new pc

hello i am going to get a new computer and i have two questions. 1 is it worth buying a mac and useing bootcamp? 2 if i was to build a new pc amd or intel? its been awhile since i ahve not kept up with the new tech. so i dont know which one is better. thanks for your time.
p.s. i only wanted to spend around 500-700 on a pc.

 

it all depends on what you want to do with it. just basic stuff or things like new games?

 

If you only want to spend between $500-700, I would count the Mac out. The newer intel macs are much nicer than the powermac versions in my opinion, but as always, they are very pricey.

Onto a PC. As has been mentioned, it depends on what you want to use it for, and what kind of future upgradeability you would like it to have.

Currently, the best bang for your buck would likely be the newer Intel Core2 Duo processor line, followed closely by the AMD Athlon X2 (socket AM2) line.

While the Core2 Duo has the performance edge at this point, the AM2 X2's are not far behind, and offer some more future-proofing. The current AM2 socket will support future AM2 as well as next generation AM3 chips. Intel, by comparison, uses socket T (LGA-775) currently, and only select motherboards support the Core2 Duo line. Anything after the Core2 line will NOT be supported by the existing Intel boards.

Of course, if you dont make a habit of upgrading your computer components, this probably shouldnt weigh into your decision.

AMD/Intel aside, be sure you get at least 1GB of DDR2 RAM, as many applications are RAM hungry now, and Windows Vista consumes lots of of RAM on its own, running the extra visual goodies.

 

I agree with viperboy_403

if your getting a new pc for games then get a windows based system because most games are windows compatiable only.

 

hey thx for your help. i am not a big gamer but i do like to play games. and i only wanted to spend 500-700 on a pc cause they always seem to outdate them selves so quickly. (so if i was to buy i mac i would get a macbook maybe pro) there is a amd3 comeing out? when will that happen? is it worth waiting for? or should go with an intel now?

 

both Intel and AMD have Quad Core processors coming out. Are they worth waiting for? Gaming wise, not really unless there are significant changes in the way game engines are design very soon (just like dual core CPU's dont give much of an increase over single cored CPUs currently, purely from a gaming perspecitve).

A nice intel system will last you a couple years, but the beauty of the AMD system is that it will be compatible with the upcoming AM3 chips as well, so it would last you a couple more years than the intel, with a minor upgrade (presumably).

If you have money to spend and want a 'here and now' system, Intel Core2 Dup is the way to go. If you want more of a budget minded system with upgradeability, go AMD AM2.

 

go to www.canadacomputers.com

they have good prices on cheap pcs. new ones. they always have a monthly special there on an aalready built pc. I bout a few there so far. If you live in the states you'll save a lot of money because the prices are cheap because they are canadian.