Computer Build in the next 6 months

[jsrhino]

Looking to rebuild my computer in the next 6 months (currently old single socket 939 running XP-32 bit), but I am trying to figure out the best timing for prices and the release of Windows 7. The computer will be used for moderate photo/video editing and casual gaming.

Here are the issues:

1. Wife is due on 1 Oct and the computer needs to be done. She enthusiastically supports a new computer until the baby comes, then all bets are off. I may be able to get by with installing windows 7 if it is released 4Q 09.

2. I want to avoid building a computer, reinstalling everything and then doing it 3 months later once Windows 7 is released.

3. Additionally, I want to capitalize on any deals coinciding with the release of Win7 and expected price drops in hardware (are any to be expected?) over the next few months.

4. I am willing to purchase Vista and install only if it comes with a free upgrade to Win7. It is my understanding that the announced/leaked info indicates free upgrades only for those computers that come with Vista pre-installed.

Comments/Suggestions?

 

[richierich1212]

wow I forgot it's already April. Back to topic, we for sure don't really know when Microsoft will release Windows 7. It looks like your main opponent is the release date. At least you have the next 4 or 5 months to see if anything official will be said by Microsoft. Until then, you'll just have to be patient.

 

[jsrhino]

True, but if there are no significant hardware/price changes expected in the next 6 months, I would be willing to build now and run XP until Win7 becomes available. The other thing I am wondering is if the core i7 and DDR3 memory is going to be dropping in price anytime soon?

 

[Rifter]

i thought windows 7 wasnt coming out till next year.

 

[mpilchfamily]

No one really knows when it will be released. But there is a good chance it won't be till next year. The Release canidate will be coming out in a few months so it is very likly that Win7 won't be out till early next year.

As for price drops its highly unlikly. It may be a long time befopre DDR3 prices come down as low as DDR2 prices have been. In the case of DDR2 its been overly produced keeping the price down. May be a year or 2 before DDR3 comes down like that.