Free Vista NOW!

For those of you who need a computer and just can't wait for Windows new operating system, Vista, to come out then your in luck. Maximum PC states in their November issue that OEMs will be shipping certificates for Vista in "Vista Capable" machines. I expect the included software will be the cheapest one, Windows Vista Basic. I suspect also that the machines are being shipped out of the manufacturers warehouses in October. To be sure of getting a certificate I would hold off as long as possible, probably about November. I doubt that the retailers will be very apolegetic if you don't get your free copy of Vista. But more importantly, why are they doing this? My hypothesis is that the manufacturers demanded that Microsoft do this so that they could try to soften the depression of computer sales that occurs when people are awaiting the next generation of anything. Who likes to be left in the dust when you thought you just bought the latest and greatest anyways?

Solid productivity and Multimedia Lightweight Notebook

For most users this is the perfect laptop at an unheard of price. Only those who demand power to game should look elsewhere. Toshiba M115 Satellite notebook is excellent. It is lightweight and an easy traveler. It weighs the same as those flashy MacBooks, but has an even bigger screen. It gets both responsive performance and excellent battery life thanks to Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology. It also helps a great deal that is has a 5400rpm hard drive that offers near desktop application performance. Since it's a Toshiba you know that it is built well and will prove to be reliable. This notebook has it all, looks, durability, looks, portability, and very good performance. Pick one up from Best Buy. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8032522&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1157067806799

I like Macs (finally)

Though for most of my years I hated Macs, we've both been able to meet in the middle and come to agreement with each other. Macs are reliable, easy to use, high performing, and a pretty good value. I'm using a Mac Mini Core Duo right now. I have to admit, though a little different and disorienting to me it kind of makes sense the way things work. Its pretty simple too. Its a fully capable machine only about 30 minutes after taking it out of the box. Don't misunderstand me though. The notebooks are extremely overpriced pieces of semi junk. Apple is known for having problems with things the first time around anyways. The desktops on the other hand match up performance/ ease of use per price with PC competitors. If your in the market I would atleast consider a Mac desktop, but leave the cute little Mac laptops for hard core mac users. They're not ready yet.

Awesome Digital Media Center Desktop

HP's 7680 is a fully featured desktop with a tv tuner and component input. It has the capability to run its hard drives in RAID 0 to optomize the performance of all other components in the machine such as its awesome Core 2 Duo (Part II, the second,) 2.13 gHz, 2 gig RAM and a dvd burner with supporting dvd-rom drive. This computer blazing unless you plan on playing really modern games. Then opt for one of the graphics cards I recommend. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Pavilion-Media-Center-TV-PC-M7680N/sem/rpsm/oid/158002/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Fast Lane Graphics for a Middle of the Road Price

EVGA's 7900gto has equivelent amounts of 256 bit ram and core clock speed to the 7900gtx. Its price is the same of the lesser 7900gt, gs and 7950gt. This card also has the overclocking potential to surpass the 7900gtx since this gto has and awesome heatsink and fan equivelent to the 7900gtx. Here's the link to this card at new egg. Only $260 with shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130065
A good lower end card is the 7600GT, 6800GT, x1600xt for about $100 give or take a couple. I advise any long term purchases to wait for Direct X 10 support to come out later this year and first quarter next year.