Computer woes

[matrixprime]

After five years it looks like my desktop has finally given up the ghost. The fucker is dead. Turned it on when I got home and the fans spin up but the machine itself doesn't even POST (all the funny stuff that happens before Windows starts). Nothing. MB appears to be completely dead, primary hard drive doesn't spin at all

Comments

[cirobi]

since you have some specific bits you want beefier on the new computer, i'd suggest going with some place that gives you more flexibility on choosing parts. or, if you're feeling up to it, just buy your own parts so you can customize your parts budget to your liking. i had a 2k budget on my current compy and because i plunked down 1/4 of that on a video card, i haven't had to upgrade for quite some time while Alex has (though, his card did burn out on him). I'm not sure if buying a name brand PC would work very well for the needs you specify but then again i haven't quite taken a look at the options for the higher end Dells and junk

[mjp]

I do have to concede one point: laptops won't be able to do what you need unless you REALLY shell out. One thing you might consider, though: hit up Craigslist for a higher-end Mac laptop if you're going for video editing and such.

Otherwise, I agree with Sara: spend that $2k on parts and build it. I can hook you up with tons of software from work for whatever you might need. We do have XP Pro for you so you don't have to go the Vista route.

If you do end up buying a desktop, all you need to know is Dell.

[cirobi]

but make sure if you go the Dell route, buy the better support package so that if anything does happen to it you'll be covered and can get it repaired cheap. otherwise, Dell's parts are hella overpriced in general.

the only problem with a higher end mactop is that it may bust the 2k budget if you're not careful. i'm just a bit biased toward building PCs though since it'll be a long time before i just straight up buy a PC off some brand name website.

[mjp]

Mactops are hella inflated when brand-new, yes, but a quick check on NJ Craigslist has a Macbook Pro 15" with two gigs of memory, a 160gb HDD, the 4x Superdrive and the Radeon X1600 graphics. At $1400, that's a darn good deal.