Everything Else (Speakers, Keyboard, Mouse, OS)
This content was originally featured on Amdmb.com and has been converted to PC Perspective’s website. Some color changes and flaws may appear.
Speakers – Klipsch ProMedia 5.1s – $399These speakers are just coming to the retail stores, and should be available soon. Of course, I haven’t directed used or even SEEN these speakers, but as they are assuredly an improvement on the 4.1 speakers, adding an additional front speaker channel as well as some extra power to each satellite and the subwoofer. These speakers even LOOK classy and you can be sure to impress your friends with these sitting on your desk.
Other Options: Klipsch ProMedia 4.1s – $250
If you can’t find the 5.1s available anywhere, or want to shave $150 off the price, the ProMedia 4.1s are an excellent choice. These are consistently award the best of the best awards, I can personally attest to their style and performance. They look excellent sitting next to the monitor and on the desk, but they sound even better than they look.
Keyboard – Microsoft Natural Keyboard – $75
While many people claim that the natural keyboards are a nuisance and their benefits are a myth, I would argue against them all. After switching to an MS Natural Keyboard just a few month ago, I can tell you that the consistent typing that I do has much less an effect on me. I can type for an hour or more at a time and get any of the discomfort in my wrists or arms that I was used to on the standard keyboard. This is worth the extra $$ in my opinion.
Other Options: Standard Keyboard – $15
If you don’t type that much, or don’t care, just grab a regular $15 keyboard at your local PC shop or Best Buy.
Mouse – Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer – $70
Even after all the emails I got about the last system guide and the use of this mouse, I stand by my decision. 🙂 The gray mouse with the red light was the pioneer of the optical mouse revolution that is taking place. And not only does it look cool, but it performs well and is very comfortable in my hand. Comfort on mice is a personal choice, depending on your grip and/or the size of your hand, so you may want to test drive a mouse before purchase.
Other Options: Logitech Optical Mice – $40-$70
This was the most common suggestion given to me besides the MS Intellimouse Explorer. There are various model from Logitech, all of them having their own advantages and features. Logitech mice are also very high quality, so if you prefer to not purchase any more MS products, you will want to look here.
Operating System – Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional – $150
I think enough time has passed and enough improvements have occurred that I can finally recommend Windows 2000 over Windows 98 SE. The stability of Windows 2000 vastly out shines the 98 SE and ME counterparts and the gaming scores of Windows 2000 are actually outpacing the older versions now. The price above is for the full version, but you can get the upgrade for a discounted price, of course. Also, that if you are using a multiprocessor system, such as we are here, you will need to have a multithreaded operating system, which Windows 2000 is and Windows 98 is not.
Other Options: any version of Linux – Free
For all the Linux junkies out there, I’ve included this option. Now, you can get the multithreaded power of the dual Athlon with a Linux OS. I personally would recommend Red Hat Linux 7.1 as my first choice for a workstation or personal system OS. And hey, for free, how much do you have to lose?
