Randy, too kind, thank you.

Grazie

Grazie, Just to give you the “build-your-own” side for comparison. I’m in the process of building my own desktop system and so I’ve been comparing lots of parts and prices. Here is what I’ve configured so far:

Gigabyte GA-8KNXP, Intel 875P chipset
Pentium 4 / 2.8CGHz 800 MHz FSB
Kingston HyperX Series DDR400 (PC3200)
Western Digital 200GB SATA WD2000JD
Pioneer DVR-106D
Sapphire OEM Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB DVI/TV 8X AGP
Microsoft Black Multimedia Keyboard & Mouse
Samsung 1.44MB Floppy drive
ANTEC Performance PLUS Model PLUS1080AMG Case
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

At Newegg.com this system is currently $1587 (I already have a monitor and second hard drive to round the system out) This will give you an idea of what you could build one for yourself in US dollars with fairly top of the line parts. (of course you have to convert from $ to £). There are several smaller builders that will build you a system for only a few hundred more. I found one builder, ABS Computer Technologies Inc., that uses the Gigabyte motherboard and I configured almost the exact system for $1974. So you are paying them about $400 for assembly and test and support (actually the system I configured had some other extras I couldn’t remove so its really less that $400). I’ve never bought from them but I’m sure it’s the assembly, testing, and continued support you are paying for and it’s probably worth it.

I’ve seen similar systems for $3000+ from builders that specialize in video. Dvline.com seems to be reasonable. A similar system from them was $2335. I would still buy that before I would buy a Dell. You know these guys are building from industry standard parts and that’s what’s important. (Dell does not)

~jr

JR - What superb service you give.

Look, I've taken the best part of 1 year to come around to the idea of going with a dedicated NLE box. It's been in the last 6 months with the increase in work and the most recent opportunity that has come my way that I have been seriously getting pursuaded to go up the ladder to a faster "previewing" kit. I've seen V4 fly on a fast setup. I want to be able to get close to wht I saw. I feel I'm truly being hampered by my trusty old Dell Inspy. V4 deserves more . . I DESERVE MORE! ! ! ! There are so many more opportunities that I could pick up and artistically explore . . . . . . .

. . . . I'm hearing what people say about off the peg - I need to really think on . . . . but at the end of the day I too need a supplier that understands the uses I will be demanding from the setup.

I've been offered much support today. I don't wish to hog any more time here - really!

Those who know how to email me will . . . all I can say a BIG THANK you and HUG to all of youse! ;-)

Best regards,

Grazie

Here it is...my neck laid out on the chopping block!

In my conversations with most people with computer hardware problems, I've found that troubles usually relate, not so much to a manufacturer or builder, but how the software relates to the parts inside. And not that the parts are bad...just that they were not designed for the job at hand.

A system built for word processing and net surfing is probably not going to satisfy your long term needs as a workstation. Although programs such as Vegas do an admirable job on most computers, thought needs to be given to (1) current needs, (2) future expansion, (3) cost. If a machine, such as our Gateway, is designed for a purpose...accomplishes that purpose...and satisfies cost, warranty, service and expansion concerns, then it's reasonable to assume that this machine is acceptable for the job.

I've owned computers built by several manufacturers and have found qualified service and support to be a roll of the dice from everyone.

If you're serious about multimedia production, buy or build a serious machine. Some people have the capability to build their own, while others lack the knowledge, experience, or more importantly, the time. Every instance is different. In my case, the Gateway store is just up the road. I've taken the time to build a rapport with the service techs and sales people. This situation works well for me. Yours will probably be different.

To say "build your own" is overwhelming to someone who has never been there before. Choosing a DVD drive, monitor and mouse is no big deal, but making an intelligent choice between the multitude of motherboards, processors, RAM, etc. demands a high degree of knowledge and experience. I commend everyone who shares their specifications for their machines and their experiences, both good and bad.

Companies such as Dell, Gateway, IBM, Sony, and the private builder all have a place in the market. Cheaper is usually good, but not always best. Boxes from the "majors", including the smaller companies manufacturing propietary editing machines, may perfectly satisfy your needs. Maybe not. Perhaps you need the satisfaction of "on-site service", "extended warranties", "24 hour telephone support"...or maybe it's a bunch of hooey!

My point (it's about time)...it's not a bad thing to buy a Gateway, Dell or other name manufacturer if it serves your purpose. The important issue is whether or not your finished piece of video will capture the interest and imagination of the viewer.

Who wants the first whack?

"The important issue is whether or not your finished piece of video will capture the interest and imagination of the viewer. " - couldn't agree with you more - yer getting no Whack from me pal!

I want the box to allow my V4 creativity to shine thru! - I wanna see whatever I do to be able to be seen in something appearing realtime. And I wanna box that I can do some major resinstall and restart capabilities - yeah?

Grazie

Hi Grazie,

Sorry I'm so late to check in, but I have nothing but praise for Dell. I bought the 8000 Dimension series first in '01, bought one for my son in '02, and just ordered another one for my wife. I'm just a hobbyist but have done some pretty heavy lifting in VV4 with some pet projects I have been working on and the Dell has performed very well. I guess I'm in a minority in this thread, and don't have much to compare against except my experience. INHO, Dell gave me a good value for the money.

TomG

Grazie,

I've sort of skimmed this thread, so forgive me if this has already been mentioned. Remember, the biggest advantage of a desktop over a laptop is all the extra goodies and components you can put into it. Here's a list of nice extras you should think about adding:
- dual-monitor video card (I have an ATI Radeon that works welll: once you go to dual monitors, you'll never want to go back!);
- a total of 3 hard drives: 1 boot drive, 1 video drive, and a 3rd for previews and temp files (helps speed up renders);
- WorldTech Vegas shortcut keyboard;
- a really good 24/96 audio card (I love my Echo Mia);
- DVD burner
- a Canopus ACEDVIO firewire card

Anti-Zip, Two additional items. Search on Bily Boy, he posted sometime last summer on his case with removable hard drives. Maybe he'll chime in. This will prevent you from having to start to 'sacrifice' precious bytes when you are full up. Someone else mentioned they even charge the client for the hard drive.
Also visit DV Line, Boxx, Alienware, etc. and pick a 'perfect' system. Then go to newegg etc., and price them piece by piece. Then go to your local PC builder, mine was Comp USA, that Mexican company, and have them price it as a system. You should get a better price because you are standing there and they want to make the sale with the same parts as the online folks.

PS. Get dual monitors if not more. Good Luck, John