rec.autos.simulators

What are some of your opinions on:

2:  Acer 56K modem? or the Diamond Supra 56K Modem?
3:  A 24X CDROM? (I know there are faster ones)
4:  Epson 400 printer (which I might s***to save money)

All of the systems were basically the same (PII 400) one had 128 MB SDRAM
and was $4033.05 (with taxes, etc, here in Canada!).  The second system,
64 MB SDRAM $4140.00.  And finally I went to a little store with a guy in
a room with one window and surounded by shelves! (his price was around
$2919 with out taxes, about $500 less than the others!).  I'am not sure
how the service will be, things did seem a little unorganized, and I had
to explain the him why I wanted a 2d graphics card AND a 3dfx card.  He
seemed to think you could use 3dfx card as your all purpose graphics
card. (i.e. do you just want the Diamond Monster II card??).

It's so hard to decide.  I'am trying to find places with good service in
case something goes wrong.  I had some bad experiences with a laptop last
year, waiting 2 months for it to be fixed! (including December exams!) I
would also like to be reasonibly assured that they will be around in 6
months! (you can never be, but we seem to have that problem with computer
places here in Atlantic Canada!).

    I also got to see an iMac up close today!  To say the least it is a
unique little computer.  What's with the whole transparency thing anyway?  
On screenshots it sort of looked like the back of the monitor was covered
by a light blue transparent bag!  I actually tapped it today to make sure
it was real plastic!

Thanks,
John

For an expert opinion/review, check Tom's Hardware Guide:

    http://www.racesimcentral.net/

I would choose the Diamond over anything made by Acer.  The Diamond
56K (I own the 56Ki v90) is a great modem, and I especially appreciate
the error-correction when connecting (no more line-hangs).  It's well
supported, and has some nice reviews (check Tom's Hardware Guide, PC
Mag, Consumer Reports, etc.).

24x is fine...Manufacture makes little (if any) difference.

Good, all-around home printer...It's got excellent color fidelity, and
should last you several years.  Generally cheaper and better-looking
than the Canon Bubble-Jet or HP Ink-Jet in the same class.  However,
the Canon and HP lines are more durable, and have better customer
service (HP is perhaps the best in the PC industry in CS IMHO).

You might also take a look to see what new ink-cartridges will cost.
Expect the HP stuff to be in the $25-30 range (not sure about Canon or
Epson).  This could be a big factor later.

Cheers!

Marc

--
Marc J. Nelson
The Sim Project - http://www.racesimcentral.net/

* No animals were harmed in the making of this e-mail *

I have the Epson 600 and it rocks. I work in the photo industry and everyone
I've shown the prints to cannot believe they were done on an inkjet. Expect
cartridges to cost $15 - $24 each.

I use the Kodak Photo paper for photographs and any good inkjet/laser paper for
text.

A very good all around machine for someone on a budget, I've seen them here in
Los Angeles for as low as $149.00.

Hope this helps.

-don

"To race is to live, everything else is just waiting." - Rudi Caricciola