OT: Advice needed from computer/techy types, on replacing current home system...
Thread Starter
Elder Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,206
Likes: 0
OT: Advice needed from computer/techy types, on replacing current home system...
<center><img src="http://www.bjassociates.com/images/e100_30095.gif"></center><p>I have a painfully old, antiquated, and insufficient computer at home. It's a Toshiba Equium 100, pretty cool/revolutionary/compact design, for its time, but oh soooo slow. So, I want to upgrade. But, as I have a very good laptop from work that I bring home when I seriously need to get work done, this one's just for play - surf the internet (AudiWorld - yeah!!!), email, low graphics/sound needs, etc...
If possible I would like to use the flat screen monitor that my current machine has, to economize on cost, but am not sure if it'll work with a different CPU??? It just plugs directly into the video card of the 100, which drives video & powers the display... If not, I'll totally get rid of this and get some other integrated or very small footprint solution.
This is going to sound absurd, but the aesthetic considerations are as important as anything else, as this computer resides in a living sapce and isn't hidden in some huge hutch thingy... I want to stay in the $1.5-$2k range...
Any (useful) thoughts, ideas, solutions, etc... TIA!!!<ul><li><a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/popup/lx800b_specs.pdf">I'm thinking about this as a replacement...</a></li></ul>
If possible I would like to use the flat screen monitor that my current machine has, to economize on cost, but am not sure if it'll work with a different CPU??? It just plugs directly into the video card of the 100, which drives video & powers the display... If not, I'll totally get rid of this and get some other integrated or very small footprint solution.
This is going to sound absurd, but the aesthetic considerations are as important as anything else, as this computer resides in a living sapce and isn't hidden in some huge hutch thingy... I want to stay in the $1.5-$2k range...
Any (useful) thoughts, ideas, solutions, etc... TIA!!!<ul><li><a href="http://www.sonystyle.com/vaio/popup/lx800b_specs.pdf">I'm thinking about this as a replacement...</a></li></ul>
Thread Starter
Elder Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 13,206
Likes: 0
Or, maybe this one???
<ul><li><a href="http://commerce.www.ibm.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=1935843&cntrfnbr=1&prmenbr= 1&cntry=840&lang=en_US&scrfnbr=73&shoptype=D">IB M integrated solution...</a></li></ul>
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 0
Re: OT: You have a few options:
1. Dell Optiplex GX150 (1Ghz P3) Small Form Factor Chassis with 17" LCD. (~$2000) Offers 2 expansion slot for a blazing fast 3d accelerator graphics card to replace the average onboard graphics (must have for games)
2. Compaq IPAQ Desktop (1Ghz P3) with 17" LCD. (~$2000) No expansion slot. Intel 3d onboard graphics is average.
2. You can try adding more memory to your current PC (~$50 for 256Mb from www.crucial.com) and that may offer some improvement. Being a 266 P2MMX, you won't notice much improvement.
3. Build one from parts. (~$1000) I went around local computer shows and picked up the chassis from Compaq IPAQ desktop for ~$300 and rebuilt the inside from a 566Mhz celeron to a 1Ghz P3.
2. Compaq IPAQ Desktop (1Ghz P3) with 17" LCD. (~$2000) No expansion slot. Intel 3d onboard graphics is average.
2. You can try adding more memory to your current PC (~$50 for 256Mb from www.crucial.com) and that may offer some improvement. Being a 266 P2MMX, you won't notice much improvement.
3. Build one from parts. (~$1000) I went around local computer shows and picked up the chassis from Compaq IPAQ desktop for ~$300 and rebuilt the inside from a 566Mhz celeron to a 1Ghz P3.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 676
Likes: 0
IMHO.....
Personally I am not a fan of IBM, Sony, or any other mass produced retail PC, I prefer to build my own, but thats another story. If I were going to buy a retail pc then I would go with Dell. I have always had good experiences with their equipment and their support is excellent....
As far as asthetics go it is not as pleasant to look at as the IBM, but it has it where it counts performance wise.......<ul><li><a href="http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_1_dimen_8100.htm">Dell Dimension 8100</a></li></ul>
As far as asthetics go it is not as pleasant to look at as the IBM, but it has it where it counts performance wise.......<ul><li><a href="http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/model_dimen_1_dimen_8100.htm">Dell Dimension 8100</a></li></ul>
Elder Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 13,790
Likes: 0
I have an 8100 and love it. I didn't want to suggest it, though, because it doesn't...
...meet his aesthetic requirements. Another idea is to go with an Inspiron lap-top. I have an Inspiron 8000 and I think it's fantastic.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,770
Likes: 0
My last 2 systems are and have been Sony
Not counting Apple Computer models, I think the Sony models are the best out there - aesthetically. Sony has not yet resorted to copying Apple in using the translucent plastics. I like their purplish cases and the LCD monitors are awesome. My current desktop has a square ring around the start button that emits a blue diode-like glow. I think the blue is the same color as that on the PS2 diode.
Both of the models I bought were factory refurbished, and I have not had a single problem.
Their features and performance isn't too shabby either. Most of the Sony models have a ton of multimedia functionality already built in, i.e. Firwire ports, USB ports, Video Out/In, TV tuner cards, etc.
The model you have listed is cool and will perfectly fit your needs, especially aesthetically.
I recommend spending a good part of your budget on a high quality monitor that you can use for future systems, be it LCD or CRT. This will last you for the next 10+ years - my 20" Radius has lasted 8 years and is still going strong. You can probably pick up any computer for about 1K, most likely less.
Happy shopping!
Both of the models I bought were factory refurbished, and I have not had a single problem.
Their features and performance isn't too shabby either. Most of the Sony models have a ton of multimedia functionality already built in, i.e. Firwire ports, USB ports, Video Out/In, TV tuner cards, etc.
The model you have listed is cool and will perfectly fit your needs, especially aesthetically.
I recommend spending a good part of your budget on a high quality monitor that you can use for future systems, be it LCD or CRT. This will last you for the next 10+ years - my 20" Radius has lasted 8 years and is still going strong. You can probably pick up any computer for about 1K, most likely less.
Happy shopping!
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
10 Strangest Audi Designs That Actually Made Production
Joe Kucinski
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo