Ok, last post on this (hopefully)

[BloodyWinker]

My budget has been stretched a bit so I am gearing towards this one and wanted some last opinions as I'll hopefully be getting it tomorrow:

Packard Bell 1504
Athlon XP 3200+
2.2GHz
512mb DDR Ram
160Gb Hard Disk
Multi-Format Dual-Layer DVD Re-Writer
64mb Graphics (Unichrome GFX)
Onboard, Stereo Sound Card
4 USB Ports
3 PCI Slots
Digital TV, TV & Radio Tuners

The only thing I'm concerned about is it has no Firewire connections. I say I'm concerned but to be honest I don't know what these are for. The main uses for the computer will be CDs, DVDs and basic internet stuff aswell as some creative art type things but I'd like the option of games. Is this a good choice for me?? The only thing I'm really sure about is the sharp increase in hard disk memory. The one I'm using at the moment is is only 9 (yes 9) Gb.

Thanx in advance for any input.

[wonderboy2005]

The major uses for firewire are digita video (think connecting your digital video recorder) and ipods. iPods are moving towards USB now, however.

My main question is, how much will it cost? I have a feeling you could build a similar system for much less.

[ataxy]

well the only thing "i" would change is the vid card but that is if your into video game cuz 64mb of ram is not alot conssidering that the upcoming vid card will have up to 512 mb of ram
i am not saying to go buy a 256mb card but i would seriously consider a 128mb card

nevermind the firewire it seems that even mac is planning on dopping its support in favor of usb2.0

[wingnut2600]

I would ditch the Packard Bell... who knew they even still made them?

Look for a smaller company that has better internal components and less advertising... the ads and such increase the overhead. Also, making your own is a great craft project. It makes you understand the innerworkings of your box and allows you to make it as good as you want.

[black_magiic]

I like firewire for DV editing. I can hook up my Digital Camcorder to the comp to play with the video. Then you can do stuff like this

http://lakerr.no-ip.com/video/kf.wmv
http://lakerr.no-ip.com/video/kf2.wmv

[infringer]

Pacard Bell...

Not exactly the greatest name I thought they went out of business around the time the 1GHZ PC came out strage...

I think what you mean is HP Hewlitt Packard...

Unless its just someones old packard bell tower with new insides...

But none the less the price of the system would potentially aid in deciding weather its even in the ball park.

-infringer-

[Undying Wizard NHD]

if you want I can build you a PC that would be better and much chaper then a store bought --- packerd bell I didnt know they still make pc's either -- I had a packerd bell once it was a 486--- that pc sucked also even when 486 was the shit ( 66 MHZ LOL )


actally I still have it in storage -- Im a pack rat

[Undying Wizard NHD]

Pacard Bell...

Not exactly the greatest name I thought they went out of business around the time the 1GHZ PC came out strage...

I think what you mean is HP Hewlitt Packard...

Unless its just someones old packard bell tower with new insides...

But none the less the price of the system would potentially aid in deciding weather its even in the ball park.

-infringer-






yeah Im pretty sure packerd bell merged with somone and out came HP

[wingnut2600]

November 3, 1999 - Japan's NEC Corp. plans a restructuring of its U.S. Packard Bell NEC unit which will result in 80 percent layoffs throughout the company and its withdrawal from the U.S. retail computer market.

Looks like they are still around in Europe... packardbell.com