PC advice.

[*MAD DOG*]

Buy this? http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_14541.htm

MEDION® AKOYA® P6310 D Multimedia PC
$ 699 *
Hardware performance
AMD Athlon™ II X4 620 Quad-Core Processor (2.60 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache)
ATI Radeon™ HD 5670 DirectX® 11 Graphics Card with 512 MB GDDR5 dedicated memory on board and D-Sub VGA, DVI-I and HDMI connection (HDCP Support)
1 TB (1000 GB) hard drive for more than 200,000 songs or photos at 4 MB per track/photo
4 GB (4096 MB)1 DDR3 SDRAM
Multiformat DVD/CD Burner2 supports all the usual DVD/CD standards, including dual layer DVD-R and DVD+R
Wireless LAN3 IEEE 802.11 n-Standard with up-to 300 MBit/s4, IEEE 802.11 b/g compatible
Network Controller Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 Mbit/s
IEEE1394 FireWire
eSATA Connection for connecting external SATA devices
8 Channel High Definition Audio5
PS/2 Keyboard and Optical USB Mouse

Front connections
2 x USB 2.0
1 x Microphone
1 x Headphone
1 x eSATA
Integrated USB 2.0 Flash memory card reader, reads and writes all current flash memory cards (memory cards not supplied)

Rear connections
2 x PS/2
4 x USB 2.0
1 x LAN (RJ45)
1 x Firewire
1 x Front Line Out
1 x Back Surround Line Out
1 x Center/Subwoofer Line Out
1 x Side Surround Line Out
1 x Line In
1 x S/PDIF Out (opt.)
1 x DVI-I
1 x VGA
1 x HDMI

Software
Software Package OEM Versions preinstalled and/or on CD/DVD or recovery DVD
Windows® 7 Home Premium (32 Bit preinstalled, 64 Bit recovery DVD included in delivery)
Microsoft® Works
Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 Trial Edition 60 day test version, Internet connection required for activation. After 60 days you have to purchase a licence if you want to continue using the product.
Windows® Live™ Essentials
Corel® Draw Essentials
Cyberlink Power2Go2
BullGuard Internet Security Pack. Includes 90-day update (free registration necessary) from the Internet. After 90 days you have to purchase a licence if you want to receive ongoing updates.


OR

Build one myself?

I'm currently running http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/0000/Acer/AspireM1640/AspireM1640sp2.shtml

Aspire M1640 Series Specifications
Part Number: AspireM1640 Aspire M1640

Feature Description
Processor Intel® Core™2 Duo processor
Intel® Pentium® dual-core processor
Cache depending on CPU
Memory 4 GB DDR2 533/667 MHz SDRAM (single-channel support on two DIMMs)
BIOS AMI PnP BIOS compatible with SMBIOS 2.4
Supported Protocols SMBIOS (DMI) 2.4
System Chipset NVIDIA® GeForce® 7050 + nForce® 620i
I/O Controller Hub Intel Broadwater/ICH8 series chipset
Expansion Slots PCI Express® x16 slot
PCI Express® x1 slot
Two PCI slots
Two 5.25" drive bays
Six 3.5" drive bays (two external, four internal)
Audio Embedded high-definition audio with 7.1-channel audio support
Speakers Optional on selected models
Video Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce® 7050 graphics solution
PCI Express® x16 graphics card support
Storage Serial ATA hard disk up to 500 GB
DVD-Super Multi
DVD/CD-RW combo
CompactFlash® (Type I and II)
CF+™ Microdrive
MultiMediaCard(MMC)
Secure Digital™ (SD) Card
SmartMedia™
xD-Picture Card™
Memory Stick PRO™
Memory Stick®
USB 1.1 port
Modem Modem2: 56K ITU V.92, Wake-on-Ring ready
Networking Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready
WLAN2: IEEE 802.11b/g
Ports Front I/O ports:
Two USB 2.0 ports
Multi-in-one card reader2
Headphone and microphone jacksRear I/O ports:
Four USB 2.0 ports
IEEE 1394 port (6-pin)
PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports
Ethernet (RJ-45) port
Six audio jacks
VGA port
Serial port
Environmental
Temperature:
Operating: +5oC ~+35oC
Non-operating: -10oC ~ +60oC
Relative Humidity:
Operating: 15% - 80% RH Non-condensing
Non-Operating Storage: 10% - 90% RH, Non-condensing at 40° C
Maximum Vibration:
Operating: 5 ~ 16.2Hz: 0.38mm (peak to peak) 16.2 ~ 250Hz; 0.2G
Non-Operating Storage: 5 ~ 27.1Hz: 0.6G 27.1 ~ 50Hz; 0.4mm (peak to peak) 50 ~ 500Hz: 2G
Chassis Desktop, 7.1" (180mm) W x 17.4" (441mm) D x 14.2" (360mm) H
Power Supply Industry Standard 250 Watt
Operating System Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2
Windows XP Home Edition with Service Pack 2
(varies by model)

Thoughts, suggestions? Prices are in Australian Dollars as I live here.

[Slick]

Your first link is a great deal. About 600 bucks is what I priced my own custom PC and all it had was a case, M/B, graphics, proc, ram, and hard drive lol. Your link has all of that plus Win 7 and Microsoft Office, easily another couple hundred for me. If you know people who can boot with a "borrowed" copy of Win 7 & Mic Off, then maybe the custom route. But all the other bells and whistles seals the deal imo.

Just my 2 cents

[*MAD DOG*]

Thanks Slick.

[Shroomster]

Maybe it's just me and not accustomed to them, but i find it somewhat odd that if your link is to the same 'Aldi' i know, its weird how they as a company are expanding into these types of markets. I know them as a low-income grocery store...

[Altitude]

As a die hard PC DIY'er I have to recommend you build your own.

[BailOut]

I'm not keen on ATI video cards as the drivers written for them are still not done well (I had hoped that AMD buying them would have changed that, but it hasn't), nor have I ever seen an OEM OS image from any of the recognizable names that was worth the disk space it took up.

As such I'd totally build my own, just as I always have. I also have no software expenses as I run Linux (currently Ubuntu) and OpenOffice, which goes a long way in keeping the overall cost down.

[*MAD DOG*]

Maybe it's just me and not accustomed to them, but i find it somewhat odd that if your link is to the same 'Aldi' i know, its weird how they as a company are expanding into these types of markets. I know them as a low-income grocery store...

Oh it's the same ALDI low price grocery store, they just sell stuff like this as well.

You could get these too.....

http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_14540.htm

http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_14536.htm

http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_14537.htm

[fnkngrv]

If you like to tinker then build your own. The one that you show in the first link isn't a bad deal at all...what is their warranty period? Having a warranty and "guaranteed" compatibility are always nice to have. I am sure that you have already done your research however have you checked CyberPowerPC? They are an excellent choice as well. I moved away from the desktop platform and moved to a laptop a few years back because with the way processing and mobile video power has moved forward it is nice to have the convenience of being able to unplug and just go. All I did was purchase a 24" monitor to port out to, a 5.1 speaker system, and a USB hub and I was golden for when at home. My current laptop is running an Nvidia 2xx series GPU, 500GB 7200 RPM HD, 4GB RAM, and with having the external monitor I can run dual. Just something to consider.

[*MAD DOG*]

If you like to tinker then build your own. The one that you show in the first link isn't a bad deal at all...what is their warranty period? Having a warranty and "guaranteed" compatibility are always nice to have. I am sure that you have already done your research however have you checked CyberPowerPC? They are an excellent choice as well. I moved away from the desktop platform and moved to a laptop a few years back because with the way processing and mobile video power has moved forward it is nice to have the convenience of being able to unplug and just go. All I did was purchase a 24" monitor to port out to, a 5.1 speaker system, and a USB hub and I was golden for when at home. My current laptop is running an Nvidia 2xx series GPU, 500GB 7200 RPM HD, 4GB RAM, and with having the external monitor I can run dual. Just something to consider.

I've never built a pc in my life. Always had mates put them together for me. Then I bought my current pc from a shop (Acer Aspire) and thought it was pretty good.

The one in the first link has a 2 year warranty.

I'm doing my research now, using you guys to help. What is this CyberPowerPC you talk of?

I've never been a fan of laptops, namely because the keyboard is untiltable and I hate not having a proper mouse (yes I know you can buy one). I just prefer desktop.

Thanks for your words of wisdom.

[yarrr]

I've had nothing but great experiences with ATI video cards. This computer has been running perfect with one for 5 years, no driver issues. I just installed Dragon Age Origins and it runs fine. In fact, that comp/vid card with an HDMI out is the only thing I want to upgrade so I can plug the computer to a flat screen TV.

Couple things - office is a 60 day trial, and works will drive you crazy if you know office, I'm not really a fan of PS/2 mice/keyboards.

That CPU is 90 on newegg, and the video card is 90 online. Without a brand the HD is 70. 4GB of ram is about 100. No name case, motherboard, power supply for 150. DVD Burner is about 30. That's about 530 US. You could put the extra 100 into upgrading to name brands or getting other stuff you want, like a monitor and USB keyboard/mouse.

If you aren't into building though its not a bad deal.

edit: software, doh! ya with windows 7 that's a pretty good deal. You'd have to hit a computer show and do a bit of internet shopping to build that machine any cheaper.

[severous01]

it's always better to DIY. better parts, more options, and alway made the way you want it.

if you have access to the software, like mentioned above...i'd go DIY. that setup has to be all cheap parts to make it that low and still make a profit.

[*MAD DOG*]

Gee the poll is neck and neck :)

[Vioz]

for 699 well if you spend about 300$ more on newegg.com to build a computer you can make one a lot faster than that one with the intel i7 processor and all.

and then eventually as time goes on just upgrade the parts and you never really have to buy a new computer again

[*MAD DOG*]

for 699 well if you spend about 300$ more on newegg.com to build a computer you can make one a lot faster than that one with the intel i7 processor and all.

and then eventually as time goes on just upgrade the parts and you never really have to buy a new computer again

You have a good point, but do they ship to Australia, where I live?

[yarisitis]

Newegg doesn't ship internationally.

Like others have said, it is better to build your own PC. I built my current computer which is a lot better than the one you're considering for $714. It's cheaper and you choose exactly the parts you want.

I say if you have reputable computer part stores (an Aussie version of Newegg or something) in Australia with good prices, to go for it and build it yourself. You can recycle parts from your old computer and put it in your new build like your hard drives and DVD-RW drives which will save you even more money.

Otherwise I'd probably just buy the one you're considering.


Or you can check out http://www.frys.com, they ship internationally and they have lots of good deals.

I found this one, it's similar to the one you're considering but better (aside from it not having a dedicated video card) and it comes with a 20" HP monitor (which I own, it's great). All for $659 USD.

http://www.frys.com/product/6290230

[*MAD DOG*]

Newegg doesn't ship internationally.

Like others have said, it is better to build your own PC. I built my current computer which is a lot better than the one you're considering for $714. It's cheaper and you choose exactly the parts you want.

I say if you have reputable computer part stores (an Aussie version of Newegg or something) in Australia with good prices, to go for it and build it yourself. You can recycle parts from your old computer and put it in your new build like your hard drives and DVD-RW drives which will save you even more money.

Otherwise I'd probably just buy the one you're considering.


Or you can check out http://www.frys.com, they ship internationally and they have lots of good deals.

I found this one, it's similar to the one you're considering but better (aside from it not having a dedicated video card) and it comes with a 20" HP monitor (which I own, it's great). All for $659 USD.

http://www.frys.com/product/6290230

I already have a 22' Toshiba 1080 Hi Def Monitor. Still deciding on what to do.

[yarisitis]

Well in that case, consider this one:

http://www.frys.com/product/6275660

It's even better than the previous one and it's $649 USD without a monitor. I don't know how much shipping to Australia would be though, you'd have to look into that.