It used to be here the Mac had a commanding lead in the graphics and design department. Not so much anymore, particularly if you have one of those 'gaming machines', since the resources/components that you would need for the graphics are all right there.
I think Wordwolf has given the soundest advice if its a 'need to do' case, as the machine you described should do very well for you for at least 2 more years. However, if you want to go ahead and upgrade, the prices/choices have never been better.
If you do, don't scrimp. Go ahead and spend that extra $$$ to keep your machine 'current' and powerful/effective enough to last you at least 4 years; ie., get more than enough HD space, memory, video card that does more than you need, built in ethernet connection even. Ask around from folks that you know and trust and get all the info to make a decision from.
That is very good news! All I'll need to do is get some better speakers and I will get the new monitor now! May as well make life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Thank you all very much! See how good your collective advice was 3 years ago???
WordWolf, I'm on my way -consider yourself PT'd! I appreciate the offer too!
But I am waiting a while to let motherboards with the newer PCI Express become more prevalent.
Settle for no less than a modern 128mb graphics card. It is doubtful you will need one with 256mb unless you are a DOOM 3 fan.
There are only 2 worth choosing from ATI or Nvidia. I prefer Nvidia because there is less trouble with their drivers and their multi - monitor capabilities blows away ATI. See this picture.
Settle for no less than a Soundblaster Audigy 2 or 2zs card, and a GB of ram if you get a new computer. Prices are cheap these days.
And don't make your speakers a weak link. In your confined space you may only need a 2.1 system. The best 2.1 system today is made by Klipsch, available at Best Buy.
Speaking of monitors, don't be fooled by the flat ones. They are cool indeed. But the fact is you can get better quality for less price in a high end CRT monitor. The flat ones are getting better and cheaper, however. A lot of it depends on your environment and space. As a dual monitor user I like the flat ones for another reason. The bezel is smaller, creating less of a gap where the monitors meet. Problem is, the two I want cost $1,000 each!
Oh, and one other thing. Unless you really need it or downright WANT it, go with a corded mouse and keyboard, not cordless. Far less problems in general. Get the same brand of each. I prefer Microsoft over Logitech, the only two brands worth choosing from.
I vote Mac...we had a PC for 13 years and I grew up with a programmer for a Dad....Last year we got a Mac..OS10 Panther---love it...would never go back....plus they haave not made a virus that can get a Mac yet!
and I also love our cordless mouse ...with both righty and lefty in the house it is NICE.
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WordWolf
Ironically,
pc gamers seem to be the home-users that want
the most "cutting-edge" computers, since they
want the most perfect audiovisual quality added
to the fastest microprocessors and most memory.
Personally, your pc looks fine for the things
I would use it for. I can't offer insight on
the things you're asking.
However,
pm me if you want to discuss cleaning up the
pc you've got and making it less likely to
roll over and die.
Even if it changes none of your plans, it would
be worth the time investment to make sure the
current machine works.
For everything else, the techies here will need
to speak.
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Steve!
Macs are made for graphics and design work. You may not want to switch, though - once you're used to PC, switching to Mac is not 100% intuitive.
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GarthP2000
It used to be here the Mac had a commanding lead in the graphics and design department. Not so much anymore, particularly if you have one of those 'gaming machines', since the resources/components that you would need for the graphics are all right there.
I think Wordwolf has given the soundest advice if its a 'need to do' case, as the machine you described should do very well for you for at least 2 more years. However, if you want to go ahead and upgrade, the prices/choices have never been better.
If you do, don't scrimp. Go ahead and spend that extra $$$ to keep your machine 'current' and powerful/effective enough to last you at least 4 years; ie., get more than enough HD space, memory, video card that does more than you need, built in ethernet connection even. Ask around from folks that you know and trust and get all the info to make a decision from.
Happy Hunting!
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krys
That is very good news! All I'll need to do is get some better speakers and I will get the new monitor now! May as well make life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Thank you all very much! See how good your collective advice was 3 years ago???
WordWolf, I'm on my way -consider yourself PT'd! I appreciate the offer too!
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igotout
Krysilis -
Go for a new machine if you have some extra cash. Here is one I am looking at.
viviouspc.com
But I am waiting a while to let motherboards with the newer PCI Express become more prevalent.
Settle for no less than a modern 128mb graphics card. It is doubtful you will need one with 256mb unless you are a DOOM 3 fan.
There are only 2 worth choosing from ATI or Nvidia. I prefer Nvidia because there is less trouble with their drivers and their multi - monitor capabilities blows away ATI. See this picture.
Dual or triple monitors
Settle for no less than a Soundblaster Audigy 2 or 2zs card, and a GB of ram if you get a new computer. Prices are cheap these days.
And don't make your speakers a weak link. In your confined space you may only need a 2.1 system. The best 2.1 system today is made by Klipsch, available at Best Buy.
Speaking of monitors, don't be fooled by the flat ones. They are cool indeed. But the fact is you can get better quality for less price in a high end CRT monitor. The flat ones are getting better and cheaper, however. A lot of it depends on your environment and space. As a dual monitor user I like the flat ones for another reason. The bezel is smaller, creating less of a gap where the monitors meet. Problem is, the two I want cost $1,000 each!
Oh, and one other thing. Unless you really need it or downright WANT it, go with a corded mouse and keyboard, not cordless. Far less problems in general. Get the same brand of each. I prefer Microsoft over Logitech, the only two brands worth choosing from.
Have fun.
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WordWolf
You probably already knew to go with an
"optical" mouse rather than the one that has
the ball under it....
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krys
Yes, I've had one for quite some time. It is quite superior.
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DaddyHoundog
I vote Mac...we had a PC for 13 years and I grew up with a programmer for a Dad....Last year we got a Mac..OS10 Panther---love it...would never go back....plus they haave not made a virus that can get a Mac yet!
and I also love our cordless mouse ...with both righty and lefty in the house it is NICE.
also check:
www.cnet.com
for reviews
washingtonweather
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