New computer/soundcard

Joel Glassman · Post by **Joel Glassman** » 4 Mar 2002 11:04 am

Hi everyone,
Finally thinking about buying a new computer
in the $500 or so range.
The Compaq Evo D300vs Microtower (1.2 GHz Celeron 20 GB drive) seems like a possibility. Anyone own one, or have other recommendations? I'm OK on buying an older unit with an earlier chip ie. Pentium 2 or 3 if that's possible.(I'm not a power user but am thinking about adding Photoshop at some later date.)
Where would you buy new trailing edge technology?
Thinking about paying someone to assemble one from scratch. Is that advisable?

I'd like to have a good sound card in the PC,
for use with Band in a Box, Midi, burning CDs
etc. but money is an issue. Any thoughts on this? New, or something a little older would probably be fine. So many questions! thanks, Joel

Michael Garnett · Post by **Michael Garnett** » 4 Mar 2002 12:56 pm

If you get someone to build a computer for you, it'll be easier at a later date to upgrade. I've heard it both ways on Compaq: some people have no problems with them, some (like me) won't ever buy another compaq again after all the grief it's caused us.

Garnett

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 4 Mar 2002 5:48 pm

Hi Joel,

I agree that a custom built machine offers more flexibility. With brand name boxes you may have very limited choices for expansion.

Now, to get a good card with S/PDIF I/O, you're looking at around $200 for an entry level card, and you can spend $500 or more just on the card. On the other hand, even the cheapest digital sound card you can get is pretty darn good. And if you're going to do alot of HD recording you're going to need a big, fast drive (or two!). $500 for the whole thing sounds a bit optimistic to me.