Dimension 8400 customizing choices -- need help!

[katy]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to upgrade
our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for video work
(using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We currently use a
Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping this Dimension 8400
will help in creating home videos of family pictures using Movie Maker and
Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically due to slowing down and
locking up.

In customizing this model
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:

1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the 533mhz
option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our current
Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz; would that
be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to the FREE
UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat on this
setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb internal
hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the 4550.

2) video basic is....
128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
(QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help prevent
lockups?

3) basic processor is....
Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
(QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to justify
add'l $230?

4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
(QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
panel display?? (we want more than 15")


I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor, is
this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with the
front totally open and the backside open where vents are located but still
there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in Movie Maker,
especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD. Work is
being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.

TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
> due to slowing down and locking up.
>
> In customizing this model
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
> there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>
> 1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
> 400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
> 533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
> current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
> would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to
> the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
> on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb
> internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
> 4550.

533 is faster but not a hugh difference. For the small premium though I
would go with the 533. Your 4550 memory is not compatible.
The 8400 is new technology and features SATA hard drives. Your 4550 uses
PATA hard drives. Very different.
The 8400 can accomodate two SATA hard drives.

> 2) video basic is....
> 128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
> (QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help prevent
> lockups?

The 800 SE would be better for video editing. Either video option will work
without lockups. Lockups are usually software problems, i.e. incompatible
software. Making sure you have the latest versions and that they are
compatible with XP SP2 is very important.

> 3) basic processor is....
> Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
> (QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to
> justify add'l $230?

No.

> 4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
> panel display?? (we want more than 15")

Recommend 1905FP

> I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
> We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor, is
> this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
> this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with
> the front totally open and the backside open where vents are located but
> still there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in Movie
> Maker, especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD.
> Work is being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.
>
> TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

You will need to change to the Audigy 2 sound card which has a firewire
connection unless you already have a PCI firewire card.

"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
> due to slowing down and locking up.
>
> In customizing this model
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
> there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>
> 1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
> 400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
> 533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
> current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
> would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to
> the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
> on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb
> internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
> 4550.
>
> 2) video basic is....
> 128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
> (QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help prevent
> lockups?
>
> 3) basic processor is....
> Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
> (QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to
> justify add'l $230?
>
> 4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
> panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>
>
> I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
> We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor, is
> this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
> this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with
> the front totally open and the backside open where vents are located but
> still there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in Movie
> Maker, especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD.
> Work is being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.
>
> TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I think everyone is missing the obvious. Upgrading to an 8400 from a 4550
will NOT fix the problem that you have to reboot after working for awhile.
That is a problem with the applications you are using -- they likely have a
memory leak. Movie maker is notoriously bad.

The problem is unlikely to be heat either. The 4550 is a pretty darn good
machine. You can prove it to yourself by pulling it out of the cabinet and
running it for a few days. Shouldn't matter.

I have both a 4550 and an 8400 and while I like the 8400, the difference in
performance is very, very small.

If you are going with the 8400, I disagree with the previous advice on the
video card. The X300 is fine. Video and Image editing barely stress a video
card and the X800 will make ZERO performance difference. For games, yes,
for your applications, no.

Also, check out http://outlet.dell.com We bought our 8400 from the outlet
and the savings were huge.

Tom
"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
> due to slowing down and locking up.
>
> In customizing this model
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
> there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>
> 1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
> 400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
> 533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
> current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
> would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to
> the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
> on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb
> internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
> 4550.
>
> 2) video basic is....
> 128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
> (QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help prevent
> lockups?
>
> 3) basic processor is....
> Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
> (QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to
> justify add'l $230?
>
> 4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
> panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>
>
> I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
> We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor, is
> this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
> this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with
> the front totally open and the backside open where vents are located but
> still there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in Movie
> Maker, especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD.
> Work is being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.
>
> TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The organic entity known as Katy communicated the following:

> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20"
> flat panel display?? (we want more than 15")

The 20" has a higher resolution (1600x1200 vs 1280x1024) and a quicker
response time. For me, that is worth the price difference.

--
Hans

 

[gb]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"LaVacheQuiRit" <i.dont.want.spam@xs4all.invalid> wrote in message
news:Xns959F5EA66616E12345679x81@194.109.133.29...
> The organic entity known as Katy communicated the following:
>
>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20"
>> flat panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>
> The 20" has a higher resolution (1600x1200 vs 1280x1024) and a quicker
> response time. For me, that is worth the price difference.
>
> --
> Hans

I would just add that TFTs are pretty subjective. If you go for 1600 x1200
on a 20" screen, you may find that text is a bit on the small side, mouse
movements are a bit fiddlier, etc.

My personal preferences are either 1024x768 on a 17" CRT, or 1280x1024 on a
19" TFT. I have not tried 1600 x1200 on a 20" screen, but I suspect I would
not like it.

As the 20" TFTs are still quite expensive, you would be well advised to try
one out for a day to make sure it's what you want. As I am sure you know,
you need to use a TFT in its native mode resolution, whereas you can adjust
a CRT to the resolution that suits you best.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

GB wrote:
> "LaVacheQuiRit" <i.dont.want.spam@xs4all.invalid> wrote in message
> news:Xns959F5EA66616E12345679x81@194.109.133.29...
>> The organic entity known as Katy communicated the following:
>>
>>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20"
>>> flat panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>>
>> The 20" has a higher resolution (1600x1200 vs 1280x1024) and a
>> quicker response time. For me, that is worth the price difference.
>>
>> --
>> Hans
>
> I would just add that TFTs are pretty subjective. If you go for 1600
> x1200 on a 20" screen, you may find that text is a bit on the small
> side, mouse movements are a bit fiddlier, etc.
>
<snip>

I've happily used 1600*1200 on my 15" laptop for the last 3.5 years. I'm 42
and have no problem with seeing the text or controlling the touchpad mouse.
I've also used 1920*1200 on a 15.4" laptop display and that was fine too. I
hate having to use lower resolution screens as it is impossible to fit
sufficient information on, leading to excessive scrolling, or actually
failing to meet my needs to display three stock trading screens
simultaneously.

I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20" screen
unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not corrected properly.
But everyone's tastes and abilities are different.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The organic entity known as GB <NOTsomeone@microsoft.com>
communicated the following:

>>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20"
>>> flat panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>>
>> The 20" has a higher resolution (1600x1200 vs 1280x1024) and a
>> quicker response time. For me, that is worth the price difference.
>
> I would just add that TFTs are pretty subjective. If you go for 1600
> x1200 on a 20" screen, you may find that text is a bit on the small
> side, mouse movements are a bit fiddlier, etc.

Both font size and mouse movement can be adjusted, But ofcourse you already
know that working for "microsoft.com"

> My personal preferences are either 1024x768 on a 17" CRT, or 1280x1024
> on a 19" TFT. I have not tried 1600 x1200 on a 20" screen, but I
> suspect I would not like it.

I usually work in WXGA on an 15odd" Inspiron laptop, but I wouldn't
recommend it I don't think 1600x1200 on a 20" monitor would be a problem
for most people, especially when you know how to tweak the font settings.

Resolution is priceless ... when you need it.

--
Hans

 

[gb]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"LaVacheQuiRit" <i.dont.want.spam@xs4all.invalid> wrote in message
news:Xns959F6DA21AB9512345679x81@194.109.133.29...
> The organic entity known as GB <NOTsomeone@microsoft.com>
> communicated the following:
>
>>>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20"
>>>> flat panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>>>
>>> The 20" has a higher resolution (1600x1200 vs 1280x1024) and a
>>> quicker response time. For me, that is worth the price difference.
>>
>> I would just add that TFTs are pretty subjective. If you go for 1600
>> x1200 on a 20" screen, you may find that text is a bit on the small
>> side, mouse movements are a bit fiddlier, etc.
>
> Both font size and mouse movement can be adjusted, But ofcourse you
> already
> know that working for "microsoft.com"
>

I don't work for MS. It's just that I have special permission from Bill
Gates to use their email servers for my spam.

I am sure that you are right in theory, but I don't know if you've tried
doing what you suggest though? In practice, it's amazingly fiddly. For
example, you need to change the icon sizes, or else they get too tiny to
see, then the icon spacing, windows borders are too narrow to grab, so
change those, etc etc etc ......... Been there, got the T shirt, don't like
it.

Geoff

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The organic entity known as GB communicated the following:

>> Both font size and mouse movement can be adjusted.
> I am sure that you are right in theory, but I don't know if you've
> tried doing what you suggest though? In practice, it's amazingly
> fiddly. For example, you need to change the icon sizes, or else they
> get too tiny to see, then the icon spacing, windows borders are too
> narrow to grab, so change those, etc etc etc ......... Been there, got
> the T shirt, don't like it.

I agree it is less then perfect. Could be worse too (True VGA on a Pocket
PC).

For my work (programming) and my hobby (photography) I really need the
resolution and being short-sighted I am able to work with tiny fonts and
with a great mouse I have never had any trouble to grab anything on my
screen.

And as we can keep repeating: In the end every choice is personal. And that
is why I chose to post my view.

 

[sparky]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

WSZsr wrote:
> "Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
>
>>Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
>>upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
>>video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
>>currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
>>this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
>>using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
>>due to slowing down and locking up.
>>
>>In customizing this model
>>http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
>>there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>>
>>1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
>>400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
>>533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
>>current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
>>would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to
>>the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
>>on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb
>>internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
>>4550.
>
> 533 is faster but not a hugh difference. For the small premium though I
> would go with the 533.

I'd go for the 533 as well

<snip>

>>4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
>>(QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
>>panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>
> Recommend 1905FP

Hear, hear, I've been using my 1905FP for a month now - it's terrific
(noticeably better than the 19" P991 it replaced).

HTH

 

[sparky]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Tiny Tim wrote:

<snip>

> I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20" screen
> unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not corrected properly.
> But everyone's tastes and abilities are different.

Come back when you're 55-60 and we'll discuss.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The organic entity known as Sparky communicated the following:

>> I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20"
>> screen unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not
>> corrected properly. But everyone's tastes and abilities are
>> different.
>
> Come back when you're 55-60 and we'll discuss.

See you in eight years

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Tiny Tim" <_tim_dodd@hotmail.com> wrote:

>I've happily used 1600*1200 on my 15" laptop for the last 3.5 years. I'm 42

[snip]

>I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20" screen
>unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not corrected properly.
>But everyone's tastes and abilities are different.

You will find out, I'm afraid. Did you really mean to say "very
poorly impaired?" Or did you want "very severely impaired?" My
eyesight has been very well impaired, thank you, since I was
discovered to be myopic at the age of 10. Certainly not severely
enough to keep me from a USMC career, but I have had to wear
glasses 24/7 when awake. At 42, you are about to embark upon a
journey into the wonderful world of post-40 eyesight, which for
many, however 20-20 their vision has been heretofore, means
presbyopia.

Four corrections. All current. Long time myopic correction for
distance vision. Readies for presbyopia. A second set of
readies optimized for monitor distance. A third set of readies
optimized for ~4.5 ft [standing behind someone at a monitor,
while training them/observing their work].

Despite that currency of prescriptions, I cannot work for more
than an hour at 1600 x 1200 on a 19" or 21" CRT [never had a flat
screen] for more than an hour without onset of eye discomfort,
headaches, etc., whereas 12-14 hours at 1280 x 1024 doesn't faze
me in the least.

Revel in the glory of 42-hood, Tiny Tim. And pray that you
inherited good aging genes from your forebears, particularly in
the area of hair and eyes, lest you end up like me at 62, failing
eyes, falling hair, and FP displays whose resolution gives you
headaches. ;->
--
OJ III
[Email to Yahoo address may be burned before reading.
Lower and crunch the sig and you'll net me at comcast.]

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 13:18:43 GMT, Sparky <nemo@moon.sun.edu> wrote:

>Tiny Tim wrote:
>
><snip>
>
>> I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20" screen
>> unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not corrected properly.
>> But everyone's tastes and abilities are different.
>
>Come back when you're 55-60 and we'll discuss.

I resemble that remark
Mike age 54

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
> due to slowing down and locking up.

I posted the original message a few months ago that suggested heat as a
cause of your lockup problems, and I stand by that. On Windows XP, a
badly-behaved program *shouldn't* be able to lock the whole machine, and if
the program runs at first and then fails after an hour or two of heavy
crunching, that to me suggests heat as a cause. Plus you mentioned that the
system was in an enclosed area, so that was another fact that pointed toward
heat.

On the other hand, there could be other problems such as flaky drivers, bad
memory/hardware, that can cause whole-system lockups. Dell systems are
typically well-engineered with regards to heat, and you removed the
backboard from your desk with no improvement, so maybe heat isn't the issue
for you. Maybe Windows Movie Maker does tie into the OS closely enough that
it could lock the whole system, or maybe it has a memory leak that make the
system appear to be locked up but is intstead just very slow.

Anyhow, you really shouldn't have to buy a whole new system just to avoid
these lockups. Can you try a different movie-making program? Maybe try
Windows Movie Maker on a different system? These would help you diagnose
whether your system really is at fault here.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Ogden Johnson III wrote:
> "Tiny Tim" <_tim_dodd@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I've happily used 1600*1200 on my 15" laptop for the last 3.5 years.
>> I'm 42
>
> [snip]
>
>> I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20"
>> screen unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not
>> corrected properly. But everyone's tastes and abilities are
>> different.
>
> You will find out, I'm afraid. Did you really mean to say "very
> poorly impaired?" Or did you want "very severely impaired?" My
> eyesight has been very well impaired, thank you, since I was
> discovered to be myopic at the age of 10. Certainly not severely
> enough to keep me from a USMC career, but I have had to wear
> glasses 24/7 when awake. At 42, you are about to embark upon a
> journey into the wonderful world of post-40 eyesight, which for
> many, however 20-20 their vision has been heretofore, means
> presbyopia.
>
> Four corrections. All current. Long time myopic correction for
> distance vision. Readies for presbyopia. A second set of
> readies optimized for monitor distance. A third set of readies
> optimized for ~4.5 ft [standing behind someone at a monitor,
> while training them/observing their work].
>
> Despite that currency of prescriptions, I cannot work for more
> than an hour at 1600 x 1200 on a 19" or 21" CRT [never had a flat
> screen] for more than an hour without onset of eye discomfort,
> headaches, etc., whereas 12-14 hours at 1280 x 1024 doesn't faze
> me in the least.
>
> Revel in the glory of 42-hood, Tiny Tim. And pray that you
> inherited good aging genes from your forebears, particularly in
> the area of hair and eyes, lest you end up like me at 62, failing
> eyes, falling hair, and FP displays whose resolution gives you
> headaches. ;->

I'll get my coat......

--
Please quote "easytiger" for your PlusNet referral

 

[gb]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"LaVacheQuiRit" <i.dont.want.spam@xs4all.invalid> wrote in message
news:Xns959F9256A5DE812345679x81@194.109.133.29...
> The organic entity known as Sparky communicated the following:
>
>>> I don't see how anyone could have a problem with 1600*1200 on a 20"
>>> screen unless their eyesight is very poorly impaired and/or not
>>> corrected properly. But everyone's tastes and abilities are
>>> different.
>>
>> Come back when you're 55-60 and we'll discuss.
>
> See you in eight years
>

Three, in my case. I also have severe astigmatism that's hard to correct
with glasses. That probably explains why I have a preference for larger
fonts.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 03:45:22 GMT, "WSZsr" <nospam@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
>> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
>> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
>> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
>> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
>> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
>> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down periodically
>> due to slowing down and locking up.
>>
>> In customizing this model
>> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
>> there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>>
>> 1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
>> 400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
>> 533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
>> current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
>> would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick to
>> the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
>> on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the 80gb
>> internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
>> 4550.
>
>533 is faster but not a hugh difference. For the small premium though I
>would go with the 533. Your 4550 memory is not compatible.
>The 8400 is new technology and features SATA hard drives. Your 4550 uses
>PATA hard drives. Very different.
>The 8400 can accomodate two SATA hard drives.
>
>> 2) video basic is....
>> 128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
>> (QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help prevent
>> lockups?
>
>The 800 SE would be better for video editing. Either video option will work
>without lockups. Lockups are usually software problems, i.e. incompatible
>software. Making sure you have the latest versions and that they are
>compatible with XP SP2 is very important.
>
>> 3) basic processor is....
>> Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
>> (QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to
>> justify add'l $230?
>
>No.
>
>> 4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
>> panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>
>Recommend 1905FP
WSZsr,
I'm trying to decide between the 1905FP and the 2001FP. Why do you
prefer the 1905FP?
Thanks,
--wb
>
>> I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any feedback.
>> We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor, is
>> this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
>> this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with
>> the front totally open and the backside open where vents are located but
>> still there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in Movie
>> Maker, especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD.
>> Work is being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.
>>
>> TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy
>>
>>
>>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Newer model with better specs. Both are very nice. If you want bigger, go
with the 2005FP.

"wishbone" <please@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:qp2cp0hdareo1mqk7fmc5oadh2oulssm7d@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 03:45:22 GMT, "WSZsr" <nospam@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>>news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
>>> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
>>> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
>>> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
>>> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
>>> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
>>> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down
>>> periodically
>>> due to slowing down and locking up.
>>>
>>> In customizing this model
>>> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=D84SO&s=dhs#bottom_anchor
>>> there are 4 items we would appreciate your feedback on:
>>>
>>> 1) Basic unit comes with .... FREE UPGRADE! 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM
>>> at
>>> 400MHz (2x512M) (QUESTION: would 400mhz be much different than the
>>> 533mhz option?) We are also thinking of adding a 512mb stick from our
>>> current Dimension 4550 to increase the basic unit which might be 400mhz;
>>> would that be compatible with 533? or would just adding the 512mb stick
>>> to
>>> the FREE UPGRADE work just as well? ....... if you have thoughts on heat
>>> on this setup, PLEASE share! Besides the RAM, the PC would have the
>>> 80gb
>>> internal hard drive plus adding an internal 120gb drive, moving from the
>>> 4550.
>>
>>533 is faster but not a hugh difference. For the small premium though I
>>would go with the 533. Your 4550 memory is not compatible.
>>The 8400 is new technology and features SATA hard drives. Your 4550 uses
>>PATA hard drives. Very different.
>>The 8400 can accomodate two SATA hard drives.
>>
>>> 2) video basic is....
>>> 128MB PCI ExpressT x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI RadeonT X300 SE
>>> (QUESTION: would X800 SE be a better choice?) i.e. would it help
>>> prevent
>>> lockups?
>>
>>The 800 SE would be better for video editing. Either video option will
>>work
>>without lockups. Lockups are usually software problems, i.e. incompatible
>>software. Making sure you have the latest versions and that they are
>>compatible with XP SP2 is very important.
>>
>>> 3) basic processor is....
>>> Pentium® 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB)
>>> (QUESTION: would a 560, 3.6GHz, 800 FSB show enough improvement to
>>> justify add'l $230?
>>
>>No.
>>
>>> 4) basic monitor is 15" flat panel display...
>>> (QUESTION: is there REALLY much difference between a 19" or a 20" flat
>>> panel display?? (we want more than 15")
>>
>>Recommend 1905FP
> WSZsr,
> I'm trying to decide between the 1905FP and the 2001FP. Why do you
> prefer the 1905FP?
> Thanks,
> --wb
>>
>>> I hope most of this makes sense and we'd greatly appreciate any
>>> feedback.
>>> We're hoping a newer model/motherboard will accomodate the heat factor,
>>> is
>>> this necessarily true? Is there any way to know how many fans come with
>>> this 8400 Model? The computer is seated in a deskside compartment with
>>> the front totally open and the backside open where vents are located
>>> but
>>> still there are lockups and slowing down with the video creation in
>>> Movie
>>> Maker, especially when a movie is reaching the size of filling a DVD.
>>> Work is being done in 1.5-2 hr. timeframes sometimes.
>>>
>>> TIA for any help or ideas, suggestions.......... Katy
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>

 

[katy]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Thanks everyone for the excellent information! We've decided not to get a
new computer then, at least not until we've tried the new trial version of
Ulead VideoStudio 8 we downloaded. It'll be interesting to see if this new
software works better and it even has some cool templates with the paid
version when we get that far. Thanks again and if we do wind up upgrading,
all your information helped a great deal! We'll get a new flat panel
monitor too and you helped so much in deciding that too. Cheers to All!!
katy


"Eddie Aftandilian" <aftandilian@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:zN8ld.89652$R05.72472@attbi_s53...
> "Katy" <fairytale_4@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:10p88gfpms92vd8@corp.supernews.com...
>> Could we please have some feedback on our choices? We would like to
>> upgrade our Dell 4550 to a Dimension 8400 which will be used mainly for
>> video work (using a Dell scanner to scan pictures, slides, etc.). We
>> currently use a Dell external dvd burner using firewire. We are hoping
>> this Dimension 8400 will help in creating home videos of family pictures
>> using Movie Maker and Roxio DVD Builder without shutting down
>> periodically due to slowing down and locking up.
>
> I posted the original message a few months ago that suggested heat as a
> cause of your lockup problems, and I stand by that. On Windows XP, a
> badly-behaved program *shouldn't* be able to lock the whole machine, and
> if the program runs at first and then fails after an hour or two of heavy
> crunching, that to me suggests heat as a cause. Plus you mentioned that
> the system was in an enclosed area, so that was another fact that pointed
> toward heat.
>
> On the other hand, there could be other problems such as flaky drivers,
> bad memory/hardware, that can cause whole-system lockups. Dell systems
> are typically well-engineered with regards to heat, and you removed the
> backboard from your desk with no improvement, so maybe heat isn't the
> issue for you. Maybe Windows Movie Maker does tie into the OS closely
> enough that it could lock the whole system, or maybe it has a memory leak
> that make the system appear to be locked up but is intstead just very
> slow.
>
> Anyhow, you really shouldn't have to buy a whole new system just to avoid
> these lockups. Can you try a different movie-making program? Maybe try
> Windows Movie Maker on a different system? These would help you diagnose
> whether your system really is at fault here.
>
>
>