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Pre built desktop: HP vs Acer?

O

oxnardprof

Junior Member
I am considering a pre-built desktop, but am getting overwhelmed with choices.

Here is an example from Frys:

HP a6750f with AMD 9650 quad core processor, 8 GB RAM, 750 GB HD, ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, VISTA Premium for $679. (The HP m9500f is about $100 more).

or

ACER Intel Core 2 Quad processor, Vista Premium 64-buit, 6 GB RAM, 640 GB HD.
This comes with Epson NX400, which I do not need.

Does brand matter much these days?

I am considering a higher end computer, so I can be comfortable for another 6 years (I currently use a Pentium 4 2 Ghz, but it is showing signs of age and is s l o w in video editing.

Thank you in advance for suggestions.


 
Go back. It's a trap! :Q

Seriously, if your user name means you're from Oxnard, Ca., you have lots of local sources for the components to build your own machine.

Both hardware and software are changing so quickly that you can't count on ANY machine you build, now, to be good for six years. Build what you need, now, at the budget you set. It'll probably cost less, and you can be sure you're getting what you need with room to expand the power of the system as you need it.

Advantages:
  • Your new system won't be loaded with company specific bloatware and trialware that quits after 60 - 90 days.
  • Department store boxes are notoriously underpowered. By building your own, you can be sure the power supply will be sufficient and easily replaceable with a bigger one when you need it.
  • You'll have your choice of video cards with the features and power you need. No need to settle for onboard video if you want better than that.
  • Buying locally means you don't have to deal with the RMA process and any shipping charges if you need help.
  • Finally, if you want more speed for less money, you can still build a new machine with XP, instead of Vista. That may mean you won't have to deal with incompatiblity between your current software and Vista.
If you were on a farm in Iowa, a department store box may be a good choice. If you have the advantage of living in Southern Ca., don't sacrifice your home court advantage. 🙂

 
Originally posted by: Harvey
Go back. It's a trap! :Q

Seriously, if your user name means you're from Oxnard, Ca., you have lots of local sources for the components to build your own machine.

Both hardware and software are changing so quickly that you can't count on ANY machine you build, now, to be good for six years. Build what you need, now, at the budget you set. It'll probably cost less, and you can be sure you're getting what you need with room to expand the power of the system as you need it.

Advantages:
  • Your new system won't be loaded with company specific bloatware and trialware that quits after 60 - 90 days.
  • Department store boxes are notoriously underpowered. By building your own, you can be sure the power supply will be sufficient and easily replaceable with a bigger one when you need it.
  • You'll have your choice of video cards with the features and power you need. No need to settle for onboard video if you want better than that.
  • Buying locally means you don't have to deal with the RMA process and any shipping charges if you need help.
  • Finally, if you want more speed for less money, you can still build a new machine with XP, instead of Vista. That may mean you won't have to deal with incompatiblity between your current software and Vista.
If you were on a farm in Iowa, a department store box may be a good choice. If you have the advantage of living in Southern Ca., don't sacrifice your home court advantage. 🙂
Click to expand...

Yes, I am in Oxnard - I am hesitating to build my own. Again, it is the plethora of information that makes me hesitate. The point about bloatware is certainly relevant, however, so I will take a gander at the build-your-own threads and try to figure this out. Perhaps I can also work to make the machine energy-efficient as possible.

Any others have a comment on the pre-built systems I mentioned?

 
Start by determining what you want your machine to do. If you don't need a hot gaming machine, and you just want to run basic progs like an office suite, start with a reliable motherboard. You may find a decent combo for unde $100.

You have Fry's Electronics in Oxnard. You can use this link to see their current ads and to look through their previous ads to get an idea on prices. Their major ad cycle runs from Friday through Sunday with pages added each day. Then, they run a filler cycle on Wednesday and Thursday.

I've been seeing 2 - 4 GB of DDR2 RAM for $19 - $24 and occasional deals on cases, PSU's and vid cards, occasionally as low as free after rebate.

Also, check out newegg.com. Sign up for their e-mail promotions for even better savings. Here's link to their curent offers, but you can't use the codes unless you register.

If you get down to North Hollywood, one of my favorite local B&M clone stores is Platinum Micro, on Lanakershim Bl. I've dealt with them for over 20 years. They've always been very courteous and offered reliable service on what they sell.

They have reasponable everyday prices on most components and occasional great specials. For example, if you need hard drives, they currently offer a WD 320 GB SATA2 drive for $45.40.

If you buy your parts and OS from them, and for an extra $75 they will assemble it and warranty the system for a year. That's what I recommend when I'm asked for advice from local merchants who need close, reliable tech support.

You may find a local store in Oxnard who offers the same kind of service.

Good luck. 🙂
 
I want to be able to do some video editing. I purchased a Vado HD, and my current PC is too slow to do video editing.

I also would like to stream content online (DSL 3 MBS) from sites such as hulu or vimeo. Again the current system is a little clunky at doing this.

If it is possible, I would like to send HD content to an HD LCD TV from the computer.

Does the video streaming require more effort on the CPU or on the graphics card?

Finally, the current system will soon need to be reformatted and programs reinstalled, as I am starting to have errors in program startup, etc. It has been a good performer for 6 years. Simple removal and reinstall of MS Word has not elmiinated glitches that have started to crop up.

(To restate, I have a Pentium 4 2 GHZ with 1 MB Ram.)

 
Originally posted by: oxnardprof

(To restate, I have a Pentium 4 2 GHZ with 1 MB Ram.)
Click to expand...

I hope you mean 1 GB of RAM. Another GB would definitely help, and it's cheap. Check your Fry's ads. At six years, your current machine probably uses DDR RAM. There's no special, today, but here's an example from last week. 1 GB PC3200 for $14.99 after rebate. If nothing else, it's a cheap investment to improve performance while you're checking into your new setup.

If they don't have a good special in tomorrow's ad, the new ad cycle starts Friday. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Harvey
Originally posted by: oxnardprof

(To restate, I have a Pentium 4 2 GHZ with 1 MB Ram.)
Click to expand...

I hope you mean 1 GB of RAM. Another GB would definitely help, and it's cheap. Check your Fry's ads. At six years, your current machine probably uses DDR RAM. There's no special, today, but here's an example from last week. 1 GB PC3200 for $14.99 after rebate. If nothing else, it's a cheap investment to improve performance while you're checking into your new setup.

If they don't have a good special in tomorrow's ad, the new ad cycle starts Friday. 🙂
Click to expand...

Yes, I did mean 1 GB ram (1024 MB). However, my system only supports up to that limit. I assume that is some limit imposed by the motherboard (VPR Matrix PC). My packing slip says ATx P4 ddr sYSTEM bOARD d845bg/LAABEBGSTD2.

If I remember correctly, I have two 512 sticks of DDR RAM in there. The Frys ad in my paper usuallly skips Thursday, and they have a larger section on Friday. How good is the support of folks in Frys in that department? I have gotten reasonable advice in other departments there.

I think I am still safe for a while, but I do plan to upgrade the system before something negative occurs.

By the way, thank you for the comments and advice.
 
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