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Tell Me What New Computer To Get

All Acting Regiment

08:15 / 25.04.05

Bit of a blatant plea. Uh, I'm after getting me a new computer. I want good internet and good graphics. Thing is, I'm like, years out of the loop as regards new stuff. Anyone have any ideas?

08:17 / 25.04.05

09:12 / 25.04.05

It depends almost entirely on what you plam on using it for.

If all you want is a platform to play games on the a PC is a good machine for that - If you want to be surfing the net and downloading stuff Mac's have the advgantage of not really being the target of spyware, malware, viruses and other junk...

If you are using it for work it depends what type of work you are doing...

09:47 / 25.04.05

What's your budget? This, together with the points sleazenation raised, will probably be the deciding factor in terms of what you'll end up with.

11:38 / 25.04.05

If you're not looking for something to play games on and you're thinking portable, then I'd really recommend getting a Mac. They're really beautiful, elegant, easy-to-use and powerful machines that most of my hardcore geek friends AND most of my designer friends use now. If you want to play games though, then maybe not.

All Acting Regiment

20:25 / 25.04.05

I'm not so much after playing the latest games- I've got a bunch I do play but they're pretty old- but I do need some pretty good graphics type stuff for running my 3d software...

"graphics type stuff", as a phrase, just about sums up my lack of knowledge as regards videocards and stuff.

20:37 / 25.04.05

If you have a pre-exiting set of applications you use regularly, I'd suggest sticking with the platform you have now - most of the high-end program are cross-platform or have eqivalents, but there's no guarantee. Also, while my personal preference is for Macs, many windows users find the Mac interface disorienting.

If you're starting fresh, or aren't attached to a specific set of apps, get a Mac.

In the Windows world, AMD processors are excellent, less expensive (usually) than Pentiums, and run games quite well.

Pentium processors, I've been told, are good for video and graphics applications.

23:00 / 25.04.05

alienware is overrated (and overpriced as well)

I recomend checking out cnet... they have in-depth reviews of just about every name brand computer on the market

to get started, have a look at their desktop buying guide, which will give you an idea of what you should be looking for.

02:01 / 26.04.05

Seems that everyone got to the major points here, but I'd recommend letting us know the budget and applications you use to better find something that suits you. If you feel that you're not tied down to a specific platform, we can help you make a few more informed decisions. I do quite a bit of graphics and web related work on my Mac, but generally speaking, either platform (PC / Mac) can suit your needs easily.

06:32 / 26.04.05

Also a good point to bear in mind is that the vast majority of low to reasonably priced shop-bought PCs will come with onboard graphics, rather than a dedicated card.
If you require a graphically powerful machine (whether for games or other), you would need to seriously consider a dedicated card, and thus have to factor that cost in.

Since I build all my own PCs, I can't really give you advice about the best place to shop (with the obvious exception that you should avoid PCWorld like the plague), but, as has already been said, if you can give us a little more information on your requirements, we can probably advise.

06:47 / 26.04.05

That's less important than it used to be. Onboard graphics are usually good enough to run most stuff now, and it's only really high-end games such as Half-Life that really need dedicated cards. I think you need to be a serious gaming freak or video capture fiend to spend too much time worrying about them. As long as there's an AGP slot and a reasonable bus speed, you can always upgarde alter, anyawy.

07:55 / 26.04.05

some pretty good graphics type stuff for running my 3d software...

Caveating my statement by admitting that I don't know which specific applications Legba's running, I would still recommend a separate card to onboard graphics, based on personal experience. If only because it's easier to upgrade if and when requirements change.

Btw, if you (or in fact anyone else) end up building a computer, I've got a spare one of these floating about.

10:42 / 26.04.05

If you are going to run 3d-animation programs and just design programs in general (Lightwave, 3DSMax, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, etc. etc. etc.), then I would recommend the following:

1. 512mb RAM if you're doing Photoshop/Quark stuff. I would say that 3d-animation stuff could use 1gb RAM.
2. 128mb video card. Depending on what you're doing, you might not need a 128mb card, but they're cheap enough now that it pays to get one.
3. As big a hard drive as you can afford. What specific size changes depending on if you're getting a laptop or desktop computer. Since you are doing graphic intensive work, I would say don't get any hard drive less than 7200 RPM. If you're going for a desktop, I would even try to get a (small) 10,000 RPM drive to work off of and a (big) 7,200 RPM drive to store stuff on. Also, laptop drives are never too big, but you can always get an external drive for more storage space.
4. Get a good monitor, especially since you're doing graphics work. This one is probably more based on opinion, but with graphics bigger is better most of the times. I would also recommend a CRT over LCD, only because you can get a better CRT for less money. If money's no option, then go either way.

Mac vs Windows: If you want a computer that works with 99% of software titles out there, get a Windows machine. If you want a computer geared towards graphics, get a Mac (and more specifically, get a Apple G5). Apple computers are usually more expensive, but for what you're using it for, it's an expense that's worth it. However, go with what you're comfortable with. Most programs work just as well on Windows machines as they do on Macs (Final Cut Pro being the only exception I know of).

Desktop vs Laptop: I don't know which you were looking for, but I'd say go for desktop. Definitely desktop. A nice P4 or AMD 64 processor will do you well. But, if you want a laptop, get one that's labeled "desktop replacement" or has those sort of specs. A Pentium M processor (or the AMD equivalent) will get you better battery life, but you're doing graphic work here so fuck battery life.

That's all for now.

(I would have to agree with whoever said NO to Alienware. They are much much overpriced and you can get just as good quality and specs for less from other companies. )

08:37 / 27.04.05

Interesting blog post comparing Mac and PC prices.

One thing to bear in mind is the price of the software you want to use and how well it's going to run on the various machines. If you can find a comparison of rendering times for various machine for the software thats a useful tool.

Scrambled Password Bogus Email

09:15 / 27.04.05

Haha. Love these types of threads. X vs Y.

If you are a merry pirate, and want lots of software without sorting out thr developers, like the mean copyright thieving bastich you are, then go Windows. Join a newsgroup, and away you go.

Ignore all that crap about expense...Mac and PC are the same at the top end...You'll pay about £2000-2500 for a machine that could run the London Marathon and not break a sweat. No difference. So it boils down to what platform you are used to and what software you already have etc...

If you like style and pretty and boxes that look nice and flashy monitors that cost twice as much as your machine, go Mac. They really are sexy. And probably more idiot proof if you're not technically minded at all at all.

If your budget is less than this, you get a shitload more in a Windows machine than you do in a Mac for about £750-1000. People say Macs are less prone to crashing, but in my experience thats bull. I make my mates DAW fall over every 15 minutes when I work on it, cos it can't keep up!

It's all horses for courses really innit?

23:04 / 27.04.05

Oh, I forgot one thing you'll want to consider-

The majority of processors on the market are 32 bit, but before too much longer 64 bit processors will be the norm. Right now the only way this will make any difference for you is if you're running Linux or require more than 2 gigabytes of RAM, but but Windows and Mac OS are making big pushes to 64 bit operating systems.

This could spell the difference between a computer you'll be using for 3 years and one you'll use for 6.

Scrambled Password Bogus Email

15:25 / 28.04.05

So get an Athlon 64 or G5.

(Get an Athlon if you don't have a couple of grand)

00:48 / 29.04.05

If you are looking for a G5 desktop on the "cheap", hit places like Dealmac. Since new G5s were released yesterday, you might be able to get a dual 1.8 or 2.0 refurbished from Apple or otherwise. 1 year warranty and you can still get Applecare. These machines will last you quite a while. You might be able to avoid tax if you're careful enough too.

07:59 / 06.05.05

I'm just about to take the huge step for Devakind of getting an emac (yayy, shiny, etc), but one of the things I want to do with it is to make compilation DVDs of clips from copyrighted DVDs (for ease of use when lecturing on film, and not at all for nefarious fan purposes, no no no no no) and someone's just told me I'll have trouble getting software to rip DVDs on a Mac. Since this would be the only reason to get, like, a powerful machine with lots of RAM and not just an electric typewriter/internet browser, can anyone let me know what software is out there for Macs, or whether I should go back and rethink the whole project from the start, again (*sobs* at contradiction of life being that everyone says Macs are best for working with video but then how am I to source the pretty moving pictures, given that I am a talentless parasite w/o a video camera, if I cannot get them off other people's movies?)

09:55 / 06.05.05

I've never heard of a lack of DVD ripping software for the Mac (you might not get it free with OSX, but I'm sure the software exists)

Also Deva - If you are getting a mac be sure and tell the person you are buying from that you work in education - you are elegable for a significant discount...

10:06 / 06.05.05

With regard to 64 bit operating systems, M$ have released the 64 bit version of XP as a free upgrade to those who own the home version of XP Pro. And it rocks. Which is maybe a bit surprising considering the low-key launch gave the impression they were somewhat ashamed of it...

18:54 / 26.06.06

As you are going to use intensive 3-d graphics, I advise:
-a dual core processor
-naturally an advanced graphics card
-1 to 2 gigabytes of RAM

Depending on how much you are comfortable with and know about computers, you may want to consider building a computer yourself, which would probably allow you to save a few hundred dollars.

18:58 / 26.06.06

Um, would it be mean of me to point out that you're over a year late to the party.

All Acting Regiment

19:00 / 26.06.06

It's still a good advice thread for anyone who needs it. I'm using my "new" computer now, it's great!

19:17 / 26.06.06

No it isn't.

jentacular dreams

15:13 / 28.04.08

The time has come for a new computer! I use my current laptop to store photos, data, music etc., but it's a bit aged (it was upgraded to run windows ME) and I find it quite hard to use it for any serious work-purposes. Also certain keys on the keyboard are refusing to bow to my will (the number 8 in particular).

Now thesis-writing time is drawing near, and I find the idea of doing the whole thing at uni a little demoralising. So I was wondering if any of you leather-clad hero types could suggest worthy vendors for purchasing an all-purpose PC for good value?

All Acting Regiment

15:51 / 28.04.08

Although this isn't what you're looking for, I recently went from using a PC to a Macbook and it's been rather lovely.