Suggestions for a new computer!

Learn to build your own and that 3,000NZ will get you THE top of the line computer and then some;)

Or get a dell

Yes, I was thinking about getting a Dell!

The warehouse have the Dell's for 999 which is actually cheaper than on the Dell website. I looked into them not long ago when I was looking for a new one, instead I spent 1000 on parts (internals only, no case, floppy, zip, cd or dvd drives - used my old ones) and now have an outdated* boomer, dual this, twin that ... still have to update my moniter thou.

* anything 2 weeks old is outdated

check out http://www.pricespy.co.nz/ for parts prices

Think about what you'll be using it for in the next 5 years. If you want to keep up with the latest games, it might pay to get a top-of-the-line system now and upgrade few parts later. If you'll be spending more time on programming and web stuff, then a more modest system will do -- try to extend its lifetime instead, as you'll have a big margin anyway. Just plan ahead and spend to suit.

I bought a decent setup for $1800 in 2002 and it's still working fine for what I intended (web design, programming). Only upgraded the video card once. I might get some more RAM later. I expect with flexible software and no other upgrades, it'll be good for another 4 years.

Also, consider whether your present system is sufficient. If it is, you could entertain thoughts of getting a laptop, or of getting better peripherals.

Finally, if you're not comfortable messing with innards, have you thought about getting a Mac? With that money, I think it might be affordable.

Yes, I thought about getting a Mac computer. Everybody says they are quite good. When I used one the other day though I found it was quite hard to use. Especially after getting used to Windows.
I'll have to see ... Thanks!

I paid $275 for my machine (Athlon Xp 2000+, 256 mb ram, 32 mb video, 60gb hdd) in march, then I threw in some memory (additional 1 gb purchased for $95 on ebay), video (Asus radeon 9200 se 128mb ddr - $53), burner, cooler. So, it's a very powerful machine for under $500. It's better to get more RAM (1 or 2 gigs) than a faster processor (really not much difference between 2.4 and 2. - you'll see the difference. good luck. it's definitely going to be cheaper if you assemble it yourself.
Andy

If you're going to use this new computer for website development, a low end system will do just fine. You probably don't even need to upgrade

Gaming on the pc is very expensive IMO. But if you're into it, and willing to waste money upgrading your computer to play a game that will become boring a few months from now then go for it...

Irregardless of the machine you choose I would recommend the following specs to be included in your shopping:

Since your ID said you are a columnist/Web designer I would go with the following Items atleast:

Athlon 64 Processor
Minimum 512mb Ram
80 (or higher) gb harddrive
DVD +-RW drive (discs capable of 4.7gb and it burns CDs)
Radeon 9200 or higher Video capable

the above specs will put you into a machine that will last you atleast 3 to 5 years of good use. There are many other extras you can add but with the above list you will be able to edit Photos, Videos, and any Documents. with the greatest of ease. As for Mac I am not up on the latest specs or software so I will not comment on them at this time.

Above all else pick a machine that will have support for you if you need it ... including driver upgrades for your equipment.

Good hunting ...

Can't go wrong with a Dell. Some good prices on the 4600's right now

I put together a system for under $2k:

Intel P4 2.66(no athalon because also record multitrack audio)
Msi PE800 Motherboard
512 mb ram
dvdr ' rw...There are newer ones than the one I used
1 seagate120 gig 7200rpm Hard Drive/ 2 baracuda SCSI's 50 gig for audio
Adaptec 2940 Scsi Card--had this but you probably do not need scsi drives.
Nvidia 500fx video card (cheapest I found was $399.00 but Radieon is fine)
I bought a professional sound card.. Buy one that suits your purpose
19" flat monitor digital/analog

Point being if you are willing to build and do your homework you can get your version of a kickin system that you will be able to upgrade as we move on to Intel P5's ect

If you buy...Just check out what is inside the box and either spend the minimum necessary ( I personally do not run celeron) OR Buy from a company which specializes in multimedia computers and for that 3K you will have a stable powerhouse.

When I travel I am using Dreamweaver MX 2004 Studio/ and Sonar Audio on My Dell Inspiron 5100 laptop. It is working continously and has never crashed and I have had up to 5 audio/video/web publishing programs running at once. I have to guess their medium priced systems would be just as reliable.

A Dell 4600 P4..at least a 60 gig 7200Rpm Hard drive and at least 512Gb of ram. The rest is convience. Their inexpensive Planar Flat Monitor's are good as well. They are cheap enough that if I was in the $500.-$1000 rage I would trust it alot more than most the systems in your retail stores.

I run a Dell, and it works great:
2.52GHz P4
512MB RDRAM (pc1000)
120GB Hd
Soundblaster Audigy 2
Ati Rage 128 w/tv/dvi out
18" Flat Panel Dvi monitor

That system works great for me, although I sometimes even run out of ram! I need to buy another 512mbs but its $300 us!