new computer

[joemoma]

I'm looking to buy my self I new computer for Christmas and I'm wondering where to purchase it. Installing linux on my current computer was a huge headache because of some cheap hardware and I'd like to make it as easy as possible this time. I still want to have a windows partition to play games but I primarily use linux. I though about building my own box but buying a system from say dell seems cheaper. If I do buy a system from a place like gateway what do I have to worry about besides the winmodem? Where did you buy yours?

Thanks

[Homer119]

dell 8200

pumped all options to max!!!!

total 3250$

[dstammer]

I have thought about having a computer that is designed for Linux OS instead of being a Windoze computer. Some time ago Linux Journal did their issue on the Ultimate Linux Box. They had it designed and built at Los Alamos Computers in California. I think they'll build them with Windoze or dual boot also.

You can check them out at
http://www.lanm-pc.com/cgi-bin/front.py

[Dun'kalis]

Motherboards don't matter as much as in Windows (just get a common one and you're fine), but sound (get a Creative or ESS card for an easy time), video (nvidia is king of the Linux roost, but ATI just released new drivers), and modem are the worst. Many of these new machines use crappy onboard sound, so you'll want to get a real sound card.

Another thing to watch for is the restore disc. On the hard disk of new XP systems, there is a hidden partition that the restore disc uses to bring your system back to its original state. You can erase it from Linux fdisk, cfdisk, Disk Druid, etc, but if you ever want to use Windows, try and get your own copy of whatever Windows you want.

[Gantrep]

Well in my opinion, build your own is the best choice. If you say that buying from dell is cheaper, well, then whatever i guess. I'd say look harder at pricewatch.com, but i could be wrong. PC prices DEFINITELY are coming down now, and there are some very reasonable deals.

but since you asked about where to buy one, I guess I'll answer that question.

Is there a local computer store near you that you can buy a pc sans operating system and warranty? Usually there are little hole in the wall places that would be glad to do that for a very reasonable price.

Plus, it's always nice to support the little guys instead of the billion-dollar fellows.

[teeitup]

The advice given is good. Video chipsets, sound cards.

How do you connect to the internet? Most Corp PCs come with a built in NIC, again check the chipset.

I would just count on buying an externel modem and be done with it. They are the easiest to setup and provide better performance than internal modems made nowadays.

FYI
I have loaded linux on Compaq Deskpros, Compaq Armada Laptops, Dell OptiPlexes, with great success.

Good Luck,

[Samba_man]

I agree with most here!

I own a Dell, a Small Form Factor Compaq deskpro, and a Homebuilt box.

I've had great success with all of them. I would however, buy and build yourself if you can. It'll save you money....plus you won't be paying for the Windows OS.

I prefer www.newegg.com

I've bought a decent amount of stuff there and so has a close buddy of mine. Never had a problem. They have good prices and good stuff.

As far as modems go. I'd go 3com (non-winmodem).

Hope this helps a little :)

[ECartman]

what i've noted recently is that building your own computer will not cost you more (if you take the time to look), but it really doesn't save you money anymore. The one advantage is that you don;t pay for an OS you won't use and you can COMPLETELY customize it (not Dells discrace of the word customize).

http://www.pricewatch.com is a good site, but some of the companies are no-names, I have ordered from some of them though with no problem.

http://www.newegg.com is a site I would HIGHLY recomend. Pricewise, I have found things cheaper there than pricewatch and there shipping is as low as you will find anywhere. Also, I have had an excellent time when dealing with thier customer service (and that is worth more than a couple extra bucks).

[JQuinton]

;) Here's a shweet deal for you. Wal-Mart has a Microtel SYSMAR409 PC with 2 GHz Pentium 4 with Lycoris Desktop/LX. It comes with 128 MB DDR memory, 20 GB HDD< CD-ROM Drive, Integrated 10/100 LAN all for just $558.00 :D What a deal!:D

just go to www.walmart.com and type Linux into the search box.

[ECartman]

Originally posted by JQuinton
;) Here's a shweet deal for you. Wal-Mart has a Microtel SYSMAR409 PC with 2 GHz Pentium 4 with Lycoris Desktop/LX. It comes with 128 MB DDR memory, 20 GB HDD< CD-ROM Drive, Integrated 10/100 LAN all for just $558.00 :D What a deal!:D

just go to www.walmart.com and type Linux into the search box.

right...?

To give you an idea of what spending time to find the best prices can get you. I don't have more than 600 or 700 dollars into the box running windows xp below in my sig (not including operating system which i did get legally and free btw :D). And I built that one about 8 months ago. It also has a GeForce 2 GTS w/ 64meg ram, creative SB Live, and a slot-loading Pioneer DVD-rom (forgot what speed).

[liquidfx13]

personally, i would build my own system. You get the parts that you want at the price that you want (though i always find myself going for the higher end stuff which costs me more hehehehehe). Plus this way you can make sure that everything that you buy will work with linux and windows....the only downside to this is that instead of one warranty that covers everything you get multiple that only cover that one part. either way something to think about!

[dstammer]

For a cheapo computer just to mess around with, I bought an old HP Pentium II from ebay for $200. Has DVD, 128 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive. Bought a 17" flat screen KDS monitor from Sam's club for $125 and just loaded it with Debian 3 for $21 for the set of seven disks. And I also put a 3COM network card in it for a few bucks. So I probably spent about $400 - $450 on this one. I'm using it right now and it rocks.
Cheers

[joemoma]

Thanks for the advise all. I appreciate it. I'll let you know how it turns out.