How does a multimedia computer looks like?
The components of a system.
Well, here we are. You're going to buy your (first) new computersystem. The question is: how do you choose your computersystem? First of all, you have to have a budget. Don't be too greedy. It is better to give some more money now than buying expensive upgrades later! For about 2000$ you can buy a well-performing system.
A. The processor
At this moment, the Pentium-processor is the most successful. A processor has a certain clock speed (MHz). The higher this clock speed is, the better. A new computer must have at least a Pentium 133MHz. Faster versions of the Pentium have clock speeds of 150MHz, 166MHz, 200MHz and even 233MHz. You may buy a Pentium with lower clock speed now, but certainly buy a motherboard in which you can plug a faster Pentium later. The latest processors are MMX-processors. Soon a lot more multimedia software will be available that uses this MMX. If you buy your computer, ask if you can upgrade your computer to MMX later! Don't forget that there are other chipmakers than Intel. The new AMD K6 has been proven to work very well and the Cyrix M2 is also getting better and better.
B. The memory
Even more important than a fast processor is the memory. A computer should have at least 16MB of memory (RAM). The more memory, the faster Windows 95 and OS/2 will work. If you don't have a lot of money to spend, you'd better buy a slower processor with more memory. Memory has become relatively cheap now.
C. The harddisk
Since the introduction of the CD-ROM, software has become larger and larger. This means that a lot of diskspace is necessary. Windows 95, Office 97 and CorelDraw 7 take easily hundreds MB of diskspace. You should buy a harddisk of at least 1.2GB, and if possible a harddisk of 2GB and more.
D. CD-ROM
These days a multimedia computer cannot live without a CD-ROM. A four speed reader is fast enough for most applications, however I would recommend a CD-ROM which reads at eight speed or more. A four- or six-speed CD-ROM will have trouble with video-applications in the future.
E. The screen
Most of the new computersystems will be delivered with Windows 95. A 14" screen is rather small for this operating system. A 15" screen is the minimum, but actually it is better to buy a 17" screen. This will cost you an extra 340$, but I think it's worth it. Take a look at the quality of the screen before buying. The dot pitch should be 0.28 or lower (the lower, the better) and the vertical refresh rate should be 75Hz or higher. Also the videocard has an influence on the refresh rate.
F. The videocard
The videocard should have at least 2MB of memory and an accelerator. More memory gives you higher resolutions and a higher refresh rate. It is better to configure the card in a lower resolution and more colours than in the highest resolution with fewer colours. The lower the resolution, the higher the refresh rate and the speed of the videocard. A videocard should at least be able to give a resolution of 1280x1024 with 256 colours, with a refresh rate of 70Hz. If your budget allows it, buy a 3D card. A 3D card will give much higher performances in 3D games (or applications) like Quake and Doom.
G. The soundcard
Although a 16-bit soundcard is most sold, I prefer a Soundblaster AWE32 (or AWE64). On a soundcard with AWE-extension midi-files sound much better. 3D soundcards have the same effect as Surround Sound and Dolby Prologic. They give 3D games like Quake and Doom an extra dimension.
H. The modem
A multimedia computer without Internet is like a fish in the desert. This is why a computersystem should have a fast modem. You should buy at least a V.34+ modem. A modem can also answer your fax and voice calls. You can buy an internal or an external modem. An internal modem is build-in; an external modem must be connected to your serial computer port.
I. The future
Well, we can say one thing for sure. The longer you wait, the more computer you will have for the same price. However, if you keep waiting you finally won't have bought a computer at all. One day you will have to go for it. Don't forget to buy an upgradable motherboard!
THE PERFECT CONFIGURATION
Intel 166MMX or K6 MMX
32à 64MB RAM
4GB Harddisk
12x CD-ROM
3D videocard with 4MB of memory
SoundBlaster AWE
17" screen (0.26 dot pitch or lower, minimum 80Hz at 1024x768)
V.34+ modem (33.600 bits/sec)
Windows 95 OEM release 2
THE PAYABLE CONFIGURATION
Intel Pentium 166
24à 32MB RAM
2GB Harddisk
10x speed CD-ROM
3D videocard with 2MB of memory
SoundBlaster AWE
17" screen (0.28 dot pitch or lower, minimum 75Hz at 1024x768)
V.34+ modem (33.600 bits/sec)
Windows 95 OEM release 2
THE MINIMUM CONFIGURATION
Intel Pentium 133
16 MB RAM
1.2GB Harddisk
8x speed CD-ROM
1MB videocard, upgradable to 2MB
SoundBlaster 16
15" screen (0.28 dot pitch or lower)
V.34+ modem (33.600 bits/sec)
Windows 95
