Need a new PC
 

Any recommendations on Specs?

Currently I have a 3.5 yr old laptop thats dying, so I have to buy something, but I'm not sure whats overkill, and whats not enough.'

Here's what I need to do:

1.) Play poker online, usually 4 tables actively playing, but would like to datamine up to 8 additional tables to improve my table selection, as current tables start to break up.

2.) Run PT and PAHUD while I play.
3.) I play over a fast DSL connection, if that matters
4.) Obviously run 2 monitors, for item #1
5.) Basically do light MS office work, surf the net, etc
6.) Not really interested in playing any other games besides poker.
7.) OPTIONAL - Burn DVD's, again, nice to have.
8.) OPTIONAL - Run my cable through the PC so that I can record shows etc, but I could give this up. Its a nice to have.

Currently I run Windows XP with a Pentium 4, 1 GB RAM, not much other software running, and I get the occasional lags with PT/FTP etc, and I'd like to make this go away. I also want a PC that will be good for at least 3 years.

What specs would you recommend?

Processor Speed?
Memory?
Graphics Card?
Brand?

Any specific deals that you've seen anywhere that make sense here?

Not looking to be "balla", but not looking for bargain basement either.

Thanks

Re: Need a new PC
 

my rec's

Core 2 Duo E6xxx series. Which one is really a matter of how much you want to spend, you will see a performance increase as you spend more and the system will last a little longer hopefully. The E6x50 series has the faster 1333 MHz FSB. If you really want to go budget any of the Core2 Duos will probably suit your needs this isn't a bad option if you want to upgrade again in a few years.

RAM, 2GB is plenty.

Graphics cards - I like nVidia for no particular reason.

The 7600 series is a decent budget card, but for your use you can probably get away with a 7300 series, if you want one that will play DirectX10 games get an 8600 series. You will probably want to make sure it has two DVI outputs.

Most systems come with DVD burners now, and can add a tuner card to any system with XP or Vista I believe.

any of the big names will do.

Re: Need a new PC
 

this HP comes with a Tuner built in, you can add more RAM later, the upgrade to an extra GB was pretty spendy IMO opinion, and you will probably need to put in your own graphics card, but there upgrade choices sucked.