New Computer Purchase

[dpaulj]

We are looking at purchasing a new computer. We would like to be able to take our old vhs tapes, and super 8 videos, and put them on a DVD. I am getting very confused by the different video cards, and dvd rw formats (+/-) and what they mean or don't mean. Any help?

[Budfred]

Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif

Here is an article that gives some explanation of the different types and an alternative that does both of the major types.

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,106133,tk,dn102102X,00.asp

The most important thing if you want to make archives that you can show on a regular DVD player is to get the format that is most likely to work on most. Also, keep in mind that it will get more complicated soon when they release the blue laser drives that will contain several times the capacity of a DVD. If I really needed a drive now, I would get the Sony in the article so that I would be covered in either of the major standards. However, I am going to wait and see what happens with blue laser before I take the plunge.

[dpaulj]

thanks
the information link was very helpful. Now I need to decide whether to buy a Dell or a Sony. Decisions, Decisions...

[Budfred]

Sony computers are very media oriented, but they have small cramped cases with proprietary equipment, so they are hard to upgrade. Dell is quite proprietary and their customer service has declined significantly in the last year or two. Alienware makes some nice systems that are multimedia friendly, you may want to take a look at them. There are a number of other options as well, including online vendors that will build the system anyway you want it....

[deddard]

I'd go with Budfred here - Dell can be a nightmare to upgrade in the future because of their proprietary equipment, and the Sony's can be a pain because of the cramped cases. Look around at other manufacturers that use widely available equipment first.

[NegLakay]

Originally posted by Budfred
There are a number of other options as well, including online vendors that will build the system anyway you want it....


Any links you can share with us (The best deals online that you know)?

[Orion]

one of the most comprehensive sites (and with the best service I've seen, I may add) that I've found is www.newegg.com. I've not read a bad comment on them yet, and not received a bad deal from them yet either. otherwise I've seen some refer to some sites such as pricewatch.com, and resellerratings.com. the first to find good prices, the second to make sure it's a reputable company-it's better to pay 20 dollars more at a good company than to lose out on all your money because of a bad company. good luck!
Orion

[Orion]

sorry, misread the post-the newegg link is good if you want to build it yourself, not sure about companies that will build it for you. sorry...
Orion

[Budfred]

Newegg will sell you a barebones system that you can then customize yourself, but I don't think they custom build... too bad since they really are a good vendor...

I build my own these days so I don't have direct experience with buying a custom built, but people here have said good things about these two:

http://www.kdcomputers.com/eui/prime/main.htm

and

http://www.directron.com/index.html

I believe Compugeeks is also supposed to be good, but I not sure about that...

[saphalline]

There are actually a fair number of smaller online PC customizers that will probably be able to offer an excellent system.

iBuypower (www.ibuypower.com/), Totally Awesome Computers (www.totallyawesome.com/) (TAC), and Adamant Computers (www.adamant.com/). Although iBuypower caters to gamers much more, the other two offer value and even business systems.

I think I'll take a look at what these vendors have to offer now...