Web Hosting Talk : Other Forums : Computers and Peripherals : Can't find a computer that is digital and not analog???

[Frosty]

I need to buy a new computer asap because I'm about to return my dell computer for a refund. Dell sent me TWO defective computers in a row. I don't trust dell anymore so I would rather just buy an HP or Gateway.

But with my Dell I easily got a digital connection input for my digital lcd monitor. I'd rather use the digital rather than analog. But I just got back from SEVERAL stores and NONE of the computers being sold at compUSA, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples... NONE of them had digital input??? This is strange... why do they all ONLY come with analog? I was surprised they all only came with analog.

Is it difficult to add a digital input and how much would that cost? Now that I hooked up my lcd to analog and then compared it to digital... I could swear that digital really is better? Or am I imagining it?

[bear]

Can't find a computer that is digital and not analog???

heh...all computers are digital.

To answer your question, it's as easy as adding a graphics card, usually. If you're going with budget systems from those makers, it may be on-board graphics, and that's why no digital hookup.

[trau]

Go to the HP website and order online, they have a huge selection of models that stores don't stock. Many have mid-high end video with digital output instead of the low end onboard video with VGA connectors only.
Just look at the specs and make certain the video card has a DVI connector.

[Frosty]

bear,
Oh wait a second... I'm a tad confused here. I'm blonde and it happens very easily

But what I mean by "digital" is that all the computers were missing the actual digital input (the white serial plug). They all only had the smaller analog (blue serial plug) for the monitors. My dell computer had BOTH. So you could hook up either an analog cord or the digital cord...

The ones I saw at the store had NO place to plug in the digital cord. They were MISSING the digital plug. So to add this digital input would be simple and cheap to do?

trau,
Good idea. I shall do that now. I checked out gateway but I think HP would be better you think? I know HP has got to be a LOT better than dell

[trau]

Actually its an output not input, it is called a DVI connector. Mid-High end video cards will have either both types of connectors or DVI only with an adaptor for VGA. Rather than adding a new video card to get the connector just order a PC that has it already installed. Then you will not have to worry about drivers or having the correct slot available for the video card.

[Frosty]

I see, thanks for the explanation.

In that case I will go ahead and buy an HP that already has the DVI output =)

Guess it's better to order the HP online since the HP's in the store only have the VGA output and no DVI. That's what I meant when I was trying to say that I "couldn't find a digital computer".

[trau]

If you already have all the software you need and don't want all the pre-installed garbage that typically comes with a new PC, look at a business class PC. The business class units will usually just have the OS installed and no added garbage.
Something in the DC5750 series would be a good bet.

[Frosty]

Yes, I already have all the software and I always un-install all that junk that comes pre-installed because I have no use for it. I'll check out the business units, thanks.

But I just took a look at the HP computers... I don't like how the tower looks. It's this black high sheen cheap looking plastic and all your finger prints/dust shows up on it. I saw it in the store and didn't care for their new tower design. Their previous tower designs were much nicer.

Oh well, as long as it works that's what counts.

[Frosty]

Actually, now I'm thinking of buying a Gateway instead. They have prettier... more attractive towers

Gateway HAS to be better than Dell I hope? And at least I can custom order my PC to have the DVI output with Gateway as well. Even though I just called gateway and the sales rep "didn't know" if I could get the DVI or not. He then put me on hold for 15 minutes to go ask somebody who "might know". Oh boy.

[trau]

Do yourself a big favor, avoid Gateway/E-Machines at all costs.

[Frosty]

trau,

Thanks for the heads up

Have you had a bad experience with gateway? So they are as bad as dell? I don't know if I'm just imagining this or not... but I could swear that dell doesn't make good reliable computers either? I keep hearing and reading that their hardware isn't the best and always have problems. After getting two defective computers from them I think it might be true. My harddrive right now is making abnormally loud clicking/strange noises on my dell... how much longer before it dies?

I've never heard a computer make these sounds before...

[Galaxy-Hosts]

Originally Posted by Frosty

Actually, now I'm thinking of buying a Gateway instead. They have prettier... more attractive towers

Gateway HAS to be better than Dell I hope? And at least I can custom order my PC to have the DVI output with Gateway as well. Even though I just called gateway and the sales rep "didn't know" if I could get the DVI or not. He then put me on hold for 15 minutes to go ask somebody who "might know". Oh boy.

I had a Gateway about 6 years ago, and it is still working fine for my little brother. It has had no repairs and just a RAM upgrade and an upgrade to WindowsXP. I also have a Gateway laptop and have no complaints with it. In my experience gateway is more reliable than Dell.

[trau]

Originally Posted by Frosty

trau,

Thanks for the heads up

Have you had a bad experience with gateway?

Only from a repair standpoint and listening to customer complaints. Some Gateways seem to run fine, others are worse then lemons. I've seen way too many Gateways roll over and die when doing any sort of upgrade. For example, add ram and suddenly the entire motherboard dies, replace the motherboard now the harddrive blows. It makes no sense, but I;ve seen it far too often. Back in the day when Gateway had their retail stores I was a Technical Services Manager for CompUSA. Gateway would routinely call the shop trying to hire my techs, but they all hated Gateway computers so much that they would just laugh at the person on the phone and hang up.

[bear]

Have to agree about the Gateways. I've bought a few, and returned all but one. I'd had pretty good luck with Dells, but the last one I bought was like 5 years ago, and a lot can happen to a company in that time. Lately I've been building my own so I know what's in them.

Oh, and Frosty? I was just poking fun at the title of the thread. It made me laugh a bit when I read it, that's all. I didn't think DVI at first...

[Frosty]

So I suppose HP would be the best to get. Other than HP all I can think of is a Compaq or building my own? And since the only thing I know how to build is a sand castle that's out of the question

I guess I'll have to get the HP.

Bear,
But at least vista was behaving on this computer unlike the other one. My START MENU hasn't disappeared.... yet. I actually like vista now. I like it's interface and how it functions better than XP =)