Richard King wrote:
>I need to be able to edit/record/encode audio, Real Audio and mp3 -
>preferably in real-time. It would also be nice if I could 'live'
encode
>video at 15 fps in Real Video. So I'm guessing a twin-cpu 300mHz
Intel P2
>might fit the bill.
I'm also from ZA and AFAIK the only dual PII boards we were able to
source about 3 months ago could only take 350mhz and up processors.
Of course much could have changed in the last few months.
>I'd be very interested to hear the comments of the list - should I
stick
>with the above , or would I be better served with something a little
more
>exotic like a DEC Alpha or whatever...?
Knowing the local market I would recommend you stick to Intel
(compatible) machines, if only to keep the costs down.
>Also - one hears comments that NT is so unreliable only because
"you're
>using some 'chinese special' motherboard and bios", and that a
genuine IBM
>or an HP or whatever, would work better. (I'm a little skeptical
because my
>'chinese special' runs so reliably with Linux - whatever the
flavour....)
>Is it better to go with one of the 'name brands'?
If by 'name brands' you mean the entire PC then I would say that it
depends on your own abilities to keep the machine in good shape. The
only possible benefit to be gained from a 'name' machine (like a
Compaq/IBM/Acer/etc.) would be on-site support.
If you're talking about building from 'name brand' components then I
would say yes, stick to the 'name brands'. Go for a genuine Intel
motherboard rather than a Chinese cheapie. I've heard of too many
people having problems and finding out they have no warranty because
the component is grey market.
If you're wanting to buy a complete machine you may want to consider a
Mecer. Although they are fairly cheap I believe they have quite good
support. You will however save money (or be able to afford
bigger/more hardware for the same amount) if you buy components and
assemble the machine yourself.
Regards.
Steve Crane
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.datapro.co.za/~stevec
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