Computer question

[oyceter]

I'm trying to decide if I should get a new computer or not. I think the mouse driver on my laptop is broken, because my mouse basically stops working every other minute, which is extraordinarily annoying. Also, since I never actually move my laptop, now that I'm out of college, it might make more sense for me to get a desktop. Plus, cheaper.

Since obviously my flist contains all the knowledge of the world, I shall beg for advice.

I am not getting a Mac. I like them, and they are gorgeous, but I am too lazy to re-figure out an operating system (yes, I know everyone says it's easy, but I used a Mac back in the bookstore and I still couldn't figure out how to do simple things that I know how to do in Windows).

I've never actually built a computer before. I suspect I would be willing to try, especially if it gets me all the functionality I want (horrors, I am using "functionality" in a non-ironic way. Businesspeak!).

Wishlist:

• Watch files from my PC on my TV (I suspect this is difficult and/or impractical though), because I am lazy and like my couch.


• Burn DVDs. Aka, I want a dual-drive DVD-RW and DVD-ROM or something.


• I want it to be wireless, because I am too lazy to buy a really long ethernet cable. If it's not, I guess this is compromisable.


• Built-in Firewire and 9-in-1 flash memory readers would be really nice


• I want enough memory or i/o or whatever it is so that I can run Photoshop, but in general I doubt speed is a problem


• Lots of hard drive space


• Really that's it. I think. Well, I figure people here probably use their computers in a way fairly similar to the way that I do, so.. yeah.

So... would it be more expensive to build a computer or to buy one? And which brands are better? I've had a laptop for 6 years now, and I am not versed in the world of desktops anymore ;). And how do you guys customize your computers? I am, alas, not much of a computer person, tech-wise, but I love my gadgets. Especially when I can make them do precisely what I want them to do.

Comments

[cychi.livejournal.com]

So i'm not an awesome computer person, but I do have a little background. You might want to see if you can find another driver online. They can be easily downloaded and replaced, so if you haven't already you might to give it a shot. It might save you from an expensive purchase.

So all of the things you want can easily be found on either a laptop, or a desktop. Though watching things on your TV would definitely be easier with a laptop (unless your computer is normally next to your TV) and wireless is really only useful if you have a laptop. Hard drive space, esp portable hard drive space, is just getting cheaper and cheaper, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Pricewise, Desktops always have more power for the same price when compared to laptops. Though I'm not completely sure, I suspect buying a complete computer is actually cheaper than building your own. Dell has some pretty crazy deals, or so I've heard.

In the end, I think it really depends on what you plan on doing. Desktops are good for tinkering, keeping up to date with technology, and playing games. One good this is that if something goes bad you can replace just that. The bad part is that there are more things that can go bad. Laptops are just as good for everything else. I just got my first laptop not too long ago (whee!!) and it's pretty useful. The only think I really worry about how long my monitor will last, since i've never had one before. It doesn't have enough battery life, but I rarely use it away from a plug anyway.

Dell has been having a lot of deals for PCs and Laptops... Everyone on campus has one aparrently. Personally though I got my laptop from Averatec, they had some nice stuff =)

[oyceter]

Oh, I guess it's not the driver than, since I already reinstalled software stuff. Mostly now I'm looking for cheaper and more bang for the buck, so to speak, but I still have to think a bit and save up before deciding.