The latest DELL computers for DVD authoring?

[BJ_M]

all the workstation models as i mentioned before have standard case connectors and layout -

dont know on the cheaper models

[INFRATOM]

For what you are doing, you need to get Maximum CPU, Memory and hard drive you can afford. The best choice is if you could assemble one your self . You can make a powerfull machine around $1300. If you are buying from Dell find a server on a deal sometimes they sell around $600 ~ $800 they give free CPU upgrade ... get the fastest cpu you can get then add hard drive and memory later yourself. Make sure the model you are ordering has a place a AGP slot for good video card down the line if you need it. FYI the cheap ones may come with one for all motherboard that has everything on it with not much slot to expand. Don't get Celeron Hyper threading comes with full P4. If you need more info ask me. Remember always buy or make more that you need with computers you run into your limitation sooner than you think.

[Nelson37]

This is a quote from the Packard Smell manual of several years ago. It described getting the PC out of the box, connecting the cables, and turning it on. Then, direct quote from the manual, "If you see or smell smoke, turn the machine off immediately." Still makes me laugh.

Now, about Dell not supporting 3rd-party parts. No large company does, that I know of. Nor would I expect them to spend their time and money supporting the thousands of people who would use such a service. This is just not reasonable. I quite literally have customers call me for warranty service because they can't find the "any" key, or some crap software won't install correctly on XP when its a DOS program. That plus the zero profit margin is why I don't sell PC's anymore.

Now, if someone told you "my friend Bob had a Chevy and it wouldn't run after he drove it into the lake so all Chevy's are bad, don't buy one" you would understand that one or a few incidents do NOT mean that every one of the millions of Chevys built is defective, wouldn't you?

Incidentally, how many people tap you on the shoulder to say "My PC ran fine today, no problems."

I have actually had a customer tell me "This monitor is crap. I watered the plant on the shelf directly above it, I watched the water run into the top of the monitor, then I turned it on and it popped and smoked. What a piece of crap." The monitor was replaced under warranty.

[INFRATOM]

Your cheapest solution would be to build a computer yourself. It would be interesting. If you have patience like ever made a big logo project and ever installed windows you can do it. I was looking at Dell wanted to suggest to buy a basic server and add to it as you need it. They put their server on sale with right discount you can get a server around $600 to $800 and add to it. But if you want to go through that route with extras shipping etc you end up around $3000 for a decent system. I can give a list of best items and you find your best deals and spend a weekend to put it together. My list will be around $1300 for a powerful system good enough for your video stuff, check my profile for example . Tell us if you are up to it. In these days it is just plugging the parts in, you must be patient and easy on hands not force or break anything.

[gom]

...... you end up around $3000 for a decent system.

3 grand is way too much for me at this point. A decent DELL workstation for my needs came to 1200 bucks on their site. I figure that is the best way to go.

[BJ_M]

...... you end up around $3000 for a decent system.

3 grand is way too much for me at this point. A decent DELL workstation for my needs came to 1200 bucks on their site. I figure that is the best way to go.

you get free shipping and double the memory at no extra cost i think right now ..

[gom]

Yeah....thanks BJ_M. There were a lot of good answers to my post here and I'm sure the cheaper route would be to build my own but the aggrevation factor for me is a big condideration.

Too many variables means problems. A tuned and built from the factory model not too cheap and not really expensive is best. I wan't to save my sanity for when I have to transfer the video to the computer and burn the DVD's.

From what I read on these boards, that will be enough problems.