Looking to either buld or buy a computer. My budget is about 1k. I'm not into hard core gaming, maybee world of warcraft or something like that. For example I'm playing Might and Magic 8 right now. Also Wizardry 10 I think.
I want to use my computer as a PVR, so I need a cable in and probably Window's Media Center Edition. So I know that's going to add to the cost.
I can buy an E-Machine for about 650 bucks, but I would have to add about 250 or so to get graphics and cable input. So thats about 900.
I could UBID a Sony, for around 750 that has everthing I want, but I've heard alot of bad things about their quality. I did UBID my last computer (HP) and it's worked great for 5 years.
I could try to build. I have lot's of friends who are techies, so I think I shouldn't have too big of problem with it. I asked them but i tried to get me to go server wise and the other wanted me to go HardCore gaming with a 300+ dollar video card. I'm not really sure what to get. So I'm seeking advice.
I don't need a monitor, because I'll be using my TV.
I don't need speakers, since I'll be using my TV and stereo.
I would like the board to be 5.1 surround with either digital or optical sound, so I can hook it to my stereo.
I will be doing some MultiTasking like listening to music while surfing the web. At the same time the PVR may be recording a show.
An alternative would be if someone knows of some good PVR software I could use, then I could get a copy of XP Professional from work. Since I'll be working part time at home.
What do you think? The lower the cost the better.
I want to use my computer as a PVR, so I need a cable in and probably Window's Media Center Edition. So I know that's going to add to the cost.
I can buy an E-Machine for about 650 bucks, but I would have to add about 250 or so to get graphics and cable input. So thats about 900.
I could UBID a Sony, for around 750 that has everthing I want, but I've heard alot of bad things about their quality. I did UBID my last computer (HP) and it's worked great for 5 years.
I could try to build. I have lot's of friends who are techies, so I think I shouldn't have too big of problem with it. I asked them but i tried to get me to go server wise and the other wanted me to go HardCore gaming with a 300+ dollar video card. I'm not really sure what to get. So I'm seeking advice.
I don't need a monitor, because I'll be using my TV.
I don't need speakers, since I'll be using my TV and stereo.
I would like the board to be 5.1 surround with either digital or optical sound, so I can hook it to my stereo.
I will be doing some MultiTasking like listening to music while surfing the web. At the same time the PVR may be recording a show.
An alternative would be if someone knows of some good PVR software I could use, then I could get a copy of XP Professional from work. Since I'll be working part time at home.
What do you think? The lower the cost the better.