I'm An Electronic Consumer Whore!
I figured I should do my part in the global economic downturn and spend some money on things I moderately need. The decision is which high-ticket item should I blow my money on in the electronics sector. So here are things on my 'nice to have' list under consideration. I do want to stress that I'm not intending to buy every thing on this list at once or ever. I'm deciding between ONE of these things.
Tiana System Upgrade
The last systems upgrade I made on my Windows desktop computer was in August 2005. Though I've updated hard drives and switched out the graphics card, the internals of Tiana have been the same. So far I've survived enough with this system, but I'm reaching the low end of processing power for games and feeling the pinch. Everything else in my current config would still be used but for the following. The CPU is the reason for this update and to move to a dual core CPU. This also means I need a new Motherboard (MoBo) which also requires new RAM. Everything else from the case to the hard drives are staying the same.
Course, this also means that I'll have some parts to sell. The current CPU/Mobo/RAM isn't bad, I just grew out of it. Don't know how much I could sell the current stuff for as it's not a complete computer, but it's the core of it. Likely $100-150 from the sell of all of it, so in theory I could get this cheeper.
Itemized List:
• AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor
• GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3
• CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
Why get this?
Games will much better situation; correcting the disparity between the GPU and the CPU. Not to mention fix the skipping problems I'm getting playing music on the thing. Yea, it's getting that bad.
Can you get by with out this?
Yes. This is simply a performance improvement.
Speakers
I recently got a A/V Receiver for $25. While it doesn't do all that I want (more on that later), it's provided me with a system capable of 7.1 surround sound. That is if I had that many speakers. Right now I have two Warldorf speakers I had since WMU (won them in the WIDR fundraising drive). They are great speakers still, but it would be great to have more speakers for surround sound. Better experience the more high end entertainment options I have which are mostly around gaming and DVDs. Rock Band would be nice with more speakers as well.
There are a few aspects to consider. I can either result in a 5.1 system, or a 7.1. In addition is what to do with my existing speakers. I can build them into my 5/7 speaker system, or move them in to my bedroom for a "Room B" system. I'd rather have sound in my bedroom. When I'm around the apartment I don't have to blast the sound too loud to hear it in my room; Just enable zone B.
The 5/7 question is much more interesting. What do 7 speakers do that 5 won't? Right now there are only two devices I have which use surround sound, the Xbox360 and Tiana. The Xbox360 caps at 5.1 while the Windows box has the potential of 7.1. However, I can't think of any game ported to Windows that uses 7.1. The PS3 does have 7.1, but as you can see the PS3 is not on this list. Ultimately I'd need 3.1 speakers to get 5.1. To get that exact amount I'd have to buy components which drive up the costs. Packages are cheeper than buying a center, two backs and a sub. Lame, but true.
Well so far, there's one speaker set I've found that people like and in a price range I like... and it's a complete 7.1 set. Lots of sets with a receiver with them, but I don't want a receiver bundled; Got one already. This one is a good review of "if this is your price range this is it." and is on my list to buy if I choose.
Itemized List:
• Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
Why get this?
Rounding out my sound system and utilizing the more high end gaming and video viewing I use. Mostly around the Xbox360.
Can you get by without this?
Yes. It's not like I don't have speakers. This is just icing.
Network Area Storage (NAS) System
For a long time I was using my Dual G4 500 tower from 2001 as a home server. I'd VNC into it, use it as a web server, somewhat of a file storage server. At this point it's showing it's age and I don't leave it on anymore. Mainly now that the storage is capped and leaving it on is not worth the power draw. Meanwhile, I have this MacBook Pro which isn't being backed up besides MobileMe. I'd love to use Time Machine for the backup. REALLY need a backup solution. I can get an external drive to act as a backup, but I also want to do more with the data being accessible remotely to me. While I could leave a computer on all the time, that's a bit of a power waste. Enter a NAS.
At the basic level, a NAS is a hard drive with a network interface. A NAS can do more depending on what OS is put on it. For example, UPnP allows for steaming media from the NAS to other devices like other computers, Xbox360, PS3, etc. Add on the iTunes streaming server as well. As far as working with Time Machine, any network device requires some dancing but it's possible. More advanced NAS systems can run web servers with various supporting software. And on and on...
On the pure data backup side of things, I plan on using a RAID 1 setup. This allows for redundancy if one drive kicks the bucket. Then all I need to do is hide the NAS somewhere nice and safe; perhaps in a different room. I also figure I should bite the bullet and start off with 1TB worth of storage, meaning two 1TB drives working in tandem.
It's not lost on me that I could continue using a real computer to do all this work. I have the knowledge to do all this myself. That is, if I was willing to spend the time. I must confess I'd rather pay more for a device that's more turnkey. Simply because it's my data that needs to be backed up. I'd rather spend the time doing more creative things than technical.
As for the model, I've been back and forth on how much I want the device to do. The one I've really liked is the Synology DS209. I like how the OS they use is unified to all of their products (Synology Disk Station Manager). To me, that means they develop only one software product to apply to the whole of the product line. Meaning they may discontinue selling my specific model, but they will continue developing the software to run it.
It also has enough features which make it really attractive. Web streaming of my own music remotely not withstanding. FTP server. Printing hub so I don't have to replug in the printer to each device (though I'd have to for scanning). I can put this box to good use!
The only real downside with this NAS is the costs. The NAS system itself is $300... without drives. That's $180 for two 1TB drives. At the end, I'll have a backup system for my files and a few extra things to boot. Redundancy and access to my data anywhere.
Itemized List:
• Synology DS209
• 2x Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB
Why get this?
Backup solution of my data in a redundant way.
Access to files remotely with a low-power device.
Access to media for all AV devices with a low-power device.
Can you get by without this?
Yes, until the next hard drive failure and I'm shaking my fists in anger over lost data.
An A/V Receiver that fits my specifications
I shouldn't really bother putting this in as it's a low priority, but whatever. While my current receiver works, it doesn't do HDMI cabling, nor any form of upscalling.
No HDMI is partly a quality issue, but also a cabling issue. HDMI can carry audio signals as well, so that's less cording to wire. My Xbox and cable box would see the benefit right away.
Upscalling meaning when I have a lower quality input (composite, s-video, etc), I can't display the input using component cables. So I have to connect different outputs into the one screen, then switch inputs on the screen. All the current one does is switch between a class of inputs and reflecting the settings again on the screen. With upscalling, I can reduce the amount of cables as I don't need to run HDMI (direct from the Xbox), Component, and composite all to the screen. Each device goes into the receiver, but only one HDMI goes to the screen.
Besides smaller perks like having a remote control, there isn't much else added that my current receiver does.
Itemized List:
• Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver
Why get this?
Less cabling all around.
Use HDMI for less cables and higher quality to more than one device.
No additional input switching at the screen.
Can you get by without this?
Most definitely.
OVERVIEW
From the looks of things, it seems that I've made my purchase decision on getting a NAS system. Most useful to me as a real backup solution with perks. Course, I want to ask a few people (coworkers mainly) what they think about my NAS choices. Not to mention your thoughts!
Tiana System Upgrade
The last systems upgrade I made on my Windows desktop computer was in August 2005. Though I've updated hard drives and switched out the graphics card, the internals of Tiana have been the same. So far I've survived enough with this system, but I'm reaching the low end of processing power for games and feeling the pinch. Everything else in my current config would still be used but for the following. The CPU is the reason for this update and to move to a dual core CPU. This also means I need a new Motherboard (MoBo) which also requires new RAM. Everything else from the case to the hard drives are staying the same.
Course, this also means that I'll have some parts to sell. The current CPU/Mobo/RAM isn't bad, I just grew out of it. Don't know how much I could sell the current stuff for as it's not a complete computer, but it's the core of it. Likely $100-150 from the sell of all of it, so in theory I could get this cheeper.
Itemized List:
• AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor
• GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3
• CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit
Why get this?
Games will much better situation; correcting the disparity between the GPU and the CPU. Not to mention fix the skipping problems I'm getting playing music on the thing. Yea, it's getting that bad.
Can you get by with out this?
Yes. This is simply a performance improvement.
Speakers
I recently got a A/V Receiver for $25. While it doesn't do all that I want (more on that later), it's provided me with a system capable of 7.1 surround sound. That is if I had that many speakers. Right now I have two Warldorf speakers I had since WMU (won them in the WIDR fundraising drive). They are great speakers still, but it would be great to have more speakers for surround sound. Better experience the more high end entertainment options I have which are mostly around gaming and DVDs. Rock Band would be nice with more speakers as well.
There are a few aspects to consider. I can either result in a 5.1 system, or a 7.1. In addition is what to do with my existing speakers. I can build them into my 5/7 speaker system, or move them in to my bedroom for a "Room B" system. I'd rather have sound in my bedroom. When I'm around the apartment I don't have to blast the sound too loud to hear it in my room; Just enable zone B.
The 5/7 question is much more interesting. What do 7 speakers do that 5 won't? Right now there are only two devices I have which use surround sound, the Xbox360 and Tiana. The Xbox360 caps at 5.1 while the Windows box has the potential of 7.1. However, I can't think of any game ported to Windows that uses 7.1. The PS3 does have 7.1, but as you can see the PS3 is not on this list. Ultimately I'd need 3.1 speakers to get 5.1. To get that exact amount I'd have to buy components which drive up the costs. Packages are cheeper than buying a center, two backs and a sub. Lame, but true.
Well so far, there's one speaker set I've found that people like and in a price range I like... and it's a complete 7.1 set. Lots of sets with a receiver with them, but I don't want a receiver bundled; Got one already. This one is a good review of "if this is your price range this is it." and is on my list to buy if I choose.
Itemized List:
• Onkyo SKS-HT540 7.1 Channel Home Theater Speaker System
Why get this?
Rounding out my sound system and utilizing the more high end gaming and video viewing I use. Mostly around the Xbox360.
Can you get by without this?
Yes. It's not like I don't have speakers. This is just icing.
Network Area Storage (NAS) System
For a long time I was using my Dual G4 500 tower from 2001 as a home server. I'd VNC into it, use it as a web server, somewhat of a file storage server. At this point it's showing it's age and I don't leave it on anymore. Mainly now that the storage is capped and leaving it on is not worth the power draw. Meanwhile, I have this MacBook Pro which isn't being backed up besides MobileMe. I'd love to use Time Machine for the backup. REALLY need a backup solution. I can get an external drive to act as a backup, but I also want to do more with the data being accessible remotely to me. While I could leave a computer on all the time, that's a bit of a power waste. Enter a NAS.
At the basic level, a NAS is a hard drive with a network interface. A NAS can do more depending on what OS is put on it. For example, UPnP allows for steaming media from the NAS to other devices like other computers, Xbox360, PS3, etc. Add on the iTunes streaming server as well. As far as working with Time Machine, any network device requires some dancing but it's possible. More advanced NAS systems can run web servers with various supporting software. And on and on...
On the pure data backup side of things, I plan on using a RAID 1 setup. This allows for redundancy if one drive kicks the bucket. Then all I need to do is hide the NAS somewhere nice and safe; perhaps in a different room. I also figure I should bite the bullet and start off with 1TB worth of storage, meaning two 1TB drives working in tandem.
It's not lost on me that I could continue using a real computer to do all this work. I have the knowledge to do all this myself. That is, if I was willing to spend the time. I must confess I'd rather pay more for a device that's more turnkey. Simply because it's my data that needs to be backed up. I'd rather spend the time doing more creative things than technical.
As for the model, I've been back and forth on how much I want the device to do. The one I've really liked is the Synology DS209. I like how the OS they use is unified to all of their products (Synology Disk Station Manager). To me, that means they develop only one software product to apply to the whole of the product line. Meaning they may discontinue selling my specific model, but they will continue developing the software to run it.
It also has enough features which make it really attractive. Web streaming of my own music remotely not withstanding. FTP server. Printing hub so I don't have to replug in the printer to each device (though I'd have to for scanning). I can put this box to good use!
The only real downside with this NAS is the costs. The NAS system itself is $300... without drives. That's $180 for two 1TB drives. At the end, I'll have a backup system for my files and a few extra things to boot. Redundancy and access to my data anywhere.
Itemized List:
• Synology DS209
• 2x Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB
Why get this?
Backup solution of my data in a redundant way.
Access to files remotely with a low-power device.
Access to media for all AV devices with a low-power device.
Can you get by without this?
Yes, until the next hard drive failure and I'm shaking my fists in anger over lost data.
An A/V Receiver that fits my specifications
I shouldn't really bother putting this in as it's a low priority, but whatever. While my current receiver works, it doesn't do HDMI cabling, nor any form of upscalling.
No HDMI is partly a quality issue, but also a cabling issue. HDMI can carry audio signals as well, so that's less cording to wire. My Xbox and cable box would see the benefit right away.
Upscalling meaning when I have a lower quality input (composite, s-video, etc), I can't display the input using component cables. So I have to connect different outputs into the one screen, then switch inputs on the screen. All the current one does is switch between a class of inputs and reflecting the settings again on the screen. With upscalling, I can reduce the amount of cables as I don't need to run HDMI (direct from the Xbox), Component, and composite all to the screen. Each device goes into the receiver, but only one HDMI goes to the screen.
Besides smaller perks like having a remote control, there isn't much else added that my current receiver does.
Itemized List:
• Onkyo TX-SR607 7.2-Channel A/V Surround Home Theater Receiver
Why get this?
Less cabling all around.
Use HDMI for less cables and higher quality to more than one device.
No additional input switching at the screen.
Can you get by without this?
Most definitely.
OVERVIEW
From the looks of things, it seems that I've made my purchase decision on getting a NAS system. Most useful to me as a real backup solution with perks. Course, I want to ask a few people (coworkers mainly) what they think about my NAS choices. Not to mention your thoughts!