Sarah in VA Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I'm in the market for a new desktop computer. And I need some advice about what's out there. I have a laptop that I adore (Dell Latitude D630), but it has a problem and in speaking with Dell this morning, there probably is not a permanent fix for it. So, for the third time in 18 months, I'm having to send it back to Dell for a new motherboard. The problem is the nvidia card. The tech said it's a universal problem, nvidia is working on it and hoping for a permanent fix. In the meantime they just keep doing the best they can. I really don't have a problem with Dell, I have total warranty; they even send someone out with packing materials to send it back and it's usually back in just 2 or 3 days...but this is getting old. I really don't have a lot of requirements. I just need it to have a good solid processor, a decent hard drive (I have an excellent EHD, 22" monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse which I will continue to use) and a DEPENDABLE graphics card to handle the type of photo imaging and digital scrapbooking that we do. I know there's been recent talk on the MB about a card or cards that do not work with Photoshop CS4. But I haven't been paying a lot of attention. Not that I have CS4, not will I probably ever but I figure a card that will work there will be OK for anything else. So, what do I need? I will still be using my laptop for travel of course, and to be in different parts of the house and outside, but I will just feel better having a desktop as my main computer. My 18 month experiment with having the laptop as my main really hasn't worked out that well, I guess. But it will make a very good backup! As my DH said on the phone just a few minutes ago, "If Mama isn't happy, nobody is happy. Go find another computer." Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina M Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 I love my HP... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaughnde Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Well Sarah....I don't really know whats new out there but I can tell you this. I like my HP Compaq computer. One I will tell you NOT to get is a Gateway. We do have a couple husbands around here that are IT's...maybe they can chime in with some advice via their wives I hope you do find what you need that will work for you. I do know you need at least 4gb in RAM or more and a good processor as well as a good graphics card as you've found out. Some Gamer computers are good for us but also at the same time they may have some things in there that we don't need... Dell is good at customizing. But then so is HP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadeye dianna Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 The Envidea card problem, I'm told, is in batch 7000 or 8000. HP is also having trouble with them, as is Apple. The problem seems to involve the video card and the intel chip. HP seems to think they know what the problem is and how to fix it. Heat is the problem. My DS just went through this, and that is the info he gave me as I too am searching for the right computer to purchase. Just getting a new computer may not solve the problem. I assume it's possible to find out the batch number of the envidea board. Envidea is one of the leaders in the field, so hopefully they found a solution. I don't think this problem exists in any computers except Apple, HP, and Dell. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lorac Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 In December I bought an HP with 3GB Memory, and a 500GB Hard Drive. I love it. I know a lot of people who have purchased Dell's and they always seem to have problems with them. So I'll stay with HP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerryveale Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Sarah, When I bought my HP laptop last year, I decided to hang on to my old Sony desktop computer. It is not as fast as the HP, but if the HP ever has to go into the shop, it will do the job. I guess I finally understand why my husband hangs on to old computer equipment--in a pinch, it's way better than going without! I would suggest whatever high-end HP desktop they have at Costco--you can't beat the prices, and Costco offers a concierge service so you can call in and ask any questions you need to. They'll even get the computer manufacturer on a conference call with you if necessary. And you can return the computer to Costco. (I saw a really nice computer deal at one of the office supply stores, maybe it was Office Max, but I called and they did not offer ANY in-store returns, only to the manufacturer. I really like the flexibility of being able to do an in-store return if necessary.) Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiza126 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 My first computer was a Gateway...it lasted me over 5 years and never had a problem with it. Not sure how the more modern Gateways are though. My parents have Dell computers. My current computer was custom-built by my technologically advanced brother, so I couldn't tell you what's in it. But I do agree that you need lots of memory and space and fast processing, and all those requirements to keep your scrapping up to speed. Good luck finding your perfect computer!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandiC. Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 OK Sarah, my techie is in favor of HP desktops and Dell laptops. That's our home configuration and have been very happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anemone1983 Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 If you already have a monitor, check out some of the "big box" stores for special editions like this one at Best Buy. The graphics card is pretty decent. The HD is a great size and 7200RPM (fast!) and it's a Quad Core with 6GB of RAM! The beauty of desktops is that you can swap out most of the components very easily, so if you wanted to upgrade the RAM or graphics card at a later date, it's pretty easy to do. Many of the stores have their own "special editions" and they usually have a bit more than the standard stuff from the same manufacturer. I have a gaming friend who got the Phoenix from BB and he loves it. He did swap out the grapics card, but only because he had upgraded for his old PC and it was available. We tried it with the card that came in it and it was great for gaming...since I do both gaming and use CS4 on my machine, I go by the philosophy that if it's good for gaming, it's good for CS4! Happy shopping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah in VA Posted February 20, 2009 Author Share Posted February 20, 2009 The Envidea card problem, I'm told, is in batch 7000 or 8000. HP is also having trouble with them, as is Apple. The problem seems to involve the video card and the intel chip. HP seems to think they know what the problem is and how to fix it. Heat is the problem. My DS just went through this, and that is the info he gave me as I too am searching for the right computer to purchase. Just getting a new computer may not solve the problem. I assume it's possible to find out the batch number of the envidea board. Envidea is one of the leaders in the field, so hopefully they found a solution. I don't think this problem exists in any computers except Apple, HP, and Dell. Hope this helps. Yes, I know that the problem is with the Envidea (thanks for the correct spelling) and the heat. I always keep the computer on a LapCool for the extra fan and have even resorted to setting it on a Zip Lock bag of ice cubes! And I know that when I get the laptop back from the repair it will still have an Envidea card and who knows how l long it will be before that one burns out the motherboard!. That's why I want another computer WITHOUT this card. My last 3 computers have been Dells and we've also had HPs. I'm partial to Dells - I sure wish I had my old Dimension back that I gave to my best friend when I got the laptop! Actually, the computer I'm using now (my husband's home desktop) is a Dimension and really not a bad computer. I'm tempted to go ahead and load either PSP X2 or PSE 7 on it this afternoon just so I can get some things done. I checked the System Requirements on both of these programs and this computer has more than the minimum required, although it will be slow. And I also have the MS Office products on this computer so that I can keep up with my other work. I really shouldn't complain. Not having shopped for a computer in a while, I just wasn't sure what the latest speeds, etc were. I have Vista Business and 4G of Ram on the laptop, but think that if I had more RAM that would only be better, but not sure how much is enough now. So I think we'll be at Best Buy/Costco this weekend finding out what's out there. Thanks so much for your responses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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