Re: OT: computers
 

- A second floppy? I haven't used mine in ages, but you can get them for about $5. With a CD burner, you can get a rewritable disk for a buck or two, and carry a 650 meg "floppy" around http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif There is free software around which will make it act exactly the same as your standard 3.5" floppy (except bigger, and faster).
- All you need in an ethernet card comes in at under $25. If its much more than that, it will be loaded with useless features, like the ability to turn your computer on remotely.
- WinXP may or may not be an "upgrade", depending on your point of view http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
- You can easily boost yourself into the 1500 Mhz range for $150 these days.
- DVD burners are about the same price ($150). If you just want a CD burner its less ($50), and read-only CDs go for $20.
- Hard Drives are roughly $1 per Gigabyte of storage, with almost 200 Gig drives appearing lately. Going from 60 to 80 will probably cost you only $10 more, depending on the store.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">The floppy and the CD/Harddrive cables are not the same size.
Usually, the CD and Harddrive cables have three connectors on them (one at each end, and one in the middle), and motherbords come with two connections for them. That gives you room for a total of 4 CDs and HDs.
The floppy cables are set up in a similar way, so adding a second drive will be easy.

If need be, you can buy fresh "IDE" cables for $1.99

Re: OT: computers
 

All of the advice here is good, but let me give you a little word to the wise. Do not try your first major upgrade on your only computer. And be careful of upgrading name brand computers, some of them use proprietary designs on the motherboard, power supplies, and cases. These
can make upgrading very difficult. Also, be sure that you have access to someone who is
experienced and willing to help you if things don’t work out. My first home built started with the motherboard DOA. I was instantly in over my head.

Look at Dells site, they have a 2GHz P4 w/17”moniter for 599 right now. Add a $45 dollar
CD reader and some memory to that and it will be just what you need. Then if you want to try
home building, buy a book on A+, read it and practice on the Compaq.

[ April 03, 2003, 16:15: Message edited by: Thermodyne ]

Re: OT: computers
 

good advise Thermodyne..

I have seen old DELLS, Compacs, and others that had custom power connectors and motherboard sizes.

It kills your abiltiy to upgrade later.

The DELLS with the better processors and graphic cards started at $799.

Re: OT: computers
 

It looks like it is a no go with upgrading what I have effectively, thnak you all for the input.

Dell seems to be the best deal mentioned, any thoughts on this company...

http://www.buyabs.com/

Re: OT: computers
 

looks GOOD to me...but...
I'd upgrade to a Western Digital Hard Drive,
I do not know about the Motherboard Brand and would look for reviews on the web.

[ April 04, 2003, 16:39: Message edited by: Wardad ]

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Not to say you're wrong Wardad, but you can redrill the holes on an AT case to get an ATX case, and the AT PSU can be rewired as well... but I would not want to do it, and I am good at computers!

Re: OT: computers
 

Since a personal upgrade is out of the question.

Perhaps you should narrow your choices down to the dell route or perhaps a local mom and pop who has a good reputation.

Trade in your old puppy for some money off on the new one...

Or as a third option

keep the old guy around and play with it... and learn how to build and destroy computers...

But I would save the 20 gig drive.... it will come in use ....

Just remember that you do not need the high end CPU, just get a good motherboard.

THe only things you could salvage would be the harddrive, floopy, cdr , and perhaps the sound card.....

Good luck... keep to your budget.

512 megs ram
1800
nvida 2 chip set with onboard nic , ( perhaps onboard sound card )
dvd / cd / cdr combo oem ( lite on or some thing like that )
60 gig hard drive
video card ( Geforce middle of the pack one ) oem

soundbLaster oem
your set....

Will not rob the bank and next year you can upgrade the cpu or memory when things slow down abit... which i doubt they will...

Re: OT: computers
 

Hunkapapa,

How is it hanging?

Re: OT: computers
 

Still mullying over my 2 choices, would like to have the future upgrade available, don't want to get stuck topped out like I am currently.

I am definitely buying a pre-made now, but I will seriously be considering building my own in the next 3-5 years.

Must importantly I cleared it through the boss (wife).

the old one is being donated to a family member

Thank you all for your help.

[ April 08, 2003, 22:26: Message edited by: Hunkpapa ]

Re: OT: computers
 

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Shortly after I upgraded from the AT to the AT-X hardware the Pentium P4 hit the market. ARRGH.... My case does not have the four screw studs for the P4 cooling fan, but my power supply does have the extra P4 connector. Although the P4 hardware is standard now, I bet some AMD and Celeron based systems have cut costs. So some of these systems will not be easy to upgrade to P4.

AMD: Great products but the company is sitting on a mountain of debt.
Will they be in buisness when you want to upgrade?
Can they afford to keep up with Intel?

Intel: Sitting on a mountain of cash.
Will the next P4 or P5 be compatible with your current hardware?