New Computer!

[scem0]

I am typing this on my new 2.4 GHz pentium 4 Dell computer. Here are the basic stats:

p4 2.4 GHz
533 MHz system bus
512 MBs of 333 MHz PC2700 DDR SDRAM
(That is a lot of good ram :D)
40 gig HD
MS Windows XP home
Floppy Drive (LOL sorta funny after using an apple for so long :D)
Fast CDRW drive (40x-somethingx-somethingx) - too lazy to look up how fast it is
Geforce 4 MX (64 MB)
It did come with a mouse and keyboard, but I already had better ones, so I'm not using the dell ones. :rolleyes:
What am I missing?

Well, I don't want to start a PC vs Mac thread. I like Macs better, and I would get one, but I can't afford it. I had $600 for a computer. I could either get a 400 MHz g4, or a 2,400 MHz p4, I choose the p4. They both have their advantages. I sure do like the speed.

This computer will definitely satisfy me until IBM 970 powermacs come out. Now remember, this is not a mac vs pc thread.

(BTW - it is really fast on the internet. I like ;))

[Durandal7]

Hmmmph, a PC. How droll. Ah well.

[topicolo]

Well, I guess we won't have anyone ranting about how desktop macs are cheaper than pcs on this thread...

[Choppaface]

congrats man, hope you have fun with it :D

[scem0]

Thank the lord. Non-close-minded people. I hope y'all understand. I just need a computer that ins't already obsolete. The 400 MHz powermac just wasn't fast enough. Thanks for understanding ;).

[mac15]

Wow man, its a pity, that it runs windows

[vniow]

This may be a stupid question, but why didn't you build one?

[scem0]

I didn't build one because I never have, and I am not familiar with PC hardware at all. I know you don't have to be very skilled to do this, but I would rather have someone else do it for me. Maybe next time though...

[vniow]

It's not that hard really, just time comsuming.

Gotta research parts, then decide on which ones, and then wait for the orders to come in, not for the impatient, unless you're also cheap.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/winky.gif

Also helps if you have good computer stores around, that takes some time off.
Of couse then THEY have to order it which then thows your whole schedule off.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/imad.gif

I built my first computer and will probably continue to build PCs for as long as I need them but it's not for everybody.

If you don't want to take the time to build one, then don't, go and buy one, but if you want to learn a bit more about computers, and be aware that if it f*cks up it's likely your fault cuz it was you who picked out the parts, not the manufcturer, then building is for you.

I like having the control over it as well.

Enjoy your new computer and I hope you blow it up when you get your 970 Powermac.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/smiley.gif

And if you need ny tips, don't be afraid to ask, many people here use both platforms and have gobs of knowledge about both.

[scem0]

I would never forgive myself if I messed up when building the computer, and destroyed it. WHen the powermac gets here, I am going to put it up in my room, and this computer will go to my sister (no explosions :D)

[springscansing]

Originally posted by scem0
Thank the lord. Non-close-minded people. I hope y'all understand. I just need a computer that ins't already obsolete. The 400 MHz powermac just wasn't fast enough. Thanks for understanding ;).

Just curious, why wasn't it fast enough? Do you work with audio, video... or do you play video games...

- Springs

[bousozoku]

Congratulations on the new machine!

I'm kinda surprised you got a Dell/Pentium 4 combination. I was thinking that you would buy one of those machines :D to play games but the Athlons are faster than the Pentium 4s at playing games. I was thinking that if I buy one, I'll end up picking parts and having someone else put it together for me.

Anyway, have fun with it.

[Over Achiever]

Hmmm...wasn't there a guy named PCChris or something here on macrumors that built cheap PCs for those who was going to buy a PC...

I'm probablity just imagining this.

Anyway, $600 for a 2.4 GHz probably means you didn't get a moniter, DVD burner, 256 MB DDR, etc. right? Sorta a barebones PC?

[Rower_CPU]

I've built numerous PCs and do tech support on them all day (as well as Macs) so let me know if you have any questions.

The main thing is just to do a lot of research online to see what you need/want and can afford.

[wdlove]

I'm with you on the Power Mac PPC 970! :)

[DakotaGuy]

I am not going to flame you for buying a PC. You might be a pro user which the PC has a lot more MHz right now and would do work faster for you, but I just surf, email, mp3's MS Office, Appleworks, iPhoto, hobby digital movies and for me the design of the Mac is just nicer for a fun computer with some light work. So congrats, but I have a question to ask?

Why do you post here so much? If you do not own a Mac and you own a new PC wouldn't you get a lot more out of the PC boards? I don't have a PC except for my old Win98 machine at my desk where I teach, and it is pretty simple to do what little I need with it, but I don't know anything about XP or the new machines so I would be clueless on their message boards.

Can you really give a valid opinion of a product if you do not own it?

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
Why do you post here so much? If you do not own a Mac and you own a new PC wouldn't you get a lot more out of the PC boards? I don't have a PC except for my old Win98 machine at my desk where I teach, and it is pretty simple to do what little I need with it, but I don't know anything about XP or the new machines so I would be clueless on their message boards.

Can you really give a valid opinion of a product if you do not own it?

Um, sorry to inform you but a lot of us are currently PC users. The point of this site is not only a mac enthusiest site, but also a rumor site. What better place to go to when you're about to do the switch than at a rumor site?

So yeah, I'm a PC user, edvinow owns a PC, etc. Don't assume.

[Bradcoe]

i own a pc along w/my ibook too.

[Over Achiever]

Since you're wondering, here's a recent thread surveying MacRumor posters if they own a PC...arn started another one I think but I can't find it right now...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?threadid=12794

[scem0]

Originally posted by Over Achiever
Hmmm...wasn't there a guy named PCChris or something here on macrumors that built cheap PCs for those who was going to buy a PC...

I'm probablity just imagining this.

Anyway, $600 for a 2.4 GHz probably means you didn't get a moniter, DVD burner, 256 MB DDR, etc. right? Sorta a barebones PC?

Well, no monitor or DVD burner but definitely non a barebones. It has 512 MB of DDR 333MHz PC2700 RAM (See 1st post) and everything I need other then a monitor.

Why do you post here so much?

I own a 450 MHz g4, and a 333 MHz iMac. THis is my 1st pc. I like macs more, but I got this PC because my dad needed a new computer, and so I am giving him the 333 MHz iMac, and he said I could have 600 bucks for a new computer. I choose to get a PC because I could get a much better one for $600. I still like macs more, I just can't afford one :(.

Just curious, why wasn't it fast enough? Do you work with audio, video... or do you play video games...
I play video games :D. I do a lot of non-video game stuff too though. I was just sick of Mac's slow GUI speed, and all around speed, and there was no way I was gunna buy a less then 500 MHz computer. I just want current hardware. Something that will last me till I can afford a mac (the pmac IBM 970)

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by Over Achiever


Um, sorry to inform you but a lot of us are currently PC users. The point of this site is not only a mac enthusiest site, but also a rumor site. What better place to go to when you're about to do the switch than at a rumor site?

So yeah, I'm a PC user, edvinow owns a PC, etc. Don't assume.

Well then you guys need to get on with it and get a Mac. The problem with reading rumors is you will NEVER buy one, cause the min they introduce something new, you know in a few months there will be something new again. I have been using this iMac for almost 3 years and I love it just as much as the day I bought it. When I get a new one, I will just select a good machine and buy it and run it for a few years. I hope you guys will make the switch soon.

[scem0]

For me, I don't 'not buy' computer because I know something bigger and better is going to be out. I buy whatever I can get for the best price at the time. For $600 the best computer I could get was a pc. That is why I bought it.

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by scem0
For me, I don't 'not buy' computer because I know something bigger and better is going to be out. I buy whatever I can get for the best price at the time. For $600 the best computer I could get was a pc. That is why I bought it.

Well in that case you will probably never buy a Mac again, because they will never be the best price at the time. I think you made a good purchase for the price, but if you are ever expecting a new $600 PowerMac or even an iMac, I don't think it will ever happen. Heck even the eMac, which I think is a great machine for the price is still around $1,000. The only way we will ever see $600 Macs is if we someday become bigger in the market then Microsoft and there are tons of little spin off companies building them and competing against each other...probably will never happen not to be negative.

[jefhatfield]

Originally posted by scem0
I had $600 for a computer. I could either get a 400 MHz g4, or a 2,400 MHz p4, I choose the p4. They both have their advantages. I sure do like the speed.

This computer will definitely satisfy me until IBM 970 powermacs come out. Now remember, this is not a mac vs pc thread.

(BTW - it is really fast on the internet. I like ;))

those are really amazing stats for jst six hundred dollars

it is sad how far behind the macs have become but either machine, mac or pc, is great for the price compared to just five years ago when you would have to spend more than three times as much (1,800 bucks) for a home machine just behind the ultimate speed curve which is now the AMD 2600+ or Pentium 4 2.8 ghz

dollar for dollar on the speed for dollar front, computer power user magazine gave the intel processor 3.5 stars and the AMD processor 4 stars

the AMD trails by a tiny bit but is two hundred dollars cheaper

so your intel based pentium 4 at 2.4 ghz in a complete and respectable system for six hundred dollars is totally unbeatable price wise

good job

[vniow]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy


Well then you guys need to get on with it and get a Mac. The problem with reading rumors is you will NEVER buy one, cause the min they introduce something new, you know in a few months there will be something new again. I have been using this iMac for almost 3 years and I love it just as much as the day I bought it. When I get a new one, I will just select a good machine and buy it and run it for a few years. I hope you guys will make the switch soon.


Easy for you to say, but not all of us have hordes of ca$h just laying around to buy a new computer.

My PC works fine for what I do, I have no reason to buy a Mac now.

Having one isn't a requirement to read MR, it's a priviledge.

I consider myself a Mac enthusiast rather than a Mac user.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/smiley.gif

[scem0]

I am going to get a mac when the IBM 970 comes out. THen I will be able to afford it. I am saving already. I plan to get the mid-line model. My parents are going to help me out, and supply about $500, and I already have $1,400. Just need to save up about $500 more. I am only 15, but I can earn $500 in a year, I think.

I hope... :rolleyes:

[Backtothemac]

Well,
I am seriously considering getting a PC. My Ti Book is going on display at the mall, and I finally sold the Flower Power iMac at home. So I can get an iMac 17" or a PC. Dollar for dollar, the PC seems a better value for us right now, because the MRS is having to get more involved with AutoCad. Thus, VPC is the only option. Sure, it is quick, but no, it isn't fast. Not by any stretch. The PowerMac's are fast, but not as fast as a PC running AutoCad.

I will still have a Mac, will always love the Mac, hell I sell them everyday, but I really think a PC will be better for us for a little while until the PPC 970 comes out.

I can get an HP at Sams with a 17" LCD / 512MB Ram / 120GB Drive / CDRW/DVD PIV 2.4 GHZ and 64MB Graphics Card for 1300.00

That is tough for Apple to beat value wise. They need to get their **** together quickly on price.

[DakotaGuy]

All these PC lovers on here keep saying they will buy a Mac when and if the PPC 970 comes out, Lemme say you are not going to get a PPC 970 for $600. You talk now, but you will never go for the PPC 970 because when it actually comes out it will probably be running in the 1.5 to 2 Ghz range and the el cheapo P4 PC's will probably be 3.5 Ghz by then. Don't say what you are never going to do. My Macs are both G3's and not the fastest thing under the planet, but I still like them. Sure your new $600 PIV is probably a lot better computer then my iBook and iMac hooked together, but I do like running OSX and enjoy the i programs more then I need the raw power. Of course, people now say that Windows XP is actually way ahead of OSX when it comes to being user friendly and stable, so who knows.

And I more then anyone know that Megahertz myth is stupid, if it has more MHz it is going to be faster heck even Celerons are cleaning house on the PowerPC when it comes to that anymore, but I bought what I did for the overall experience. Most people have long thrown a computer away in 3 years, but my iMac is still going strong.

If there is anything at all I can say about the long term performance of a Mac I can say this, I have seen Windows XP installed on a 400Mhz PII and I have seen OSX Jag installed on a 400MHz G3 and I can tell you honestly the Mac runs well and is quite usable, the old PC is TERRIBLE...it hardly can chug with XP on it.

[DakotaGuy]

Originally posted by Backtothemac
Well,
I am seriously considering getting a PC. My Ti Book is going on display at the mall, and I finally sold the Flower Power iMac at home. So I can get an iMac 17" or a PC. Dollar for dollar, the PC seems a better value for us right now, because the MRS is having to get more involved with AutoCad. Thus, VPC is the only option. Sure, it is quick, but no, it isn't fast. Not by any stretch. The PowerMac's are fast, but not as fast as a PC running AutoCad.

I will still have a Mac, will always love the Mac, hell I sell them everyday, but I really think a PC will be better for us for a little while until the PPC 970 comes out.

I can get an HP at Sams with a 17" LCD / 512MB Ram / 120GB Drive / CDRW/DVD PIV 2.4 GHZ and 64MB Graphics Card for 1300.00

That is tough for Apple to beat value wise. They need to get their **** together quickly on price.

If you can live with a flat 17" CRT you will find the eMac 800 SuperDrive is a pretty good deal.

[spinner]

I am just curious as to haw mush you actually spent on the PC. I went over to Dell's web site and I couldn't configure anything with a P4 and 512MB DDR 333 for anywhere close to $600. I work for Gateway and with my employee discount I can't get a system with those specs for that price. Care to elaborate.

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
All these PC lovers on here keep saying they will buy a Mac when and if the PPC 970 comes out, Lemme say you are not going to get a PPC 970 for $600.

Great, now since I'm using a PC, I'm automatically a PC lover?:mad:

No crap the PPC970 will ever be $600. In fact, I don't even remember a mac that was $600. (not recently)

I said I [B]might[B] wait until the PPC 970 comes out and settle with a laptop first. Lets put it this way...when the PPC970 comes out, it'll be a 64-bit, no? Thats not what a P-IV is now, or will ever be. Apple will have the edge then. I'm shelling out three grand for a laptop, and believe me, the powerbook is definately worth it. But I don't want to rush out and buy an apple computer now because I've been wanting to use mac X or use the computer. I want to at least wait until an update, see what might come, then make a educated decision. Hence I lurk around a rumor site;)

So...I love macs...but I think since they're so expensive I need to make a good decision. Besides, like scem0 said, he doesn't have the money now, so until he does he'll get a powermac.

[scem0]

I got my PC on eBay. Yeah, I did get a good deal, I searched forever!

AbercrombieBoy - I know that I won't find a mac for $600, and I wasn't expecting to. That doesn't mean I will go for the PC when the 970 comes out. I am saving already to buy it, I just needed to get a new computer and I only had $600. If I had $1,600 then I would have gotten the low end powermac.

If you can live with a flat 17" CRT you will find the eMac 800 SuperDrive is a pretty good deal.

Not after looking at comparible PC prices.

I can get an HP at Sams with a 17" LCD / 512MB Ram / 120GB Drive / CDRW/DVD PIV 2.4 GHZ and 64MB Graphics Card for 1300.00

If you get a PC then get it on eBay. There are hundreds you can get, and they are a lot cheaper.

[bertinman]

no offence... but I don't believe.
Could you post a link? Thankx.

- bert :cool:

[scem0]

Rapidly searching........... Can't seem to find.... wait........ I can't find it, but I won it from a dude whose user name is mijongc or something like that. I would look some more, but I think it was taken off the eBay servers. I bought it a while ago. I don't know how long it takes for eBay to take things off it's servers, but I can't find it. Sorry :( .

[scem0]

There are a couple computers that have similar stats to mine, such as this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2065387638

That was after looking for about a minute and a half. I looked for a week to find my deal. You can find a great deal if you shop enough :D.

[vniow]

Hmmmmm.......interesting case design.

Ugly but easy to upgrade I suppose.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/smiley.gif

[wdlove]

Originally posted by scem0
I am going to get a mac when the IBM 970 comes out. THen I will be able to afford it. I am saving already. I plan to get the mid-line model. My parents are going to help me out, and supply about $500, and I already have $1,400. Just need to save up about $500 more. I am only 15, but I can earn $500 in a year, I think.

I hope... :rolleyes:

I agree with the wait, have 9 months left on my Applecare. So I can comfortably wait! :)

[scem0]

Originally posted by edvniow
Hmmmmm.......interesting case design.

Ugly but easy to upgrade I suppose.http://img.ranchoweb.com/images/veronica/smiley.gif

I think the case is alright. I like how the USB2 ports are under the cover, on the front of the case, as well as on the back.

6 in total :D.

[Shrek]

Well, scem0, so finally got your computer. Now see, all that took was a little patience and it wasn't so bad, eh? Too bad it's a PC, but that's ok. I'd say Macs are still gonna be a little too expensive for ya no matter what; I mean with your income and all. But have fun with your PC! :p

[DakotaGuy]

Scem0...dude I think you are cool, you can buy whatever you want, I just HATE loosing people to the PC world, not like them bastards need anymore customers.

The computer that you found on eBay is a decent machine, that is, it has a very fast processor and a good video card, but you have to look at what it is missing. It has only a 20GB HD the eMac 800 has a 60GB. It offers only a CD-ROM drive, no CD-R and no DVD-R, it does not have a monitor. That is okay if you already own one, but if you don't you have to cough up more cash. There are no speakers included, but you do get a floppy drive, which might be kinda cool if you are into retro stuff.

I have not priced a 60GB HD, a DVD-R, a 17" CRT, and speakers for this computer. I think if you did it would run at or over the eMac's price. Of course you do get a faster processor and a better video card, but you also miss out on thing like iMovie, iTunes, and iPhoto, I use all of those programs a lot.

I guess in the end it comes down to what you do with the computer. If you like playing games, I would imagine the Dell would have an edge with the better video card. If you enjoy digital photography, movies, and music, I think the eMac with the larger hard drive and i programs and iPod might suit you better...

What is USB2? All my iMac and iBooks have are Firewire and USB? Is it better then Firewire for transfuring music and movies to and from the computer?

[Over Achiever]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
What is USB2? All my iMac and iBooks have are Firewire and USB? Is it better then Firewire for transfuring music and movies to and from the computer?

:confused:

I may have misread it, so were you being sarcastic or do you really not know what USB2 is? Its pretty much the lame attempt to equal firewire speeds...in fact thats about the only thing good about it. I don't think apple has USB2 yet....it'd be a nice edition. For example, that Sony combo drive I talked about in the Current Events forum is nice, but only has USB2, not firewire (what sony calls iLink :rolleyes). Truth is Apple doesn't need USB2, but it'd be nice to have :)

[Rajj]

Got P.C.?
LOL ;) :p :D

Have fun!!;)

[bertinman]

ok, I shoulda looked myself. (too lazy today)

I personally hate dell case design, I install 3-7 every week.

I don't think they ship your case design anymore... they keep changing. The newest ones are very bad--to say the least. I got a server from them and when I opened it up (much like your case, just bigger) to see the dual Itaniums, they fell out. :eek: The guy who bought it was not pleased. Anyway, I also cut myself on a random plastic mold near the hard drive mounts...

All in all, a dell is a PC, and a PC isn't all bad because it allows you to do what you need to do... on my recent off hours == UT2003 ;).

- bert :cool:

ps. if you are wondering how they fell out, there is a big green air duct which kept them pretty much in place, but when the door opened the duct fell out of place and therefor let gravity do it's favorite work :p .

[Rajj]

Originally posted by bertinman

ps. if you are wondering how they fell out, there is a big green air duct which kept them pretty much in place, but when the door opened the duct fell out of place and therefor let gravity do it's favorite work :p .

The heatsinks fell out also? WTF??:eek: :confused:

[Rower_CPU]

Originally posted by xrhajj
The heatsinks fell out also? WTF??:eek: :confused:

No, sounds like just the cheap plastic hood that Dell uses to direct air out of the back of the machine.

[Chryx]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
All these PC lovers on here keep saying they will buy a Mac when and if the PPC 970 comes out, Lemme say you are not going to get a PPC 970 for $600.

You're missing the point, which is outlay verses performance, a 970 based PowerMac will NOT be cheap, but it won't be slow either, the current Powermacs aren't cheap and ARE slow.

I for one don't like paying more for less, when Apple are on _performance parity_ with the x86 world (nevermind price) then, and only then, will I switch (unless I give in to temptation and buy a Powerbook in the meantime.)

OSX and the general niceness of apple build quality does shift the balance a fair bit, for the for the price of a dual 867Mhz G4 rig, I could build a dual 1.8Ghz AthlonMP rig.. and there's no way even the 1.25Ghz dual G4 could compete with _that_ amount of raw power.

When the PowerMac is roughly on a par with the raw power of a high end Athlon rig, even if it costs more (30-40% more even), then I'll switch, not before.

[agreenster]

Originally posted by Abercrombieboy
I guess in the end it comes down to what you do with the computer. If you like playing games, I would imagine the Dell would have an edge with the better video card. If you enjoy digital photography, movies, and music, I think the eMac with the larger hard drive and i programs and iPod might suit you better.

I have a 550mHz TiBook and a 400mHz G4 Tower at home.

At WORK, I have a Dual 2.2 XEON w/512 MB of PC800 RDRam, 20gig HD, and a Quadro4 128MB video card. My employer got this machine for 1800 bucks. (w/monitor--NO DVD drive) But if you wanna talk about digital photography w/ Photoshop and digital movies w/ Premiere and 3D animation with Maya - this is your machine. Its rediculously fast in all areas. I have found NO Apple that can even come close to this things performance ESPECIALLY for the price tag.

I used to an avid Apple user, until I begrudgingly started using this computer at work. Since then, I cant help but admit that PC's are amazingly faster. Windows XP is okay -- I DO miss OSX. But for the price and speed, this cant be beat.

Im hoping Apple can regain ground with the 970IBM chip, because Ive used a 64 bit processor before, and they ARE niiiiice.

Anyway, I just wish everyone would quit saying Macs are better for multimedia. Yes, Apple software is superior (iPhoto, FCP, iTunes, OSX, etc) but if the hardware isnt there to back it up, you find yourself sitting and waiting and waiting and waiting.........

Point is, Apple is stable, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. Buts its slow and expensive.

[MrMacMan]

My 2cents...
Don't commit to the dark side(vader voice included)! lol.
Having a Pc is fine as long as you like mac's and the Pc doesn't convert you onto the dark side (vader voice included) !
Pc's are fine for the games and such just don't get sucked in ;)
Of coarse... for $600 you could of done alot better... just not with an apple.
:rolleyes: + :mad: = damn you apple.