computer buying advice

[bluebear56]

Hi. I have need to some advice on whether the two computer packages below are worth the money and which is the better package. I am in australia, nsw

package 1: $933

-amd athlon xp 2400
-gigabyte GA 7n400
-128 geforce 4 video card with TV out
-256MB DDR Ram 7200
-17" LG CRT monitor
-multimedia stereo 240w speakers
-web excel 56k modem
-3d sound on board
-LG cdrw 52X24x52
-Panasonic Floppy Drive
-300w midi atx case with 2USB on front
-1 year warranty
-80GB segate hard drive
-BTC multi PS2 keyboard
-osb optical wheel mouse


Package 2: $900

-amd athlon xp 2400
-asus hyperthreading usb 2 motherboard
-128 geforce 4 video card with TV out
-17" mitsubish CRT monitor
-40GB hard drive
-Internet Keyboard
-Wheel Mouse
-CDRW 52x24x52
-Floppy
-3 year warranty (1 parts, 2 labour)
-400w 2USb front case
-1000 subwoofer speakers (1 subwoofer, 2 normal)
-PCI 56k modem
-6 channel sound support
-256MB DDR Ram

Sorry but do not know makes and full specifications. These are how they were presented in mag.

P.S Is there anywhere where I can get cheap software including windows xp home.

P.S What non microsoft Operating system could I load till I have some money to buy one=what is the best, easy to use and cheap for support. I thought some linux one.

thanks for help

[darrin]

Hi. I have need to some advice on whether the two computer packages below are worth the money and which is the better package. I am in australia, nsw

package 1: $933

-amd athlon xp 2400
-gigabyte GA 7n400
-128 geforce 4 video card with TV out
-256MB DDR Ram 7200
-17" LG CRT monitor
-multimedia stereo 240w speakers
-web excel 56k modem
-3d sound on board
-LG cdrw 52X24x52
-Panasonic Floppy Drive
-300w midi atx case with 2USB on front
-1 year warranty
-80GB segate hard drive
-BTC multi PS2 keyboard
-osb optical wheel mouse


Package 2: $900

-amd athlon xp 2400
-asus hyperthreading usb 2 motherboard
-128 geforce 4 video card with TV out
-17" mitsubish CRT monitor
-40GB hard drive
-Internet Keyboard
-Wheel Mouse
-CDRW 52x24x52
-Floppy
-3 year warranty (1 parts, 2 labour)
-400w 2USb front case
-1000 subwoofer speakers (1 subwoofer, 2 normal)
-PCI 56k modem
-6 channel sound support
-256MB DDR Ram

Sorry but do not know makes and full specifications. These are how they were presented in mag.

P.S Is there anywhere where I can get cheap software including windows xp home.

P.S What non microsoft Operating system could I load till I have some money to buy one=what is the best, easy to use and cheap for support. I thought some linux one.

thanks for help
Peter,
It is not easy to decide for someone you don't know what kind of system they should buy. I have no idea what the major use for this computer would be, but I will make some observations: I actually prefer the $900 system, for these reasons: Both systems have the same processor. I like ASUS motherboards.
The power supply is 400Watts-that leaves extra power for any upgrades you may want to make later, like a larger hard drive. And they both have the same Graphics card, and same speed CDRW. The best part is the Mitsubishi monitor-best brand I have ever used. Neither of the warranties seem that stellar.
Good Luck in the O/S department.

[bluebear56]

mainly the net and some use of games

Could you get back to me with some review and rating sites for computer hardware. Google is useless. Or even Tell me which motherboard is better. My decisions lie between the two motherboards, monitor brand, and wattage of Power.

Also if you could help me find info on the asus motherboard i have. It doesn't specify the model.

I know it is AMD Athlon XP supported, support for USB 2.0, 5or 6PCI and has hyper threading.

[darrin]

Peter,
I searched through the ASUS Website at www.ASUS.com, and found only one motherboard that really matches what your brochure described. If you want to look it up, the model number is A7N8X-VM. I also went to www.Giga-Byte.com to look at their GA-7N400. It has alot of qualities. The major drawback for me was the USB ports are 1/2 USB 1.1(slower) and USB2.0 (NEWER & Faster).
One other thing, if you have internet access, run a search on Google for LG Electronics. On the right of the screen, in a green box, click on the one that has Shopper.CNet.com, and check out the price ranges of the CD-RWs. Some are $40, and others of the same speed are ~$450.00.
Enjoy the search,
Darrin

[bluebear56]

Thanks.
I rang the place up to get more information. He told me that the ASUS motherboard for the $900 package had a model number of I think K78XX. I have already tried looking for this but it doesn't exist. I think it could be A78XX. but I am unsure.

Are there any ASUS motherboards similar to this. It would be great get a reply before sat morning.

thanks heaps.

[darrin]

All Asus models built for AMD processors start with A7. The closest motherboard to that number and description is A7N8X-X. 6 channel audio, 400MHz Front Side Bus 8x AGP slot. Sounds like it could be the one. The only thing that throws me is the hyperthreading. That is for new or yet to be introduced Intel CPUs. Check out the X-X models at the Asus wesite:
http://usa.asus.com/index.htm
D
P.S. I hope you haven't read this yet, since I am adding this 30 min. Later. In your first post, you mentioned an O/S. Usually they come pre-loaded with lots of software, but if not, if you are a student, you should check for Academic Software versions. They would be at the campus book, or computer store, and some places on the internet.