Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with pittsburgh

Help me find the most computer for my money

miratime — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:41:45 -0800

It's time to buy a new computer. I'm hoping that with the shopping season coming up I'll be able to snag a good deal somewhere. I would prefer to just order the complete package from somewhere, but with enough help I would be willing to purchase individual components and assemble. I need something that will let me game a little and without graphical snags, and something that will continue to perform well for several years. I've been considering this for a while, and after a mostly-successful build a couple of years ago for my husband, it's my turn to get the shiny new toy. I really want this purchase to last and I'm not an upgrade fiend. My current desktop is an old Dell Dimension 2600 which was a refurb when I got it back in 2004, so I can't really judge what current models are like. I would like to get something that will be "good" for a while; I'd rather aim a little higher (within affordability) than get the bare minimum of what will do what I want.

What do I want?

* I want to be able to play a couple of different MMOs (World of Warcraft and The Secret World) and The Sims 3 with max graphics settings and no problems multitasking in Firefox, running a music player (iTunes), etc.

My husband's computer already does this and it's a couple of years old; Intel quad core processor and 4GB of RAM, I believe. TSW isn't out yet but they've said that they want it to be accessible to players with laptops when it comes out, and even if that's a couple of years down the road I’m assuming that means that they don't intend to make it the most graphically-complex game ever or anything. I don't play first-person-shooters or any other type of game other than the ones listed (MMOs, I guess?) but if the games I do play look blocky, get low framerates, lag during play, or take forever to load, I find myself losing interest and right quick. Right now I'm running a 19" LCD but it is not widescreen; a monitor upgrade will go on the wishlist after the system is purchased.

* I want Windows 7. If it's some sort of deal from somewhere that's trying to clear out older models that still have XP/Vista, I need to be able to upgrade (though I've heard that this is a more complicated route).

* I want to spend up to $800-$900. Less is better but I don't have a very good idea of what that can get me. I'd like to be able to go another five years with this system without it being hopelessly outdated a year from now and trodding along until I can afford another new system for the next four years or more. Is this even a reasonable price range for my expectations? If it isn't, what compromises could I make to keep the system in this price range?

* I would like a smaller tower if possible but this is by no means a necessity. My current tower is plenty large and I have the space for it. However, if I can take advantage of the trend of technology shrinking as it becomes more advanced, I certainly wouldn't' t mind accommodating something smaller.

I know that there are new Core i5 and i7 processors that are getting a some attention, but I'm completely lost when it comes to judging which are good for what and comparing them to older models which may or may not perform better, be more affordable, or give more value for the price.

I'm willing to buy from either HP or Dell, but am leery of trusting the big box manufacturers to make something truly stable and long-lasting; the only reason I am considering these companies is because I do receive a company discount at these vendors. The HP discount varies but seems to be from about 20%-25% while the Dell discount is only about 7%-9%.

I'm also willing to go through Newegg, TigerDirect, or similar and purchase individual parts (or bundles, which I've seen a few of lately), but I don't feel confident about building the system myself. I can install the most basic of components (RAM, etc.) but don't trust myself to not blow up the power supply or something if I tried to DIY the whole thing. I've seen many sites lately referring to this guide, but being a complete novice I have no idea how accurate or helpful it might be to a true newbie. If MeFi thinks the guide is all right I might be willing to take a few steps in the build-your-own direction.

I was also hoping that my fellow Pittsburgh MeFites might be able to make recommendations for people who would be willing to put a build together, and give me an idea of how much that might cost if I went that route.

Is it a good time to be making a commitment to a new system? It feels like Windows 7 should be a factor, but I'm worried that as soon as I commit to one thing there will be something else that completely eclipses it on the horizon, or some huge price drop that makes me want to plant my face into my keyboard, but I think this might happen regardless of when I buy.

I know there are some folks on here who like to help create custom builds, so I'm hoping for your help, MeFi. I know I've asked a lot of questions, but any and all help is appreciated

Where are the kid unfriendly places in Western Pennsylvania?

arabelladragon — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:55:18 -0800

Where in Western Pennsylvania / Northern West Virginia are the places you'd take your Mom but not your kids? Mom's coming to visit us in Pittsburgh. She visits fairly often, and we've done all the normal tourist stuff. The catch is that this time, she isn't bringing any of my younger siblings. I want to take her to all the awesome places you wouldn't take kids.

Mom loves history and politics. She doesn't drink, and has been lukewarm about Fallingwater and art&architecture. The Heinz history museum could be saved for a trip when the kids are here.

Simply going to Homestead or Donora and saying "stuff happened here" won't be too much fun. We'd rather go somewhere with a story - either with tours, or a museum, or something more than dollar general stores and a vague historical plaque.

The Duckboat tours won't be running the days she's here.

We're willing to drive up to 2-3 hours away but we need to be back in Pittsburgh at night.

Help me get home!

Meg_Murry — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:53:52 -0800

Is it insane to plan to fly into Pittsburgh the day before the G-20 Summit starts? Currently I have travel plans that end with me flying into Pittsburgh Int'l Airport next Wednesday, supposedly the same day various world leaders are set to arrive. I can't find any specific information/warnings regarding actual road closures, etc. but do see warnings that these may occur and apparently public transportation will be significantly disrupted. I'll need to drive from the airport to Bloomfield.

I can't fly in earlier than Wednesday, but could possibly change my flight to Saturday or Sunday. Advice?

What is it like living in Pittsburgh?

boatsforshoes — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:52:31 -0800

I want to know everything about living in the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. I have taken a real interest in Pittsburgh though I have never been. I have researched most (or at least many) of the attractions the city has to offer but I would love to read about more detailed day to day life in the many neighborhoods that make up the city. I am particularly interested in Polish Hill, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Bloomfield, Friendship but would love any information on any Pittsburgh area.

Can you recommend books, blogs, websites, etc. that provide descriptions of life in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh 69

A189Nut — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:50:45 -0800

Any one live in Pittsburgh, recognise where two photographs were taken and willing to do some re-photography? I have a colleague who did a year's exchange in Pittsburgh in 1969 and he just digitised some slides. Two are scenes looking over the city and river and I am fascinated what the same view would look like now.

One I can locate via googlemaps/earth as it shows a named building - the Burrell lab. The other no joy.

Pics are here

Super Bowl Repeat Frequency

glenngulia — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:47 -0800

What's the correct analysis of the frequency of repeat Super Bowl winners? Help provide me some facts/perspectives to prove my point to my friend (or prove me wrong, I guess...). This is a statistical question, really:

I'm a Steelers fan, my friend isn't. In discussing the upcoming NFL season (a little early, I know), I state that the Steelers have got to be one of the favorites heading into the season. He responds with "well, you pretty much know they're not gonna win because repeating as Super Bowl champs is so rare".

I counter with my opinion that it may not happen all the time, but it's not that rare.

Teams have repeated a Super Bowl champs 7 times: Green Bay in the '60s, Pittsburgh 2x in the '70s, San Fran in the '80s, Dallas & Denver in the '90s, and New England in the '00s.

There have been 43 Super Bowls, but we both agree on using a denominator of 42, since the Super Bowl 43 winner (Pittsburgh!) has not yet had the chance to repeat.

My friend's perspective is that since repeats have only happened those 7 times, thus 7 out of 42 (1 in 6), that repeats are rare.

My perspective is that out of those 42 Super Bowls, 14 wins were part of team's back-to-back win performance, so you have to count both wins, not just the 2nd, to analyze the frequency of this event. Thus, 14 out 42 (1 in 3) Super Bowl wins are part of teams' back-to-back Super Bowl winning events. And therefore, it's not that rare.

Who's looking at this from the correct perspective?

Buries It.

ajackson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:14:01 -0800

Anyone know why "Buries It" is one of Mario Lemieux's nicknames, and the source of where it started?

Wheat-optional for 21 people in Pittsburgh?

ardgedee — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:35:20 -0800

Where can two dozen people enjoy a good gluten-optional dinner in Pittsburgh? My family's gathering in Pittsburgh this coming weekend to mark my parents' fiftieth anniversary, and we need grandkids-friendly places that can host us all for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. The catch is that one of my parents has to avoid gluten, so many obvious choices are ruled out (and the consensus first choice -- Mad Mex in Oakland -- can't fit us all). Proximal to Station Square, Oakland or Squirrel Hill is preferred, but if a second choice requires driving somewhere else we can manage.

As a bonus tip -- A recommendation for a bakery in the area where we can order a modest-sized gluten-free cake in advance for Saturday's dinner?

A concert...without fries on it? In Pittsburgh?!

ADoubtfulTrout — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:43:01 -0800

Going to a concert at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pavilion this Saturday. It starts at 7:00, and it takes about an hour to get there from Shadyside/Oakland. What can we do to eat a tasty dinner? I haven't been to the Post-Gazette Pavillion before, so I don't know if there are good food places there, but from what I've found online, it's overpriced and bleh (standard Pittsburgh fast food fare).

Here's the problem: if the show starts at 7, and I assume that I need to leave 30-40 minutes for parking/getting in/leeway, and it takes me 45 minutes - 1 hour to drive there, then I'm looking at a 5:00-5:30 departure time from Craig St (between U. Pitt and CMU).

Do I...
- Pick up a lunch to go for the pair of us and try to fit it in a 1 gallon clear plastic bag? (recommendations on where to get a bag lunch?)
- Bring food and dine in the car before the concert? (the atmosphere is so...lovely)
- Eat at the Pavilion, braving lines and fast food?
- Eat out near the pavilion? Where is tasty? When is reasonable?

Any other advice for the pavilion (is it the sort of place where you need to get there early? Where getting in/out of the parking lot is nuts? Do they have especially worthwhile beer? Should I watch out for my umbrella/Mefites?)

Pittsburgh Piano Teacher Wanted

sherlockt — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:15:14 -0800

Where can I find reasonably priced piano lessons in Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill) for adult beginners? I'm in my early 30s and want to learn to play the piano. I don't play any other instruments, but am able to recognize notes. Suggestions?

(indie)rockin steel city?

rbs — Sat, 09 May 2009 13:30:32 -0800

I just moved to Pittsburgh from Chicago. Where's the live music? Specifically, the indie rock. Back home, I could count on good bands playing regularly at places like the Empty Bottle. Is there an equivalent here? Or do the bands just not come? Artists I've been listening to a lot lately include: Electrelane, Headlights, Handsome Furs, Stereolab, Belle and Sebastian, Headlights, Camera Obscura (but not their new album...), Castlemusic, Hidden Cameras, Entire Cities.

Where can I find acts like that?

He can't go to work naked...

Meg_Murry — Thu, 07 May 2009 10:15:19 -0800

Can anyone recommend a tailor in Pittsburgh, preferably not downtown? My SO has a suit in need of some tailoring (he bought it at a discount place without an on-site tailor). We're living in Bloomfield and he works in Oakland, so the closer to home or work the better. We do have a car, but not a lot of free time, so a short drive would be fine. Thanks!

Scooting my way up the Hill

rbs — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:16:09 -0800

Where's a good place to buy a used/new scooter in Pittsburgh? I've just moved here, doing a postdoc that will have me doing lots of back and forth between Oakland (Pitt) and the Hill district. I'd like to buy a scooter to ride to make that easier.

Where's a good place to do that? I've seen a few on Craigslist but know little about motorcycles/scooters and don't want to get a lemon. Can anybody recommend a trusted place to get one?

Will a 50cc be enough for the hills here?

Thanks!

Figure out what's important to you

amethysts — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:21:28 -0800

I just found out that I got into University of Pittsburgh for their Masters in Information Science program to start in the fall. I also got accepted to DePaul for Human Computer Interaction, which I am already enrolled in and am starting in 2 weeks. So now I have a big decision and I was wondering if you guys had any insights into this dilemma. Background: I decided to look into human-computer interaction programs because I realized that I'm interested in making things that are useful to people. I know that sounds vague, but it really frustrates me when the non-techie people I know can't get as much use and enjoyment as I can out of technology because they stumble over the interface and having to learn too many steps by rote and stuff like that. Or like at my old job when our stats suffered because the systems designed for collecting information never got used because they were just too hard to manage out in the field. I don't have a computer-science background, it's more like general humanities/media studies/anthropology stuff. But I'd like to wind up with an ability to build something useful from the programming to the GUI design. Is that too ambitious?

I already live in Chicago so staying at DePaul would be a convenience. I think it's a fine school, but I don't think it has the prestige or the "national name recognition" factor that University of Pittsburgh has. Is that right?

Looking over the two school's course requirements (Depaul, Pitt), I'm afraid that as a DePaul graduate I would be at a disadvantage having to compete with a graduate of Pitt . Or would I? I'm not really sure. Who can I ask who would be able to tell me this?

Pittsburgh is way more expensive than DePaul but they have better financial aid and more opportunities for assistantship programs, I think. I just sent an email to them to ask them about this. I don't know if I'll be eligible for aid for this fall. I haven't done my FAFSA yet cause I didn't think I was getting in.

Also, moving to Pittsburgh would be a big deal as I would be taking my S.O. with me so I have to be really sure I'm doing the right thing.

Spring cleaning of the brain.

thisisnotkatrina — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:23:50 -0800

I need help finding resources for free/cheap therapy in Pittsburgh. I'm a 23 year old female who suffers on/off from depression, anxiety and pretty much non-existent self-esteem. This past month has been particularly hard and a recent break-up has proven to me that I can't do it on my own.

I'm really not interested in being prescribed something, only in a last-case scenario, but I guess talking to someone won't hurt.

I'm no longer a student (taking time off), I don't have health insurance, and only a part-time job (less than 20hrs a week) but live on my own so I can only do something very very cheap, preferably free.

Also, I'm an atheist, so someone who will tell me to pray, etc. is not going to work well, though I guess I'm not really opposed to something in a church setting.

Oh and I realize I probably wouldn't be able to be seen this week, but I also feel it would be in my best interest to see someone at least next week.

Thanks in advance.

A landlord I can believe in

rbs — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:00:38 -0800

Can anybody recommend a good Pittsburgh landlord? My sweetie and I are moving to Pittsburgh very soon. We're in a mad dash to find a place to live and will be apartment/house hunting Sun-Tues of next week in order to find a place that's available April 1. Naturally, this limits our options.

We'd like a landlord that doesn't suck. Many of the places we've found on Craigslist that are available seem to be run by large management companies. Which ones should we avoid? Which ones are good?

Finally, anybody got a place for rent? We want something within easy walking range of cafes and restaurants. I guess that means Squirrel Hill or Lawrenceville? Any other suggestions?

PhillyFilter: Pittsburgh-themed bar in Philly?

nayten — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:23:23 -0800

PhillyFilter: Looking for a Pittsburgh-themed bar in Philly to watch the SuperBowl, and Steelers regular season games in the future. The traditional sports bar just doesn't do it for me here, with all of the other Philly team memorobilia. I'm looking for a Western-PA style establishment with Pittsburgh's black and gold gear doning the walls-- Steelers/Pens/Pirates. Does such a place exist in a city so attached to her own teams?

I saw plenty of your Pittsburgh fans out at the Italian Market during the last Eagles game... where did you go to watch it?

Full Disclosure: I am a Phillies fan, not a Pirates fan.

Presque Isle Vacation Rentals!

theantikitty — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:27:40 -0800

Can anyone recommend a resource for locating pet-friendly cabins/cottages/houses/etc for vacation rental near Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie? I've been searching and searching to no avail! Failing that, does anyone have recommendations for a similar vacation location within easy driving distance from Pittsburgh that might have places like this for rent? My parents want to rent a cabin for an old fashioned family vacation this year. We have 5 people and 2 small dogs that we're really not willing to board. I think it's the pet situation that's making the search most difficult. Any time I find a place that's near where we are looking for, inevitably they don't accept pets. We would certainly be willing to pay a reasonably priced pet fee or deposit for this luxury.

I absolutely fell in love with Presque Isle (and its beaches - I vastly prefer them to the Atlantic Ocean) last time we visited. I was hoping that I could find a place for my parents to rent near the state park, but it's proving to be absolutely impossible. It also seems like these places are rented largely by word of mouth. Do any locals have advice about how to find a place to rent near Presque Isle State Park? We would really much prefer to rent a house/cabin situation over the typical hotel.

Also, do you have experience with a similar place, like Lake Conneaut? Recommendations for other lake-y places about the same distance away would be absolutely welcome. We've lived here for a few years now, but we certainly don't have the knowledge of a born and raised local about places within driving distance. Thanks!

New Years fun in Pittsburgh? Where?

pilibeen — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:46:20 -0800

What's there to do in Pittsburgh New Years eve? Me and a couple friends will be in Pittsburgh for New Years, and are looking for some good shows/bars which might be a fun spot to be. I checked out the post-gazette site and didn't recognize any of the local bands. So....any ideas or recommendations would be great.

thanks!

Where to get a men's haircut in da burgh

the druid — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:54:19 -0800

Modern haircut or salon for a guy in pittsburgh I've been to MEC barber/salon a couple of times now, but the style isn't always right. . .and I'm looking for another barber or salon that can do a men's haircut well. My hair isn't particularly complicated or outrageous, just looking for a well-styled cut for short hair in the burgh. any thoughts?

What to do in Pittsburgh between October 16th to the 19th?

radiocontrolled — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:01:13 -0800

I am a student in Critical and Curatorial Studies in Toronto and some class-mates and I are going on a field trip to Pittsburgh this Thursday - Sunday. We will be seeing all the museums and galleries but I was wondering if you could suggest any concerts, cool events, vintage shopping areas and anything of interest going on.

Narrowing down the field of potential future employers.

namewithoutwords — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:38:37 -0800

Looking for a recommendation for a tattoo artist in Pittsburgh. Specifically, I'd love to hear about first-hand experience, but any information is better than none.

(The piece will be/encompass most of my right forearm, if anyone's curious.)

PCP in pittsburgh

the druid — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:39:10 -0800

Primary care doctor in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA? I live in squirrel hill, part of the UPMC health plan - just need a good PCP for regular checkups. I have no real medical problems; young guy in my mid-twenties. Any recs or particular offices to avoid?

Help me find a Pittsburgh travel agent.

sherlockt — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:14:31 -0800

Please help me find a good travel agent/agency in Pittsburgh. I really want to travel more, but I'm so bad at deciding where I want to go and what I want to do. Beyond that, I'm TERRIBLE with details. Could someone recommend a good travel agent or agency that has an office in Pittsburgh and is great with the indecisive traveler? I can nail down dates that work, but I'd hope the person will do a lot of the research on different options/suggest things I might like, then nail down ALL the details. I'm interested mostly in international travel.

Can anyone recommend some doctors in Pittsburgh?

reddot — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:17:32 -0800

Can anyone recommend some doctors in Pittsburgh? I live in Shadyside (w/o a car, but could take the bus or Zipcar) and am looking for both a primary care physician, as well as a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. Any suggestions? Thanks.