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New midrange desktop computer in Canada?

Monday, stony Monday — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:41:41 -0800

Buying a new desktop computer for gaming, programming and photography, in Canada. My old (2001) computer isn't cutting it anymore; it only has USB 1.1, so transferring photos to it is a pain, and RAW processing is almost right out. It only has integrated graphics, so modern gaming is right out. It does okay for programming, but even simple IDEs (e.g.: DrScheme) are slow.

I need a new Desktop computer that will, ideally, allow me to run Fallout 3 at moderate detail, allow me to do some RAW processing on my photos, and allow me to run DrScheme relatively fast.

I'm live in Gatineau, right next to Ottawa, in Canada.

My options, as I see them:

1) Get a "name brand" computer, such as this Dell. Pros: I get a lot of computer for little money, and a warranty (no DOA parts, I hope). Problem: the affordable Dells (<1000$) have utterly basic graphic cards; I would have to get a new card or run games in low detail & resolution. I'm not completely sure putting a new card in one of those cheap computers is a good idea (heat, power supply). Other brands: I have a prejudice against Compaq/HP (bad experiences of friends). Are Acers any good?

2) Buy parts online (tigerdirect, ncix, newegg), build something myself from one of the online guides (djb, ars technica, techreport). Pros: I can get all the parts I want. Cons: it seems that I would get slightly less performance for my money; I have to assemble it myself, and may have to deal with some problems (DOA parts, incompabilities), which I'd rather not.

3) Buy a custom computer from a local shop. Pros: as with 2), I get to choose exactly what I want. The shop deals with assembly. Cons: probably more expensive than either 1) or 2). I don't know which local shops are reputable.

4) Go all out and buy a Mac (Fuck everything, we're doing 5 blades). Pros: Hell yeah, a Mac. Cons: the Mini seems to not have the power I need, so that's out. The desktops in my price range have integrated screens; I want something large, to that's going to cost me.

My budget: strictly online (credit card limit): $1400, taxes included, max, for the box. Brick and mortar: add $600 (it has to be worth it). I will be buying a screen, possibly separately.

Laptops are right out. If I'm building, I'm probably looking at the better price/performance ratio possible, which seems to mean AMD or maybe the new "mainstream Intel i5/i7". If you know of a good shop in Ottawa or Gatineau, please tell me!

Seeking an apartment in Ottawa

sindark — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 19:02:09 -0800

A few weeks ago, I asked MeFites about the best parts of Ottawa to live in. Now that I have moved to the city, I am looking for an actual place to stay. Any inside information from Ottawa residents would be much appreciated. The kind of place I have in mind is a single or bachelor apartment in Centretown, Sandy Hill, the Byward Market, or possibly Gatineau. I prefer houses on streets to apartment blocks, but am open to either. I am willing to consider living with flatmates, if I can find some who I get along with. I cannot really spend more than $1000 a month, including heat, hydro, and high speed internet.

I am in Ottawa on a one year contract with the federal government. There is some chance I will stay beyond that, but also a reasonable chance I will leave. As such, I prefer somewhere that is furnished. Also, I would prefer a place where I can rent by the month, rather than committing to a one year lease. Places that smell like pets or tobacco smoke are dramatically less appealing; hardwood floors are appreciated. I would be much happier with a small nice place than a larger less nice one.

Here is a list of places I have gone so far, with some comments.

Where to live in Ottawa?

sindark — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 11:35:15 -0800

I've just been offered a job in Ottawa and I need to decide where to live. As of July 16th, I am going to be working in Ottawa for the Canadian federal government. Right now, I am living in Oxford, UK. As such, I am trying to get a sense of the housing possibilities from a distance.

I am looking for a single bedroom apartment in an interesting part of town (along the lines of Greenwich Village in New York or Commercial Drive in Vancouver). I want to be close to an interesting commercial area, with cafes, restaurants, theatres, and the like. Good infrastructure for cycling and public transport is a major asset. I am used to living in a university environment, so I want to live somewhere where I can socialize with other fairly young people. I am looking for a place that will cost around $1000 a month, with utilities and internet included. Lastly, I want it to be in reasonable walking or cycling range from the Les Terrasses de la Chaudière Building in Gatineau, across the river from Ottawa proper.

Where are the good areas in Ottawa/Gatineau for a single twenty-three year old male to live?