Battle of the cheap computer bundles

ok , so the $750 range isn't exactly cheap after taxes but this weeks bureau en gros catalog has 2 computers fairly similiar in price and specs, both have positives and some -

Acer AST500e
---------------
I think i have reviewd this acer previously,maybe it was even cheaper
$729.95, $50 mail in rebate
19 in Acer LCD
Intel 805 D (dual core)
1 gig ram
intergrated ATI radeon express 200
200gb HD

Positives
-----------
Decent onboard video (eg you will be able to play some 3d games)
The 805D is a highly overclockable cpu, depending on options on the motherboard, most users buying this computer wouldnt think twice but the option may be there hidden in the bios to up the fsb values (you should search on google how to do this)
You could potentially make this run twice as quick as the computer below very easily

Negatives
----------
A little pricey
mail in rebates suck but its not too much
onboard video takes some of the ram

recommendation to come

Xplio 1100DE
---------------
$750 after $50 US mail in rebate

Intel 820 D
1 Gig ram
250 gig HDD
ATI radeon express 200
Xplio 19 inch monitor

Positives
---------
820 D is next(small) step up in the dual cores
but running at the full fsb speed unlike the 805D (why it was easily overclockable)
extra 50gigs

Negatives
----------
same as the acer
mail in rebates
onboard video takes up ram

Recommendation
------------------
For the extra 20 you may as well get the xplio, as even thou the acer 805d is potentially overclockable the motherboard may not allow it anyways.
I'm only guessing but the acer LCD is probably better then the xplio LCD response time wise (you would have to ask) lower is better they are probably both over the 10ms mark
Pity both are over $700

Game of the week

Company of Heroes.

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/927618.asp

If you like WW2 RTS such as blitzkrieg , sudden strike, codename panzers etc.. then you are going to love this game
It has some building elements, like producing reinforcements from a barracks and tanks from tankfactory so in way its not pure strategy

I'm still playing this game and it hopefully has a lot more life in it.

Worth buying
Worth downloading and checking out first for those whom don't normally play WW2 RTS games.

this weeks cheap ass computer bundle deals for the poor who want lcd screens

bureau en gros

Cisnet 3220e
$659 after rebates
samsung 17inch lcd

AMD athlon 64 3500+
1 gig ram....ddr i guess
250 gig hdd
xp home
intergrated pci express video

You would need to run cpuz on this computer to check if it 939 or am2 (which it probably is)
what speed the ram is (probably ddr400)
and what kind of motherboard and onboard video it has

cheap tho...next

Acer AST650E $649
intel p4 524
1 gig ram
ati radeon express 200 128 integrated
17 inch lcd..

this is a POS , its not 64bit or dual core
for onboard video ati radeon is probably the best...the only plus
Not recommended


HP media center edition a1520n $849.95
17inch lcd
AMD 64 x2 3800
1 gig ram
250 gig hdd
nvidia integrated video

pros
nice processor which would be upgradable later
nice ram
decent onboard video....as decent as onboard video gets...

cons
postal rebate $120 us..
still $849, top of line computer for poor people
If you cant afford this get the cisnet one


They also have a m7560n for $1199.95 only difference is the extra ram and 320 sata
sata is over rated....not worth paying extra $350 now for stuff that will only get cheaper and you can add on later

crappy 3rg gen ipod mini

I will probably have to buy a replacement battery for my mini
It now has a battery life of 3 - 4 hours
i charge it overnight and it lasts for the 45min morning trip in the bus, turn it off when reaching work , then another 35min of the 45 min return trip home.
pretty sucky
I seriously think that these batteries had defects, although they would never admit it now
I won't be buying an ipod again
next mp3 player if any would have
- takes replacable aa batteries
- takes extra flash card memory

staples weekly computer deal

Looking to buy a cheap new computer, maybe this will help
Although I don't recommend buying any factory system, because your not always sure what parts they use (i think its better to go to a local trusted store like microbytes in montreal (I don't work for them) but you can customize a computer from the ground up)

This week staples / bureau en gros has this computer on sale
Acer ast160e/f

Before buying this I would recommend downloading
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
Put it on cd and take it in store to have them run it
or take down the address and have them download it at the store

It shows you the parts and is quick and efficient
Under package/socket type if it shows socket 754 don't buy it should say 939 or AMD
(It will be much harder to upgrade later)
If it shows sempron you should know that sempron is a little slower then regular 64 bit...
Click the mainboard tab
It should say PCI Express under grahpic interface - if only AGP than add to cons section
(agp is older interface)

Pros
Cheap
64 bit AMD 3500+
160 gigs, this is standard now
19 inch monitor

Cons
-------------
only 512 megs ram, some taken by video card
part postal rebate

Things you should buy in the future when you have some more money
---------------------
at least another gig of ram
A better video card -if you play 3d games

Verdict
------------------
worth buying for the price if its socket 939

Cult movie of the week

The Red Violin - internal xvid
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120802/
A little difficult to find on the net but worth the download
This movie will make you a little more cultured
and it contains the man Samuel L Jackson!!
But thankfully no lines like
"I'm getting sick of these mother f?%%n violins at this mother F$%# auction"

vista rc1

Another version...getting very close rc1 means they have almost finished
I only see the x86 ...will wait for the x64 version

Microsoft Windows Vista Build 5600 RC1 x86 DVD - BetaInsiders

end of an aussie legend

steveo died doing what he loved best. If anyone new the risks .. well..
He was a great ambassador for Australia, over here everyone knows of him
When people asked about him it was a bit embarrasing but you can always put it down to
...he's bloody crazy
the next xxxx is for you mate
r.i.p