Raleigh North Carolina and surrounding areas

Sorry should have said, desktop. My wife keeps saying Mac but she's never used one and I think she'd prefer a Windows OS. I was thinking about piecing one together but don't know the first thing about it, plus some coworkers have talked about their computer build and they get pricey.

 

How does she like how the iPad works, navigates ? A Mac would be similar, but more refined.
I've had a Mac Mini since 2009, the newer ones are not as easy to upgrade as the older so get what you what first shot. My current one was cheap ($500) 4gb memory 500gb hd using Logitech wireless keyboard and Mac trackpad, monitor is 20" LG i got cheap. i don't do much so i don't need a lot. Also have a MacBook Air (wife computer)

 

They don't have to get expensive. I built my mother a new one for like $200. My personal desktop was easily under $500 and I built it to last me 10 years with minimal upgrades along the way. It's still going strong with the latest versions of the Adobe Suite (Photoshop and all the rest). Many years later.

 

She has an iPhone, barely uses the iPad. I on the otherhand have a droid and can't stand iPhones but love my iPad.

That would be great to keep it under $500, any suggestions on hardware? No gaming, dual monitors if possible, decent storage for photos/music, able to run previously mentioned programs without lagging.

 

I have a 08 Mac book pro I would be willing to trade..


In another note, been looking for a 22cal rifle+++ Would like a Ruger 10/22.
Anyone wanna barter for one,?

 

To run those programs good, with dual monitors you need to go above the $500 range, i know not what want to hear. Need decent i5, go ahead a do 8-16GB ram, i would recommend a smaller solid state, with a bigger second Mechanical data drive. decent 500watt power supply, video card maybe a inexpensive 1050 or hjigher card

 

Dual screens aren't a must, I just got hooked on them from using a dual seen setup at work, how much are we looking at for something like you described?

 

ASUS is a great choice. Made by Microsoft who sells their hard drives to all the other computer companies. So your really paying for the computer with them vs companies like Apple where your paying for their name.

 

@sphinxbccp
Trust me if she using those programs, she wants duals, (anyway all video cards support dual screens, onboard video is a no go)
coolermaster case with 500W PS $65
motherboard $50-85
CPU with Factory cooler i5 $180-215
memory 16GB $90
120SSD w/bracket $60
1TB Blue Western Digital $55
1050 video card $125 very depends on card size
OS i can get you
So thats roughly $700 just for simple setup, (like said rough estimate)

 

Last question for tonight, where's a good place to buy said hardware? (I have a feeling I know where you're going to say)

 

AMD processor will run it good cheaper.

 

honestly, since your not right near me Amazon and newegg, I can help you build and install

 

But in long run no where near as good as the intel at lightroom and photoshop

 

Shrugs, my dinosaur runs them perfectly well. https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808

 

Awesome, I'll be doing some research on all this tomorrow. Thanks for all the info everyone! I may use this as an excuse to come down that way and visit the shop again.

 

Cool, shoot me a call with any questions on hard ware. Also if have a parts list i can order, and then if theres any parts issues, ill do the warranty work

 

Whatcha got to trade. I've got one I'd consider letting go of.

 

What ya want or need, I'm a resourceful SOB
Tools, tools, pizza, tools, work? Chemicals etc. Etc

 

Damn I felt like I just watched "Revenge of the Nerds" reading all these computer brainie post. Now we go into talking about guns. Ahhh that's more like it. Haha

 

Yeah, I had to break that shit up..