Posted by Buck Ward on October 28, 2012 at 2:24 PM
My old PC is in hospice. I need to buy a new one for post-processing, but I haven't really researched computers since the last time a bought one so I'm way behind the times. If it weren't for budget constraints, the choices would be pretty easy. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to settle for something well below the ultimate machine. (under 900USD)
Windows 8 has just been released. A lot of vendors still offer PCs with Windows 7. I'd just as soon not do a later upgrade. The only thing new about Windows 8 that I know of is that it supports touch screen, which isn't something I'm looking for.
Any opinions on Windows 8? Also, any recommendations or advice about PC features or components would be welcome, too. I've thought about switching to Mac, but I think I will stay with PC.
Being a very satisfied customer of Puget Systems computers, I went to their site and did a quick check on their Spirit line. With an Intel i5 quad core 3.3 GHz,16GB of RAM, a single 500GB Western Digital HD, onboard sound and graphics, the price comes to $1164 including the $100 discount.
The machine comes with Win 7 Home Premium-SP1, but you can upgrade to Win 8 before the end of January for $15. Personally, I would not adopt a new OS version so early after it's initial release. It usually takes some time to fix any bugs. Windows 7 is very stable and is an excellent piece of software.
I know the price given above it outside your budget, but given the quality of Puget System's machines and the their top-drawer customer service, you'd be doing yourself a favor in the long run, I think.
Go to their site, create an account and then generate a quote. They will repond in short order and will answer any questions you have--and, they won't try to upsell or BS you in any way.
--P
Posted by John Mumaw on October 28, 2012 at 6:31 PM
"Personally, I would not adopt a new OS version so early after it's intial release. It usually takes some time to fix any bugs."
I completely agree. Windows 7 is more than adequate for everything you need to accomplish.
I saw your other post in the Digital Imaging forum regarding your backup set up. If you decide to contact Puget Systems, be sure to mention this to them so that they can give you best advice as to how to proceed.
I just went through the same process, and I opted to grab something with Windows 7 before they all disappeared. Got a Toshiba laptop with i5, 3.3ghz and8 gb ram (750gb drive) for under 800 at toshiba direct. Also had wireless display, so I can push a button and show jpegs on the tv without getting out of my chair;-)
Posted by Brad Mangas on October 29, 2012 at 8:16 PM
There's always many questions when purchasing a new computer and I usually refrain from getting to involved, but I do have some experience with the computer end of things. I managed a store that custom built PC's some years back so I'm more than familiar with all the techno stuff, options, necessities and the like. I have no desire to build my own machine these days and over the last 10 years or so have own 4 systems with the last and current system by far my favorite. I currently own a system from ibuypower and have been more than satisfied with it over the last year. As a matter of fact 24gb's of ram just showed up today that will be going in upgrading that from 12gb to 24gb.
The systems offer from ibuypower are catered to the gaming end user so they will offer all the necessities for that realm as well as being very well suited for graphical work with programs such as photoshop.
Here's one of their latest offerings.
Intel® Core™ i5-3570K Processor (4x 3.40GHz/6MB L3 Cache) (upgradable to an i7 for +$88)
8 GB [4 GB X2] DDR3-1600 Memory Module (upgradable to 16gb for +$15)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 - 1GB
1 TB HARD DRIVE -- 32M Cache, 7200 RPM, 6.0Gb/s
ASUS P8Z77-V LX Motherboard
24X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive
Windows 8 or Windows 7
Priced at $799 as configured (This is a system offered in their Halloween sale)
Keep in mind every system they offer is fully customizable with many options to chose from. The next system I purchase in a year or two will be another ibuypower no question.
System offerings to change regularly and right now they are toting a their Halloween deals so I will just provide a link to their homepage. ibuypower
Oh and one other thing I was going to mention and of course this is just my opinion, if I was going to get a new system today I would go ahead with Windows 8. I am a big fan of Windows 7 and think it is a good OS but no need fighting the changing future, the sooner the better.
Posted by Buck Ward on October 29, 2012 at 10:59 PM
Preston, John, Marylynne, and Brad. Thanks for the good advice. I've added some new sources to my research list. I can always count on my fellow NPNers
I've managed to resurrect my old rattletrap, so with a little luck and some TLC, I hope I've bought a few days. The configurations suggested are more or less what I had in mind. I'd also like to add a RAID system, Preston, but my budget probably puts the kibosh on that, so have an external RAID that still has some capacity that I can use.
With regard to Windows 8, I've read some reviews since my original post here so I'm not quite so in the dark. I share the views of Preston & John, and also Brad. I shy away from being a first adopter, but on the other hand, I'd like to have the latest and greatest without having to upgrade later. I've managed to skip the more infamous generations of Windows. I guess I'll just let that chip fall where it may.
Discussion
6 repliesWindows 8 has just been released. A lot of vendors still offer PCs with Windows 7. I'd just as soon not do a later upgrade. The only thing new about Windows 8 that I know of is that it supports touch screen, which isn't something I'm looking for.
Any opinions on Windows 8? Also, any recommendations or advice about PC features or components would be welcome, too. I've thought about switching to Mac, but I think I will stay with PC.
Being a very satisfied customer of Puget Systems computers, I went to their site and did a quick check on their Spirit line. With an Intel i5 quad core 3.3 GHz,16GB of RAM, a single 500GB Western Digital HD, onboard sound and graphics, the price comes to $1164 including the $100 discount.
The machine comes with Win 7 Home Premium-SP1, but you can upgrade to Win 8 before the end of January for $15. Personally, I would not adopt a new OS version so early after it's initial release. It usually takes some time to fix any bugs. Windows 7 is very stable and is an excellent piece of software.
I know the price given above it outside your budget, but given the quality of Puget System's machines and the their top-drawer customer service, you'd be doing yourself a favor in the long run, I think.
Go to their site, create an account and then generate a quote. They will repond in short order and will answer any questions you have--and, they won't try to upsell or BS you in any way.
--P
I saw your other post in the Digital Imaging forum regarding your backup set up. If you decide to contact Puget Systems, be sure to mention this to them so that they can give you best advice as to how to proceed.
--P
The systems offer from ibuypower are catered to the gaming end user so they will offer all the necessities for that realm as well as being very well suited for graphical work with programs such as photoshop.
Here's one of their latest offerings.
Intel® Core™ i5-3570K Processor (4x 3.40GHz/6MB L3 Cache) (upgradable to an i7 for +$88)
8 GB [4 GB X2] DDR3-1600 Memory Module (upgradable to 16gb for +$15)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 610 - 1GB
1 TB HARD DRIVE -- 32M Cache, 7200 RPM, 6.0Gb/s
ASUS P8Z77-V LX Motherboard
24X Dual Format/Double Layer DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive
Windows 8 or Windows 7
Priced at $799 as configured (This is a system offered in their Halloween sale)
Keep in mind every system they offer is fully customizable with many options to chose from. The next system I purchase in a year or two will be another ibuypower no question.
System offerings to change regularly and right now they are toting a their Halloween deals so I will just provide a link to their homepage. ibuypower
Oh and one other thing I was going to mention and of course this is just my opinion, if I was going to get a new system today I would go ahead with Windows 8. I am a big fan of Windows 7 and think it is a good OS but no need fighting the changing future, the sooner the better.
I've managed to resurrect my old rattletrap, so with a little luck and some TLC, I hope I've bought a few days. The configurations suggested are more or less what I had in mind. I'd also like to add a RAID system, Preston, but my budget probably puts the kibosh on that, so have an external RAID that still has some capacity that I can use.
With regard to Windows 8, I've read some reviews since my original post here so I'm not quite so in the dark. I share the views of Preston & John, and also Brad. I shy away from being a first adopter, but on the other hand, I'd like to have the latest and greatest without having to upgrade later. I've managed to skip the more infamous generations of Windows. I guess I'll just let that chip fall where it may.