Need new family Computer.. Help.!

[Hash_man]

Hey, so my family got this computer built for us a couple years ago, not sure how many, and it is now shit!. It never stops freezing, and is too slow. it is 800mhz with 256ram and a 20gig hard drive. So we are looking at new computers but are unsure what to get.

My first choice is a Vaio. My friend (creeper) has one and it has never froze once (which my computer always does), and it is such a fast machine, even when its loaded up with all his A/V crap.

I was lookin at one Vaio for I think 1400 without monitor, and it was 2.4ghz, 512ram, 120gig hard drive, and some other shit lol.

We are probly lookin at spending about 2000 with a flat panel monitor. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

[nismodrifter]

have you considered formatting your current HD and reinstalling everything.... might help out your problem with your PC locking up

[Abom]

Get a custom built computer. Prebuilt ones are overpriced and you generally pay for the name, which pisses me off.


www.memoryexpress.com


You can buy everything you need there, they can even assemble it for you if you want. I've been buying there for years and been a repeat customer countless times

[D'z Nutz]

I'm with nismodrifter here. The first thing I would do is just reformat everything and start fresh to see if you're still having that problem. The freezing could be a software issue. Also, I know one of my old computers was freezing because of poor air circulation and overheating. As soon as I tossed in some case fans (about 3!), the freezing stopped.

Just a couple of cheap solutions worth trying out...

[lammer]

Yeah, format first, then if it continues, stop d/ling the porn haha.

[Ichigo]

Get a custom built computer. Prebuilt ones are overpriced and you generally pay for the name, which pisses me off.

..Actually now a day's it's more expensive to customize your computer than buying a complete unit... (monitor and all)

[GTS Jeff]

Originally posted by Ichigo


..Actually now a day's it's more expensive to customize your computer than buying a complete unit... (monitor and all)

only if u buy budget computers. for anything mid to high end, its cheaper to custom build, plus u get the fun of designing the perfect computer, instead of some ghey dell with dell etched into the side of the case..

[nismodrifter]

go to Computer Rack or Memory Express...these 2 places are right across Macleod Trail from each other just past Chinook Centre and have great prices

I have dealt with the people at Computer Rack for my pc purchases and their service is great, they take the time to explain everything to you so even if you are not a pc nerd then you can understand what you are buying

[E36M3]

<applerant>

Have you considered an Apple computer? I am a computer professional, and I frequently encounter stares of disbelief when I tell people that my primary computer is an Apple Powerbook. I've only been a Mac user for about 15 months, but it is by far the best computer I have ever owned. I bought a fully loaded Powerbook, and it is still lightning fast over a year later. To be honest, I can't imagine when I will need to upgrade.

I use the computer to manage my clients computer servers (Windows, Linux and others), create Office documents in Excel, Word and Powerpoint, use email, browse the web (either with Internet Explorer or Apple's excellent web browser Safari) and instant message. I also do graphic manipulation with Photoshop and Illustrator, edit movies with iMovie, listen to my 12GB MP3 collection (with the amazing option of Apple's online music store which I've bought a shitload of music from) and have a great programming environment (mostly web development using Dreamweaver, but also Java, C++, Objective C and other stuff).

In any case, for $1999 CDN you can get a 15" iMac (comes with integrated flatscreen display). You can get it way cheaper if you are a student (I believe the discount is 15%) or know one who will buy it for you.

I think that it would make a great family computer -- it is super easy to use, but maintains compatibility with Microsoft Office (Office runs natively on OS X). With OS X, you get the incredibly stable FreeBSD core, which also allows more advanced users direct shell access (through the Terminal application). Just like a Linux computer, you can virtually control everything from the command line if you'd like.

Check out OS X.. I admit that Macs sucked, badly, before they decided to go with the *nix-based operating system, but OS X is absolutely amazing. I also have computers running Linux, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Solaris and none of them compare.

If you ignore my advice and don't go wtih a Mac, compare Dell.com's online pricing with Memory Express and go with whichever system you think looks better. Dell has the advantage of providing spectacular support, but you have to pay for shipping and might save some cash at Memory Express.

I recently helped my parents buy a computer, and Dell beat Memory Express on a very similiar configuration (about middle of the road in terms of features).

Another great shop in town, although on the higher end of the scale, is Voodoo computing.

</applerant>

[Dj_Stylz]

My cpu is the same thing but the mother board and everything is done.
If i were to take the parts i wana put into my new cpu at memory express. Like CDRW, 3 1/2 Floppy Modem and HardDrive would they put it in for me? Would they also format the hd also if i gave them my xp disk cuz my old hd has 98 on it.