http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Gateway-Desktop-PC-827GM-/sem/rpsm/oid/120108/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I'm thinking of getting this computer, $800 is my max in my budget. I wanted to build my own but it would be too expensive.

http://www.circuitcity> .com/ssm/Gateway-Desktop-PC-827GM-/sem/rpsm/oid/120108/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
>
> I'm thinking of getting this computer, $800 is my max in my budget. I wanted to
> build my own but it would be too expensive.

My opinion (for what it's worth) is that the on-board Intel video card is crap, and the 512mb of RAM could be limiting.

As for not being able to build your own within your budget, I would say you didn't try very hard or you live outside the US. I spent about 2 minutes at www.newegg.com and just quickly picked an Asus NForce3 MB, Athlon 3400+, 1GB (2x512mb) of RAM, an NVidia GeForceFX5200 (slow, but cheap, and better than the Intel card), an Antec case, a 250GB Maxtor SATA HD, and a Lite-On DVD+-RW dual layer DVD burner. The total (with shipping) was $685.18. Of course you should throw in a floppy drive and speakers, so that's another $40 or so, which makes it the same price as the Gateway system. The Gateway system also comes with Windows though, an 8-in-1 card reader (don't know if that matters to you), and a TV tuner. The NewEgg system on the other hand is slightly slower (3400+ vs. 3500+), has double the RAM, a better video card, and a 50GB larger HD. If the 8-in-1 card and/or TV tuner are important to you, then you could get a 200GB HD (like the Gateway system) and a video card with a TV tuner and an 8-in-1 reader. If having Windows included is important to you, then you should just buy the Gateway system cause it'd be cheaper. Anyway, my point is this: if you _really_ wanted to build the system yourself within your budget, you can build one better & cheaper than the Gateway one.

Note: NewEgg system does not include a monitor (but the Gateway system doesn't include one either, even though there's one in the picture).

if you play or use anything that requires hardware accelerated video, you're gonna feel like you are using a 386 running win 98, otherwise not bad.
and yeah between newegg and/or mwave you could have built something atleast as kickass (and better video) for the same price or less.


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your name is bitch, and i own you!

http://www.circuitcity> .com/ssm/Gateway-Desktop-PC-827GM-/sem/rpsm/oid/120108/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
>
> I'm thinking of getting this computer, $800 is my max in my budget. I wanted to
> build my own but it would be too expensive.
>
>

firewire >>>>>> usb(2.0), but as for anyone's complaints with the video, if it has an agp slot, you can upgrade it later if not, it'll be fine for desktop apps / movies / internet or if you play games, just turn down the detail and run at 800x600 and it should be ok.

_ _ - - = = Pr3tty F1y = = - - _ _