Need a new computer

[Ana Wong]

hi everyone,
I am buying a new computer, to work with some CAD, WEB Design, and word processing. I decided to buy the New HP (Pavilion 9694C), Athlon 800MHZ,128K,40GB, 128MB, DVD, CDR, etc...but someone told to stick by Intel. here is my question: What should I buy? And why this guy said that Pentium is better for CAD? Isn't my choice a good one?
Thanks for your time and help,
Ana

[Apostle 83]

Let me make a recommend: Go with two smaller hard drives, and set them to master their own ide channel. this will maximise access time, giving you a nice, headache free day.

[socalgal]

Give Ana your best brainstorming, guys! http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

Also see replies:
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum9/HTML/000910.html
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/005076.html


Ana, please post only once in the most appropriate forum for your topic. Multiple posting creates confusion and makes it more difficult to get your replies. Thanks!

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 03-22-2000).]

[Mntsnow]

There is several answers already given in other threads http://www.sysopt.com/forum/frown.gif too. So need to lock the others down now

Mntsnow

[carolinajoe]

Hi Ana,
I think you oughta have someone build yur system for you find a reputable store near you. At least with one built you can get everything you want and the way graphic cards are changing you will want to be able to upgrade in the future.
Also might be alittle cheaper and atleast if their is a problem they are local to you.
I myself personally like AMD seems they are under-rated where as Intel u pay for the name in most cases.
Ask some of your friends if they know anyone in the area that is good.
Good Luck in your Quest.

[wyvrn]

I think AMD and Intel are right about the same chips. AMD should do just fine for CAD work. Buy on value, ie: if the equivalent Athlon or Intel is a lower price, go with it. You will not be sorry. Besides, the Pentium line is nearing an end so an upgrade later will likely require a new mobo, whereas the current Athlon architecture has some growing room.

[smurfin]

One key piece of advice, AVOID hewlett crappard! As a network admin, (I also know most of the people who work at the company here in town who contract builds most of their machines, most are addicts)the only thing that I hate worse than compaq is hewlett packard. Compaqs just aren't reliable. What HP does should be illegal. Needless to say we are still stuck with our compaqs but the hps were so bad that we canned every one.

[Missing the point]

Why are HP so bad? I always knwew that they were the top of the line products. I got a HP printer, and its the best I've ever seen. I have never seen HP computers though......

[gyuri]

ANNA ,
I thing i got what you looking for :look i posted at BIZ to BIZ where yo uoriginaly posted : PC 600 mhzPIII ,on March 24 ,under
name gyuri, e-mail me and i e-mail you a price, alright ,maybe you like it.
Its a great machine few month old, it is power PC. let me know here or e-mail
thanks SM

[Pooh]

Anna, I also do graphics and WebSite design work, however I agree with CarolinaJoe..I have a custom built system..and have not heard much good things about HP..Get plenty of memory and a good graphics card for your system, and oh yeah.....A large Hard Drive....Good Luck

[Smokey]

I haven't heard good things about HP computers either. We have 7 or 8 of them at work, and the boss says that she will never buy another one because they use completely proprietary components and they cost a lot more $$$

[zzzreyes]

being an engineering student I design lots of AutoCad jobs.
It is a must to have as much ram as possible, and as it was suggested above, get someone to design the comp 4 u.
I design mine at work (with work expenses) and I am more than happy.
I never tought of getting 2 hd as main!
I will try dat next.
but the main point is Make sure you get a professional opinion, if you are not to familiar with the systems, it is better to custom make, and some times more economic, than to buy from HP or compaq or dell for that matter.

[shadow]

Stay clear of HP or any other proprietary stuff. For peripherals like printers HP is fine. Build it yourself or have a reputable builder do it. HP is nasty for upgrading, drivers, problems, etc. A good generic clone is best for upgrading and maintaining. That's my opinion based on friends who went with HP, Compaq, etc.
I'll take my plain ol white box anyday.
Pat

[Chainsaw]

Hello Ana Wong,
I use AutoCAD every day at work. You will need a "minimum" of 128MB Ram (preferably 256MB) and a Pentium is a better choice for CAD and other Graphics intensive programs. The reason for this is because CAD and Graphic are very Floating Point intensive.
(They deal with lots and lots of polygons) Although the gap seems to be narrowing, Pentium chips still fair better in floating point operations. I would definately go with a PIII chip even if it costs a bit more now, you will appreciate it as soon as you really start working with these programs to a large degree.
Best of luck,
c:::CHNsaw

~edit~ Staying away from proprietary brands is sound advise, staying away from HP, Packard Bell(if they are still in business), Gateway, Compaq and even Dell would be a wise move, you will have much more flexibility in upgrading your system later.


[This message has been edited by Chainsaw (edited 03-30-2000).]