Need Help Fast!

[Fatguy]

I won't get into all the history - but my old P2 motherboard, P3 500mhz and Win98 broke down on me on Friday and I need a new computer and everything (only in the box).

I run some small websites but do advertising in graphics and audio with photo journalism..... In other words I need a computer that can perform, and like many of you.....a computer is like my my arms and legs. I sort of know what I am looking for but invite and suggestions - or things to avoid. I have to buy the thing (or have it made) today so I need quick answers if possible (this was not planned but that is the way these things always seem to happpen.....).

Dual drives have always beeen a great thing in the old machine and I probably am looking at P4 intel and WinXP professional because of familiarity. Any ideas.....especially anything that gave you grief (so I can avoid that..... ;) ).

Thanks in advance - sorry for the short notice.....

[Fruss Tray Ted]

I have to buy the thing (or have it made) today
If you need it in your possession today you're SOL unless you take what you can get from a local dealer/chainstore's shelf.

Sounds like you need a Dell Dude... :rolleyes: I got something that might tide you over till you find something to your liking but the journey just to come pick it up wouldn't be worth the time. It would be o-dark-thirty by the time you returned with it. Customs would be wondering why you're speeding too... :eek:

[YODA74]

or things to avoid.

Avoid:
Dell, HP, Compaq, sony, Gateway, e-machines, Systemax I'm sure I left out a few the above will give you greif;)

[Fruss Tray Ted]

If worse comes to worse and you DO need a propietary pc, IMO, in order from best to worst below:

Dell- used to at least give standalone softs with their pc's and price is excellent
Gateway - Same as above but going out of business
HP - Of the ones I've seen aren't too bad, PSU's small but that can be fixed. Recovery CD's are trash though
Sony? - don't know
Compac's and e-Machines - bottom of heap.

Maybe give WalMart a try if available in your area?

[Fatguy]

I am really a victim of my own doing. The PC I have now is essentially put together by myself, but the OS can't handle the new programs and the computer is simply running out of resources when I use audio stuff..... This really sucks and I was still trying to make the old bucket of bolts work up till a few minutes ago.....

I personally like a well put together machine (have one in mind - not name brand but based in China) and I actually know an outfit here that I trust and makes them up the way I want. Problem is that I am cheap.....if only computers looked like women, then it would be easy to give in. These guys have one "dream machine" made up in a lucite case, I may only need to add the extra hard drive and then leave.....we shall see.....


p.s. I am also a bit leary about the latest fastest chip - any experience with the 3hz P4 and up? or should I stay with tried and true?

[YODA74]

Gateway - Same as above but going out of business

Not from what I gather..According to a press release recently from Ted Waite, President and CEO of Gateway 2000, Inc., the drop in stock was attributed to Gateway's over-optimistic approach toward trying to gain market share in the corporate user segment. That market has not responded as quickly as hoped, because apparently, corporate users are looking at support services such as training and troubleshooting after-the-sale in addition to simply buying the workstations. Also, Gateway recently paid a significant amount of cash to acquire Advanced Logic Research(ALR) to produce server systems for business. This depressed earnings(because of the outlay to aquire ALR). Since Mr. Waite is in a strong position personally (he made millions when he took Gateway public), it would be extremely unlikely that Gateway would be looking to merge or sell.I think there just closing the store's and will be just like Dell.

[saphalline]

It seems like this thread died away. Any reason? Fatguy, do you have your new computer yet?

There are a few lesser known online custom shops like iBuyPower (ibuypower.com/). They have very competitive prices but will also deliver good custom systems like the more prestigious Alienware & Voodoo PC. In other words, you'll actually get the install CD's for your OS and any programs included, updated drivers for everything, standard off-the-shelf components, and power supplies that can handle a few upgrades.

For all you Dell-haters in a pinch, I recommend the smaller online custom shops.