New Computer! Any opinions? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

andyapc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005

Well, apparently my family has had enough of me hogging the computer 24 hours a day. I am going to be getting a new one, all my own! I know NOTHING about computer hardward, so I'm hoping somebody can tell me if this is a good choice or not.

HP Pavilion 530J Desktop with HT Technology
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 processor with hyper-threading technology
Processor speed: 3.0 GHz
System bus: 800 MHz
Cache Memory: 1 MB on die Level 2
RAM: 1.0 GB
RAM expandable to 4.0 GB
RAM type: PC3200 DDR SDRAM
Hard drive type: Serial ATA (7200 rpm)
Hard Drive Size: 200.0 GB
Video Memory: 128 MB
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900
Available expansion bays: external: 1 (3.5")
Total expansion slots: 3 PCI
Available expansion slots: 2 PCI

Also has a double layer DVD +/-RW/CD-RW drive with LightScribe Labeling, 2.4x max. DVD+R DL; 16x4x16 DVD+RW; 8x4x16 DVD-RW; 40x24x40 CR-RW.

Monitor: We already have a 19" ViewSonic CRT which is working fine, so I think we'll keep that. DH says the new computer will be able to handle 2 monitors so down the road, I'll be getting another monitor.

Is this computer a good choice - any reason NOT to get it?

Pesto126 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005

well.. depends on the price. HP's are not very good.. and the video is onboard (the intel video statement gives that away) really isn't adequate for high output video processing.. I would look at a dell personally.. they usually provide better components and you can easily customize the machine. Again.. I don't know what price you are looking at with this machine.. but I know I can build this machine from scratch for around $400 with XP home.. For another $200 you can have a much better system in my opinion! Good luck!

andyapc · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005

Whoa - you're kidding!!! I'm looking at $879.99!!!!

We've always used an HP and they've always been very reliable - I've never had a problem with it and it's over 4 years old. That's why we decided to go the HP route this time around.

Arrrrgghhh! Why does this have to be so complicated?!?

Pesto126 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005

Wow... I hate to give bad news.. but that is waaayyyy too much money for that machine. Unfortunately, if you do not build it yourself.. you'll pay more for less.

I just built a machine for someone that is similar to yours.. slightly lower HD (80GB) and only a 2.6Ghz chip (no difference in speed for scrapping) for around $450.

But.. just look around a bit.. you can do better than $900 for that. Even dell will set similar systems for around $700.

kindarana · #5 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005

Only build it yourself if you're prepared to fix it yourself. At least if something goes wrong with a package computer you'll have someone to call when it breaks... but as a Mac user I haven't had that problem anyway

Reelynn · #6 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005

My DH says NVIDIA graphics cards are the only way to go. But don't buy the newest version because that is always more expensive than it is worth, always get the one that is almost new, i.e. the 2nd newest.
I agree that you can get a made one for cheaper. My friend makes ours, but he also fixes it too, which is really nice.
Definately don't get an HP you can't upgrade anything on it because the power input isn't enough to handle any upgrades. I can try to remember to ask my computer geek friend what companies have the best computers and let you know. You can also go on to epinions.com.
You should probably get a computer designed for use in game play because that will have the best graphics card and enough memory and RAM for what you need using your software for scrapbooking.

Shawnery

Rae · #7 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005

I have to agree with Pesto. Wouldn't have a HP anything. We are a household of Dells. Well, except for my sons which he built himself but then computers are his job. He wouldn't have a HP anything either. My two cents worth.

shand · #8 (**permalink**) 03-21-2005

Hi Andy, congratulations on your upcoming new baby. Couple of things, first of all, yes you can build your own computer, but you need to be prepared for all that that entails. Simply speaking, if you're asking advice on the configuration you should be looking at, then it's probably not a good suggestion. I fully recommend the build your own route (or even letting someone else do it) if you really know something about 'puters and how they work.

Secondly, reliable service is part of what you are paying for in the total cost of ownership (as it's referred to these days). You should have service that is there for you 24x7. Don't get caught up in a lot of extended warrantys that go beyond 2 - 3 years. Lots of places will try to sell that to you , and frankly the technology changes every 6 - 8 months in this area.... especially the home computers. Much past three years old and we joke that if something goes wrong you might as well toss it out. Computers have become a comodity item.

Suggest a couple of things before you make your final decision. First CNET.com is a great site with good reviews in easy to understand language. Once you read a few, the same site will give you price comparisons so you can see what the street price is given the basic computer your looking at for your scrapping.

Next, you should call both HP and Dell. Talk to them about how you want to use the computer and let them "build" it for you. Both will send you emails with the recommended configuration and the cost. Try to get the same configs from both of them so you'll have like for like comparisons.

One final.... HP has not had a real good reputation in the home computing arena particularily in the post sale support. Here again, CNET and some other sites can help you with customer reviews of service. But, there are a lot of factors in the cost of ownership, just make sure you've done the homework.

HTH...