me again

triple h · 19-10-2006 12:47pm #1

I might be buying a new computer in the next few weeks and to hell with waiting for my saving scheme money in april. now i have been reading about mac's and pc's like mad. funny thing is when i read a mac magazine i can kind of understand it and when i read a pc magazine i sometimes feel lost, more so at times.
right now it looks like i am on the mac side. anyway i went to apple.com and dell.ie. i looked at computers and i pressed configure on each site. i will write a two new messages in this thread in a few minutes (i want to be neat) i would like some help please. in message one i will show you the mac pro i configured and in message two i will show you the imac i configured.
I am no fecking expert in computers i want help because to be honest this is what i use my computer for---

1) surfing the net--buying, messing and info.

2) i tend to download loads of stuff, eg, learn spainish and i even let my brothers download stuff (none own any computers) cause they might buy something like a sony ipod thing.

3) i use it for business and i plan to do more business which my current compter is unable to do and my accountant wants me to.

4) i want to download songs and movies.
Now bearing in mind what i do with my computer, i would like ye, please to look at my next two messages (I NEED MAJOR HELP IN ONE OR TWO AREAS CAUSE I HAVE NOT GOT A CLUE WHAT THEY TALK ABOUT). I want to know is my computer to powerfull for me and am i wasting too much money. I do want a computer that will last me for years, years which i cant stress enough, which is why i went a bit powerful. When people say 'it depends what you want it for' that even causes me some stress cause as i said i am no expert.
my mac pro configureation worked out at €4565 and imac worked out at €3632. Am i mad, am i an idiot or am i just lost, i will let ye decide when ye see ........

triple h · 19-10-2006 12:58pm

MAC PRO

PROCESSOR

two 2.66 dual core intel xeon
MEMORY

2gGB (4x512mb)
HARD DRIVE

BAY 1 500GB 7200RPM serial ata 3GB/S
BAY 2-4 --- i reckon i will never use in my life time--or could i ?
GRAPHICS

NVIDA GEFORCE 7300 GT 256MB (sinle link)
DISPLAY

apple HD 23" flat panel
OPTICAL DRIVE

two 16x super drives
WIRELESS OPTION

both bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and both airport extreme.
FIBRE CHANNEL CARD

WHAT IS THIS, I DONT EVEN UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS AND IF I NEED IT OR NOT.
MODEM. AGAIN LOST HERE, DONT KNOW IF I NEED IT OR NOT. I HAVE WIRLESS BROADBAND NOW IS THIS COMPUTER.
WIRELESS MOUSE AND KEYBOARD
MAC OS SYSTEM ENGLISH
MAC OS X SERVER V 10.4

NONE (WHAT IS THIS )
APPLE SOFTWARE

iwork 06 preinstalled ( i would love the software that helps you edit songs but they only give one option and i reckon this is best)
APPLE CORE PROTECTION PLAN----i ticked yes (should I)

dubmick · 19-10-2006 1:06pm

do keep us updated

This is very entertaining ha,ha

Tobias Greeshman · 19-10-2006 1:11pm

triple h wrote:

my mac pro configureation worked out at €4565 and imac worked out at €3632. Am i mad, am i an idiot or am i just lost, i will let ye decide when ye see ........

I'll call you mad

In fairness you'd only really be looking at getting a Mac Pro, if you're into really intensive processing, like music/movie editing, picture editing, etc. Four grand is crazy. You didn't say what kind of applications you need to run for your business work.

But to do the bit of surfing, downloads, general messing, etc.

An IMac for about €1,500-1,800 should suit you fine.

here's an imac i configured, for just under €1700. That should be plenty fast for all of your needs. If you think 17" model is too small, then go for the 20" model, should add about €300 or so onto the price.

These machines feature intels new chip and will be viable for quite a number of years to come, you can always upgrade memory as necessary.

triple h · 19-10-2006 3:02pm

this is the imac i configured
PROCESSOR

2.33GHZ intel core 2 duo
MEMORY

3GB 667 ddr2 sdram 1x2GB , 1x1GB
HARD DRIVE 500GB serial ata drive
GRAPHICS

NVIDIA GEFORCE 7600 GT 256MB SDRAM
MODEM

(WHAT SHOULD I DO HERE, DO I NEED IT IF I HAVE WIRELESS B/BAND. this might sound stupid of me to ask, but i have to ask)
SOFTWARE

iwork 06
WIRELESS MOUSE AND KEYBOARD.
APPLE PROTECTION PLAN

(i ticked yes)

i will go back to see if i can trim down. but i dont want to come along in a few years time and have my computer bugging me by telling me i have no space.

Dr_Teeth · 19-10-2006 7:26pm

Dude, for this stuff:

1) surfing the net--buying, messing and info.

2) i tend to download loads of stuff, eg, learn spainish and i even let my brothers download stuff (none own any computers) cause they might buy something like a sony ipod thing.

3) i use it for business and i plan to do more business which my current compter is unable to do and my accountant wants me to.

4) i want to download songs and movies.

You really don't need to be spending so much. I'm thinking of buying an iMac for myself shortly and this is what I'm thinking of going for:

* 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
* 2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB
* NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GT 128MB SDRAM
* 250GB Serial ATA drive
* iWork
* Keyboard (English) & Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X (English)
* AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll

* 24-inch TFT display
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
* AirPort Extreme
* Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
* AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll

* 24-inch TFT display
* 8x double-layer SuperDrive (DVD±RW, CD-RW)
* AirPort Extreme
* Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR

For: Eur 2,516.99

And even that is overkill, but I really want that huge 24" display.

I don't think it's worth the expense to upgrade the processor and graphics - the difference for most tasks would be negligible. Likewise I think the wireless keyboard and mouse are unnecessary and the extra space of the larger hard-drive will go un-used. The modem is not needed if you can get broadband.

Teeth.

uncle_sam_ie · 20-10-2006 12:35am

A few things. Don't buy RAM off Apple they charge way too much http://www.crucial.com/uk/ . Apple RAM is the same, it isn't any better. Second, go with the standard hard drive and buy an external one instead. It's a safer better way to go. You'll have up to a year from purchase to get the Apple care, so there's no rush. The new iMac is fine for what you want to do. I'd go for that. Mac Pro would be over kill. If you prefer the MBP, I'd wait a little while, because there're expected to be upgraded very soon.I'd also wait on iWork. There should be a newer one (with a rumored added spreed sheet version) in January.
If you can get BB you'd be nuts to be using Dial-up. So, if can get BB you don't need the modem. All Macs are BB ready so, there's no need to worry.

Dr_Teeth · 20-10-2006 10:04am

uncle_sam_ie wrote:

A few things. Don't buy RAM off Apple they charge way too much http://www.crucial.com/uk/ . Apple RAM is the same, it isn't any better.

Ah, I don't think this is a good idea. The iMac only has two SO-DIMM slots and as standard they are fitted with 512MB Modules. If you wanted to upgrade to 2GB as I do, you'd have to replace them with two 1GB modules which costs 294.47 EUR from Crucial's website.

I guess you might then be able to sell the two 512MB modules on Ebay or something, but that would be extra hassle - you'd be better off just paying Apple 180 EUR extra to install 2GB of memory in the factory in the first place.

Teeth.

uncle_sam_ie · 20-10-2006 12:54pm

Dr_Teeth wrote:

Ah, I don't think this is a good idea. The iMac only has two SO-DIMM slots and as standard they are fitted with 512MB Modules. If you wanted to upgrade to 2GB as I do, you'd have to replace them with two 1GB modules which costs 294.47 EUR from Crucial's website.

I guess you might then be able to sell the two 512MB modules on Ebay or something, but that would be extra hassle - you'd be better off just paying Apple 180 EUR extra to install 2GB of memory in the factory in the first place.

Teeth.

Ya, ok. I didn't look at Crucail's site before my post. They usually are cheaper. But, anyway shop around because I bet you will find it cheaper.

triple h · 20-10-2006 2:30pm

thanks very very much for the help people and thanks for taking the time to read my long long thread.
I am 95% certain i will get an imac. I feel a bit scared leaving the pc world (I know that sounds stupid, plus 99% of the time nothing ever scares me) but i am going to take the jump to mac. i think its the right move and you never know i may convert some people. I might wait till january, might. i will let ye know when i buy it.
If it was not for boards.ie i am certain i would not be going to mac. this is a great site and i know i can find help in here.
I will go along the same line as Dr teeth's imac.

one more question

if i get a imac now it is mac tiger, i am so close to the mac leopard, should i wait for leopard or is that too far away?

uncle_sam_ie · 20-10-2006 2:43pm

triple h wrote:

thanks very very much for the help people and thanks for taking the time to read my long long thread.
I am 95% certain i will get an imac. I feel a bit scared leaving the pc world (I know that sounds stupid, plus 99% of the time nothing ever scares me) but i am going to take the jump to mac. i think its the right move and you never know i may convert some people. I might wait till january, might. i will let ye know when i buy it.
If it was not for boards.ie i am certain i would not be going to mac. this is a great site and i know i can find help in here.
I will go along the same line as Dr teeth's imac.

one more question
if i get a imac now it is mac tiger, i am so close to the mac leopard, should i wait for leopard or is that too far away?

If you can wait until January then do, because that's Macworld time http://www.macworldexpo.com/live/20/ and Apple could be updating the iMac or coming out with something total new.

Dr_Teeth · 20-10-2006 7:08pm

Don't be too scared to go Mac.. if you really need Windows you can install it on your iMac alongside MacOS:

http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/

triple h · 20-10-2006 8:47pm

one more question.

how come the imac has no tower, how can it have that much power and have no tower?
one wonders why dell have towers.

I am almost certain i will be going mac. I will wait till january.
Mac world time will be in january, I guess whatever goes on each day will be posted on the net straight away.

uncle_sam_ie · 20-10-2006 10:01pm

triple h wrote:

one more question.
how come the imac has no tower, how can it have that much power and have no tower?
one wonders why dell have towers.

Because, Apple actual care about the design and look of their hardware.

Ham'nd'egger · 21-10-2006 3:20am

triple h wrote:

one more question.
how come the imac has no tower, how can it have that much power and have no tower?
.

Because there is FA in a computer apart from wasted space, Trips. If you ever get to an Apple centre, have a look at one of the transparent cased Tower and you will see how little there is inside a computer in terms of hard equipment.

cormon · 21-10-2006 3:46pm

Jesus , you must be loaded to be even thinking off buying what I could only describe as a beast (MB Pro) for normal internet activity.

If i was you I'd wait till Panther is released as there is still alot of new features/apps that have yet to be announced.

In relation to going mac , you ll be soooooo glad you did . The only windows buzz at the minute is for vista and it snazzy new aqua display engine . Apple have been running this concept for years (well due to BSD) without a problem and this can only improve.

best of luck with whatever decision you make......

triple h · 22-10-2006 10:40am

well corman, ...ok i could afford to spend that sort of money now, but i am not rich. i reckon it makes me mean (or maine as an irish person would say). this might sound crazy or mean, but i want my new computer to last 6 years. i know one is meant to change every 2 years, but i reckon that is crazy.
I am going to wait until jan 07 or feb 07 (even though i want to buy it now) but i reckon that i may as well wait until the new system comes out and i might get a good deal seen as less computers are sold after christmas.
this is what i reckon i will buy
PROCESSOR---2.16ghz core duo
MEMORY

3GB (1x2gb) (1x1gb)
HARDDRIVE

500GB
SOFTWARE

iwork
STANDARD KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
APPLE PRO PLAN
17"INCH TFT DISPLAY
8x double superdrive (dvd-rw, cd-rw)
ATI RADION X 1600 GRAPHICS (128GB)
AIRPORT EXTREME
BLUETOOTH 2.0

COST-€2204.12
VAT- €462.87
PRICE-€2666.99
I CAN CLAIM THE VAT BACK BECAUSE IT IS BUSINESS.

Is it true that mac's do not make noise like pc's when running?
And is it true that the computer on/off switch is on the keyboard?

I hope to be mac ready when the time comes, for example i know that the top right buttons (min., max., close) are on the top left hand corner in mac's and that they have colours and are the other way around compared to pc's.

I reckon i am making the right choice despite the fact that some pc people are trying to change my mind. some pc people are staying quiet and one or two are for the move.

uncle_sam_ie · 22-10-2006 1:49pm

Both my Mac are really quiet, but there have been reports of some Macs mooing, but recent software updates are suppose to have fixed it. There is no on/off button on the keyboard. I never turn off any of my Macs. I just put them to sleep. I think windows are only now featuring this in Vista. If Vista is stable enough it will work.

K.O.Kiki · 22-10-2006 5:31pm

triple h wrote:

well corman, ...ok i could afford to spend that sort of money now, but i am not rich. i reckon it makes me mean (or maine as an irish person would say). this might sound crazy or mean, but i want my new computer to last 6 years. i know one is meant to change every 2 years, but i reckon that is crazy.
I am going to wait until jan 07 or feb 07 (even though i want to buy it now) but i reckon that i may as well wait until the new system comes out and i might get a good deal seen as less computers are sold after christmas.
this is what i reckon i will buy
PROCESSOR---2.16ghz core duo
MEMORY
3GB (1x2gb) (1x1gb)
HARDDRIVE
500GB
SOFTWARE
iwork
STANDARD KEYBOARD AND MOUSE
APPLE PRO PLAN
17"INCH TFT DISPLAY
8x double superdrive (dvd-rw, cd-rw)
ATI RADION X 1600 GRAPHICS (128GB)
AIRPORT EXTREME
BLUETOOTH 2.0

COST-€2204.12
VAT- €462.87
PRICE-€2666.99
I CAN CLAIM THE VAT BACK BECAUSE IT IS BUSINESS.

Jeezus mate, are you having a laugh?

Let's go through this:
First of all, only eejits with too much money say you have to sell/upgrade your computer/car/wife

every other year -- for surfing, you could use a G3 or a Pentium II, it would still work!. But I digress...

First thing I wanna say is, you're wasting your money in all the wrong areas.
"Upgrading" the already-seriously fast Core2Duo by 160mHz for €99 is an incredibly lovely scam you can do without.
Next, RAM -- 3Gb?? No way you'll need all that. Get the 2Gb, it's more than enough for now, the modules are matched (good for performance), and it's reasonably priced (I did a Crucial check)
iWork -- if you need it, sure.
Now, hard-drive... stop wasting your money!! :mad:
Get the normal HDD (160Gb), then buy yourself some EXTERNAL drives for your data -- you can get 500Gb external drives with Firewire400 for €250-270 (like this WD for €265). Or you can get a 320Gb HDD for €165 -- get whichever depending on how quickly you think you'll fill a drive.
Oh, and you might as well get yourself the wireless mouse & keyboard now

So, that brings your shopping list to:

iMac 2Ghz, 2Gb RAM, 160Gb HDD, iWork, Wireless mouse/keyboard: €1538.01 (1271.08 ex-VAT)
external HDD: €165/€265

And if you still want to burn money, get the 20" iMac (again, only upgrade the RAM to 2Gb, and add iWork & wireless mouse/keyboard).

triple h · 22-10-2006 8:06pm

thanks ko kiki,
I guess i am an eejit at computers, well when it comes to talking about hard drives and GB's i guess i am, oh, and strange letters and words i have no earthly idea about. Although i have learnt alot in the pass two weeks.
I have an old computer and there is stuff i cant buy nowadys cause one must download it onto one's computer. I have no space left. I want to get an ipod but i cant, computer not good enough.
I know that 2GB is good enough for me, at least for the next 4 years anyway. But i am mean, i want this to last me for awhile, 6 maybe 7 years.

Thanks for the help, i really will look hard into that cause i guess you are right. I am most likely throwing money away. that was what i would call major help, thanks very very much.

no i am not laughing at anyone,

"Jeezus mate, are you having a laugh?" that line made me laugh.

Dr_Teeth · 22-10-2006 8:08pm

*looks up at post #6*

No-one listens to meee!

xebec · 22-10-2006 8:32pm

triple h wrote:

I know that 2GB is good enough for me, at least for the next 4 years anyway. But i am mean, i want this to last me for awhile, 6 maybe 7 years.

I still don't get this bit? 2GB is plenty for what you want to do!! How will an extra GB add 2/3 years to the life of your computer? If you really want that extra GB how about investing the money you saved from other posters advice for the next four years, then adding the extra memory and pocketing any money you have left over! Jees...

me again

Comments