" will be a good video card. Very good card.***** (Price about $99 if ATI website). A 128MB AGP is what you want).

Hope this helps?
JCS

 

[snoopy6129]

I agree with Xemus, get the system with more memory.

Also, definitely get a hard drive with a spindle speed of 7200RPM. Ones with 5400RPM will disappoint you. You'll be able to read/write faster to the drive with a 7200RPM spindle speed. And if, you have enough cash left, get a hard drive with at least 2MB of cache. (8MB would be great).

With image editing, you'll benefit with more memory and a faster drive.

 

[BionicJohn]

I'd add that if you're going to be staring at a screen for long periods, do not skimp on the monitor. Which one is the best is arguable; I have a leaning for Trinitrons from Mitsubishi or Sony, but there are others equally good.

Iechyd da! John
Glannau Mersi, Lloegr.