Help poor college student build cheap PC?

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Dave said:
No seriously. For TV use, Get Altec Lansing brand computer speakers. No
other brand. You can get cheap speakers for a computer, but if it's gonna
be the TV also, go for Altec Lansing, as they will sound better when you
turn them UP. Surround sound is up to you (optional), but stay with Altec
Lansing. -Dave
Click to expand...

Do you mean altec laninsg speakers designed for TV's
..... or one designed for PC's?

Or are they the one in same?
 
I may be moving soon to a place next to a friend who
does have wifi and share the cost with him
Click to expand...

Well unless the friend has a router more than about 300' away from your
computer, you shouldn't need anything but a regular access point. No
external antenna needed. -Dave
 
Do you mean altec laninsg speakers designed for TV's
.... or one designed for PC's?

Or are they the one in same?
Click to expand...

I don't know if Altec Lansing makes home theater speakers. But they make
awesome computer speakers. Actually, a speaker is a speaker is a speaker.
Difference between them is input (power handling capacity) and connectors.
Some have amplifiers built in, also (powered).

I used to watch TV on the Dell workstation at work, using Altec Lansing
computer speakers. Home theater speakers are usually higher quality than
computer speakers, but Altec Lansing is a good middle ground . . . perfectly
acceptable for home entertainment use. That is, if you have to move back
away from the computer monitor (like to watch TV on the computer monitor),
you can turn the volume up and Altec Lansing computer speakers will still
sound good from a distance, at higher volume levels. -Dave
 
Dave said:
With the system I posted earlier, you are somewhere over $600, before
shipping, depending on which monitor you choose. I believe if you build
this, you will love it. -Dave
Click to expand...

Wow Dave... thanks so much for the "specific"
suggestions on hardware and such!!

After some thought this weekend, I do agree that using
a desktop PC as a "TV" will be most cost effective for
me as well. This way I can use it as a TV as well as
general Internet computer for homework.

I was originally thinking abt buying a cheap laptop and
just getting a SDTV such as cheap RCA 20" TV in link
below.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5633689

But...... really that's going to wind up costing me
more and give me less utility I think. Plus as much
as I want to like laptops.... I just never been a big
fan of them when suing them as an "only" computer.
Agree?
 
Wow Dave... thanks so much for the "specific"
suggestions on hardware and such!!

After some thought this weekend, I do agree that using
a desktop PC as a "TV" will be most cost effective for
me as well. This way I can use it as a TV as well as
general Internet computer for homework.

I was originally thinking abt buying a cheap laptop and
just getting a SDTV such as cheap RCA 20" TV in link
below.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5633689

But...... really that's going to wind up costing me
more and give me less utility I think. Plus as much
as I want to like laptops.... I just never been a big
fan of them when suing them as an "only" computer.
Agree?
Click to expand...

Laptop should be a last resort and purchased ONLY if your primary use for it
requires portability. Even then, it's probably better to buy/build a
desktop and find a cheap used laptop. :) -Dave
 
Dave said:
Laptop should be a last resort and purchased ONLY if your primary use for it
requires portability. Even then, it's probably better to buy/build a
desktop and find a cheap used laptop. :) -Dave
Click to expand...

My gut feeling is to agree with you

But indulge me and tell me why YOU feel this way as
well?
 
My gut feeling is to agree with you

But indulge me and tell me why YOU feel this way as
well?
Click to expand...

Several reasons, the main ones being:

1- less reliable
2- no way to upgrade it
3- no way to repair it (cheaper to replace it, usually)
4- WHEN it is obsolete (every year or so), you need to replace it (the
whole thing)

Basically it boils down to money. A laptop is a huge waste of money. -Dave
 
Dave said:
Several reasons, the main ones being:

1- less reliable
2- no way to upgrade it
3- no way to repair it (cheaper to replace it, usually)
4- WHEN it is obsolete (every year or so), you need to replace it (the
whole thing)

Basically it boils down to money. A laptop is a huge waste of
oney. -Dave
Click to expand...

I'd have a different list:

1) Much higher cost for performance
2) LESS ways to upgrade it -- memory, hard disk are easy to upgrade;
processor, MB, video card, monitor - forget it.
3) LESS user repairable items: memory, hard disk again are easy; keyboard
and display are proprietary but repairable (cheaper via Ebay)
4) Batteries wear out; need to be replaced periodically.
5) For the reasons above you're more likely to replace than upgrade when it
becomes long in the tooth : )

I don't find them less reliable.

But I wholeheartedly agree a laptop should be your secondary computer unless
your work requires it or you travel a lot.

Cheers
 
Dave said:
Several reasons, the main ones being:

1- less reliable
2- no way to upgrade it
3- no way to repair it (cheaper to replace it, usually)
4- WHEN it is obsolete (every year or so), you need to replace it (the
whole thing)

Basically it boils down to money. A laptop is a huge waste of money. -Dave
Click to expand...

Ok thanks


Do you own a laptop along with your desktop tho?

And what do you think abt say a good desktop with a
cheap PPC or even Asus eepc for those times you DO need
some kind of portable device?
 
DonC said:
But I wholeheartedly agree a laptop should be your secondary computer unless
your work requires it or you travel a lot.
Click to expand...

If going for a desktop..... do you advise NOT getting a
slim line computer or small form factor computer such
as this one in link?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VTWRXI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

In other words.... since this is a small desktop
computer wont it be hard to work on if needed?
especially if being used as a media device for a HDTV?
 
If going for a desktop..... do you advise NOT getting a
slim line computer or small form factor computer such
as this one in link?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VTWRXI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

In other words.... since this is a small desktop
computer wont it be hard to work on if needed?
especially if being used as a media device for a HDTV?
Click to expand...

It's not the size that counts (in this case :) --pun intended. The issue
isn't so much the size -- it's the proprietary parts and assembly. I can't
tell how the inside of this case is arranged but it looks like a regular
motherboard and that drives, cards, etc. would fit.
 
Do you own a laptop along with your desktop tho?
Click to expand...

Yes, in fact a laptop is the only computer I actually own. I do most of my
computer stuff on my wife's desktop. :)

And what do you think abt say a good desktop with a
cheap PPC or even Asus eepc for those times you DO need
some kind of portable device?
Click to expand...

Good plan. My laptop is an older model, PIII, rarely used, runs
inux. -Dave
 
It's not the size that counts (in this case :) --pun intended. The issue
isn't so much the size -- it's the proprietary parts and assembly. I can't
tell how the inside of this case is arranged but it looks like a regular
motherboard and that drives, cards, etc. would fit.
Click to expand...

Agreed. But also, WATCH THE POWER SUPPLY. I'd advise against purchasing
any pre-built system that is not capable of mounting (without modification)
a standard full-size ATX power supply.

The problem with some of these smaller systems is (as someone else said)
proprietary parts. But as some of them cost not much more than the cost of
a good power supply and mainboard to begin with, this isn't a huge problem.
That is, until the power supply dies. I helped a friend rebuild a SFF
system when the power supply croaked. He was lucky, because his particular
computer had a micro-ATX mainboard that was still good. And all other
components were fine, just the power supply was dead. So a cheap case and
new power supply was all that was needed to get his system running again.
The SFF power supply was non-standard, so to replace it (the SFF power
supply) would have cost more than the whole system was worth (about twice as
much, in fact). That's why we got a new case and power supply to do the
rebuild. Cheaper that way. Much. -Dave
 
DonC said:
It's not the size that counts (in this case :) --pun intended. The issue
isn't so much the size -- it's the proprietary parts and assembly. I can't
tell how the inside of this case is arranged but it looks like a regular
motherboard and that drives, cards, etc. would fit.
Click to expand...

I know its not the size that counts.... but I am asking
if you (and others) prefer bigger desktop cases over
this one and why?
 
Dave said:
The SFF power supply was non-standard, so to replace it (the SFF power
supply) would have cost more than the whole system was worth (about twice as
much, in fact). That's why we got a new case and power supply to do the
rebuild. Cheaper that way. Much. -Dave
Click to expand...

OK

What abt this system I found on slickdeals.net.net form
dell right now? Is it a decent system as far as
motherboard and power supply? Or a bit too weak and
proprietary given its a quad core?

Again... I'm unemployed full time college student with
limited funds but in need of a computer ( have none)
and TV 9also none)

============================





Dell EPP has Inspiron 530 desktop with Intel Core 2
Quad Q6600 processor and 3-year on-site warranty for
$458 - 4% discount = $440 or $422 if paid with DPA.
Thanks ShadowGuard

Click here
Select the following options:
Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8MB L2
cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB) [add $90]
Add to cart and check out, your total will be $440
If using your Dell Preferred Account to pay, your total
will be $422
Specs:

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8MB L2
cache,2.4GHz,1066FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic - English
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs
250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse
56K PCI Data Fax Modem
Trend Micro Internet Security 36-months
3Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Good Upgrades to consider:

4 Years of Warranty + $50 in Dell Dollars [Add $30]
 
I know its not the size that counts.... but I am asking
if you (and others) prefer bigger desktop cases over
this one and why?
Click to expand...

Personally, I always put much more thought and research into buying a case
than one would normally think. Reason? I expect my case to host at least
two and likely three different systems before I get rid of it. So I like
lots of drive bays, lots of slots, and plenty of room so nothing is crowded.
I like removable drive bay sections preferably with front entry access,
etc., etc. Unless you have space limitations or need portability, what's
the advantage of small cases?
 
OK

What abt this system I found on slickdeals.net.net form
dell right now? Is it a decent system as far as
motherboard and power supply?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, there is no way to tell without looking. Dell does have a
nasty habit of using off-sized power supplies and motherboards, though.

I think that you should forget about the dell system though. It looks like
it's not a bad deal, as far as a dell system goes. But any deal is only
going to be good if it meets your needs. The dell system you referenced,
wouldn't work well as a "TV" right out of the box. To upgrade it through
dell would be wicked expensive. Is it possible to buy parts elsewhere and
upgrade it? Probably, but you wouldn't know FOR SURE until after it was
sitting in your dorm, and that's too late to realize that you need to
replace a proprietary power supply to power the video card you need (for
example). -Dave
 
My budget is tight... very tight..... as I'm a full
time college student.
Click to expand...
You may be able to get a cheap case and PSU. Walk around the campus
and look for departments that are throwing out old computers. You may
not find anything else worth taking from their scrap but you are
likely to find a good enough case and PSU.
Thad
 
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