Reasons to get a computer

[Dreaming]

Well, I want to build another computer, but I need an excuse. My computer at the moment runs everything I want it to, really I need better software for it, vista is quite nice but a lot of apps need polish. I'm a very firm believer that software is more important than hardware, as long as the hardware can run it nicely.

But building a computer is so much fun. But I realistically have no need or reason to get it. So throw some random thing at me. Could I get some wireless webcams, then build a small computer and set it up as a security station. Because someone will break into my house...

or erm. I dunno. Need an impulse buy, or a project, or something to do, I'm really bored and have nothing to do (except maybe get a job) until october when I'm at uni. That's like, 7/8 months?. I'm not working in retail again though... I wouldn't mind admin work or something fairly productive, but shelf stacking is a waste of my potential!

I've been thinking of building a mini, noiseless computer that could run something like linux as a general... thing, but then thought it's already been done.

So, if you had money, if you wanted to get a computer, what would you get? We'd all say 'dual 8800' but realistically, what is gonna require that. I would try my hand at modding, except I have no artistic flair whatsoever, and looking at other people's work I know I'd just make a mess .

[Alex]

Media centre?

[Carbine]

So, if you had money, if you wanted to get a computer, what would you get? We'd all say 'dual 8800' but realistically, what is gonna require that.

People with mahoosiv monitors like the Dell 30" of course

erm.. you could just get a mac mini and set it up as a server.. thats what i did with mine, efficient and looks cute

[Alex]

Or find a new hobby on which to spend your money instead.

Photography is very popular atm...

[Carbine]

Or find a new hobby on which to spend your money instead.

Photography is very popular atm...

true but very expensive IMO

[Dreaming]

Why do I need a media centre or a server though? That's the problem. My computer is effectively my media centre, I do everything on here really. Lately I've just started putting together computers for other people (at cost / subsidised or even free in exceptional cases) because I enjoy building it.

Maybe I should just buy a lego set lol. There must be an interesting experiment I can do :chin: I just need to work it out. I like mini itx boards though, I want to do something with them. Maybe I could set up a very small computer, work out someway to get it to display on a mirror, set it up on the bathroom, and so you can see the daily headlines whilst you brush your teeth, with a computer that double up as a light.

[Dreaming]

Or find a new hobby on which to spend your money instead.

Photography is very popular atm...

I have an old slr but got a bit bored with it lol. Nothing against it, I enjoyed getting out and everything, it just was a bit... boring I guess.

I have a very expensive hobby called motorbikes, but I'm selling two as they end up using all my money . I want something creative hehe.

[Carbine]

hehe don't know if its been done and it'll be fairly tough... people have already ripped an Apple G4 and sticking pc components in.. now try that but with a mac mini... yes i like macs so i can't stop mentioning it

[Dreaming]

I've considered buying an apple.

But it's just so boring, you get it and it's all ready to go. Where's the fun in that

[j.o.s.h.1408]

build one than

[Funkstar]

get some mini-ITX components and build some custom cases. That is going to occupy some time.

http://www.mini-itx.com for inspiration.

You could also trawl eBay and get some retro stuff to play around with.

[Lee H]

Build a Mame cabinet instead

You can find a nice guide Here

[directhex]

multi-machine mythtv setup!

[iorgu0]

What computer u have in mind? i mean what configuration?

[Clstrphbc_donut]

My PC, I built over a year and a half ago, it still runs what I need it to, so I haven't upgraded (Althought Core2Duo/Core2Quad looks very nice) because it is plain and simply a waste of money.

"More money than sense."

Spend it on something else. PC's are not the be all and end all.

[merdat]

I am still using '266' mb's but will have to upgrade due to the fact that the computer is 'grinding ' to a halt trying to cope with all these 'raw' pictures that the 'bairn' keeps sending me . Also the programs are becoming massive ,so I really have little option. Still , I'm looking forward to the 'speed' that 'C2D will hopefully bring.