Can I have some help...

[Sir Goulum]

...With computors? I'm still trying to decide what kind of computor to get for my birthday (and boy, its coming up FAST [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) Can any of you suggest a good brand and/or the model? I'd like to be able to put upgrade things like the amount of memory and the Video Memory amount. It also has to total to around $2000 Canadian. Thanks!

[Animal]

Build your own. It's really no that hard, and you get exactly what you want how you want it. For $2000CDN you can have one sweet machine.

[True_Moose]

Go to http://www.memoryexpress.com/ and customize one, see if they can send it up to you. I'll ask. I work there and it's sweet! Basically, you buy the parts, and they put 'em together for free. That's assuming you won't put together one on your own.

PS: That does mean I got the job, everybody [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[Sir Goulum]

Originally posted by Animal: Build your own. It's really no that hard, and you get exactly what you want how you want it. For $2000CDN you can have one sweet machine.

Yea, but I don't know where I could buy the parts, and I'm not that bright in putting it together [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[True_Moose]

Originally posted by Sir Goulum: quote: Originally posted by Animal: Build your own. It's really no that hard, and you get exactly what you want how you want it. For $2000CDN you can have one sweet machine.

Yea, but I don't know where I could buy the parts, and I'm not that bright in putting it together [img]tongue.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]Go to either http://www.newegg.com/ or http://www.pricewatch.com/ for parts. You've gotta make sure they ship to Canada though (I know Newegg does.)

Articles on making your own PC:
http://www.maximumpc.com/reprints/re...002-03-13.html
http://gamespot.com/gshw/stories/fla...842650,00.html

It's not that hard, I made one with my friend (after all, if two testosterone crazed 15 year olds can do it)

[Redblueflare]

Or Dude you could always get a dell! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Building your own cpu could be a lot more expensive, but than again i'll be up to date longer.

[Sir Goulum]

Originally posted by Redblueflare: Or Dude you could always get a dell! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Building your own cpu could be a lot more expensive, but than again i'll be up to date longer.

Yea, I've been looking at Dell...what about Gateway? Are they good?

[Animal]

Originally posted by Sir Goulum: quote: Originally posted by Animal: Build your own. It's really no that hard, and you get exactly what you want how you want it. For $2000CDN you can have one sweet machine.

Yea, but I don't know where I could buy the parts, and I'm not that bright in putting it together [img]tongue.gif[/img] [/QUOTE]You sell yourself short my young friend. My honest advice to you is find a local shop with a good reputation. Stay away from the web. Work with your local shop and have them build you a machine for your needs. It will probably cost a little more than a big name (Dell, Gateway) but it's the personal service that makes all the difference.
If memory serves you're still in school, so talk to some of the IT professors and see if they can recommend a good computer store locally that's been around for a while. As a side note I would start out at around $1700. That gives you a few c-notes just in case you run over budget.
I'm quite sure that everyone has an opinion on what you should buy and from where, and I'm not saying that mine is gospel, but if you're interested in computers this is a great way to start learning.
I've built six so far over the years, and being able to fire up a machine that I built is hundereds of times better than buying one.
Check out this link. I know it's not in your neck of the woods, but it'll give you a good idea about pricing. I deal with these guys on a regular basis.
http://www.liteoncomputers.com/catalog/

[Timber Loftis]

Originally posted by Sir Goulum: quote: Originally posted by Redblueflare: Or Dude you could always get a dell! [img]tongue.gif[/img] Building your own cpu could be a lot more expensive, but than again i'll be up to date longer.

Yea, I've been looking at Dell...what about Gateway? Are they good?[/QUOTE]I think Dell has a better service reputation - which is an important consideration if you are not that saavy and you don't have CPU-saavy friends. If you are a student - LAPTOP. It will change your life. [img]smile.gif[/img] I bought a Sony last year and I have good things to say: the BEST software package in the industry and the best pre-loaded "do everything you want on the web or with CD burning or multimedia programs" stuff - as it is part of their whole VAIO (video audio integration) motif. (If you get a laptop, it's a liet motif).

As for computer brands, I can only speak to laptops, and will only purchase a Sony or Toshiba, though I have friends who love their Dells.

As for desktops, I know the new Dell I have at work zooms right along just fine.

If cost is an issue - go to a Best Buy or CompUSA - or a *ahem* reputable online store. I had good luck buying my first Toshiba from pcconnection.com - which gave me a $150 dollar student discount off the price (which was already very marked-down) and SUPER student discounts on software packages (I mean - like 75%). I had horrible luck with TigerDirect and ultimately came within a hair's breadth of shipping back my original box to them filled with horse dung.

I simply think that due to their lifespan (4-5 years max before near-obsolesence) you should try to be as economical as possible when buying machines. My attitude is get an acceptable, near top-of-the-line model that is about 6 mos. off the fastest processor so you can get the best balance between performance and price.

[Sir Goulum]

Hmmm...When you say student, do you mean Universtiy student?