Another New System (Non-Gamer)

[vrbaba]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetai...N&sku_id=0926INGFS10055784&catid=20217

If out-of-stock, you could try this Celeron D system with nearly identical features (also CA$600):
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetai...N&sku_id=0926INGFS10058764&catid=20217

Both of those have horrible integrated graphics with single output, and no decent way to upgrade to a better dual-output graphics card (PCI will be too slow and is not an option). Again, for the last time, integrated graphics should not be considered for one second for this application. Get a dedicated graphics card on the AGP or PCI-E bus!

A church needs a dual-output graphics card? PCI too slow for internet?
maybe its just me who isnt 'techligious' enough.

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: vrbaba
A church needs a dual-output graphics card? PCI too slow for internet?
maybe its just me who isnt 'techligious' enough.

I'm sorry, but maybe you haven't had any experience with the kind of equipment generally used for lyric projection and audio recording... If this is an office PC then it's a different matter, but I was going on the assumption that it would be used for projection.

 

[JuanT]

Indeed it is used for projection purposes. Possibly even for some minor video editing, just cutting frames out is all.

I was looking at a Dell system, I think it was a Precision 380, with the option to use a GeForce 6800. That's feature packed enough I'd imagine.

The church isn't looking to upgrade every 2 years and is looking at this as if it were like buying one of those old flashbulb projectors they use in elementary schools. One shot and that's it, just replace the lightbulbs.

Trying to convince them otherwise would probably result in the purchase of several such projectors instead...

I'll skulk about for a Dell promotion that'll let me grab the thing cheaply. If not, it's around $2200 CAD without taxes. Anyone else think that a 19" LCD Digital screen is a bit ostentatious for the projector PC?

 

[mircea]

You don't need a powerfull videocard for video-editing. You do need a fast CPU so go with a P2.6-3.0c as they are plenty fast for small clips and cheap enough. If you can, get 512 MB of RAM just to make sure.

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: mircea
You don't need a powerfull videocard for video-editing. You do need a fast CPU so go with a P2.6-3.0c as they are plenty fast for small clips and cheap enough. If you can, get 512 MB of RAM just to make sure.

True, except 1GB of RAM would probably be better for the video editing, wouldn't it? Save money on the video card by getting a lower-end model, and get more RAM and hard disk space (crucial for video editing). Don't forget the DVD+-RW.

 

[johnnqq]

if they're not paying you then i doubt it's worth the effort to put it all together...cough WINDOWS cough

 

[shoRunner]

Originally posted by: wafflesandsyrup
dell stinks, the only pre built pcs i might get are emachines.

dear god a man after my own heart. emac's usually are one of the better deals with pre builts(see t6212). but then again emac doesn't offer 750 off 1499 coupons...

 

[DerelictDev]

http://www.gottadeal.com/dell.php?category=dimension

Dimension 4700
From $1,396
Now from
$1,047

Add $400 off coupon = $647

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 520 w/HT Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)
Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center 2005 Edition
Single TV Tuner with Remote Control
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz (2x512)
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
Dual Drives: 16x DVD-ROM Drive + FREE UPGRADE! 48x CD-RW Drive
15 inch E153FP Analog Flat Panel
128MB PCI Express? x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI Radeon? X300 SE
Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio
Dell Quietkey® Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse

This looks pretty good. Multimedia desktop w/ flat panel monitor. Maybe upgrade to 17' for $75.

 

[JuanT]

Ooh, I wonder if there are comparitive things for the Canadian site.

 

[JuanT]

I'm already putting up with the insane "upgrade" prices and inanity of Dell, but damnit...

Go Here

And select the Win XP Media Center and the a TV Tuner with Remote, Single or Dual. It tells me that it's not compatible with my Modem selection.

The Modem selection is GRAYED OUT!!!! I don't have a choice as to whether or not it's in there, I don't want it there at all frankly. But now I can't choose one just because it's there by DEFAULT and can't be removed?

You know, I can't in good conscience waste my church's money on Dell. I really truly can't.

Even if there is customer support for tech problems I or someone else in the church will still be the ones handling it. Frankly, it's not worth it to be told by a Dell call center employee in India to reboot the PC for a few hundred bucks.

I'm going with my main PC guys here in Toronto but I'll be using the suggestions in this thread, thank you all very much!

 

[ProviaFan]

I don't see why they need MCE or a TV tuner, but if they asked for it and have a reason for needing it, then there's nothing wrong with that. 🙂