My new PC, laptop or desktop?

[awa355]

I'm looking at replacing my older Compaq C700 ( runs Vista ) as it doesn't playback HD vid clips. HP started this model back in 2007 and I've been told its pointless trying to up grade the video capability of the C700.

I also have a newish HP mini 10" notebook ( runs Wins 7) which out performs the bigger Compaq but the small screen is a bugbear.

As I never move the bigger laptop from the end of the table, I thought a desktop with a larger monitor and future upgrade capability might suit. The local shop ( with endless credit) has two types.

One is a standard type with a tower box, the other is a " All in one" type.( Omni 120-1010a) Does either type of desktop have any advantages over the other?

Another option is a HP Pavilion Dv6-6c36tx laptop. This has 4GB ram ( twice the desktop), and has a dedicated video card, which the sales person says the all in one desktop doesn't. He said laptops need to be the higher spec models to play HD ( eg $1000+)

The Pavilion is also $300 cheaper.

My C700 has 1.5GB shared, They can be upgraded to 2GB, but been told this wont help the video playback.

Any suggestions?

[pzkpfw]

If upgrade capability is part of the point of a non-laptop, then the "all in one" seems an odd choice.

[awa355]

If upgrade capability is part of the point of a non-laptop, then the "all in one" seems an odd choice.

I take it from that, the all in one desktop cant be upgraded? Have to admit, a decent performing laptop seems the way to go.

[wharekura]

gidday Arthur. It just so happened I fixed up a c700 for my mate weekend just gone - put in 2gig which was 1 gig, reverted back to it original state (your laptop should have recovery mode) and put in all the patches. Gave it back to them yesterday and they said it was like new - which effectively it is. I can do this for you for nothing, but it means blowing away your laptop and starting again.

[sil3nt]

You should try an iMac in a store and see if you like it.

I hate the things but they are pretty good. If you have lots of windows software then you probably wouldn't want to switch to apple. They are a bit pricey though.

I don't know jack about the HP Omni you linked but the 2GB it comes with is bare minimum these days and you would probably want to double that to make video editing a little easier.

I don't even know if you can upgrade the parts in the HP all in one PCs.

The conventional desktop PC has the advantage of being totally upgradeable. However if you buy a branded desktop you generally can't upgrade anything without voiding the warranty.

[SMOKEU]

OEM computers are average at the best of times. The way to go is to build your own desktop. If you think you're not up to it, then go to a small computer shop and ask them to build you a computer. Don't buy an HP, Dell, Apple or any name brand computer unless you absolutely must have the portability of a laptop.

[wharekura]

..video editing a little easier.
I wasnt aware you wanted video editing, in that case the c700 is no good.

[sil3nt]

If your notebook can play the videos fine then perhaps a good monitor could be all you need.

This is a top monitor http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&sku=320-2807

I would imagine the notebook has support for external monitors.

[sil3nt]

I wasnt aware you wanted video editing, in that case the c700 is no good.Well he just purchased a Contour HD camera so he needs to cut the videos up to upload them on youtube. Not major video editing but 2GB can still make it a bit painful (or at least it did with me).

[awa355]

Jonathon,
I hadn't given Mac's a thought to be honest. The 'all in one' desktop looks to be a glorified laptop. I dont know if you can lift the bonnet on the monitor and throw bigger pistons into it,

I'm not really interested in uploading to you tube, that much. I just like playing my vids back with my favourite songs dubbed. Watching something, I've created.

The plug in monitor would be ok but any HD playback would still only be as quick as the pc can load up the monitor, I assume.

At the mo. I've set the contours via the website to 1280 x 720@ 30fps HD and 848 x 480 @ 60fps. SD. Clips are okay but seems a shame not to view vids at the best the camera can record.

Dave, Yea, I might be interested in giving the C700 an overhaul. Will PM you.

[Akzle]

my ten cents here:
dont buy HP or DELL.

HP laptop may be acceptable if you do a HDD flush, reclaim the HDD space it eats with it's HP backup BS and do a clean winblows install.

don't run vista.
if you must run windows (7) get an "ultimate" edition, 64 bit preferred.
if you're not fussy about OS and have lots of credit, get a mac, or run linux.
mac are expensive and only allow proprietary shit, but they have f*cking excellent hardware support for this. although it can be limiting depending on your PC usage.

a new high-end laptop will do you well. although the only upgradeable things (really) are screen, RAM and HDD. - and you'll prbably want to upgrade them all.

i would avoid an all-in-one PC, i have limited experience with them but know many overheat etc, although i know people who use them no probs.
there are some funky ones where you have your screen/all-in-one, and you can slide in your tablet and in that you can slide in your PDA/smartphone so you can sync them all up and basically carry your PC as your phone...

an ATX tower is nearly infinitely upgradeable and would be my preference for any serious computing - including HD film etc.

if you get a tower, your screen will most likely be the weak link, so fork out for one that natively supports 1080p, preferably HDMI or DVI input and with <2ms repsonse time.

in terms of graphics cards, PCIe is basically the go-to, with at least 1GB onboard.
SLI is possible but really not necessary for you.

in terms of memory DDR3 is now standard? generally ATX mobo will have 2-4 slots.
at least 2GB (one dimm), preferably 4 (2x2gb dimm) or 8GB (4x 2gb dimm or 2x 4gb dimm), buy your memory all at once and all from the same brand and batch if possible.

in terms of motherboards: i like lots of ports. IDE, SATA etc.
this is changing with modern HDDs having massive capacities and you may not want 10TB of strage anyway.
if you want to plug in extrenal hard disks then a mobo with USB3 support and/or e-sata ports is good. if you do video transfers etc, firewire is nice and stable. (available as add in card)

if you do get multiple HDDs, unless you're really confident and really clever and really diligent about backups, do not run RAID. if you must run RAID, RAID 0 is the go.

if you're serious about a semi-future proof PC, then get someone (or DIY) to build you a PC, it's really not hard. buy the individual components from acetech or pbtech or similar and plug em all together. this will get you a higher spec PC, that meets your exact wants, for much cheaper than a comparable pre-assembled one.


without benchmarking your PC i can't pick where the bottleneck is, it's unlikely that it's the RAM. i run a shitty old laptop most days with <768MB ram, windows XP pro, and have no problems uploading video via PCMCIA firewire...
it's all about how you use it, and windows doesn't use it well. so i've stripped down the OS, basically nuke half the running processes that windows starts etc etc... and she does for what i need do.

[wharekura]

Well he just purchased a Contour HD camera so he needs to cut the videos up to upload them on youtube. Not major video editing but 2GB can still make it a bit painful (or at least it did with me).
Based on this Arthur, the C700 just wont cut it. The C700 I fixed up was so my mate's wife could play facebook games which is now more than adequate.

[SMOKEU]

Jonathon,
I hadn't given Mac's a thought to be honest. The 'all in one' desktop looks to be a glorified laptop. I dont know if you can lift the bonnet on the monitor and throw bigger pistons into it,


Mac computers are overpriced, under performing crap designed for idiots who believe whatever marketing garbage that Apple spews out to the masses. The ones that actually have decent specs are going to cost you at least $6,000, and you can build a better computer for half the price. The Apple fanboys keep regurgitating the same old shit, but the hardware specs don't lie.

[sil3nt]

I actually have some old desktop parts sitting in a box next to me.

Parts are:
Motherboard http://www.msi.com/product/mb/K7N2-Delta-L--ILSR.html
1GB RAM (easily upgradeable)
Gigabyte 9600 Pro graphics card http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/graphics/display/gig-9600pro.html
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ CPU (certainly not fast by todays standards but a solid CPU)

What you will need is:
Case: $90
Monitor: ~$200-$300
HDD: $100
Keyboard: $10
Mouse: $10
OS: $???
PSU: $100?

I am sure if some other KB'ers donated some parts we could get you a PC to play your HD videos back with very little cost!

[Akzle]

...What you will need is:
Case: $90
Monitor: ~$200-$300
HDD: $100
Keyboard: $10
Mouse: $10
OS: $???
PSU: $100?

I am sure if some other KB'ers donated some parts we could get you a PC to play your HD videos back with very little cost! the xp 2500... that's a single core innit? 64 bit? +1 for AMD shit.
i have a few old 200W atx PSUs.. good luck if i can find it though. all my cases went to inorganics.
OS=$FREE$
i say unto you: linux.
Mac computers are overpriced, under performing crap designed for idiots who believe whatever marketing garbage that Apple spews out to the masses. The ones that actually have decent specs are going to cost you at least $6,000, and you can build a better computer for half the price. The Apple fanboys keep regurgitating the same old shit, but the hardware specs don't lie.yes and no.
mac have closed hardware, which means you can only plug in mac shit. the disadvantage of this is when you want not-mac shit, the advantage is that the hardware is throughly supported and debugged. but it does get pricey. but they had a 32GB ram system long before windows OS supported that much ram. you also don't need antivirus on mac, because of the last 4 known viruses for OSX, they employed the guy who wrote 3 of em...
but yes, for the price, you're better to build the PC you want.
i personally wouldn't buy a mac, if i found one i'd put linux on it.
OSX/mac will outperform a comparable windows machine running similar processes 99 times in 100.

[Gremlin]

tl;dr

Dollar for dollar, a desktop is cheaper than a laptop, and has better cooling as the parts aren't crammed into a small space. Consequently components should last longer. You're also more able to upgrade some components easily should you wish, but this can turn into a money pit if you're not careful. Regular screen, keyboard and mouse can be plugged into a laptop, but they have less USB ports.

It depends if you want to be able to move the computer around, work here or there. If not, I'd get a desktop.

[Asher]

I have a HP pavilion dv6 and havent had any problems with it.
I got the RAM upgraded to 8gig when i brought it but i wouldnt mind a solid state hard drive too.
When you are looking at playing back HD video dont worry about how many pixels or the frame rate, the thing you have to look at it the bit rate.
My PC has no issues playing raw gopro movies (which are 15Mbit/sec) but it starts to struggle with movies from my DSLR (48Mbit/sec).

[sil3nt]

I have a HP pavilion dv6 and havent had any problems with it.
I got the RAM upgraded to 8gig when i brought it but i wouldnt mind a solid state hard drive too.
When you are looking at playing back HD video dont worry about how many pixels or the frame rate, the thing you have to look at it the bit rate.
My PC has no issues playing raw gopro movies (which are 15Mbit/sec) but it starts to struggle with movies from my DSLR (48Mbit/sec).I think most computers would struggle with 48Mbit/sec :eek5:

[Akzle]

given that the human eye doesn't perceive anything above about 60FPS, and most things are filmed at twice, thrice, ++ that, it's all a bit of tugging off...

the data rate throughput will be influenced by the codecs used and the way your PC handles it.
bear in mind it has to go from HDD (probably the slowest point) through the RAM, CPU, northbridge, VGA card and to your monitor...
for best performance download VLC media player. (delete delete delete anything windows)

...my laptop nearly shat just reading "48Mbit/s"

at least buy a good chip (quad) and decent mobo, everything else can be upgraded as needed.

[Asher]

given that the human eye doesn't perceive anything above about 60FPS, and most things are filmed at twice, thrice, ++ that, it's all a bit of tugging off...

the data rate throughput will be influenced by the codecs used and the way your PC handles it.
bear in mind it has to go from HDD (probably the slowest point) through the RAM, CPU, northbridge, VGA card and to your monitor...
for best performance download VLC media player. (delete delete delete anything windows)

...my laptop nearly shat just reading "48Mbit/s"

at least buy a good chip (quad) and decent mobo, everything else can be upgraded as needed.

Actually most things arent filmed higher than 30fps unless you plan on using slow mo for the shot.
With higher frame rates it means the camera has a faster shutter speed which makes the video sharper.
There is alot of criticism over the new hobbit movie that is shot at 48fps because it looses its cinematographic look.

[Winston001]

Excellent advice above. I'll simply add that I had a high-end tower built a few years ago and it was the shizz. Still, time moves on and these days it sits in the corner and my HP business level laptop is used 99% of the time.

As for laptops, avoid the toaster shop HPs and Acer. Ultimately quality comes down to money. The better the equipment the more it costs. Toshiba and Asus have a good rep.

[EJK]

As much it is important to buy from a reliable brand, it is (perhaps more) important to maintain the computer.

Hardware wise: Clean and dust.
Software wise: Uninstall useless programs that chew up RAM. Stay away from dodgy porn sites and download sites. If you really have to, open using Private Browsing.

[Usarka]

Aarrrhgghghghghyynesss - stop telling people to run linux when they ask questions about computers!!!! It shows that you're more interested in geekness than what the best solution is for that person.

The only people who should run linux are the people who know they want to run linux.

[SMOKEU]

the xp 2500... that's a single core innit? 64 bit? +1 for AMD shit.



Athlon XP is single core 32 bit.


Aarrrhgghghghghyynesss - stop telling people to run linux when they ask questions about computers!!!! It shows that you're more interested in geekness than what the best solution is for that person.

The only people who should run linux are the people who know they want to run linux.

What's wrong with Linux? It's fast, stable and easy to use. The majority of people don't even know how to use anti virus software with Windows, meaning they soon get filled with malware. Most people just use their computers for web browsing and possibly word processing. Some of the nice modern versions of Linux are extremely easy to use with the GUI, and come out stock with Firefox and Open Office or Libre Office.

I can browse the internet with Linux, watch Youtube videos, download and listen to MP3s, watch all the movies that I download, open MS Office documents etc. There's very little malware out there for Linux compared to Windows, and Linux supports all my hardware. I plugged in a printer to the USB port, and it automatically downloaded and installed the drivers, and it worked fine 30 seconds later. Same goes with my webcam. I could configure a VPN with Linux, and change all my router settings from the browser, just like Windows.

Linux is a more suitable OS for the average n00b than Windows is due to the ease of use and lack of malware. What's this whole obsession with Windows, anyway?

Try using a modern version of Linux such as Mint (I'd avoid the KDE version as I've had a few issues with it). Linux is no longer a very difficult OS to use which is only suitable for geeks, as it has been in the past. These days the "average user" doesn't even need to use the CLI at all.

[Akzle]

What's wrong with Linux? It's fast, stable and easy to use. The majority of people don't even know how to use anti virus software with Windows, meaning they soon get filled with malware. Most people just use their computers for web browsing and possibly word processing. Some of the nice modern versions of Linux are extremely easy to use with the GUI, and come out stock with Firefox and Open Office or Libre Office.

I can browse the internet with Linux, watch Youtube videos, download and listen to MP3s, watch all the movies that I download, open MS Office documents etc. There's very little malware out there for Linux compared to Windows, and Linux supports all my hardware. I plugged in a printer to the USB port, and it automatically downloaded and installed the drivers, and it worked fine 30 seconds later. Same goes with my webcam. I could configure a VPN with Linux, and change all my router settings from the browser, just like Windows.

Linux is a more suitable OS for the average n00b than Windows is due to the ease of use and lack of malware. What's this whole obsession with Windows, anyway?

Try using a modern version of Linux such as Mint (I'd avoid the KDE version as I've had a few issues with it). Linux is no longer a very difficult OS to use which is only suitable for geeks, as it has been in the past. These days the "average user" doesn't even need to use the CLI at all.
oh +10 for you. (but you should learn to use the CL anyway)

ubuntu and fedora are the easiest for windows users to find their way around. you can download one and burn it to CD, boot with the CD in and see how you like it, don't even need to install to the hard disk. did i mention it was free? like you don't need to buy bill a new car every few years to fix all the old bugs (and replace them with new ones)
and you have a 24/7 worldwide tech support (mostly the guys that hack windows) to sort your shit out. (this is also free)
unless you're uber-L33t, linux will rule all over your face. and your mates' windows-faces. generally if you can do it in windows you can do it faster, easier, with better functionality and more reliably in linux. and it's free. and you don't need to pay for it. or software for it. that's free too, and there's like 10, 000 programs for it.. so you can do whatever you want, from CAD to DV processing, ssh networking, NEC design, etc etc. (all for free)

you don't even need a whole CD.. you can get linux distros that would boot off 3.5" floppies back in the day.... now they do em for flash drives and memory cards...

the only people who should run linux is everyone, then microsoft would be forced to start writing code that isn't shit, and bring their prices to a more sensible level, and probably jump onto some open source shit. and then hardware manufacturers would have to start giving up their code for top end graphics cards etc. they're all in league against you, the consumer, to make more money off you. it's just good business.

i've never paid for a windows installation. and i may or may not be able to provide cracked versions of every version of windows since 3.1. (incl 7 ultimate 64, which doesn't suck quite so hard)

[whowhatwhere]

We have a Dell all in one and it's an absolute piece of shit. Build your own!

[SMOKEU]

Ubuntu and Mint even come with a built in "software manager" where you just search and click on the software that you want, and it installs it automatically. It's even easier to install software with this than it is with Windows 7, as you don't need to even to know about the installation directory or anything which may be overwhelming for a n00b. It's just like installing software on Android with the Google Play Store. Oh, and ANDROID IS LINUX. Many of you haters are carrying a Linux computer in your pocket without even knowing it. Well, now you know. Mint is by far my favourite distro. It's based on Ubuntu, but I prefer the Mint GUI. Check it out here http://linuxmint.com/

See the nice, pretty GUI? Stop hating! If someone such as myself who struggles to even accomplish basic tasks on a computer can use it, then what's your excuse?

[sil3nt]

yeah these linux posts are way off track and not what awa355 needs. Even my suggestion of MAC was pushing it!

[Akzle]

yeah these linux posts are way off track and not what awa355 needs. Even my suggestion of MAC was pushing it!you can fix your mac....




with linux!

yeah that's another good thing about linux, it will read file systems from anything you plug into it.

android is not linux? android is open source and linux is open source. android is owned by google (see "the umbrella corporation" per resident evil) linux is owned by everyone. linux uses the linux kernel, andorid does not (i think?)

anyone remember that large hadron collider they were working on? guess which OS?
know why? cos you don't want a blue screen (BSOD) when you're trying not to make black holes...

my first post stands, but i seriously encourage you to try linux (f*ck paying for another M$ install!)

[awa355]

We have a Dell all in one and it's an absolute piece of shit. Build your own!

I hadn't realised there were desktops like the all in one. Thats why I was curious about how they compared with the conventional desktops.

I do like the idea of a decent sized screen. Had a look at 21" monitors today. $150-200. I think if I bought one and ran it off the laptop, I'll still only have my current laptop performance .

I'm going through to Hamilton tomorrow and have a good look around.

[sinned]

Another option to playback HD video and many other uses is an iPad and Apple TV. AirPlay via wifi connects the iPad to your big screen and sound system. Very cool.

[Winston001]

So....does the mint flavoured penguin run MSE and Outlook Express? Gotta keep the emails comin nice and clean.

[SMOKEU]

you can fix your mac....




with linux!

yeah that's another good thing about linux, it will read file systems from anything you plug into it.

android is not linux? android is open source and linux is open source. android is owned by google (see "the umbrella corporation" per resident evil) linux is owned by everyone. linux uses the linux kernel, andorid does not (i think?)

anyone remember that large hadron collider they were working on? guess which OS?
know why? cos you don't want a blue screen (BSOD) when you're trying not to make black holes...

my first post stands, but i seriously encourage you to try linux (f*ck paying for another M$ install!)

You're right about the file systems, Ubuntu and Mint have native support for NTFS. Android is based on the Linux kernel.


I hadn't realised there were desktops like the all in one. Thats why I was curious about how they compared with the conventional desktops.

I do like the idea of a decent sized screen. Had a look at 21" monitors today. $150-200. I think if I bought one and ran it off the laptop, I'll still only have my current laptop performance .

I'm going through to Hamilton tomorrow and have a good look around.

"All in one" computers are pretty much just a laptop with a different case. They still use laptop components and have most of the usual problems that laptops have. I'm lead to believe that some use standard desktop RAM and 3.5" HDDs.


Another option to playback HD video and many other uses is an iPad and Apple TV. AirPlay via wifi connects the iPad to your big screen and sound system. Very cool.

:sick: That's just nasty, dude. A good Android tablet such as the Galaxy range are far superior.

[Gremlin]

OP has asked for a choice between desktops and laptops, not which operating system he should have. Keep your answers relevant to the topic, otherwise I'm highly tempted to start a new thread simply to move all OS debates to.

[SMOKEU]

Another reason why desktops are the best is parts availability and the ATX standards. I've had a few HP and IBM branded desktops, and they all suck balls. Firstly, the use of non standard parts is what pisses me off. The PSU and motherboard are proprietary components, meaning it's not possible to just buy a cheap PSU or motherboard off Trademe if it fails. I can't even fit a standard sized PCI card in the HP desktop I have. It has PCI slots on the motherboard, but the case is too small to fit any normal ATX spec PCI card.

If I need a new motherboard, video card, PSU or whatever for my custom built desktop I can just chuck an ordinary, cheap one in (assuming I get the right socket motherboard and a PCI-E video card etc). No need to hunt around for rare parts or chase up the manufacturer who will insist on charging double just because it's proprietary.

Fuck I love industry standards. You wouldn't put up with a bike that only uses special tyres that have to be imported from Italy directly from the factory where the bike was built, would you?

[Winston001]

OP has asked for a choice between desktops and laptops, not which operating system he should have. Keep your answers relevant to the topic, otherwise I'm highly tempted to start a new thread simply to move all OS debates to.

Strictly you are correct and it's fine with me but equally it does no harm to expand the knowledge.

For example, I've never run Linux but I have a 10yr HP (business) laptop which still runs fine on XP but slow. Skype eats the processor. After reading the above posts I'm tempted to try Linux on it: hadn't thought of that previously because Mandrake etc appeared to be slow and difficult.

[SMOKEU]

For example, I've never run Linux but I have a 10yr HP (business) laptop which still runs fine on XP but slow. Skype eats the processor. After reading the above posts I'm tempted to try Linux on it: hadn't thought of that previously because Mandrake etc appeared to be slow and difficult.

Many modern versions of Linux are actually quite resource intensive as there has been a real push in recent years to make Linux more user friendly, with all the accompying eye candy. I'm running Mint 12 32 bit on a Pentium 4 3GHz processor with 512MB RAM, and it was so slow that it was almost impossible to do even simple tasks on, until I put in a SSD which made a huge difference since the page file is on the SSD. Apparently Xubuntu is quite light on the resources, although I haven't tried it.

I have been using DSL (damn small Linux) of late, although I'm unsure of the version, but I do know it uses the 2.4 kernel. That is so light that it runs fine on a VM with 64MB of RAM! It's a bit light on features, however and lacks the smooth GUI refinement you'd expect from a modern GNOME, MATE or KDE environment.

[AllanB]

Picked up a dv6 from Dick Smith on Saturday - 25% off. Goes like light speed compared to my old desktop. My daughter can do her high school homework now. Everyone happy. Excellent for the price I paid. I figure laptops are units with a relatively short life so spending mega bucks is a waste of time.

[AllanB]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

[scracha]

I'm looking at replacing my older Compaq C700 ( runs Vista ) as it doesn't playback HD vid clips. HP started this model back in 2007 and I've been told its pointless trying to up grade the video capability of the C700.

I also have a newish HP mini 10" notebook ( runs Wins 7) which out performs the bigger Compaq but the small screen is a bugbear.


Awa.....first questions really are:
a) What are you going to be doing on the computer? i.e. What tasks and particular apps are you looking to run on it
b) Are you short of physical space?
c) Do you require portability?

Stick with Windows or if you're a bit flush, a Mac. Linux is great for servers but I've never yet found a desktop version that at some point, hasn't required a bit of geek knowledge. Win 7 is very stable and if properly setup is very unlikely to get a virus. Even if you do, it's not rocket science to use system imaging software to recover it in a matter of minutes.

Stick with Intel (especially if not a desktop). An i3 with 4GB and built in mobo based video should be ample if you're just watching HD video. If you're editing, then i5, 8GB (ram cheap enough now) and if you win the lottery, an SSD drive. Older Core 2 Duo processor bargains are around too (Toshiba C665 anyone).

Main advantage of nettops (a.k.a. "all in ones") are the looks and lack of desk space. I personally don't even consider the touchscreen being a bonus. You can upgrade them but they're a bit tricky (done a couple of HP Touchsmarts) Stick with Toshiba, Samsung or Lenovo if you're looking at nettops or notebooks. Get a 3 year factory warranty on them....in unlikely event of failure, the above 3 get things fixed quick smart. Sale of Goods act isn't much use if your PC is away for weeks on end or gets returned wiped.

Acer also do a very reasonably price "mini" pc with a 4 year onsite warranty. I've had ZERO problems with them. Your local computer shop will likely be able to get them.
http://www.dove.co.nz/products/desktops-notebooks-and-servers/desktop-pcs/7925

Avoid Acer consumer stuff (Aspire). Avoid HP consumer suff (Compaq, Presario, PAvillion, DV6). At all costs avoid the HP all on ones.....many seem to last about 2 years then .....
Acer Timeline stuff is OK. HP Corporate stuff is also ok (Probook, Elitebook) but I hate dealing with their warranty support.....complete @#$cking morons.

Sure, you'll hear anecdotal stories about "I've owned an Aspire/DV6 for years blah blah". There's normally a virus ridden 8 year old Acer Aspire whirring away in our workshop, but I can only go on the reliability stats out there and also by my own experience flogging and fixing the bloody things.

Traditional desktops (a.k.a. tower) do have advantages of cheap to replace/upgrade parts but to be honest, most consumers don't bother. Plus laptops and nettops generally have better resale value. My advice....get a machine just a wee bit better than you need at the moment, sell it for reasonable money after 3 or 4 years.......get another one.


And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable :niceone:

[Winston001]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

Pwchahww! What's so hard about dual core, pentium 7, 64bit 8GB DDR3 RAM yadda yadda...? With your own personal choice of OS???

[EJK]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

01000110 01110101 01100011 01101011 00100000 01111001 01100101 01100001 01101000 00100001

[SMOKEU]

And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable :niceone:

If that's what you call brand new Asus motherboards, first one cost $309 and the other around $380 which were normal prices when the boards came out, then I'm guilty.

[Winston001]

01000110 01110101 01100011 01101011 00100000 01111001 01100101 01100001 01101000 00100001


Oh talk dirty to me you devil!! :devil2:

[Brian d marge]

Awa.....first questions really are:
a) What are you going to be doing on the computer? i.e. What tasks and particular apps are you looking to run on it
b) Are you short of physical space?
c) Do you require portability?

Stick with Windows or if you're a bit flush, a Mac. Linux is great for servers but I've never yet found a desktop version that at some point, hasn't required a bit of geek knowledge. Win 7 is very stable and if properly setup is very unlikely to get a virus. Even if you do, it's not rocket science to use system imaging software to recover it in a matter of minutes.

Stick with Intel (especially if not a desktop). An i3 with 4GB and built in mobo based video should be ample if you're just watching HD video. If you're editing, then i5, 8GB (ram cheap enough now) and if you win the lottery, an SSD drive. Older Core 2 Duo processor bargains are around too (Toshiba C665 anyone).

Main advantage of nettops (a.k.a. "all in ones") are the looks and lack of desk space. I personally don't even consider the touchscreen being a bonus. You can upgrade them but they're a bit tricky (done a couple of HP Touchsmarts) Stick with Toshiba, Samsung or Lenovo if you're looking at nettops or notebooks. Get a 3 year factory warranty on them....in unlikely event of failure, the above 3 get things fixed quick smart. Sale of Goods act isn't much use if your PC is away for weeks on end or gets returned wiped.

Acer also do a very reasonably price "mini" pc with a 4 year onsite warranty. I've had ZERO problems with them. Your local computer shop will likely be able to get them.
http://www.dove.co.nz/products/desktops-notebooks-and-servers/desktop-pcs/7925

Avoid Acer consumer stuff (Aspire). Avoid HP consumer suff (Compaq, Presario, PAvillion, DV6). At all costs avoid the HP all on ones.....many seem to last about 2 years then .....
Acer Timeline stuff is OK. HP Corporate stuff is also ok (Probook, Elitebook) but I hate dealing with their warranty support.....complete @#$cking morons.

Sure, you'll hear anecdotal stories about "I've owned an Aspire/DV6 for years blah blah". There's normally a virus ridden 8 year old Acer Aspire whirring away in our workshop, but I can only go on the reliability stats out there and also by my own experience flogging and fixing the bloody things.

Traditional desktops (a.k.a. tower) do have advantages of cheap to replace/upgrade parts but to be honest, most consumers don't bother. Plus laptops and nettops generally have better resale value. My advice....get a machine just a wee bit better than you need at the moment, sell it for reasonable money after 3 or 4 years.......get another one.


And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable :niceone:

Wot e sed , except about linux and you did mention video editing for which you need a bit of processor power .. I bought a Asus laptop new, chucked a new linux on it ( ubuntu ~ ) works a treat , free and bullet proof ie worked with no surprises BUT.........I use CGI , and it slows down , lower than 600fps while this ok for smaller drawings , its kind of annoying for the larger ones
The desktop was cheaper to build , and has enough grunt ..and will get upgraded cheap as ... duo core to quad

The rig I am watching F1 monaco , HD big screen monitor etc , is at least 7 years old ( when did duo cores come out?),,and will stay like this for another 7 ( again runs linux ubuntu 12.04 duo core 3 gig 1 gig vid card ) unless smoke starts appearing


finally , a 125 commuter MZ is fine ...but we need a motogp bike ..... JUST IMHO....

Stephen,

[awa355]

Awa.....first questions really are:
a) What are you going to be doing on the computer? i.e. What tasks and particular apps are you looking to run on it
b) Are you short of physical space?
c) Do you require portability?

Stick with Windows or if you're a bit flush, a Mac. Linux is great for servers but I've never yet found a desktop version that at some point, hasn't required a bit of geek knowledge. Win 7 is very stable and if properly setup is very unlikely to get a virus. Even if you do, it's not rocket science to use system imaging software to recover it in a matter of minut

Thanks for your imput. Nice to know that the English language is still around. I appreciate all posts but the indepth techno from some are way over my head.

All I want to do, is download my video clips, cut out the bits I dont want, maybe add songs from my music folder and sit back and bore the wife to tears while re-living my rides. Not worried about flashy intros,titles, credits etc. Have posted a couple of short clips on U tube but thats not my end intention.

Windows Movie Maker has done all I want, but the original installation has thrown a wobbly. Also, the camera records in MOV format which WMM wont open so I have to convert to another format first. eg AVI, WAV, MEG4 etc. Converting will reduce a file from 770mb mov to 180mb avi.

My new Contours bike camera records in HD, ( various sizes ). This laptop ( compaq presario c700) wont play the HD clips without a lot of stop/start playback. I'm currently recording in SD and this format plays okay.

Storage room is no problem. I dont need portability, as this laptop never moves from the table, and I have my HP mini netbook, if I need to take a pc.

Put simply, I want to utilise the HD capability of the contours and playback on a pc in a nice smooth motion.

[Akzle]

So....does the mint flavoured penguin run MSE and Outlook Express? Gotta keep the emails comin nice and clean.no why would you run BS like outlook or MSE??
debian base packs like buntu and mint have their own email client (empathy? can't remember - i integrate it all in my awesome awesome opera web browser.) MSE.... that POS hydra that rapes your resources. no, no linux runs microsoft BS, for the simple reason is that the people who make the linux, also hack the windows. and thus write better code.


...No need to hunt around for rare parts or chase up the manufacturer who will insist on charging double just because it's proprietary.

Fuck I love industry standards. You wouldn't put up with a bike that only uses special tyres that have to be imported from Italy directly from the factory where the bike was built, would you?yes this is true, particularly the horizontal boxes. as my first post, get an ATX tower, mid or mini if you prefer, full size is probably unnecessary. and speaking of shit italian bikes, you ever get that electrical fault found?


For example, I've never run Linux but I have a 10yr HP (business) laptop which still runs fine on XP but slow. Skype eats the processor. After reading the above posts I'm tempted to try Linux on it: hadn't thought of that previously because Mandrake etc appeared to be slow and difficult.mandrake was awesome! unfortunately it got taken over by "mandriva" which i think still exists in some form, but has mainly all been raped by red hat enterprise....(which is actually also v. cool)


Many modern versions of Linux are actually quite resource intensive as there has been a real push in recent years to make Linux more user friendly...
...I have been using DSL (damn small Linux) of late, although I'm unsure of the version, but I do know it uses the 2.4 kernel. That is so light that it runs fine on a VM with 64MB of RAM! It's a bit light on features, however and lacks the smooth GUI refinement you'd expect from a modern GNOME, MATE or KDE environment.yeah, personally i don't like big buttons and don't care about shadows, wobbly windows, transparency etc, but linux can do all of this as well as (read: better than) windows.
other options for small linux distros are jolly cloud (netbook distro) feather linux etc etc. just google "which linux is best for me?"
and same as windows: once you turn all the effects off, it runs faster.

...Avoid Acer consumer stuff (Aspire). Avoid HP consumer suff (Compaq, Presario, PAvillion, DV6). At all costs avoid the HP all on ones.....many seem to last about 2 years then .....
Acer Timeline stuff is OK. HP Corporate stuff is also ok (Probook, Elitebook) but I hate dealing with their warranty support.....complete @#$cking morons.

Traditional desktops (a.k.a. tower) do have advantages of cheap to replace/upgrade parts but to be honest, most consumers don't bother. Plus laptops and nettops generally have better resale value. My advice....get a machine just a wee bit better than you need at the moment, sell it for reasonable money after 3 or 4 years.......get another one. i'll back compaq as i have an old presario (win 98se was an upgrade for it) that still runs... no overheating, i think 1.5GB IDE HDD... but the rest. no.


If that's what you call brand new Asus motherboards, first one cost $309 and the other around $380 which were normal prices when the boards came out, then I'm guilty. asus mobo FTW


Also, the camera records in MOV format which WMM wont open so I have to convert to another format first. eg AVI, WAV, MEG4 etc. Converting will reduce a file from 770mb mov to 180mb avi.

My new Contours bike camera records in HD, ( various sizes ). This laptop ( compaq presario c700) wont play the HD clips without a lot of stop/start playback. I'm currently recording in SD and this format plays okay.

Storage room is no problem. I dont need portability, as this laptop never moves from the table, and I have my HP mini netbook, if I need to take a pc.

Put simply, I want to utilise the HD capability of the contours and playback on a pc in a nice smooth motion.
get a tower.
also, there is better software than (Winblows movie maker?), did your camera not come with some proprietary?

[scracha]

All I want to do, is download my video clips, cut out the bits I dont want, maybe add songs from my music folder and sit back and bore the wife to tears while re-living my rides. Not worried about flashy intros,titles, credits etc. Have posted a couple of short clips on U tube but thats not my end intention

Older Core 2 Duo bargain or i3 will do that nicely. Make sure you get "64 bit" and spend extra on upgrading RAM to 8GB (adds about $50). Wouldn't waste it on more ram.




Windows Movie Maker has done all I want, but the original installation has thrown a wobbly. Also, the camera records in MOV format which WMM wont open so I have to convert to another format first. eg AVI, WAV, MEG4 etc. Converting will reduce a file from 770mb mov to 180mb avi.


Replaced now with Windows "live" movie maker. It's pretty good for simple use as you describe. It's not like you need final cut or Adobe. AFAIK it sitll doesn't handle MOV format but as you say, loads of freeware converters out there that do it. There's freeby movie editors that can handle MOV without converting such as http://www.videohelp.com/tools/AviDemux but they're perhaps a little bit more technical. Obviously a Mac running iMovie will handle Apple's MOV format without hassle.



Storage room is no problem. I dont need portability, as this laptop never moves from the table, and I have my HP mini netbook, if I need to take a pc.

Then get a "normal" box with a huge screen and spend the change on a USB 3 backup drive. Spend a bit more (or get a mate to hack it) on "pro" and then you can take control of the powerful box from your less powerful notebook. Eg. Sat on the couch.


The sort of crap you're reading on the forums is the reason why Linux isn't on most desktops...it's too fragmented.

[Brian d marge]

The sort of crap you're reading on the forums is the reason why Linux isn't on most desktops...it's too fragmented.

oh thats a sweeping statement

Stephen

[jonbuoy]

Older Core 2 Duo bargain or i3 will do that nicely. Make sure you get "64 bit" and spend extra on upgrading RAM to 8GB (adds about $50). Wouldn't waste it on more ram.




Replaced now with Windows "live" movie maker. It's pretty good for simple use as you describe. It's not like you need final cut or Adobe. AFAIK it sitll doesn't handle MOV format but as you say, loads of freeware converters out there that do it. There's freeby movie editors that can handle MOV without converting such as http://www.videohelp.com/tools/AviDemux but they're perhaps a little bit more technical. Obviously a Mac running iMovie will handle Apple's MOV format without hassle.


Then get a "normal" box with a huge screen and spend the change on a USB 3 backup drive. Spend a bit more (or get a mate to hack it) on "pro" and then you can take control of the powerful box from your less powerful notebook. Eg. Sat on the couch.


The sort of crap you're reading on the forums is the reason why Linux isn't on most desktops...it's too fragmented.

I thought that was because open office was shit?

[SMOKEU]

I thought that was because open office was shit?

It's pretty good actually, as is Libre Office. There is the odd MS Office compatibility issue, however.

[sil3nt]

In no way is open office good.

Having tried to do my assignments with it I gave up and grabbed Microsoft Office from home. You can format a document easier in notepad than you can with open office.

[SMOKEU]

In no way is open office good.

Having tried to do my assignments with it I gave up and grabbed Microsoft Office from home. You can format a document easier in notepad than you can with open office.

I haven't had any issues with OO, it's been great for me. The only reason I use MS Office is because at the course I'm doing the teachers all use MS Office and I have had a few compatibility issues, mainly with text formatting. It's not a good look if I hand in an assignment and the paragraphs are all messed up etc.

[sil3nt]

I haven't had any issues with OO, it's been great for me. The only reason I use MS Office is because at the course I'm doing the teachers all use MS Office and I have had a few compatibility issues, mainly with text formatting. It's not a good look if I hand in an assignment and the paragraphs are all messed up etc.Exactly. It is useless.

[Akzle]

Exactly. It is useless.

In no way is open office good.
Having tried to do my assignments with it I gave up and grabbed Microsoft Office from home. You can format a document easier in notepad than you can with open office.

I thought that was because open office was shit?

open office will kick M$ arse. daily. the new .docx was interesting, but open office has wayy more features to make use of. and the only hiccup i've found (in years of using OO) was exchange tables for spreadsheets...
and have i mentioned how FREE all this shit is. what's M$? a couple hundred buck every few years?

sounds like if you bit a bit more time into learning the software rather than blamming it and running back to M$ you could do quite well with it.

[SMOKEU]

open office will kick M$ arse. daily. the new .docx was interesting, but open office has wayy more features to make use of. and the only hiccup i've found (in years of using OO) was exchange tables for spreadsheets...
and have i mentioned how FREE all this shit is. what's M$? a couple hundred buck every few years?

sounds like if you bit a bit more time into learning the software rather than blamming it and running back to M$ you could do quite well with it.

MS Office is free with the KMS activator.

[jonbuoy]

open office will kick M$ arse. daily. the new .docx was interesting, but open office has wayy more features to make use of. and the only hiccup i've found (in years of using OO) was exchange tables for spreadsheets...
and have i mentioned how FREE all this shit is. what's M$? a couple hundred buck every few years?

sounds like if you bit a bit more time into learning the software rather than blamming it and running back to M$ you could do quite well with it.

Its not 100% compatible so useless if your swapping or using interactive documents/spreadsheets in the business world. If all you want to do is print a letter at home then its OK or you convert everything into PDF´s first. Why do you feel the need to buy a new version of MS office every two years?? For the average user office 2007 is still fine. Why are you advising earlier that he needs to run Windows 7 Ultimate not the Home edition? The menu system is shit in OO. I don´t have an issue with paying for software.

[SMOKEU]

The (computing) world will be a better place if fewer people were so obsessed with Microsoft (and Apple), and moved onto open source software instead. It's just a shame that most people don't know any different.

[jonbuoy]

The (computing) world will be a better place if fewer people were so obsessed with Microsoft (and Apple), and moved onto open source software instead. It's just a shame that most people don't know any different.

Maybe it will happen but when a company developing a product on a part-time/voluntary basis is up against billion dollar players its not hard to see why they can´t compete yet. Lot of the Linux distributions are incredible when you think its a community of people developing in their spare time but they aren´t hassel free. Majority of people want something that works out of the box with no tweaking required which is why Apple have done so well and probably why they are so restrictive with their apps to the point of being control freaks example - an iPad would make a fantastic diagnostics tool for wireless network scanning/fault finding but Apple have clamped down and stopped all wifi scanning apps, no reasonable explanation given. The mighty Apple have decided that we don´t want that function :tugger:

[Akzle]

Maybe it will happen but when a company developing a product on a part-time/voluntary basis is up against billion dollar players its not hard to see why they can´t compete yet. Lot of the Linux distributions are incredible when you think its a community of people developing in their spare time but they aren´t hassel free. Majority of people want something that works out of the box with no tweaking required which is why Apple have done so well and probably why they are so restrictive with their apps to the point of being control freaks example - an iPad would make a fantastic diagnostics tool for wireless network scanning/fault finding but Apple have clamped down and stopped all wifi scanning apps, no reasonable explanation given. The mighty Apple have decided that we don´t want that function :tugger:several distro's are run by companies (and you pay for) many server or enterprise editions - but yeah the rest is just fanboys (very clever ones)
and i daresay that with 95% of hardware you will find buntu or fedora will run out of the box.
if you want to do restricted shit with apple shit: install linux.