New desktop computer for around £300-£400

[Deleted User]

Marty_J wrote: »

But it doesn't integrate with iMovie, iDVD and iTunes. Similar, but not as good.

Did the OP say they didn't have a monitor?

Damn, why did i thank you.

Why would a piece of windows software integrate with Mac software? That's insane. I might as well berate iPhoto for not integrate with irfanview (lightweight image viewing software) in windows

It integrates with an graphics software installed on your PC - is that not enough? And yes - if you make a movie with it, you can right click and open in your video software.

The OP does have an old monitor, but wants a new one. It was the first thing I asked.

A:I

DatabaseError wrote: »

the 8800gt is a graphics card, towards the top end of the mid range, if you know what I mean?!

And what beautiful cards they are :P
Not to mention that minimac is underpowered in comparison to a PC alternative. I'm not picking fault, as we have already established that we think of very different things when looking for a computer, and i respect that. - I just think it is in the OP's best interest to get the best performance they can for their budget, so the computer will last for a good few years without upgrades, and quite frankly the specs on the low end macmini you posted are terrible in comparison to PC deals.

Marty_J

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Damn, why did i thank you.

lol...I thanked you back seeing as it was a mistake and all.

Why would a piece of windows software integrate with Mac software? That's insane. I might as well berate iPhoto for not integrate with irfanview (lightweight image viewing software) in windows[/quote]

But it doesn't integrate with any software the way iPhoto does. There's no comparision.

It integrates with an graphics software installed on your PC - is that not enough? And yes - if you make a movie with it, you can right click and open in your video software.

No no no no no.

You really need to try iLife.

The OP does have an old monitor, but wants a new one. It was the first thing I asked.

OK, I missed that.

So they can spend less on a computer and get a newer monitor.

Seems odd to me, but there you go.

DatabaseError

A:I wrote: »

... the low end macmini you posted are terrible in comparison to PC deals.

erm...not guilty, m'lud

...but the 8800gt cards are lovely, I built 2 pcs this xmas for my twins (core 2 e5200 @ 3ghz and a core2 e4300@2.6ghz) each with an 8800GT and a brand new 19"WS lcd for under £400 each (excluding software), they perform almost as well as my quad, for half the price

Marty_J

A:I wrote: »

Not to mention that minimac is underpowered in comparison to a PC alternative. I'm not picking fault, as we have already established that we think of very different things when looking for a computer, and i respect that. - I just think it is in the OP's best interest to get the best performance they can for their budget, so the computer will last for a good few years without upgrades, and quite frankly the specs on the low end macmini you posted are terrible in comparison to PC deals.

You have to look at the big picture though. Mac OS X uses less resources than Vista. I know people who are running the latest OS X 10.5 on machines that are five and six years old, so you can't really directly compare specs when talking about two different operating systems. Macs also tend to hold their resale value much better than PCs do.

Though, I would advise anyone thinking of buying a Mac Mini to wait until after MacWorld, when it's rumoured they will be updated with faster NVIDIA chipsets.

sanora

Just as in other Forums, fellow posters seem to take the original thread in other directions and the original poster is left with diddly sqwat.

So far we have the Mac proposed and some kind sole has posted what they thought would be a good spec for a machine for around £350.

So, is this it, or can someone recommend a good desktop for £300 to £400 and where to purchase it (link would be good)?

penrhyn

Though I had, www.dmxdimension.com take your pick.

Possibly this at £399: http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&oc=d015017&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756

[Deleted User]

penrhyn wrote: »

Though I had, www.dmxdimension.com take your pick.

They've got a desktop PC there for £349... just add a monitor - eg. http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Displays/Monitors/TFT+15+and+Widescreen/15%22+Benq+T52WA+Widescreen+LCD+TFT+Monitor+-+Black?productId=34555

A:I

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=DRS53003&l=en&m_30=111787&oc=D015016&rbc=D015016&s=dhs

Scroll down and upgrade memory to "2048MB 800MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024] [add £20.00 " (the second option)

Includes 18.5in monitor, and mouse and keyboard. For £350, not bad for a Dell.

sweetstudent

Marty_J wrote: »

If you already have a monitor, you might consider a Mac Mini. All new Macs come with the iLife suite of applications (the equivalent of which doesn't exist for Windows), including including iPhoto, which is brilliant for organising and editing your photos.

My thoughts exactly, i was going to suggest maybe a iMac off eBay, but MacMini sounds good, esp with a TFT monitor!!!!!

Do MacMini come with Airport and Bluetooth