Which computer to get??

[Bloodflame]

Hi there, i'm a n00b here (not a n00b to computers though )

I am, however, in a situation where I'm in need of a new PC, and I don't want to be disappointed. I was hoping people here could help me choose a system which will do me good for moderate gaming and multimedia purposes.

I've got roughly $700CDN to work with, and although I've found better deals online, I can only buy locally (no credit card). I'd like to build my own machine, but there aren't many places which sell parts in my area, and the ones that do are overpriced. It would actually cost less to get it prebuilt.

I've also got the following which I can add to any system I get
40GB hdd
384MB DDR-RAM
24x10x40 CD-RW
wireless keyboard/mouse
17" monitor
XP Professional

Generally, I go for AMD machines (I'm currently running a Duron 1200+), but the best deals I've found are all Intel.

Configuration 1:
eMachines H2742 ($664)

Intel Celeron 2.7GHz
Available Expansion Bays: 1 x 5.25"
Available Expansion Slots: 2 PCI
Cache: 128 KB L2 On-Die Cache
3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive
56K V.92 Modem
Intel Extreme Graphics 3D
40GB hdd
I/O Ports: 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, 6 USB 2.0
Software: MS Works, MS Money, Antivirus (Trial)
10/100 Ethernet
48x CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
256MB PC2100 DDR RAM (Exp. To 1.0GB)
Integrated Sound Card
Stereo Speakers
System Bus: 400 MHz

Configuration 2:
Cicero Basic 2500 ($649)

Base Features:
Cicero ATX Tower - Black
651m-1 Motherboard
GPU Integrated Video 651M
Integrated 10/100 Network Card (Intel Pro)
Integrated Audio Realtek

Custom Options
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition - English
Intel Celeron 2.8GHz CPU For PC
128M PC2100 DDR (1x128M)
80GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
16x DVD-ROM Drive
Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 Sound Card
ATI RADEON 9200 SE 128MB Video Card
Win 104 Key PS/2 Keyboard Black - English
Cicero Optical Mouse - Black
Microsoft Works 7.0 - English


So, which is better? I'm leaning towards #2, but it's online only. I'd have to find someone with a credit card who I could pay to use it. I'm still looking for deals at other places, but nothing beats the price to value ratio of these systems.

 

[Jitsu]

Get the better one.

 

[Bloodflame]

well that helps a lot... they both seem decent enough for me.
the main reason I like the second one more is the ATI Radeon card.

 

[..>Lost<..]

why dont you go open a checking account with your money, get the check card so you can use it like a credit card and get what u want off the internet at better prices???

 

[Bloodflame]

they only accept visa, mastercard, and amex... i cant get either 'cause i'm only 17. i have a debbit card though, if only i could use it online.

what do you others think though. is the online deal better? i think so, but i want other opinions...

 

[magnum70]

emachines have worked good for me.

 

[Bloodflame]

thanks... anyone think i would see a significant difference when upgrading from the following specs? particularly in gaming??

AMD Duron 1200+
384MB DDR-RAM
40GB hdd
SiS 730s integrated chipset
24x10x40 CD-RW
8x DVD
tripple booting Windows 98, XP, CollegeLinux 2.5

also remember i'll be stripping this pc for parts to upgrade any machine i get, when i get it.

 

[YourPrinter]

i think its better to get a new video card than buy those rundown systems but thats me