So I think I need a new computer.

[Cassandra]

I have an IBM Aptiva with Windows 98, a 13 GB hard drive, 96 RAM (ugh!) and one of the earliest DVD drives available, bought in 1999 (I had to get something for the $6000 that my setup plus printer and flatbed scanner cost me!). You can see my myriad problems with this. The impetus to deal with this is mainly because Norton no longer supports Win 98 programs. I have been kindly directed by those here to free security programs and I may do that anyway but there are a whole host of things I can't manage with what I have and increasing numbers of upgrades of other programs are unavailable to me. I know I want at least 512 RAM (and I can't expand what I have past 128), updated DVD drives and a flatter screen for my desktop but what else do I want that I can get for around $1000? I would like to be able to design postcards for myself, watch video clips online, listen to Thom Hartmann online without my computer flipping out on me, as well as doing all the usual office things (which means, I guess, giving up on my Lotus Millennium Edition). I have only used about half my GB storage space, so any amount of upgrade there is probably fine unless you know I'm going to need a lot more.
I would like some recommendations of brands, processors, which edition of Windows XP I would need and what the difference is. Sorry to be so basic about this (and probably really vague) but I haven't dealt with this for a while and I've not been keeping up with what's available.

[Cassandra]

1. To be a little more specific...

I will probably be dealing with digital photos, but not making videos or gaming. I'm not much interested in downloading music files but may eventually want to deal with downloading podcasts. I am trying to look some of this up online but I still end up with questions.

[mainegreen]

2. Well, if your feeling adventurous, build your own,

I just built a Shuttle system that has 512 MB ram, AMD 64 bit processor, an 128MB Graphics card, 300GB hard drive and a dual layer -R+R DVD burner, that after rebates on all the parts cost me $550! :7

Your best bet price-wise is to buy systems, or parts like I did, from large on-line vendors. The kind that sell mostly to companies.

An example would be TigerDirect.com. Great fun!

Recommendations:
CPU: AMD Athelon 64, socket 939
Video Card: Nvidia (you choose the card, just go with Nvidia over ATI)
Memory: DDR2 (not DDR)
DVD Drive: Plextor
Hard Drive: Make sure its 7200 RPM, 16MB buffer. I like Western Digital.
Power Supply: 600 watts (you'll need it later ;) )

Just stay away from liquid cooling if you dont know what your doing!

*edited to add actual advice*

[Cassandra]

3. Although I installed and can program...

my VCR, I haven't a clue how to build a computer and I'm not feeling THAT adventurous. :scared:

[FormerDittoHead]

4. I recently bought a Dell w/19" LCD monitor for $629....

Look for such deals at http://www.dealnews.com

I also recentely bought a Gateway, and it's been nothing but a pain in the ass.

[Cassandra]

5. Thanks

I'll take a look at the site offerings. My friend has a Dell and likes it. Another friend likes emachines and I keep getting my head turned by the more expensive brands.

[unhappycamper]

6. Stick with the bottom feeders unless you have a serious need for speed.

You should be able to get a system with a 17" LCD, 512MB RAM, CD and a DVD/CD-R for around $600. (Make sure you get at least 512MB RAM & an 80GB hard drive.)

You might also want to consider refurbished systems to save a few bucks. I just bought my second system from tigerdirect.com for under $380 sans monitor.

[FormerDittoHead]

7. Follow up tip on RAM and other upgrades... (plus: link to Dell deal)

I should say before you order any 512 memory upgrades, Dell charges more for memory than just about any place else (Kingston.com, Crucial.com) or even at Costco/Sam's Club/etc.

Memory is literally a 'snap' to install, and it does provide you with the biggest upgrade performance bang for your buck. You'll get by with the standard 256, but I'd recommend going with 512 Megs.

So check out this Dell with a 19" LCD for only $579: (good until 1/4/06)
http://dealnews.com/deals/Dell-Dimension-5150-Pentium-4-3-GHz-Desktop-w-19-LCD-for-579-after-rebate/104752.html

and then go to crucial.com - look up the model number, they'll tell you exactly what memory you need and get another 256k (or more) for much less than what Dell would charge, and you're good to go!

PS: you don't NEED to buy from crucial.com, but they'll tell you exactly what memory you need for your model, and then you can shop around.

[Maestro]

8. Cassandra, please don't do Dell or any other big corporation

But for recommendations here you go:

Processor: AMD. I have a second computer that runs an AMD Sempron processor. It is a system that I put together myself except I did buy the motherboard and the processor as a combo with the processor already attached with a heatsink attached. I bought it from www.monarchcomputer.com. I would check out www.newegg.com for some great combo prices too. If you need more power, move up to the AMD dual core or Athlon 64 line. Try to find a combo with an ASUS motherboard. They are more expensive but they are rock-solid. I have never had any trouble with them. Actually once I did, and the motherboard was immediately RMA'd and I received another one lickety split.

OS: I have been very happy with Windows XP Professional, but as it is Windows make sure you download the latest version of Spybot and AVG antivirus, all free.

Memory: You really need about a 1gb of RAM. Memory from Corsair, Mushkin and a few others are good quality memory. I'm sorry but Windows is a resource hog; especially if you will be doing some sort of design on that computer.

Optical drives: I recommend Plextor optical drives (your DVD and CD-ROM)but to keep the price lower I would recommend some drives from Lite On.

Case: Aluminum Case from any reputable manufacturer like Lian Li, Thermaltake or Casemaster.

Video: Make sure you buy a card that can handle what you plan to do. The making of postcards could potentially be graphics intensive. I recommend a card by Nvidia. The Geforce 6XXXX series would be a good choice. Many boards have on-board video but since you want to do something that could be graphics intensive, I'd recommend not using the on-board video.

Hard Drive: Maxtor, Seagate, Western Digital are good drives. I recommend one with SATA connections; just make sure that the motherboard is SATA compatible. It shouldn't be a problem with the newer boards. They come in all sorts of sizes. Just pick what fits your budget.

Monitor: I recommend an LCD monitor with at least a 12ms response time to cut down on blurriness. There are some that are very reasonably priced in the 15" inch range. I personally use a NEC LCD 2170NX 21" screen. I love it!

Floppy: Yes you still need one as some drivers work best installing from floppies because Windows will only look for them there when installing it such as SATA drivers.

If you listen to music or do anything audio wise I would recommend the Audigy line of cards. They can be had for around $99.00 USD. If not, then a Soudblaster Live! can be bought for about $50.00. However, most new motherboards have on-board soud as well.

You may have to spend a few more bucks than $1000.00 but I feel it would be worth it. If you want to build it, it's not that difficult. I know nothing of electronics and I built my first one recently. I even installed the OS without problems. www.newegg.com will probably give you the best price on individual products. If you want it built, check out www.monarchcomputer.com (They seem sort of right wing though with all the faux patriotism around the site, but they have good prices). I have also had computers built by www.velocitymicro.com.

Let me know if you have questions.

[many a good man]

9. You need a new machine

The good news is your requirements are fairly mundane, so you'll do fine with a cheaper system! I would recommend going to a Mom & Pop local computer shop that builds to suit. Usually they offer bundled packages so just pick one somewhere in the middle.

AMD chips are cheaper and just as good. Get at least 3GHz. Just get whatever motherboard they recommend. MBs usually have video card, sound card and network cards hardwired nowadays. The built-ins should be fine for your needs. The MSI motherboard I got has a new PCIExpress slot, which will be the new standard for video cards. Make sure you have this type of slot if you ever plan to upgrade video. RAM is cheap so pay for the extra half gig so you have a total of one gig. DVD burners are cheap so you make sure you get one. Make sure it supports DL (double layered). You'll be fine with the standard hard drive which will probably have 80GB.

I prefer XP Pro to Home edition, but I've never worked on Home. My understanding is it has more wizards for setting things up, but its harder to turn off the unwanted stuff.

This setup should cost only about $600 so you have lots left over to splurge on a nice flat screen display!

[Cassandra]

10. Yes, I do.

I'm not sure what passes for a Mom & Pop local computer shop in NYC. Your suggestions have been helpful, though, whether I buy or build or have built. Thanks.