Need Advice On New Computer For These Applications

[Ken7]

I am looking at getting a new system but I am confused as to which direction to go for a computer.

Here is a quick overview of some of my needs:

Basic functions
*Business – Excel, Word, Quickbooks etc.
*Email
*Internet

Power Software
*Photoshop
*Dreamweaver
*Audio & Music editing Software – MP3’s Wav files, recording etc.
*Possibly some basic Video editing in the future.

I would be running several of these Apps at the same time working on projects.

As you can see I’m not a gamer, but I do and will use some power hungry software.

Which Processor?
Would I be better off with a Dual Core or with a faster single core processor?

How much RAM?
1GB or 2GB or even 4GB?
Or would 4 GB be overkill?

I was looking at the new Dell XPS 400 or 600, but I’m not sure if there are other systems out there that would be better for what I’m doing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks for your time

 

[Geoff]

Depends on your budget, if your looking for a cheaper pc that can do that, i would suggest a Pentium 4 @ 3.2Ghz or better, and 2GB of ram. If you have a high budget, id go with the Pentium D @ 2.8Ghz or better, and 3-4GB of ram.

If you know how to build your own pc, you can get all the parts you want for much cheaper then dell.

 

[Fuzz]

Heres what I would go with:

Processor = Intel Pentium D
RAM = 2GB of ram
Harddrive = 300 GB harddrive
Videocard = nVidia 7800gt
Additional Drives = DVD/CD burner

I hope that helped. If you have any question just ask.

 

[Ken7]

Heres what I would go with:

Processor = Intel Pentium D
RAM = 2GB of ram
Harddrive = 300 GB harddrive
Videocard = nVidia 7800gt
Additional Drives = DVD/CD burner

I hope that helped. If you have any question just ask.

Thanks Guys for the quick responses...

A few more questions if I may...

First of all, I have never built a computer and am not all that mechanically inclined anyway

Is the Pent D 64 bit ready?

Are the new Dell Machines Good quality or would you recommend others?

I am under the impression that if I want a local computer business to build a computer it will cost me lots more money than a Dell or HP type of online purchase.

Hopefully I can get a computer that won't become out-dated in a couple of years! I know thats alot to ask in this ever changing Hi-Tech world.

Thanks for the feedback, this is a great help!

 

[Fuzz]

If I were you I would find someone to build you a computer. I will build you one if you are interested.

 

[Praetor]

Which Processor?

In my opinion the options are the PentiumD or the Athlon64 X2 ... which one you choose is entirely dependent on the budget.

Would I be better off with a Dual Core or with a faster single core processor?

A dual core machine

1GB or 2GB or even 4GB?
Or would 4 GB be overkill?

4GB would be a waste of money. 2GB is already boarderlining overkill for what you're doing (and whether it is overkill or not depends on how heavyduty your photosghop stuff is)

Videocard = nVidia 7800gt

Uh dude... he said

As you can see I’m not a gamer

First of all, I have never built a computer and am not all that mechanically inclined anyway

1. Its not that hard
2. If you're really adverse to it ... you can always contract a small computer store to assemble one for you with custom parts

Is the Pent D 64 bit ready?

Yes

Are the new Dell Machines Good quality or would you recommend others?

For what you're doing, it probably wont matter much.

I am under the impression that if I want a local computer business to build a computer it will cost me lots more money than a Dell or HP type of online purchase.

Well you can always check ... visit the store and have a look around ... if you give us a budget we can spec out a system for you and you can give that list to the store and see how much they'll charge you for labour

If I were you I would find someone to build you a computer. I will build you one if you are interested.

Just dont let him sneak a 7800GT into a work machine on ya...

 

[Ken7]

Thanks for this info...Much appriecated!

I wonder about one more thing...Will the computer I get be able to run..."Windows Vista"

Makes me wonder if I should wait until the specs are released...

 

[Praetor]

I wonder about one more thing...Will the computer I get be able to run..."Windows Vista"

If you're getting a dual-core box you will be ready to run Vista in it's final incarnation. As Vista is right now, its not currently taking advantage of the capabilities of multithreading systems but the final incarnation should be. I personally wouldnt wait ... if you buy a dualcore box that should be sufficient to confidently operate Vista

 

[Fuzz]

opps a 7800gt is alittle bit of an overkill for what he will be doing.