While I was writing the last post about my past computer purchases, I was thinking about what I could do not make those same purchasing mistakes again. I came to the conclusion that I needed to do some research on what kind of performance I would need for my computer. That way I won’t be so disappointed when my computer doesn’t perform.
So I did my internet research. I looked up performance requirements for a computer to edit videos reliably, since that’s what I wanted my new computer to be able to do. After sifting through tons of web pages, it seemed that I would need a computer that had at least 8 gb of RAM, and an Intel Core Duo processor at the MINIMUM. Armed with that knowledge, I set out to purchase my new computer.
I went to Best Buy, a pretty big chain of computer and electronics stores. The closest one was in Orange, CT, which I later found out was the best one in the area anyway.
The nearest Best Buy, in Orange, CT
I went into Best Buy and I felt so incredible as I looked around at the latest electronics. I wish I could go on a shopping spree in that place. I remember back in the day, Nickelodeon would have these games shows on, like Double Dare and Legends of the Hidden Temple. And their grand prizes would often be $1000 shopping sprees to places like Toys R Us. I wished so badly that I could win those shopping sprees and I felt the same exact way as I walked into Best Buy.
I walked into the computer section, and looked around. Based on my knowledge of what kind of computer performance I was looking for, I immediately noticed that most of their budget offerings were too underpowered. I’m so glad I did that research ahead of time, or I would’ve most likely ended up with one of those computers. On the flip side though, I was only willing to spend $800 – $900, and most of their computers that WERE powerful enough was $1000 +.
This Best Buy had a Mac computer section, and I’ve always, ALWAYS wanted a Mac. They’re reliable, powerful and creative professionals everywhere use Macs as a standard. But their Macs started at $999, and they quickly got expensive from there. The cheapest Macs were powerful enough for what I was looking for in a computer, but this Best Buy had more powerful PCs for the same exact price. I just couldn’t bring myself to buy a Mac this time around. Maybe a few years down the line when I have the money to splurge and not have to worry about budgets (patiently waiting for that day)
After wandering around aimlessly for a half hour, I came across this one computer that seemed too good to be true, The Asus Essentio CG8350:
Asus Essentio CG8350 Specs:
Processor: 3.40 ghz Intel Core i7
HDD: 1 TB
RAM: 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
Price: $899
All that for $899? A Mac with the same specs cost $1499.
REALLY skeptical, I went on my Droid 1 smart phone and did some on the spot research for this computer. It was designed to be an entry-level gaming computer and it had a whole list of pros with only 1 real con. The con was that its video card needed to be upgraded in order to do the maximum amount of gaming possible, and to upgrade the video card you need to upgrade other parts of the machine, like the power supply. But straight out of the box, it was powerful. Since I wasn’t a PC gamer, I didn’t care about that con really, so it seemed like a REALLY good deal.
Still a bit skeptical, I decided to consult one of Best Buy’s employees. I forgot the guy’s name, but boy was this guy charismatic as hell. While talking to me, he would stop periodically to flirt with his cute boss who would walk by constantly. He talked about his life, about how he used to be a nightclub promoter.
While it was all interesting and everything, I had to steer him back to talking about the Asus computer. Amazingly, he regurgitated everything I already read about the Asus computer, including that one big con about it being a pain in the ass to upgrade. I appreciated him not just selling me this computer as God’s personal desktop computer, but also listing its limitations and flaws. The gist of what he told me was that this computer could do whatever I wanted it to do, and I was sold. I purchased the computer.
My Asus Essentio Desktop. Sorry for the pic quality, the iPod Touch doesn't have flash >_>
It looks like a beast, doesn’t it? And guess what? It IS a beast. I put the poor computer through hell its first night, because if I wasn’t satisfied at ALL, I was returning it as soon as possible for a full refund. I wasn’t playing around this time. But I had nothing to worry about with this purchase. Like the salesperson said, it pretty much did whatever I wanted it to do.
I did some quick art with it using Paint.NET. I transcoded video using MediaCoder. I edited audio using Audacity. I played some games using my video game console emulators. I went on the internet with Firefox and went through a ton of webpages, watched videos and downloaded lots of stuff. It was an experienced I never ever had with my previous computers. In fact, the experience was comparable to my university’s overpowered PCs, which I thought was amazing.
In later posts, I’ll go more in-depth about how I use my computer for creativity. The focus of these past posts was just to tell you the story about buying the computer.
To end this post, I present to you video footage (with commentary) of me using my computer. I used a program to record my computer screen. Watch as I show off what my new baby can do. Enjoy:
YouTube Video: Chimeric Muse Raves about his computer