{Pre-Built} Compact Computer $900 all included with Linux, need advice

TymeToTry

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Feb 26, 2014
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Hello people,

I'm sorry to take a little bit of your time, and you can be sure that I wouldn't if I wasn't pretty lost.

As said in the title, I am searching the web for a pre-built compact computer over $900 that I can customize (I want to have Linux as OS without having to pay a Windows Licence). I've been searching on many websites and I might have found some good stuff, however, I cannot make a choice whether I should get a certain part better than another, or if what I pick is too much for what I need and so the result's overpriced. Anyway, I post this message just because I need your advice, and for you to know what exactly I need, I think I should follow the basic template to ask for computer's parts upgrades etc.

Approximate Purchase Date: as soon as I get decided to (so much clearer, right?)

Budget Range: $900 very max

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
1. Surfing web
2. Writing
3. Video - Photo editing (not professional)
4. Gaming (World of Warcraft, very occasionally and maybe even never again)

Are you buying a monitor: Yes (+ a keyboard)

Do you need to buy OS: No (using Linux)

Location: Corona, California

Parts Preferences: No preference, but if I get it right, and Intel i7 quad-core is the minimum in video editing especially. In fact, I would rather prefer an SSD hard drive over 128Gb (I already have an external hard drive of 1Tb which is enough for me).

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: Should I?

Your monitor resolution: 1920x1080 17"

Why are you upgrading: my computer is a crappy Dell Vostro something that is 3 years of age now. It's crashing too often for it to be reliable, plus it became very slow even after restoration to its original state. [strike]I also might have dropped it once or twice[/strike]. And it has some components (as the wireless) that drive me crazy and just crash too whenever I move or so.

Additional comments: A few of the website I've been visiting are
* PC Specialist
* Xoticps
* Malibal
* LPC Digital
* Myth Logic
I was first searching for a laptop, but then I thought that it might be nonsense because I don't think I'll be able to replace a component that would die. It's also twice the price for the same capacity, and I even if the mobility might be a good plus, well it doesn't outweigh the other arguments so... What do you think? Then, I have the terrible habit to feel like I absolutely need something while I know that I don't really... So I'm asking if having the last Intel Core i7 Quad-Core 2.5 Ghz 8Mb cache, with a 16Gb DDR3 RAM is really useful, etc. is really useful?
What I am going to do is mostly reading articles, watching movies and videos on youtube and others, writing (as a professional), and video/photo editing with Cinelerra and Gimp or a Linux way of using Adobe's softwares. However, I won't edit as a professional, just for a hobbit.
Regarding the monitor and the keyboard, well I don't know... I think I might need a monitor (which as to be over 17" 1080p for editing), for sure a keyboard (which has to be good for writing), and that's why I'm still wondering if I should not get a laptop. Indeed, I'll probably have to move, take the plane etc. and move between houses so having a monitor... In a suitcase?

Anyway, I fiercely rely on you for this; I hope you'll be able to enlighten me.

Timothy Anderson.

EDIT 1: by the way, I asked for a pre-built because I don't want to bother building it, and I don't feel like doing it neither (I am not careful enough).

EDIT 2: I forgot a word.
 

stillblue

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Nov 30, 2012
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Since you plan on video editing the things you need most are RAM, processor speed and a decent monitor. All of which you can get on those laptops but your system may slow down if you do too much and it overheats. Because of that you would be better served by a desktop that deals with it better by simply having more room for bigger fans. On the other hand, you can't take a desktop with you to the park. So, if you go the laptop route, get a cold table, ie a place to set your laptop on that has bigger fans, they work wonderfully and only cost about $10. I should know, I live in central Africa.
 

TymeToTry

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Feb 26, 2014
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And about the specs, do you think taking an Intel i7 Quad-core + a ram of 8 Gb is reasonable or I can downgrade at least the processor? I'm sorry, I'm asking just because I have the tendency to see too big... which is bad.
 

stillblue

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Nov 30, 2012
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Buy what you can afford. Video editing, well the rendering actually, is very hardware intensive. The more you have the faster it'll work. If you have less then it'll still work, just slower. Most everything else is not as much an issue.
 

TymeToTry

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Feb 26, 2014
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So then I should get a i7 quad core and have a ram of 4Gb? On the other hand, the fact that this is slower doesn't truly matter for me, since I'm not a professional obligated to turn stuff in asap. So I should probably get a i7 dual core (if there is), or a i5 dual core and have a 8Gb ram?