Computer-Type Question

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I've been thinking about upgrading my home pc. Any suggestions on a good brand, with affordable prices? I also want to know if there is any data transfer software out there that will move files and programs from my old pc to the one I purchase.

Also, regarding games: If I transfer the data for saved games and such from one pc to the other, will I be able to play them or will they be corrupted? I'm wondering about NWN, IWD 1&2, and the BG series.

Any insight would be nice! Thanks!

 

If you dont repair/build your own stuff, I would go with a dell. Really good support, good equipment, and decent prices. Your sve games will transfer without a problem (except maybe for server vault information in NWN).

 

Do you need data transfer software to do it? Or can you just connect the pcs by a cable or USB port?

 

*ouch*

I would tell you e-Machines before I said Dell. I would tell Osama to get a Dell.

Alienware, ABS, Falcon Northwest, Voodoo. Anything but Dell, Gateway, Compaq, or HP.

Build it yourself will save you $500, if you get the exact same parts that you can, and reuse some of your old ones. And as long as you get "mainstream" parts, you're not going to have problems.

Getting a PCI IDE controller and using your old hard disk as a data drive is nice. Plus, you can just copy all your files straight over to the new (faster) system drive. You can even use it to ghost off your partition, and restore from it with a boot disk.

 

Right over my head. I hope Bel understood that!

 

Thanks EJ...I didn't know about some of the companies you mentioned...I think I am going to bite the bullet and get a new system. My current one is starting to lag a bit.

I have a 30GB hard drive that is almost full.

It's an HP system, and the bus ports are outdated (I forget their names, but when I upgraded the video card, I was limited in choice because the chip slot is an outdated configuration).

I have a celeron processor that's 766Mhz...I need more speed!!!!

Needless to say, it's been 3-4 years since I've reinvested in my computer. Since I've been enjoying more online gameplaying, I think it's time to ramp up processing power and speed.

...Although a plasma flat screen monitor would be nice!

 

You can just install your old harddisk into your new PC as a slave drive. Meaning, you have 2 harddisk in your new rig. The new HD will serve as you boot drive, where you put your OS. That way you don't need to transfer most of your files. But you might need to reconfigure some of your games/softwares. You can also free up your some disk space in your old drive by uninstalling the old OS, and other softwares that you feel would be better if installed in the new one. That's what I did with my new rig. Saved me a lot of time and hassle.

@EJ, correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the layman's version of your "PCI-IDE controller and old hard disk as data drive" ...to some extent.

 

For the most part I agree with what ejsmith has said. I'd consider looking into Asus for your comp, they may be slightly more expensive, but it's good quality to be sure. Definitely don't buy any of the major brands you see in stores like Sony, Compaq and HP, eMachines, etc.

If it's within your means I would strongly suggest getting a DVD writer. I use mine to backup integral files when CDs aren't enough, and DVDs are a good, reliable, fairly cost-effective way to backup massive amounts of data. They're not right for everyone, but I like 'em.

 

Wish I had an Area-51 . Looks like a good system!

 

I test drove one last night at Best Buy. They had Medal of Honor loaded...No only is that a fun, fastastic game! The graphics, sound, and game fluidity were incredible!!!!

Although it's more than I want to spend on a pc right...I may just have to do it!

 

just build it yourself its really not that hard: put the screws where they belong, and the wires where they fit.

 

Sir B:

In the end, it's always your call. And if you're happy with the machine, then nothing else matters. If it's doing what you want it to do, and you're not cussing the machine, then life is good.

All I'm saying here is Best Buy is in the volume business. Like Walmart.

Geo Metros are not made to tow 14' boats. They do ok pulling someone on a bicycle or a skateboard. They do ok when you need to get groceries down at IGA. But when you try to put a shortbloc 400 in it and haul round bails on a stabber, it's just not going to cut it.

There are machines that are upgradable. Best Buy and Walmart do not make them.

 

Ghosting a HDD means simply that that an exact copy is created. The only bad thing is that the system where this ghost is used needs to be similar with the first one. This is why companies with thousands of computers always buy them in a one, big package.

Bel, so you already bought it?