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Time to get a new computer

post #1 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:20am
Thread Starter 
I've been working on a 10 GB Gateway since about 2000. In 2003, my computer got fried by a rather nasty icestorm that struck Lexington, KY.

I had the motherboard swapped out, and lost two of my USB ports in order to save the computer itself. But, now the evil machine has decided to run incredibly slow and die on me. Rather than fix the ingrateful shit again, I've decided to use my tax refund to replace the fucker.

Here is where I need the help of the fellow Chewers. I know shit about computer. I don't want to build one; I just want one that allow me to edit video and do my day to day routine.

What I'm Looking for

At least an 80 GB harddrive
CD-R/DVD-R drive
Good video editing program (willing to compromise)
Plenty of USB Ports/Other outlets
Trying to stay under $800


If you all have any advice, suggestions or helpful comments...I'd love to hear from you. Also, what kind of computers do you all use?

Thanks again...

I've been look at eMachines and Compaq Presarios. Rath told me that Presarios suck and are very noisy.
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post #2 of 32
2/10/05 at 11:46am
Assuming you have a monitor, keyboard & mouse, you can get a Mac mini between $499 - $599.

> At least an 80 GB harddrive -- check
> CD-R/DVD-R drive -- check
> Good video editing program (willing to compromise) -- check, the best there is
> Plenty of USB Ports/Other outlets -- check, 2 usb & 1 FireWire
> Trying to stay under $800 -- check, between $499 - $599.

It comes with iLife (iMovie HD, iDvd, iPhoto, GarageBand, etc) which lets you edit your DV or HD movies, and make a dvd through an easy. Also, you don't have to worry about getting virii, adware & malware. Surf the net with impunity.

Read about it here:

http://www.apple.com/macmini/

http://www.apple.com/ilife/

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post #3 of 32
2/10/05 at 12:37pm
Anderson:

I think you can build a very strong system for 800 easy. You don't even need a mac to make your editing system. I built a strong PC system for under 500 dollars. I use a "donated" copy of Vegas 5.0.

I would start at http://www.pricewatch.com

They tend to help you find the best prices on the components. Just make sure you do a quick bit of research on the store you order from, sometimes those guys try to upsell pretty hard.

I got a 160 gb maxtor harddrive for 70 dollars at comp usa just recently. Im not sure if they have that promotion right now, but check comp usa. The best time to buy from them is when they have a crazy sale. Other than that its best to buy online.

Anyways start with your motherboard. You will want to carefully purchase this. A crappy motherboard can cause you a lot of trouble. Get something that will handle the system components and range that you need.

After that the components kinda fall into place. I suggest AMD processors. Stay away from intel-celeron. Its cheaper in the bad way. AMD gives you more clock for each dollar. But if you have a nice budget and want to splurge on a Pentium there is nothing wrong with that.

As far as the editing program. Ask around about that. I wouldn't spend a ton of money on software that should be cheaper. Usually there are ways to get around high prices. Whether it be a friends copy with a keygenerator, or student discounted software. I purchased my screenwriting software for $70 less than normal price with a student discount. If I remember correctly the editing software has the same offer.

If anything else pops up feel free to PM me. I am very passionate about helping someone build the next great PC editing system.

PS. For the money, get a drive that can burn a dvd as well probably more useful in the long run.
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post #4 of 32
2/10/05 at 12:41pm
check out www.newegg.com. Be sure to keep an eye on the daily deals.
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post #5 of 32
2/10/05 at 2:37pm
Thread Starter 
Cool. Thanks again, people.

I'm seriously contemplating the Mini Mac, but with both models...it's an extra 50-100 dollars to have a DVD burner.

So, I'm thinking of getting the $499 Mini Mac with the Superdrive added on. That and I figured ILife should do the job for now. Until, I can find a copy of Final Cut.
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post #6 of 32
2/10/05 at 2:39pm
Thread Starter 
I'm a little intimidated by the whole computer building process. The last time I got into a similar situation was when I had to salvage the computer that I use now.
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post #7 of 32
2/10/05 at 2:44pm
You would save so much more money doing it yourself than getting the mini-mac. Think about it that thing is pushing near 600 with what you want and you will only have an 80gig HD. I don't know how much space your projects take but I have a short film sitting on my comp that takes up 30 and I'm about to throw on some more stuff.....Just a thought.
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post #8 of 32
2/10/05 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
My whole issue with building it myself is that if the computer fucks up...where should I take it in order to get it fixed?

Or, when it fucks up...do I get my losses and build a new one?
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post #9 of 32
2/10/05 at 2:49pm
Individual parts often times come with warranties and support of their own. For instance my Maxtor HD has a support number and warranty and all of that stuff. A lot of the people I work with use Apple for film purposes, they seem to constantly need them serviced and its a pain in ass to take it to the Apple Location or have a tech come out. This is not to say I haven't had problems with my comp, who hasn't, but in working through it I've managed to keep a stable system.

If you are really going to get the mini max the processor and use the extra money you have left to get external storage like a Lacie drive.
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post #10 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
So, I should get the $599 Mini Mac. Buy an external harddrive and a USB Port hub.

Someone told me that I should some sort of USB Port Hub/Adaptor thing that can split one USB port into seven on the Mini Mac.

I'm not sure about that. How much does an external harddrive run, and how does it run in connection with the computer?
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post #11 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:31pm
I'm so very jealous of anyone with more HD space then me..............

7 Gigs...........yeah that's right.

Buying a new PC or laptop when I start work, one with 80-100 Gigs.......
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post #12 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anderson
Cool. Thanks again, people.

I'm seriously contemplating the Mini Mac, but with both models...it's an extra 50-100 dollars to have a DVD burner.

So, I'm thinking of getting the $499 Mini Mac with the Superdrive added on. That and I figured ILife should do the job for now. Until, I can find a copy of Final Cut.
I'll hook you up with a copy of Final Cut Express (i have a license somewhere).
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post #13 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:42pm
Just for the record, I've had my mac since August, & I haven't had a single problem. I'm a believer.
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post #14 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kingcujoI
You would save so much more money doing it yourself than getting the mini-mac. Think about it that thing is pushing near 600 with what you want and you will only have an 80gig HD. I don't know how much space your projects take but I have a short film sitting on my comp that takes up 30 and I'm about to throw on some more stuff.....Just a thought.
Well, for starters, lowend PCs don't come with FireWire, only usb 2 (which is too slow).

Second, when editing in iMovie (included with the Mini Mac) or FC, there is realtime rendering.

I have a 17" PowerBook with an 80gb hardrive, and when editing and importing video, I can store about 48 hours of video using OfflineRT.

http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/offlinert.html
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post #15 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:47pm
Thread Starter 
Kickass.

Thanks, Nelson.


Also, one last bit. Which Mini Mac should I get and with what configurations?
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post #16 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anderson
So, I should get the $599 Mini Mac. Buy an external harddrive and a USB Port hub.

Someone told me that I should some sort of USB Port Hub/Adaptor thing that can split one USB port into seven on the Mini Mac.

I'm not sure about that. How much does an external harddrive run, and how does it run in connection with the computer?
You can get an external 100GB and enclosure for less than $95 at newegg (just make sure uit has firewire ports).

And yes, a usb port is needed when you have lots of external stuff. A USB hub can be bought for $30.

And Apple customer care/customer service is the best there is, hands down. Your stuff gets screwed...well, read the story.

They're off to see the Wizards

http://www.marinij.com/Stories/0,141...697214,00.html
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post #17 of 32
2/10/05 at 3:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anderson
Kickass.

Thanks, Nelson.


Also, one last bit. Which Mini Mac should I get and with what configurations?
The 1.25Ghz (which is really running at 2.5Ghz) 40GB model. jUst upgrade to a 80Gb hard drive and Superdrive.
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post #18 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelson
Well, for starters, lowend PCs don't come with FireWire, only usb 2 (which is too slow).


http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/offlinert.html
A firewire card costs under $15 dollars. While the mini mac is a nice looking little system I can hardly see hemming myself into that configuration for something I can get myself for $13.

Ah well another bites the APPLE (tm).
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post #19 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 
Well, how would you go about it? If you had to pick a system that could deliver all that I need (as previously mentioned) in what direction would you point me?
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post #20 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:21pm
If I had a to pick a PRE-MADE system I wouldn't . There is always crap there that you don't want or need to take up space and money that could have been used for clock or memory. But with that being said...I will humbly say that if you have to go the pre-made route, for what you need and the money, I would go with the mini-mac. Just make sure you get your extra storage. Nelson mentioned Newegg. THey are a relatively safe company to deal with.

I was not aware that the 1.25ghz was actually running like a 2.5. If so thats rather nice on their parts.
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post #21 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anderson
Well, how would you go about it? If you had to pick a system that could deliver all that I need (as previously mentioned) in what direction would you point me?
http://www.systemshootouts.org/shoot...22_dt0500.html


http://www.systemshootouts.org/shoot...1_sff0600.html
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post #22 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:33pm
Btw, get a free printer, mouse and keyboard.

http://www.macmall.com/macmall/families/macmini/
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post #23 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:35pm
Dell is the devil, this that link does prove. I have not seen that shuttle system before.
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post #24 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:36pm
The Mac-mini isn't that hard to get open, all you need is a thin, flexible putty knife. I've had one (1.25Ghz, 40 gig, 512 megs of ram) for about three weeks and it's a great little machine.
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post #25 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:39pm
http://www.smashsworld.com/uploads/macminidl.php
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post #26 of 32
2/10/05 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darth_Chocula
I'm so very jealous of anyone with more HD space then me..............

7 Gigs...........yeah that's right.

Buying a new PC or laptop when I start work, one with 80-100 Gigs.......
Sucks to be you. I have two 120gig SATA drives stripe raided. Yes, that's 240 gigs of high speed data access.
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post #27 of 32
2/10/05 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 
So would I be safe in assuming that the Mac Mini has won the popular vote?
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post #28 of 32
2/10/05 at 6:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anderson
So would I be safe in assuming that the Mac Mini has won the popular vote?
From people who've used Macs...yes.

Warning: When you go Mac, you never go....
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post #29 of 32
2/10/05 at 7:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by billylove
Sucks to be you. I have two 120gig SATA drives stripe raided. Yes, that's 240 gigs of high speed data access.
Sucks to be you if one fails though.
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post #30 of 32
2/10/05 at 8:01pm
I agree. Get a Mac.
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post #31 of 32
2/10/05 at 8:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt. Eucalyptus
Sucks to be you if one fails though.
Nahh. Got daily backups.
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post #32 of 32
2/10/05 at 8:56pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks to everyone for the advice.

By this time in two weeks, I should have my Mini Mac.
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