I am in the market for a new PC but am struggling with all of my options. I am hoping that through this post I can get some guidance.
Usage: Most of the use of this pc would be software development, non-gaming. I would also like the ability to use this box as a PVR and do some video capturing from my video camera. I would like the hardware to be Vista compatible.
Price: ~ $1,200 - $1,500
Form Factor: I do not want a tower, in general. I have a mid tower now and while it served its purpose its just too big. I'm really looking for something smaller. I really like the Shuttle pc's and mATX options with slim or small cases. Where I struggle is on performance. I have skimmed some reviews and they show all these totally nerdy graphs, benchmarks, etc. I am usually up for that but looked a bit exhausting to get up to speed on terms etc. I just want to box to scream for a reasonable price but am nervous that I am limited going to a small form factor pc.
Noise: Want something quiet. I will pay extra for a better fan and power supply.
Audio: I think I would be fine with any onboard audio options. I could upgrade later if need be.
Processor: Either Intel or AMD is fine. I do think I want dual core. Not looking for the fastest cpu, just the best bang for the buck.
Hard Drive: Nothing special here, 250GB. I have been a fan of IBM/Hitachi in the past.
Video: I am lost here as well. I would like to have, some day, an enormous wide screen LCD. Not sure I want to go that route as of now because I have a 21" CRT now and it is nice. LCD's keep dropping in price so I could pick one up some other time. Where I struggle is do I just deal with the onboard video, like some of the Shuttle's have, or just buy a card that supports both analog and digital. I have been leery of on board video because of how the tend to "share" memory and do not have dedicated memory. I am not concerned with dual monitor option but would be nice.
TV Tuner: I have absolutely no clue here. I would want a dual tuner if I purchased one. Getting one now is not a deal breaker. Just want some guidance.
All in all I think I am a sucker for the Shuttle so I would need some convincing to go another direction but will definitely but open to other options. I am aware that my price range will be limiting but have to put a steak in the ground somewhere.
Thanks in advance.
Usage: Most of the use of this pc would be software development, non-gaming. I would also like the ability to use this box as a PVR and do some video capturing from my video camera. I would like the hardware to be Vista compatible.
Price: ~ $1,200 - $1,500
Form Factor: I do not want a tower, in general. I have a mid tower now and while it served its purpose its just too big. I'm really looking for something smaller. I really like the Shuttle pc's and mATX options with slim or small cases. Where I struggle is on performance. I have skimmed some reviews and they show all these totally nerdy graphs, benchmarks, etc. I am usually up for that but looked a bit exhausting to get up to speed on terms etc. I just want to box to scream for a reasonable price but am nervous that I am limited going to a small form factor pc.
Noise: Want something quiet. I will pay extra for a better fan and power supply.
Audio: I think I would be fine with any onboard audio options. I could upgrade later if need be.
Processor: Either Intel or AMD is fine. I do think I want dual core. Not looking for the fastest cpu, just the best bang for the buck.
Hard Drive: Nothing special here, 250GB. I have been a fan of IBM/Hitachi in the past.
Video: I am lost here as well. I would like to have, some day, an enormous wide screen LCD. Not sure I want to go that route as of now because I have a 21" CRT now and it is nice. LCD's keep dropping in price so I could pick one up some other time. Where I struggle is do I just deal with the onboard video, like some of the Shuttle's have, or just buy a card that supports both analog and digital. I have been leery of on board video because of how the tend to "share" memory and do not have dedicated memory. I am not concerned with dual monitor option but would be nice.
TV Tuner: I have absolutely no clue here. I would want a dual tuner if I purchased one. Getting one now is not a deal breaker. Just want some guidance.
All in all I think I am a sucker for the Shuttle so I would need some convincing to go another direction but will definitely but open to other options. I am aware that my price range will be limiting but have to put a steak in the ground somewhere.
Thanks in advance.