looking for a new computer

[1HandInMyPocket]

I am looking for a new computer, however I'm not that savvy when it comes to computers. I tried doing a search for some help but found that Futureshop and Best Buy may not be my best option. I don't use my computer for gaming but more for keeping track of my financial records and playing online poker. Any recommendation where I should go/consider when looking for a new computer?

Thank you in advance
1Hand

 

[WoodPeckr]

I am looking for a new computer, ..... I don't use my computer for gaming but more for keeping track of my financial records and playing online poker.

If that's all you're going to do with it and that is not very demanding at all, any new dual core laptop will do the job. Since it will have Vista, make sure it has at least 2GB of ram.

 

[Rockslinger]

at least 2GB of ram.

What is 2GB of ram? Is this the internal harddrive? 2GB of anything nowaday sounds awfully low.

 

[WoodPeckr]

2GB of ram is the memory in the PC.
Usually it is listed as 2GB DDR2 SDRAM in the specs but most abbreviate and just say, 2 GB ram.

2 gigs of ram will run Vista fine but if you are going to push Vista get 3 or 4 gigs of ram memory.

 

[hentai915]

I suggest you go with a laptop. The size depends on what you want to do.

17" for desktop replacements, 13" (netbooks) for ultra portability, or 15" as a good compromise. Don't forget, with laptops you can hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse so that there's really no difference with a tower type computer.

I also suggest you wait for the boxing week sales. Check Best Buy and Futureshop after Christmas for deals. Another thing to consider is Microsoft is suppose to come out with Windows 7 in 2009. You should make sure any computer you buy will be able to run this upcoming OS.

 

[dreamblade]

On top of what others have mentioned, I would recommend not going with the big companies, but going with Canada Computers. You'll get a better deal, service and price-wise.

Also, if you can, you may want to wait till end of February or March to buy. The price of hardware goes way down since that is when the new stuff is released at Comdex (high-tech nerd convention).

 

[canucklehead]

If u r not very savy u more then likely want it for email surfing the net and documents ... look at a Mac .... OSX is pretty simple to use and is good for the general consumer.

 

[danibbler]

Here are my opinions:

First, depending on what program is being used for the financial records, a Windows PC is probably the best option.
Second, almost all notebooks these days can be considered desktop replacements. I currently have a 15" MacBook Pro and the screen is almost as good as my 22" wide LCD. I think that "netbooks" are normally 10" or smaller.
Third, I would NOT go with Canada Computers. Prices are great but I have heard horror stories regarding support and service.

Prices are always going to be lower tomorrow, the next week, the next month and so on. Always buy a computer when you need one and don't worry about the price.

My suggestion? I'd either go to BB or FS and buy an HP or order online a Dell machine.

 

[hentai915]

I agree with danibbler. Canada Computer has a horrible return policy with their 're-stocking fees'. Also I recall that Best Buy and Futureshop have 'matching' policies (if you find better prices somewhere else).

I am writing this from a Macbook Pro. You can dual boot an Apple laptop if you need to. In my opinion it is an aesthetically notebook but it is on par in terms of functionality with other PC notebooks. However, you pay a premium for the aesthetics.

 

[chanel1971]

I love my computer I would order right from dell they have boxing day sales on right know and you can custom build it with everything you might want and don't forget you can pick what color you want like pink or red and they will ship it for free

 

[Rockslinger]

As a computer virgin, is it true that most computers CANNOT handle high definition videos?

 

[tboy]

As a computer virgin, is it true that most computers CANNOT handle high definition videos?

Yes, they cannot. You need an HD capable video card and better still, an HD capable motherboard.

If you want smooth playing videos you'd also need at least 512 MB DDR3 video memory and a fast GDR processor.

But if the OP is only doing financial stuff, surfing the net, and online poker, why buy a new PC?

Heck a Pentium 4 handles all that and more just fine.

 

[Rockslinger]

If you want smooth playing videos you'd also need at least 512 MB DDR3 video memory and a fast GDR processor.

tboy, you are a warehouse of knowledge. When I start work on my next project (if, when and whenever) I'll buy you a couple of beers at your favourite SC.

Can you throw out any names and/or model numbers (and suggested prices) of computers that are high definition capable?

 

[tboy]

tboy, you are a warehouse of knowledge. When I start work on my next project (if, when and whenever) I'll buy you a couple of beers at your favourite SC.

Can you throw out any names and/or model numbers (and suggested prices) of computers that are high definition capable?

If you're interested in building a media centre PC, it doesn't cost that much.

I just built one with an old case I had lying around and used this motherboard:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=30418&vpn=P5Q Pro&manufacture=ASUS

And this video card:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29151&vpn=01G-P2-N795-TR&manufacture=eVGA
(I bought the nvidia version though)

And this blu ray player:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=26553&vpn=GGC-H20L&manufacture=LG Electronics

But if I were to do it again, I'd go the extra $100.00 and get the blu ray burner:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=31436&vpn=GBW-H20L BLACK&manufacture=LG Electronics

and a 500 GB sata Harddrive.

And it is hooked up to my Panasonic plasma and works great. Only downfall is I haven't figured out how to hook the sound system up to get full surround sound out of the pc into the A/V amp. But I'll get to it eventually.

I'm also looking into HDTV in and out cards so I can turn it into a PVR so I can burn movies etc to DVD in HD. That'll cost another $150.00 or so but when I'm done I'll have a kick ass gaming computer as well as be able to record, save and export HD movies....

 

[samcan]

tboy, what problems are you having with the audio?
Are you trying to use HDMI for both video and audio? I understand some HD video cards have issues with the audio.
I use optical out from my add on sound card or use 1/8 inch jacks split to 2 rcas, for each channel and then into 5.1 jacks on receiver.
Any questions jus pm me.

 

[rajdip34]

I agree with danibbler. Canada Computer has a horrible return policy with their 're-stocking fees'. Also I recall that Best Buy and Futureshop have 'matching' policies (if you find better prices somewhere else).

I am writing this from a Macbook Pro. You can dual boot an Apple laptop if you need to. In my opinion it is an aesthetically notebook but it is on par in terms of functionality with other PC notebooks. However, you pay a premium for the aesthetics.

I totally agree with the both of you. Canada computers is a joke. Worst customer service ever. I would rather pay extra somewhere else than shop at Canada computers.

 

[tboy]

tboy, what problems are you having with the audio?
Are you trying to use HDMI for both video and audio? I understand some HD video cards have issues with the audio.
I use optical out from my add on sound card or use 1/8 inch jacks split to 2 rcas, for each channel and then into 5.1 jacks on receiver.
Any questions jus pm me.

I haven't really sat down and figured out what other setups are available. The thing is I am currently only using the onboard sound from the mobo and it has 6 outputs for each speaker (mid, left front, right front, sub etc) and my a/v receiver only has the option for L and R in. (Plus optical). I do have a fatality sound card in my other PC that I am moving over but I don't know if it has optical sound out. (my receiver is a little old and doesn't have HDMI switching capability).

When I dig right into it and have problems I'll pm you for sure......thanks for the offer too!