Your Computer Opinion (in Off-topic)

Alright. So I am using our home computer which is a Dell Dimension 2400 upgraded to 1GB of RAM, and this system isn't going to be replaced anytime soon. Now I happen to have a little money, looking to spend around $350 max, and I was wondering if I should get a net book or build a desktop that could be later upgraded. I would get the net book but I am graduating in 2 years and when I do my dad is getting me a laptop. In your opinion which one should I get? The net book I was looking at was this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834147824

what do you plan on using this computer for?

I guess I would mostly use it for browsing the internet, playing music, and maybe some light gaming (older games).

a netbook could work very well as a bridge to your laptop then. unless the older games you are referring to are high end 3d graphics intense games that is.

"a netbook could work very well as a bridge to your laptop then."

How so? And no, none of my older games have high end graphics.

"..or build a desktop that could be later upgraded.."

Yes.

as a bridge, i just meant that it could work for you for minimal cost until you get your laptop. they are well suited to the activities you described.

Well after looking around a bit this is the netbook that I though would best suite my needs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152092 It is $300.

I then searched for a cheap, but better desktop build. Here is what I came up with.

Case - $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147075

PSU - $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182075 (didn't spend a lot of time here and could probably find a better one)

HD - $50 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145215

Mobo, CPU, RAM, Graphics - $180 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.201922&cm_sp=Cat_Motherboards-_-AMD060309-_-http%3a%2f%2fpromotions.newegg.com%2fAMD%2f060309%2f118x118.gif

Monitor - $100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009136

Now the desktop build is obviously more expensive, but with the combo deal the graphics card is basically free and it has an S-video out. So if I really wanted to I could wait on purchasing a screen and hook it up to my TV. A problem with the desktop build is that I would have to purchase an OS. I would then turn to Linux, but I have dial-up and I have not found a Linux OS that works unless you spend another $50 on an expensive modem. So at this point I am kind of leaning towards the netbook, but the desktop is obviously more powerful and could later be improved upon.

i would go for the desktop build.. i know its expensive compared to the notebook, but i have never liked notebooks or lapstops..

First off all that package deal is horrible, they stick you with an old graphics card and old technology.

I recommend phenom II technology, its bang for buck and has a easy upgrade path.

Get the Phenom II x3 720 or the x4 955/940 and please get a graphics card out the 48xx or 47xx series or even out of the 46xx series, all these are far better then the 36xx or 38xx series

The only problem with upgrading the CPU and the graphics is that it costs more. And this will probably be upgraded somewhat over the next few years. Additionally, graphics aren't all that important to me.

Ok, so I decided I could upgrade to the following items.

CPU, Mobo - $175 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.200020

RAM 2GB - $25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104072

Graphics - $35 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235

Overall it is still under $350, but I don't have an OS. The only problem is I have dial-up and I have yet to find a Linux OS that connects to dial-up. If anyone has a fix for this it would be greatly appreciated!

good choice as for the CPU.

However the mobo is horrible it still uses the old 770 bridge, which is proven to be very unstable. I recommend that you find a mobo that has the 790 bridge

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.200065

like that one

Here is my updated build, I just have one question. Is there anyway to tell if a certain motherboard can support dial-up in Linux or will that require the purchase of another modem?

Case - $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147075

PSU - $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182075

Mobo, HD - $150 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.201138

CPU - $100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680

RAM 2GB - $25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104072

Graphics - $35 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121235

Cheapest computers around.

Have you ever purchased something from them? I just want to make sure they are a reliable source.

Now that I look at it, either way it is about the same price. The only thing I really need is a Linux compatible modem that is fairly reliable and fast. Looking at this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164005

Has anyone recently purchased a 56k modem for their computer that is reliable? Since I am on dial-up I wish to get the fastest modem possible (without spending more than $30 USD) Newegg had this pretty cheap one for $10 USD that looks reliable http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16825164003