A dual-core CPU is worthwhile for amateur ops; as Gerry says, Windows will
exploit it, so you end up with Windows running on one core and your
applications sharing the other. RAM is inexpensive these days, and is often
the bottleneck on performance when running multiple applications.
Multi-tabbed web browsers consume a lot of RAM, as do the members of
Microsoft's Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). The database engines used
by logging applications will run faster if more RAM is available. So I'd
recommend 2 or even 3 GB of RAM. Standard (32-bit) Windows versions can only
utilize 3.5 GB or RAM.
I would add overclocked CPUs, high-end video cards optimized for gaming, and
fancy transparent cabinets to Gerry's list of expensive things to avoid.
$600-$700 (excluding a monitor) should get you a good system.
One option to consider, especially if you want Windows XP (which I also
recommend), is to assemble your own PC from components. Basically, you would
buy a CPU, a motherboard, a CPU cooler, a hard drive, an optical (DVD/CD)
drive, a power supply, and a case. The motherboard will include video,
sound, and networking capabilities, but you might want to add a video card
for higher resolution or multiple monitors. Assembling a PC the first time
will take you a couple of hours; there are web sites and books that walk you
through it step-by-step. If you don't want to do this yourself, check around
for local computer shops that will do it for you, at a cost of $50-$100.
You'll still end up with a less expensive PC tuned to your exact needs,
without a pile of manufacturer-installed startup bloatware to remove. And
you'll have the option to incrementally upgrade it over time.
After a decade of buying desktops from Dell, I've assembled 3 PCs using
components purchased from MicroCenter; I'll never buy a prefab desktop
again. I just helped my parents upgrade to a new PC. I suggested the major
components (Intel E7300 dual-core CPU, 2GB, 250GB SATA hard drive, mid-tower
case, Windows XP), and arranged for a local computer shop to acquire the
components, assemble the system, "harvest" some components from the old
system (DVD/CD reader/writer, soundcard), and move all applications and data
to the new system; total cost was $650.
73,
Dave, AA6YQ
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]on Behalf Of Gerry Hohn
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 2:33 PM
To: DX CHAT
Subject: Re: [DX-CHAT] Logging, spotting PC
Tom,
Most logging software support digital mode, packet, QSLing, LoTW, etc. There
are 2 very good ones, DXLabs Suite and Logger32. The good news here is they
are free.
You'll likely want a USB digital interface (CW and rig) like a MicroHam.
I find a dual monitor video card a must. One display for the logging program
and the other for email and other things like DX chat rooms or propagation
programs. As long as you have the dual card, you can add another monitor
later.
The only radio applications that stress a PC are the digital modes but any
new machine today is plenty fast and a gig. of memory is the minimum you'd
need. Don't get too obsessed with dual, triple or quad core machine, there
are few applications that currently use the multithread capability other
than the PC's OS.
You may want to wait for Windows 7 on the new machine unless you can get XP
on it. Vista is a pain for radio (and everything else).
Gerry VE6LB
----- Original Message -----
From: Tom Anderson
To: DX CHAT
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 9:21 AM
Subject: [DX-CHAT] Logging, spotting PC
Fellow DXers:
Fixing to finally upgrade the shack with a logging and spotting, RTTY,
PSK31 etc. PC.
Any suggestions what I need to look for as far as extras, like a video
card, etc?
My experience has been mainly with PCs and laptops that do word processing
and similar type work attached to a printer.
Do I need to get one loaded to the hilt. or I've seen some Dells, HPs,
etc. that are way less than $500. Others loaded to the hilt are $1,000+
73 de Tom, WW5L
PS:
For anyone who worked my as FS/WW5L and PJ7/WW5L recently I'm trying to
get the received cards answered before the postage increase. However, if
you sent an SASE and I don't get it out before the 2 cent increase I'll
absorb the postage increase myself for my procrastination, but my main home
PC crashed as did the one I took to Saint Martin, but never fear the logs
are safe for all 1,000+ of you in the log as I was able to have the HD
copied onto an external HD that just has to be plugged into a PC or Laptop
and the labels run.
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