Computer advice needed - seeking a replacement

[Cheza]

Star, I have a digital Canon (a 10 Megapixel SLR - the Rebel Xti), so storing photos and having room to edit them is crucial to me. I also store the various versions of my works until I finish something on my hard drive...when I'm done, I don't worry so much about burning it to CD and taking it off the computer. However, as an extreme example, the play I've been working on (off-and-on) for the better part of the last decade is all on my current computer - and that's about 15 drafts of each act (two acts).

I definitely plan to buy some more RAM if I get that tower. I'm not sure how much the RAM will run, but I'll check into it. I think it said you can upgrade to 2GB of RAM when you fill all the slots.

Hmmm....I guess my biggest question is whether or not an Athlon or something of that ilk will run the Canon printer I've been eyeing...Every time I look at the requirements it says Pentium II or III or better...so that is still confusing me. I'm sorry I'm so difficult

This is the printer I'm considering:

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5750534

[starcrossed]

Cheza,

Never think that you are bothering me or that you are being difficult. I really do not mind helping you...that is what friends are for. (((Hugs)))

I asked Andrew and he says that any new computer should work with that printer. I personally have a Canon Pixma (but the basic iP 1600), and it works with my laptop, desktop, and all the random computers that have traveled through my house...LOL

The tower will be great if you can install more RAM. I also recommend that you invest in a flash drive, so that you can transfer your documents and take them with you easily (cd's start to add up fast). I have a 2gb flash drive that I use to backup my writing files with. I scratched so many of my cd's...just don't forget where you put your flash...LOL

If you have any more questions feel free to ask me anytime.

Steph

[Cheza]

I already have a flash drive - one of the perks of being a school teacher. I don't remember how big it is, but I've been thinking about investing in another one anyway - for my personal stuff only. We use a lot of technology in our district, so last year they just got us all flash drives so we can record our SMARTBoard stuff (PowerPoints, etc.) to them along with our other documents.

If I could have what I really want I'd get the Canon that prints up to 13 x 19 prints, but that will just have to wait. If I ever get to open a photography studio, then I'll invest in one of those.

Thanks for all your help, Steph (and thank Andrew for me too)

[IWOmusic]

cheza said:

Star, I have a digital Canon (a 10 Megapixel SLR - the Rebel Xti), so storing photos and having room to edit them is crucial to me. I also store the various versions of my works until I finish something on my hard drive...when I'm done, I don't worry so much about burning it to CD and taking it off the computer. However, as an extreme example, the play I've been working on (off-and-on) for the better part of the last decade is all on my current computer - and that's about 15 drafts of each act (two acts).

I definitely plan to buy some more RAM if I get that tower. I'm not sure how much the RAM will run, but I'll check into it. I think it said you can upgrade to 2GB of RAM when you fill all the slots.

Hmmm....I guess my biggest question is whether or not an Athlon or something of that ilk will run the Canon printer I've been eyeing...Every time I look at the requirements it says Pentium II or III or better...so that is still confusing me. I'm sorry I'm so difficult

This is the printer I'm considering:

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5750534

Hi Cheza,
Athlon processors are manufactured by AMD and are the competition to Intel which produces the Pentium. Most manufacturers list the minimum requirements in Pentium terms (the standard).
That being said, all AMD Athlon based processors being used in New computers are at minimum Pentium II level....usually higher. The Cannon printer you put a link to would have no problem running on the Athlon based systems.
Also keep in mind that you can actually use that printer without a computer because you could simply plug the memory chip from the camera directly into it

[cfbj01]

Thanks Kari - the video is fantastic

[Cheza]

Thanks for the info, Iwo! I appreciate it! I can understand basic things like memory and stuff, but when we start talking processors I get confused ... I'm no Ed from Bebop.

I know I could use the printer sans computer if it has a card reader, but I also make buttons, so I need to be able to print from the computer as well.

[Cheza]

Three new contenders have entered the fray. I have heard mixed reviews of HP computers, but I've had a Compaq for years and not had any trouble (other than the hard drive being too small) and they're both made by the same company. Plus a cousin of mine just went to work for HP, so I guess I'm feeling a tug to give them a chance.

Two HP towers under consideration (hope to purchase one before the end of the day Sunday - maybe as soon as Saturday - during the no tax weekend):

www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5707023 - This one is actually $10 cheaper in the store than online. The processor is a 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium D processor 820 to be more specific...

The second tower being considered is here...
www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5982775

The processor is a bit slower (a 2.3 vs a 2.8), but the hard drive is huge on that one.

Lastly, guess what else my little eye spied at W-M in Tennessee - a Dell laptop for $798! Here's the skinny on that since it is not on the website and now I am considering splurging and getting both if I can get a Dell for that price and it be "good enough for a while".

-- 15.4" wide screen
-- 2 GB DDR, 533 Mhz SDRAM
-- 120 GB hard drive
-- Plays & creates CDs & DVDs 8xDVD - R/W
-- AMD Turion 64x2 TL-56 Dual Core Processor (according to AMD's site this is a 1.8 Ghz processor)
-- Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g
-- 53 Whz 6-cell primary battery
-- Windows Vista Home Premium

Let me know what you guys think. I value your opinions and appreciate the sharing of your wisdom regarding all things computer. I am one of the most indecisive people in the world, but I need to get this squared away before school resumes...and the no tax weekend is as good a time as any to do it. Computers (that are not being purchased for business/office use, etc.) up to $3,500 are not taxable in Missouri through Sunday.

Sorry if this is a bit loopy, but we just got back from Tennessee a bit ago...we sorta got lost on the way back...somehow missed a turn, you know how that goes when you're driving back at 10 p.m. and you've only driven to this place once...

Peace.

[Cheza]

How hard is it to switch a Vista computer back to XP? Vista led to the complaints on the computer that was comparable to the Dell laptop due to its hogging of RAM.

We'll probably head for MO within the hour. Any advice would be appreciated Peace.

[IWOmusic]

Hi Cheza,
It is very difficult to switch back to XP , and in practical terms you can't.
If you plan to run Vista, you will need to jump-in with both feet.
Personally, I would prefer to run XP until the kinks are worked out of Vista (should take about 2 years). I don't know of a single program that only runs on Vista anyways. All software manufacturers know that 90% of computer users out there are using XP so they won't stop making software for it for many years.
IMHO based on what you have posted in the past what you plan to use your computer for, all three are major over-kill. If you were a "gamer" it might be different. You should be able to get a system for less than $500 (tower/monitor/printer) which has more than enough power to do whatever you want, for a very long time. BTW there are brand name laptops for less than $500 as well which are very capable machines. All three systems you posted are excellent, but honestly are over-kill. I would guess you would not notice any performance difference between any of them.
Good Luck!
BTW Compaq and HP are now the same company (one bought out the other a few years ago)

....Oh and, don't be afraid of No-Name tower systems like Acer or eMachines...unlike in the past, they are really just as good in the low-mid range of brand names. On the other hand, I would only stick to Laptop brands that I recognize: Compaq, HP, Dell etc.

[Cheza]

Hi Iwo,

The reason I asked is that our school system (i.e. my employer) is not planning on switching to Vista until they force us to (I suspect due to the large number of problems people have found with the OS since it rolled out). Therefore, if I don't configure and order a laptop with XP on it - I will have to keep my current tower up and running for work documents and stuff for my SMART Board (Interactive Whiteboard)...i.e. PowerPoint files etc. For those to be compatible with the system at work they'll need to be done on XP until the school is ready to upgrade...

I didn't purchase a computer on Saturday - I would like to make a decision before the tax-free weekend is up...which is Sunday (i.e. now today...just got back from MO). Any additional feedback or suggestions are welcome. Thank you for all your help.

Peace.

[rockfan]

I noticed alot of places like office supply stores with good sales on computers this morning. I'm no expert on the computer specs but I needed a PC that I could run multiple programs at one time and the processor I have, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, does the trick. There's no slowdown whatsoever like I had with my old PC. I also bought mine 1 week before Microsoft released Vista because I too, was afraid of the bugs it may have and the compatibility with my existing software. I can always go back and load Vista on it but not going to do so anytime soon. I believe though (from what I have read) the majority of existing software will run on Vista.

Good luck with your search today.

[Cheza]

There's an Office Depot where I'm planning on going later today, so I may see what they have to offer as well. The Pentium I'm looking at is a dual-core processor. If I had known that my printer was going to go belly up and that I wouldn't be able to find another one to run on this thing I would've bought before Vista. I'm a bit nervous about it. According to the HP site the Pentium one can be upgraded to 4GB of RAM if I feel I need more power to have multiple programs open without hiccups.

Rockfan, I'm nervous about Vista, but I'll keep my current XP system up in case of compatibility issues. Like I said, I have to have XP for my work documents. The school is not upgrading until they are "made" to do so. Those were our technology coordinator's words. I know if I order a Dell from Dell some of them can still be built with XP. I had wondered about taking the computer to the Geek Squad at Best Buy and having the Vista swapped out for XP...but I don't know if they work on computers not bought at their store. Anybody know?

Thanks for your input! We probably won't leave out until late afternoon...we're both exhausted.

[rockfan]

I noticed Office Depot had quite a few choices. I wouldn't worry about Vista that much. I haven't heard of any major problems with it just a few minor bugs. Ask a knowledgeable sales person about existing software and Vista compatibility. If your current software is fine with Vista, then go for it without worrying. I got my PC in Jan. 2007 so I missed the Vista release. Maybe by Jan 2008, I'll be ready for the change over.

[Cheza]

I just realized I posted one tower wrong...and I don't think I want the one I was thinking about (after looking at the correct specs - www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5982774) because it's only a 1.6 GHz processor...Star, you suggested a 1.8 minimum, right? If they have the 6013 I may get it...that's the one I posted instead of the 6113.

*AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHH*

Peace.

[starcrossed]

If it makes you feel better I didn't notice that either, until you mentioned it. The 6113 is both faster and has more space for your growing needs. Andrew says that is great for the price. The 6113 has at least 2.3 ghz Athlon and the 500 GB of space is so much better than the other one. $688.00 was the price right?

[Cheza]

I think I've got you as confused as I am, Star!

Let's see - looking at each link and giving the main info & price:

-- The 6113 has a Pentium Dual-Core processor - but it only clocks at 1.6 GHz...a 400 GB hard drive...and 2048 MB RAM - that one is $588.

-- The 6013 has a Pentium D processor (an 820) with hyper-threading technology - clocking at 3.0 GHz...a 320 GB hard drive...and 1536 MB of RAM - BUT it can be upgraded to 4 GB and I have contacted HP to see how much the cards would be to do that - that one is $598 (I had its price confused with the one I thought I had looked at in store).

-- The 6123 has a 2.3 GHz AMD Athlon 64x2 4400+ Processor...a 500 GB hard drive...and 3072 MB of Ram with the option to upgrade up to 8 GB...that one is $688.

So, the ultimate question is whether to get the middle one or the last one, I think. The processor on the middle one is faster, but the RAM is less...but can be upgraded....

What did Andrew think of the Dell?

Missouri stores are out of computers...so I'm going to be paying the taxes, but it'll be okay. I just want to be sure I get the right machine and that it will last me a while.

Thanks for your help everyone! Peace.

[Cheza]

The HP store responded with a link, which was no good. *AAAAARRRGGGH* However, I found a site called Crucial.com that sells memory upgrades and they had a 2 GB upgrade set for the 6013 for a little over $100. Does anyone know anything about "Crucial" If this is correct, it would cost me a couple of hundred to max out the RAM and I could do that as time and money allow.

[starcrossed]

As soon as Mr. Tafoya gets home from work I will ask him. That should be around 5:00pm my time.

[Cheza]

Thanks, Star. I appreciate it. I really think the middle one will be the one...if I run out of space I can always get an external hard drive to store the older drafts of my works that I want to keep...or burn them to DVD. I'll also be using the flash drive option to back up my work.

[Cheza]

Steph, how would a 1.66 GHz be for a laptop? I'm sure some are faster, but I've found one that I think fits my needs other than that at BestBuy.com...thinking about making another tech investment.