What to look for when shopping around for new pc

[JERRY2KONE]

That is true. Build it yourself and end up with a kicka$$ system, plus you learn some things about computers along the way. If you do some research you can find out exactly what you want and need first, and come up with your own configuration. You need to determine what type of processor you want to use first. Then select the motherboard that matches up with that processor. When you pick out the mostherboard you need to really look into what it has available for the rest of the stuff you want on your system such as graphics and audio. One of the most important things to make sure of is that you not only have space for allot of RAM, but that the motherboard and processor allows enough RAM to suit your taste. Like I stated earlier at least 4gig is a must, but if you can get even higher RAM space the better your system will run such as 6 or 8 gig. The gigahertz of the processor and the number of RAM will determine how fast your computer works when multi-tasking. Once you build the system you can have someone else help you with the software like the "OS" operating system, Anti-Virus, Word, and whatever else you wish to have on it.

Most importantly do your research first. Read up on everything you can find for the kind of stuff you are thinking of using. Don't make a move until you have decided on what you want and check it out with someone you trust that knows computers. Don't trust some schmuck that works at Best Buy. He just wants to sell you the stuff that is overflowing in their store room and look good to his boss. If you do it the hard way you will not regret it. Even if you do manage to setup the best system you have ever had as soon as you get your system completed and start to use it you can bet that half of it will be obsolete or outdated. Still I have a system that I built in 1994 and it still kicks butt. Of course I have updated it twice since then with better hard drives, and more RAM. The only thing that has ever gone bad on me was the video card, which got damaged during shipping from one country to another. I also bought the Logitech 9600 5.1 surround system, which is still one of the best ever made. After 16 years my system still works great and still has room for improvements.

You can do allot of your shopping on line at places like TigerDirect, Overstock.com, Amizon.com, Cheapguys computers.com, and a whole host of others and compare prices to make sure that you get the best deal available. Watch for sales and take yoru time acquiring what you want at rock bottom prices. Best of luck.

[ClodMaxx]

i've been a long time mac user, but i just bought a toshiba satellite 15" laptop to use flight simulator software (all my macs have pre-intel chips). i have to say, i'm really surprised how much machine i got for $550. it has the new dual core intel i3 chip (2.25mhz i believe), 4 gigs of RAM (on a LAPTOP!) and a 360 gig hard drive.

i held my breath when i installed Phoenix and ran it for the first time. i have it at the highest quality settings, at the highest resolution.... it runs flawlessly! supposedly the new intel chips (i3, i5 and i7) are better at gaming due to the hyper-threading. i don't even have a dedicated video card!

so.... i'm singing the praises of this little sucker. it moves, and moves fast...and was cheap (compared to macs, at least).