Hi,
I wouldn't normally start a new thread but I really need some advice that is specific to me.
I need a budget config to upgrade my cyrix-based machine from 1999 (running Win95) which died recently.
* I intend to run Ubuntu Linux on it. Dual boot setup though. I have a spare harddisk (100GB Seagate ATA) lying around that I can use.
* No gaming at all. Nothing more graphics intensive than watching movies will be done on this. For sound & video, basics will suffice.
* 99% time to be used for office apps & browsing.
* I would like to add a 17"/19" LCD monitor to this setup very soon. The graphics card (onboard or additional) must be capable of driving this. I will be using my additional 14" CRT with this machine for now.
Other things like LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth will be very nice to have. But I am really tight on the budget. Saving the cash for getting an Asus EEE laptop.
Here are my questions:
* Would it be a good idea to get a second-hand P4 machine? How much can I expect that to cost? Remember, I do not need a monitor and hard disk.
* How has been your experience (if any) with purchase of used equipment?
*What config do you experts suggest for building a new machine? As you can see, I was still using my 1999 machine for more than 8 years !! This new machine will be used for 3-4 years. As my computing needs are pretty isolated from the outside world, I wouldn't worry too much about the upgrade cycle or future-proofing the machine. Not at the cost of price !
* Should I wait till the union budget is announced?
Thanks in advance.
I wouldn't normally start a new thread but I really need some advice that is specific to me.
I need a budget config to upgrade my cyrix-based machine from 1999 (running Win95) which died recently.
* I intend to run Ubuntu Linux on it. Dual boot setup though. I have a spare harddisk (100GB Seagate ATA) lying around that I can use.
* No gaming at all. Nothing more graphics intensive than watching movies will be done on this. For sound & video, basics will suffice.
* 99% time to be used for office apps & browsing.
* I would like to add a 17"/19" LCD monitor to this setup very soon. The graphics card (onboard or additional) must be capable of driving this. I will be using my additional 14" CRT with this machine for now.
Other things like LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth will be very nice to have. But I am really tight on the budget. Saving the cash for getting an Asus EEE laptop.
Here are my questions:
* Would it be a good idea to get a second-hand P4 machine? How much can I expect that to cost? Remember, I do not need a monitor and hard disk.
* How has been your experience (if any) with purchase of used equipment?
*What config do you experts suggest for building a new machine? As you can see, I was still using my 1999 machine for more than 8 years !! This new machine will be used for 3-4 years. As my computing needs are pretty isolated from the outside world, I wouldn't worry too much about the upgrade cycle or future-proofing the machine. Not at the cost of price !
* Should I wait till the union budget is announced?
Thanks in advance.
