Future computer thread (not a help me build a pc thread)

[Zuuljin]

I am thinking about upgrading, but am wondering if now is the time to do it, or wait for all this new stuff that is on the horizon.

I know that things will always be faster/better/cheaper as time goes forward, but with such huge things on the way, such as the new AMD and Intel chips, windows vista, DX10, various dual core's, quad cores, quad-sli video cards, etc, would it really be better to wait till the end of the year to upgrade?

I'm not an incrimental upgrader, I prefer to just spend quite a bit every 3-4 years and hope the technology lasts. But it doesnt sound like any PC you can buy today will last much beyond a year with all this new stuff.

So what do you guys suggest? Would it be worth waiting for, or should I just order some stuff and get it over with?

[Bralkan]

well, do you *need* one now? If so, get one now. It will be fine.

If you *can* wait, then why not?

[Zuuljin]

Well I know thats it will obviously be better if I wait, and i dont *need* a computer this second, but I think my question is will the wait be worth it.

Will all the new hardware/software blow todays stuff out of the water, or will it be a marginal upgrade? I dont want to spend $400 on a video card only to have it rendered useless by DX10. I dont want to buy a single core CPU today, to find out that the new dual/quad core ones offer 50% or greater improvement for marginal price increase.

Or perhaps is it too early to buy this new hardware. If noone takes advantage of multiple cores, theres no point when its released. Same with DX10. Stuff like that is what I'm wondering.

[Bralkan]

Will new hardware look better than current? Sure.

Will it competly marginalize the current? No.

It will be like any past hardware cycle. Vodooo to Geforce. Geforce 2/3/4 to 5. Geforce 5/6 to 7.

The new intel chip may be a bit faster then AMD, but you also have to remember we don't know the cost yet (or do we? someone please fill me in if they know). I imagine Intel will stlil price them to be competitive with current AMD. Why lose money, right?

[The Dauntless One]

there's only really two choices... buy new technology when it comes out, or wait till it goes down in price...just depends on how much you need a new computer...for a year or so i upgrade constantly, and played a little with overclock...then i found out it was a waste of my time so i haven't upgraded in awhile...not like i needed it...when i buy a new computer (or upgrade again) i'm going to wait for the prices to go down before i purchase it...if you upgrade your computer at least once a couple years and sink a couple grand on it each time then you dont really need to care about performance

[K`Lag]

I'm upgreading around September when all the new tech should be comming out.

I want a DX10 card and a good solid processor and DDR2 since I don't wanna be stuck with old tech being phased out which will never be upgreadable need be.

I'm looking at spending around $2000-$2500 for a really nice system that will last for 3 years or so.

Something like:
Conroe processor (maybe the second best version out at the time)
New DX10 Graphics card (absolute best single graphics card available)
2 gig of DDR2
Raptor 150Gb
20" wide screen LCD
etc.

[Guild Lackey]

Only stuff coming out soon that will really have big changes is for mac users with apple rolling out their new intel line. The only other thing would be blue ray/hd dvd drive, but that can easily be added to any system when you need/can afford. Best thing to wait for is when something you want goes on sale/ featured deal, like when Dell has deals on their widescreen lcds. Basically, you know when its time to upgrade when shit breaks/can't run a game/you find a sweet deal.

[Eomer]

Just wondering, is there specific times or periods when they have their deals on the widescreens? Or do you just have to check on a regular basis? Is there a website that tracks em?

Cause I could totally justify a 30" LCD to myself. Totally.

[Zippygoose]

www.slickdeals.net

Check their hot deals forums regularly. There's usually a small window of opportunity.

[Zuuljin]

Doesnt motorolla have some new LCD tech coming out which is supposed to make these things way cheaper?

[The Dauntless One]

eomer, www.redflagdeals.com and its forum is very useful for hot deals for canadians

[Kaxmax]

Originally Posted by Eomer

Just wondering, is there specific times or periods when they have their deals on the widescreens? Or do you just have to check on a regular basis? Is there a website that tracks em?

Cause I could totally justify a 30" LCD to myself. Totally.

Keep an eye on www.gotapex.com. They typically have all the latest Dell deals (along with lots of others).

I've typically found the best Dell deals right around the time school is starting (late summer).

[Eomer]

Thanks guys, will have to keep an eye out. The old Samsung 19" CRT is going to die any minute, I think. Best 700 bucks I ever spent, that's for sure.

[FanBuss]

There will ALWAYS be a reason to wait for upgrades in the PC world. Always newer features, better efficient, blahblahblah.

Just buy your stuff now and you'll be happy.

[Citten]

If your selective about shopping price drops in the future for stuff you'd by now would be minimul.

The only downfall I could see to buying now is missing out on Conroe, but like the other guy said who knows the price.