[xnex]

sudo rm -rf /, on 04 November 2009 - 03:42 PM, said:

I thought the old zune was better than the ipod classic. For the new touch stuff, I haven't yet seen a Zune HD in action, but the ipod touches are nifty. I know the zune HD doesn't have the web browser or extensive library of apps, which the touch does.

I'm tempted to go for the Zune because I tend to be a real contrarian and I think most people are Ipod users. But I may go ahead and choose the Ipod because that way I have a larger number of people to assist me if I have questions.

[nativefalcon]

xnex, on 04 November 2009 - 01:19 PM, said:

Hello all

I need some information on various tech related products and I'm asking for assistance from all of the friendly folks here.

First I want to know if people here have strong opinions on really good Mp3 players. I'm thinking either an Ipod or a Zune. I want to know if ther's anyone out there that can maybe give me an idea of the differences between the Zune and the Ipod. But if someone out there feels strongly about another brand please let me know. I see that Zune has released the Zune HD which looks like it does just about everything.

I'm also wondering if anyone can bring me up to speed on todays computers. When I last bought a computer you could determine what you were getting by determining if it was a P3 or a P4 and then looking at the processor speed, such as 2.8 ghz. But now I see that all computers list their specifications as it relates to dual core or quad core among other things. I am looking at both laptops and desktops so if anyone can explain to me how to interpret the spec sheets of the current models I would appreciate it. I know that I want to look for as much RAM and larger HD sizes but I have no idea about the actual guts of the machine itself and what I need to have.

I'm also wondering about things like video cards. What is considered a good video card now? The machine would likely be used for some online gaming, but also for single player gaming. I don't need to have the absolute top of the line stuff, but I do want something that can handle most of todays games.

And what do I need to have if I want to watch television on my PC?

Also what is the current standard as it relates to stereo sound and performance?

I know that this is a ton of stuff to ask, but I would really appreciate any assistance I could get here.

Thanks

As far as MP3s Ipods are cool but Zunes are set up more for the Windows OS, just more a preference to what you like?

And what do I need to have if I want to watch television on my PC?

You need to get either slingbox, or a PC or laptop with a tuner card in it.

On computers, the P3 or P4, is pretty much ancient history. Dual core are good, Quad core are great and 8 cores are unbelieveable but the price is too. :( Hard drives the bigger the better, ram too, PCs and laptops have come down a ton in price, my sister just bought a HP 17 inch laptop with a quad processor, 6 gigs of ram and a 500 Gig hard drive and it has a gaming vid card not sure what kind for 1200$ thats a great price for what it had, the same laptop a year ago would have been over 2000$

As far as video cards you just have to look around, here are some places to look at just to get some ideas, alot of them have reviews and stuff, Do you want a video card to play video games or just to watch movies?

Check out PC World Cnet and Toms hardware guide. If I'm looking its where I always go. ;) Also besides the people reviewing the stuff read USER reviews it tells better if its good or cr_ap. Good luck ;)

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews.html

http://reviews.cnet....?tag=hdr%3bsnav

http://www.tomshardware.com/us/#redir

[Ryan too White]

I own a 120gb Zune, got it for 160? new. I bought it simply because it had the most storage for the dollar. I like the interface better than an Ipod, but your mileage may vary.

If you want to buy alot of accessories, get the Ipod, there is relatively little third party stuff for Zunes. The Zune does have the advantage of being able to wirelessly transmit songs to other Zunes (I've only met 1 other Zune owner, though), and you don't have to jump through all the hoops you do with Itunes.

[xnex]

nativefalcon, on 04 November 2009 - 10:57 PM, said:

As far as MP3s Ipods are cool but Zunes are set up more for the Windows OS, just more a preference to what you like?

And what do I need to have if I want to watch television on my PC?

You need to get either slingbox, or a PC or laptop with a tuner card in it.

On computers, the P3 or P4, is pretty much ancient history. Dual core are good, Quad core are great and 8 cores are unbelieveable but the price is too. :( Hard drives the bigger the better, ram too, PCs and laptops have come down a ton in price, my sister just bought a HP 17 inch laptop with a quad processor, 6 gigs of ram and a 500 Gig hard drive and it has a gaming vid card not sure what kind for 1200$ thats a great price for what it had, the same laptop a year ago would have been over 2000$

As far as video cards you just have to look around, here are some places to look at just to get some ideas, alot of them have reviews and stuff, Do you want a video card to play video games or just to watch movies?

Check out PC World Cnet and Toms hardware guide. If I'm looking its where I always go. ;) Also besides the people reviewing the stuff read USER reviews it tells better if its good or cr_ap. Good luck ;)

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews.html

http://reviews.cnet....?tag=hdr%3bsnav

http://www.tomshardware.com/us/#redir

Ryan too White, on 04 November 2009 - 11:03 PM, said:

I own a 120gb Zune, got it for 160? new. I bought it simply because it had the most storage for the dollar. I like the interface better than an Ipod, but your mileage may vary.

If you want to buy alot of accessories, get the Ipod, there is relatively little third party stuff for Zunes. The Zune does have the advantage of being able to wirelessly transmit songs to other Zunes (I've only met 1 other Zune owner, though), and you don't have to jump through all the hoops you do with Itunes.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info and advice.

[215FalconsFanatic]

I am a 80GB Zune owner. I prefer it over ipods because i hate itunes. I use other apps to play and manage my music. I prefer the zune app interface better. My Zune does me well. I also am a fan of the new Sony MP3 walkmen.

As far as a PC, i would say go some where like microcenter or tiger direct or new egg. You will probably get the best deals but if you want a pretty sweet pc that does everything you want it to do. try alienware. There rigs are awesome. pricy but awesome.