Sparkey needs a computer, hilarity insures, and children cry.

[Sparkey98]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing. I have no Idea what I'm jumping into exept that Acers suck Any sugestions? I was thinking about theese.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops&a1=Category&v1=Everyday+computing&series_name=p6500z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/desktops/Everyday_computing/p6500z_series
http://www.apple.com/macbook/
http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/ProductDisplay?productId=4611686018426108670&storeId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=2576396&dualCurrId=73&catalogId=-840
http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/ProductDisplay?productId=4611686018426092701&storeId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=2576395&dualCurrId=73&catalogId=-840

[Noodle]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing.

Ok, first of all, those parameters don't exactly go together in the world of computers.  Stuff that's good for gaming and graphics is gonna be expensive and somewhat big.

A few pointers:

• Laptops are not good for gaming.  They're awful (I would know, I had to use a $500 Inspiron 1501 for gaming for about a year, it was ).
• Lenova's (IBM's) are cheap because they're lacking.  They're designed for business applications: documents, e-mail, etc.  Thus, they don't have good video processing because they don't need it.
• Mac's aren't cheap, and they're generally not good for gaming because of the lack of compatibility with PC games.
• http://www.newegg.com/ is your best friend.  Learn it and use it well.  It has not failed me, and it will not fail you.
• Build your own computer.  It's not that hard, and once you learn to do it you never forget.
• That being said, find ways to be a cheapskate about it.  I paid 0$ for my monitors, keyboard, speakers, hard drive, case, power supply, and DVD drive.
  

Other than that, I really need more information so I can get a ballpark estimate of what kind of computer you're looking for.

[Somebody]

Check retailmenot.com also. Coupon codes for pretty much any website.

[Alterer of Reality]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing.

 

• Laptops are not good for gaming.  They're awful (I would know, I had to use a $500 Inspiron 1501 for gaming for about a year, it was ).

 

Wait, laptops are bad for gaming? When did this happen? Mine worked fine for gaming until it crashed twice in a week.

[Noodle]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing.

 

• Laptops are not good for gaming.  They're awful (I would know, I had to use a $500 Inspiron 1501 for gaming for about a year, it was ).

 

Wait, laptops are bad for gaming? When did this happen? Mine worked fine for gaming until it crashed twice in a week.

Good point, let me rephrase that.

Inexpensive laptops are bad for modern gaming.  Just about anything thats less than $600 (without upgrades) just won't cut it.

[COOLRUNNER87]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing.

 

• Laptops are not good for gaming.  They're awful (I would know, I had to use a $500 Inspiron 1501 for gaming for about a year, it was ).

 

Wait, laptops are bad for gaming? When did this happen? Mine worked fine for gaming until it crashed twice in a week.

Good point, let me rephrase that.

Inexpensive laptops are bad for modern gaming.  Just about anything thats less than $600 (without upgrades) just won't cut it.

Even then, it could be a bit dodgy. Most modern games aren't really meant to be played on laptops because everything is less powerful than it is on a normal desktop.

But, yes, inplabth is right. We would like to know a price range and what you are going to use the computer for.

[Sparkey98]

There's three categories for computers:


Portable
Powerful
Cheap


Pick two.


EDIT:
Also, give a budget. Then we can help more.

Portable, cheap, under $600

[Serge]

I just want something cheap, small, and something good for gaming and Graphics processing.

Ok, first of all, those parameters don't exactly go together in the world of computers.  Stuff that's good for gaming and graphics is gonna be expensive and somewhat big.

A few pointers:

• Laptops are not good for gaming.  They're awful (I would know, I had to use a $500 Inspiron 1501 for gaming for about a year, it was ).
• Lenovo's (IBM's) are cheap because they're lacking.  They're designed for business applications: documents, e-mail, etc.  Thus, they don't have good video processing because they don't need it. Thinkpads are everything but cheap. They're built to last, they have excellent parameters (mostly very good processors), but yes, they're not made for gaming. If I were to buy a laptop today, I'd probably buy a Thinkpad.
• Mac's aren't cheap, and they're generally not good for gaming because of the lack of compatibility with PC games. You can install Windows on a Mac without any problem. Unfortunately, they do lack performance, however they offer excellent build quality. I've seen Acer and HP Laptops fail after three years, while a 5-year old Macbook can be almost as expensive as a new one, and I've never seen a Mac with a hardware failure.
• http://www.newegg.com/ is your best friend.  Learn it and use it well.  It has not failed me, and it will not fail you. Yes, newegg is bitchin'. I'd use it if I lived in the US.
• Build your own computer.  It's not that hard, and once you learn to do it you never forget. This, this, and once more this. I've never bought a prebuilt PC in my life, and I laugh in the face of people who buy overpriced Dells Alienwares.
• That being said, find ways to be a cheapskate about it.  I paid 0$ for my monitors, keyboard, speakers, hard drive, case, power supply, and DVD drive. Yes, of course. But some things need to cost much to be of good quality.

Other than that, I really need more information so I can get a ballpark estimate of what kind of computer you're looking for.

[Scorpion]

There's three categories for computers:


Portable
Powerful
Cheap


Pick two.


EDIT:
Also, give a budget. Then we can help more.

Portable, cheap, under $600

It's not going to be that good at gaming and graphic processing then.

Also, you win points for the mildly amusing thread title.

[Noodle]

I suppose I've only really looked at the cheap thinkpads.  Either way, as Serge said, they're not for gaming.

[FOTEPX]

http://h40059.www4.hp.com/uk/homedesktops/product.php?id=WX162EA&experience=direct Is a beast of a computer for such a small pricetag. For gaming, it's OK.

Note to self: Get new internet adapter

Also, has anyone EVER seen a PC this cheap!?: http://h40059.www4.hp.com/uk/homedesktops/product.php?id=WZ927EA&experience=direct

[NFX]

That's quite an outdated PC, though. It's only got Windows XP, 1GB RAM, 160GB Hard drive, and such. I'm pretty sure my five-year old Desktop isn't too far behind it.
 
I'll tell you what is cheap, though, my local Argos are selling a 16" HDTV for less than £100. Which I think is quite good for Hi-Def.

[inplabth]

I'll see what I can dig up when I get home. I'm on my phone right now and don't know how to copy links. Although I might be too busy tonight between school and meeting with my local Air Force recruiter.

[russian roulette]

Get an upgraded Apple G4 Cube, it runs fast, you can boot windows 7, easy to tinker with, cheap (now a days), and OnLive also runs on macs so gaming is good.

[Hydro]

Also, has anyone EVER seen a PC this cheap!?: http://h40059.www4.hp.com/uk/homedesktops/product.php?id=WZ927EA&experience=direct

I got my computer for $80.

[Daemon]

Learn assembler instead of playing comp.games

[Serge]

Learn assembler

wut

[Daemon]

I think you know what I mean

[Noodle]

I think you know what I mean

I certainly don't.

[ACAMS]

I think I do, BUT it is IMPOSSIBLE when he is referring to a laptop.