Should I or Shouldn't I?

[dj4monie]

Okay here's the deal -

I opened up the latest Fry's Electronics ad in the LA Times this morning and to my shock and dismay, on the inside pages I found ATI's All In Wonder 9800 card for $199!

Now knowing Fry's like I do, I called them up to find out if it was the OEM version of the card or the full retail version.

Its the OEM version -

No software outside of the drivers and MMC, all the cables and no Remote Wonder 2.

So here's my problem. I hadn't orginally intended to buy a video card this week, but I have some extra cash this check and I was seriously considering it.

Should I buy -

AIW 9800 OEM for $199

AIW 9600 non Pro for $199

AIW 9600XT for $249

Remote Wonder isn't a problem at the moment, but having next to know video editing software is an issue. I guess I could use Virtual Dub or something. But I heard Pinnacle 8 was full of great features. Also I'm not sure Video Soap is included in the driver package.

I personally think the 9800 is worth the money for the graphic hp gain I will get over the current GeForce 4 MX (DX7) card currently in here.

Any ideas?

[sacajaweeda]

You could always save your money for another week and buy the retail card and get all the extra stuff rather than depriving yourself with an OEM. If it's worth the money to you I mean, and assuming it can wait.

[thecoalman]

The Pinnacle 8 sofware that came with my AIW was not the full retail version. It's a functioning but stripped down version that requires you to upgrade to the full version to get features such as adjusting brightness, hue, saturation......which makes it pretty useless. Also pinnacle 8 is not that great, for starters it doesn't support 16:9 (widescreen) even when upgraded. I wouldn't base my decision on Pinnacle 8. Make sure that the video dongle is included in the OEM package if you go that route, it's a purple cord with RCA and s-video connections.

Video soap is part of MMC.

[dj4monie]

Well I didn't pick up the OEM AIW 9800. I forgot this was a Computer Show here locally this weekend. So I was curious.

Well I came back with a AIW 9600XT for $170!

Not bad....

Cleaning some stuff off the PC first before I install it. Also listening too the ALMS Petit Le Mans on Radio Le Mans, so when that's done or I'm tired of listening, I'll install it.