Need new computer. Please help.

gmorris

I need a new computer. Please help me find one.

As some of you remember from this thread I am having problems backing up my DVD's using DVD Decrypter/DVDShrink. The solution we arrived at in that th'd. was I was having burn errors, and that I should burn at a slower speed. Well, this hasn't worked, so I need a new computer.

I want to get at least 2 GHz processor speed, with 512 memory. I think this should solve any problems.

I looked up on the Dell website the Dimension 2400, which comes with 2.4 GHz Celeron processor, upgrade to 512 memory, take out the monitor for $445 after the (****) $99 shipping fee and tax.

Does anyone know where I can get a new computer for less than that? All I'm going to use it for will be backing up my DVD's, nothing else.


Thanks,
Greg

audiobliss

You mean the computer would only cost $445?? That's pretty good. I paid $750 for my Compaq SR1050NX, and it's served me well. I has an AMD Athlon 3200+ processor, 512MB of memory, a DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, a CD drive, a 7-in-1 media reader on the front, too many USB 2.0 ports (lol), and a 200GB hard drive.

I personally don't like Dell, but that sounds like a pretty good deal. What's the HD size and speed? What's the speed of the memory? What kind of upgrades (empty slots, memory/processory support, etc.) will it support?

brettw22

So all you're buying this thing for is basically a hard drive extention to your other pc to back up dvd's?

WHy not just get an mini tower (think game cube size) with a hard drive and burner and just link it to your existing pc?

danger boy

sounds like you need a new DVD burner or more hard drive space. add a larger hard drive. less $ than a new computer.

michael_w

If you decide to get a whole new computer just for backing up dvd's I suggest not getting an intel celeron. From what I have heard they aren't the best processors. They tend to bottleneck and really slow down with more than a couple things open. I use dvd decrypter and dvd shrink with no problems and I'm really really glad when I bought my computer I spend the extra 40 bucks (cdn ) and went to a 160 gig hard drive. At the moment I have 62 gigs of movies on my hard drive right now.... it's nice to have a little extra room

I'd shop around a little. Check out the local places (not big box stores - computer only stores). I've seen dell have much better deals than that and usually every couple weeks they offer free shipping for a limited time. I got my computer for under 500 cdn and I would take it over a dell dimension 2400 anyday... I'd be a little reluctant to get a computer from a big box store or dell simply because it will be packed with lots of useless programs and other stuff.

audiobliss

I didn't notice the Dell had a Celeron. Stay away from Celerons!

gmorris

Originally posted by audiobliss
You mean the computer would only cost $445?? That's pretty good. I paid $750 for my Compaq SR1050NX, and it's served me well. I has an AMD Athlon 3200+ processor, 512MB of memory, a DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, a CD drive, a 7-in-1 media reader on the front, too many USB 2.0 ports (lol), and a 200GB hard drive.

I personally don't like Dell, but that sounds like a pretty good deal. What's the HD size and speed? What's the speed of the memory? What kind of upgrades (empty slots, memory/processory support, etc.) will it support?

The HD size is 80 GB, don't know what speed. The speed of the memory, I believe, is 333 due to it being a Celeron. I don't know what upgrades it will support.

gmorris

Originally posted by brettw22
So all you're buying this thing for is basically a hard drive extention to your other pc to back up dvd's?

WHy not just get an mini tower (think game cube size) with a hard drive and burner and just link it to your existing pc?

No no no, not at all. I'm not storing DVD's on the computer, I'm backing up my DVD's to blank DVD-R discs.

See the other th'd. I mentioned in my original post....

gmorris

Originally posted by danger boy
sounds like you need a new DVD burner or more hard drive space. add a larger hard drive. less $ than a new computer.

No no no, hard drive space has nothing to do with it.

I'm getting errors when I rip a DVD, then burn it to a DVD-R, although I don't know where the errors are coming from. Slowing the burn speed down to 4X did not solve the problem. The only other thing I can think of is that my current computer (256 memory, 933 MHz Pentium 3) can't support the burning/ripping.

audiobliss

Based on what your current computer is...I'd say your better off shopping around for a good deal on a newer computer instead of trying to upgrade yours. If your only going to be doing DVD copying and video stuff, you should look at the Pentium 4 processors.

gmorris

Originally posted by michael_w
If you decide to get a whole new computer just for backing up dvd's I suggest not getting an intel celeron. From what I have heard they aren't the best processors. They tend to bottleneck and really slow down with more than a couple things open..

Celeron no good, hugh? I was afraid someone would say that.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a computer with, I'm guessing a Pentium 4, >2 MHz processor, and 512 memory?

audiobliss

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=317595&pfp=BROWSE

EDIT: Ooops...it doesn't have a DVD burner....

audiobliss

This looks like a good one:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Compaq-Presario-Desktop-PC-SR1426NX-/sem/rpsm/oid/119876/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do


Compaq Presario Desktop PC (SR1426NX)
CPQ SR1426NX
Pentium® 4 processor 515J
• 160GB hard drive
• Dual-layer DVD+/-R/RW • 512MB of DDR2 SDRAM
• 7 USB 2.0/2 FireWire ports
• 9-in-1 memory card reader

cfrizz

I would 2nd this idea. The best thing about this is that it will be local to you, and if something goes wrong with it you can take it right back to them for repairs, upgrades, ect. Which is a whole lot better than packing it up & shipping it somewhere.

So hit the web & find the local small computer stores near you!

Originally posted by michael_w
I'd shop around a little. Check out the local places (not big box stores - computer only stores). I've seen dell have much better deals than that and usually every couple weeks they offer free shipping for a limited time. I got my computer for under 500 cdn and I would take it over a dell dimension 2400 anyday... I'd be a little reluctant to get a computer from a big box store or dell simply because it will be packed with lots of useless programs and other stuff.

michael_w

Also if you have a local computer store pick parts and build it for you (or even build it yourself and save a little) it makes it much easier to upgrade or add something new like a dvd burner if it doesn't already have one. A friend of mine has a dell and is just now finding that the motherboard and some other stuff is specific to dell and so now he can't upgrade anything.

When/if you get a computer pop off the pannel and check to make sure you got everything that you were supposed to.... I found out after 3 hours of installing stuff on my computer that they gave me the wrong brand hard drive... not fun.

gmorris

Thanks everybody, I guess I need to look around alittle more.

I do like the idea of going to a local shop, because I don't need a monitor, mouse or keyboard. All I need is the computer. I suppose a local shop would be more likely to sell me something like that.

Now, I guess I have to find a local shop. Anyone know where to go in Akron, Ohio?;)

Spawndn72

http://www.cyberpowersystem.com

I have bought my last three computers from them. You can take a package deal and then config it like you want it and they have great prices. The also use OEM parts so you can upgrade later if you want to.

jcaut

Sorry if you've mentioned it before, but what kind of DVD burner do you have? Is the firmware upgradeable? It sounds like it's just not doing a good job, but I'm not sure it's the rest of the computer's fault. I burned quite a few DVD's on my P3-933 machine, running WinMe even. The only thing I had that you don't is a little more RAM: I had 384.

Jason

danger boy

I think Jason's right here. it was burning DVD"s just fine.. and now it's not. so something has gone bad. either the burner or the software is corrupted now.

there are other programs out there i think.

gmorris

Originally posted by jcaut
Sorry if you've mentioned it before, but what kind of DVD burner do you have? Is the firmware upgradeable? It sounds like it's just not doing a good job, but I'm not sure it's the rest of the computer's fault. I burned quite a few DVD's on my P3-933 machine, running WinMe even. The only thing I had that you don't is a little more RAM: I had 384.

Jason

The DVD burner is an AOPEN model. I'm at work right now, so I can't look up the exact model #. I've gone to the AOPEN website, and looked up the section with my burner, and it said something about firmware, but there was nothing available for download. That doesn't mean there is not anything, I just don't know what I'm doing when it comes to that kind of stuff.

I don't think the burner is the problem, because backing up has never worked. All the movies I have backed up (except one, random?) have the freezing problem.

I can rip, and then burn an entire DVD, no problems. The problem comes when I try to watch the movie. It will play along just fine, then BAMMM, it freezes up for a second or two, then continues. I've ruled out the DVD player as the problem because the freezing occurs on both my DVD players, as well as on the computer.

cfrizz

I have bought my last 2 computers from a small shop. I got one of their special package deals for both. The 2nd pc I got I only paid for the box & they subtracted the cost of the other equipment that I didn't need. The money that I saved on that I put into maxing out the ram on it.

Did it cost more than any special that I could have gotten from Dell ect. ? Yes, but where I made up the cost for it was when I had to take it back to get a new video card. All it cost me was the cost of the video card! THE LABOR WAS FREE WHICH COSTS 79.00 AN HOUR!

This is where they get you when something goes wrong. You have to pay to ship it back to them, the cost of the parts & the labor.

And if you want to upgrade you can't just buy a product you like & install it yourself because the pc has parts that are proprietary to Dell.

I will now always go to a small pc shop to get a new pc, because in the long run you save money.

madmax

This one costs a little more and you have to put it together yourself but it looks interesting... (the one on the left)



http://images10.newegg.com/UploadFilesForNewegg/promo/DIY/index.htm

madmax

audiobliss

The only problem with that one is that it's for an AMD Socket 754 processor, which is being phased out for the Socket 939 processor. This new system looks like it's going ot be ncie enough to warrant upgrading instead of replacing when that time comes, so you will probably want to stick with Socket 939 which will still be around then.

Also, I'd go to www.motherboards.org and ask for help on their forum. That's a very helpful place, and they may be able to help you get your drive working again instead of buying a new computer.

bobman1235

Cathy's right - find a small computer store, they'll hook you up. And no offense to audiobliss, but avoid those Compaq s. You think Dell uses proprietary crap? Good God. You're better off with an EMachine.

If you're so inclined, another option is to build a computer yourself. Assuming you don't mind taking apart yours, you can probalby use the hard drive, the DVD burner, the case and power supply, etc etc, and just upgrade your Motherboard, Proc, adn memory. Course, you'd have to "buy Windows", but... well... you know.

Good luck man.

audiobliss

Originally posted by bobman1235
And no offense to audiobliss, but avoid those Compaq s. You think Dell uses proprietary crap? Good God. You're better off with an EMachine.

Yeah....I've sorta learned that.....*sigh*....'never again will I' buy a desktop! It's building from here on out!! I hope....

pmlewis

Don’t waste your money on a super fast system to backup dvd’s. After my nephew snapped a “Finding Nemo” CD of mine I decided to put together a computer from some old parts I had laying around so I could backup my dvds. I hooked this computer up to my main computer system with a KVM switch. Now I just put a disk in “backup” computer and let churn away, and then switch to my main system to do whatever. The specs for the copy computer are:

cel. 1.7
512 generic ram
40 gig wd, 7200 rpm 2mb cache
generic dvd reader
MSI 4X dvd burner
DVD shrink 3.2
Nero 5.5


I have never had a problem backing up a clean/unscratched disk. I haven’t had any issues at all since I started automatically cleaning the source disk before each backup. It takes anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours to completely rip and burn a backup, but with dvd shrink and nero the process is automatic once you get it started. I disagree with anyone who says you need a full pent 4 just to backup dvds. As long as you have a processor that runs at least 1.7, a 7200 rpm hard drive, 512 mb ram and a decent burner you will be fine. It may take a while, but it will work. If you connect your main computer and backup computer together with a KVM switch you don’t take up much additional space. Most of the time I set mine to run overnight. Also something interesting, I was able to rip two movies simultaneously on my main computer, which isn’t a real powerhouse either. It is a stock Compac with an xp3200+, 1 gig ram, dvd reader, dual layer burner. It took over 6 hours, so I’m not sure that it was worth the effort, but kinda fun to try. I wonder if I hooked up an external dvd if I could rip 3 at a time!

audiobliss

I didn't say you needed a P4; but if he's going to be buy/building a new computer, why not? Not everbody wants to waste 3 hours just to copy a DVD - I know I don't.

Interesting that you could do two at a time, though.....:p

gmorris

Some of you seem to be missing the point.

I am able to successfully use my current computer to rip/burn backup DVDs. The problem comes when I try to play said DVD's. They are full of errors which I am seeing as freeze ups.

Something, somewhere, is introducing errors. I have ruled out the DVD players because I have 3 players, and the same errors occur on all 3 players. I've ruled out the discs because a co-worker has the exact same discs I have (we got them at the same time) and he has no problems.

To me, the problem has to be the computer, or the DVD burner. Again, my current computer is Pentium 3, 900 something MHz processor, 256 Mb RAM. I believe this is not enough.

I also don't think the burner is at fault because I have burned countless CD's with it, and they all work fine.

steveinaz

Originally posted by gmorris
To me, the problem has to be the computer, or the DVD burner. Again, my current computer is Pentium 3, 900 something MHz processor, 256 Mb RAM. I believe this is not enough.

Agree. 512Mb minimum, especially as cheap as RAM is these days.

gmorris

Originally posted by anonymouse
A few suggestions:
1) Did you change media brands? This can and will make a HUGE difference to your results. Sometimes, even the same brand but different batches are actually made by different manufactuers. Many of the big name labels just rebadge some other manufacturers media. Try using some other media.

I have not tried any other DVD-R discs yet, I guess I should. I haven't spent any money on a new computer yet, so I guess that is a better place to start.

2) You may want to clean the heads of your drive. A CD cleaner disc, under $10, should do the trick.

The DVD drive is 2 months old, and the errors popped up the first time I used it. The DVD reader can't be dirty.

3) Is your computer acting slow/strange in general lately? It could be that a virus or spyware is taking up a lot of processing time and resulting in media dropouts.

No. The only question I have is, how do I check to see if I have spyware &/or a virus?

Your computer should be able to do the job. Not fast, but it should be able to do it. Try the suggestions above, and if all that fails, then start looking at upgrading the components or computer.

My computer can & does do the job, just not well.:p

gmorris

Another question. I just talked with a guy at a local shop. He said he usually uses AMD processors over Pentium. Is this OK? Should I only consider a Pentium, or is an AMD allright if the price is lower?