Holiday Buyers' Guide 2006, Part 1: PC Components

[caamsa]

Well lets see, if you notice I responed to your post by saying "therapy works".

Read your post and then tell me what I was trying to say. No need to quote every single post.

 

[wiz83]

Seriously, that recommendation is a total nonsense.
Recommending Athlon X2 that is more expensive and being outperformed by E6300 which would overclock way more?
The C2Xtreme?

I don't know about whether those Abit and Foxconn mobo gonna do well, but Gigabyte and Asus have bene proven to be great motherboards for C2D, even better overclockers ... afterall it's 975 chipset ... the P965 express is an overall better overclocking ...

Meh, I recommend going through my guide, the link on my siggy, it's not the perfect/best around, but I personally think it's better.

:lol:

While i agree that it is a great guide, you have to admit it´s not really the same.


You could wear that short blue something and show off some of those fancy "components" of yours though... 8)

Thanks for that suggestion. I guess I'd put on only Red Speedo's to promote my components. I guess that would attract more ladies ...

 

[caamsa]

Ya we know the core2 is the next best thing since sliced bread but if you aready have a 939 or AM2 then you just by the CPU. No sense in building a brand new system if the one you have is aready adequate.

Hmmm a cpu for 200 bucks or a new cpu, motherboard, and memory for $500.00.

 

[RyanMicah]

You said it well Charles, thanks for backing my point! Sarah should stick up for herself a bit more...I noticed no comments to the guys who want to see her posing naked. I'm sure the bimbos at the expo booths are far more riskay, I've seen the pics. As far as her being a prime candidate and it being fun, I agree. It's like I told Sarah, I just like to get sleezing guys to see everything you just said. My work here is done. Sure I've been made out to be the ass, but all the points I wanted to make, were made. Good work Charles.

 

[skyguy]

Ah.....the voice of reason. Good job Charles.

It would figure though....a hint/pic/mention/glimpse of a woman around these forums and the place turns into a frickin cliche of something akin to a frathouse........sheesh......methinks some of the "boys" here don't get out much......spend so much time trolling forums on the Net and gaming that they don't know what to do when a lady stops by or how to treat her. Perhaps they'll learn one day, eh Sarah? 8)

As for the GUIDE which is the purpose of this topic, I'm eagerly anticipating the subsequent sections. Not sure I agree with all of the author's points in the article, but I understand the nature of "journalistic integrity" and the need to look at both AMD/Intel for example. Bias is not a good thing when it comes to reviews and recommendations in print. Alas, many of the boys here don't seem to understand that.......

Sarah, no approval here is necessary, but I congratulate you anyways on your position with the company. Likewise with Charles and the article's author.....it is a tough business, and kudos to all for your continued success.


Thank you for the read, looking forward to the next one.

 

[RyanMicah]

Usually I skip a few pages when I first look at a review, but when I saw Sarah on the first page, I read through the entire article or I just pretended to read the whole thing.

Due to the fact that she appeared in the article, I doubt that Sarah minds the attention she might receive. It is hard being beautiful, but Sarah did it gracefully in the article.

The guy who commented that Sarah was a Californian bimbo made a false assumption, so I will make an assumption about him (<---first assumption :lol: ): Ryan Micah’s spiteful comment about a beautiful girl he can never get is proof that it is hard to be ugly. His perception of women is skewed because he watches too much porn (another assumption :lol: ). I don't care if I am wrong, since we are assuming here. :roll:

Apparently you're a compulsive assumer. I never assumed a thing about Sarah, nor have I ever had a problem with attracting women. If I hadn't used the word "bimbo" to really grab attention I probably wouldn't have all the negative feedback. Tact or no tact, the issue is being addressed.

As for me being a toothless porn collector - I haven't really been single except by my choosing since I was in grade school. In 5th grade I learned what two-timing was, between one of the cutest girls in the 6th grade and one in my grade...

If you must know, lesbian porn is my favorite, as it is with most men I'm sure. Put your 12 year old homosexual jokes to rest where they belong. I'm not a homophobe like you, but I'm probably more secure in my sexuality.

Today I'm 6'7" with strong features, relatively charming with my words and I've been known to be purty darn witty. I do well for myself with women, if it's your concern. I think I know the work relationships take and I have no problem communicating. I don't need people's approval, particularly here online. It's a great venue to be able to provoke thought, and I don't mind being disliked. As far as Sarah goes, she probably feels the same way about being liked that I do disliked. You guys who drool mean a crap to her. But part of her job is PR, so obviously she's got to treat you with respect.

 

[RyanMicah]

He's on task, honest and brief with his opinion, and well versed. Give him a job?

 

[megame255]

I'm sure the bimbos at the expo booths are far more riskay, I've seen the pics. As far as her being a prime candidate and it being fun, I agree..

Just thought you should know, as you seem to value correct grammar and spelling so highly, the word is actually spelled risque.

 

[RyanMicah]

I knew that. I was tired and I don't take the time to edit, when you can blab on and hit 99% you can feel free to get a few typos as well. I'm going to bed, you guys can bicker amongst yourselves.

(Wow! I do edit!)
I felt the need to get even more anal since you were being anal:

You should've broken that sentence up with something other than two commas.

 

[enewmen]

The holiday guide is entertaining, but it's only November 2nd!
I just rather you wait a few weeks. Like sometime after American Thanksgiving.
BTW, when does the holiday season start in Europe (or the rest of the world)?
Thanks!

 

[RyanMicah]

As was pointed out to me recently, a lot of people pair Xmas with Thanksgiving so they only get together one time. Traveling takes time and is expensive. Many people get Thanksgiving off but not much time at Christmas, especially those in retail.

 

[brokenticker]

The first great thing about the first ammendment is that people have a right to say what's on their minds. The second great thing is that if we don't like what people have to say, we can always turn them off or not read or listen to other's opinions. I.E. Ryan, you now have promission to hit the power button and go find something more worthwhile to do with your life and leave the rest of us to our drooling if that's what we so choose to do.

Sarah, I must say that you have legs and a smile to die for, and I bet you would look good with.......well......nvm :twisted:

On a different note, since you listed one. Has there been a review on thermolelectric cpu watercooling blocks? I know the setups are outside of the price range of most people, but from the stand point of overclocking, it would be nice to see some other highend cooling possibilities that are available in the market as well as some test results for what works well-vs-what isn't as effective, including price/preformance ratio(were applicable) and maybe even a D.I.Y. run through, with the hazzard's of using such a setup. Thx

 

[RyanMicah]

I can feel free to sit here and try to figure out the point you were trying to make...while you go ahead and make use of that IGNORE button by my this post.

I.E. Ryan, you now have promission to hit the power button and go find something more worthwhile to do with your life and leave the rest of us to our drooling if that's what we so choose to do.

Sarah, I must say that you have legs and a smile to die for, and I bet you would look good with.......well......nvm :twisted:

Hence, my example of a likeness to porn...
Perception is a funny thing.

 

[Slobogob]

I've been meaning to sign up here for a while but some of the comments on this thread finally pushed me to hit the "Register" button.

Yep, some are quite provoking. Nice response though, well laid out and explained. Yet, you have made the same mistake i and some others have made too. You fed the troll. Link

First, the idea behind the "elf presenter" is primarily that is is fun. It fits with the Christmas theme; it's something special, something different.

I think most people got that. And those that prefer to look at hot chicks... well, you can´t help those. :lol:

Third, your comments seem to overlook context.

I noticed that too, but i´m too slanderous to point it out in detail.

Clearly Tom's isn't trying to use this as a general "angle" as they do this only once a year, and as I said, the pictures are entirely tame. Go to a convention sometime and see what the ladies at the booths are wearing.

Until here you had a perfect argument going for you. Well written, logical and everything. Saying something is okay because everyone is doing it is no good argument. :?

Get some perspective and learn how to deal more reasonably with people who may see the world differently than you do -- it will serve you well.
Charles

No doubt about that. But that´s not the point of fishing for attention, right? :twisted:
The best thing would be to advice Sarah to use the ignore button. It´s a magical thing, that button. It rids forums of angry teenagers, trolls spilling their fortune cookie wisdom, women rights activist, political crusaders and preaching ne´er-do-wells with too much time on their hands.

 

[torque79]

I won't even comment on that... person who is disturbing the mood of the post. Although some comments were pushing the envelope a bit, I am sure they would have been moderated had they gone over the edge. Please leave the moderation for the forum staff. I tried to make a positive comment to show how pretty I thought our wonderful elf princess looked, because she deserved it for being brave enough to be on such a public forum. Why are (a few, not most) putting her down? Why are you imposing your judgement and opinion on someone else having their picture taken? It was by no means forced upon her. If you disapprove, then do not participate in or take photos like that, or even read the article for that matter. Why come on this forum complaining, which is insulting to a member of the THG staff because it was her decision? I am very disappointed in the direction this thread took.

We are all human. There is no harm in complimenting someone for how they look (in a friendly and non-offensive manner, which is subjective). If you have nothing NICE to say, keep it to yourself. What has been accomplished to those in this thread who are indicating disapproval? Are you attempting to have the article removed? I do not understand your objective.

Perhaps you merely intend to spark debate on these kinds of issues, but I feel this thread is the wrong platform. Perhaps you should make another thread to discuss such moral disagreement, rather than ruining this one which is being read and commented on by 3 staff members including the person in the pictures, who does not share your disapproval and should be the final word on the topic.

thank you staff for monitoring and commenting. I am always happy to read THG staff comments and points of view! It makes us lowly readers feel a little closer to those we respect!

 

[charlesk]

You said it well Charles, thanks for backing my point!

Uh.. I didn't back your point. You're not making any sense.

Sarah should stick up for herself a bit more...

Actually, I think she did that just fine.

I noticed no comments to the guys who want to see her posing naked.

Why would she bother?

It's like I told Sarah, I just like to get sleezing guys to see everything you just said. My work here is done. Sure I've been made out to be the ass, but all the points I wanted to make, were made. Smile Good work Charles.

This is a tacit admission of trolling.

Good thing for you that I don't run this board... --c

 

[GavinLeigh]

Well I can't honestly believe that all this fuss has been made by Sarah and her Elf costume. Perhaps the next post is going to tell us that is isn't politically correct to suggest these as ideas for the "holiday" season as not everyone has a holiday at this time of year.

Ryan obviously has some issues, and he desires to take them out on this thread. That's his right as a member, but if they become overly objectionable then they can be moderated out by the Tom's staff. I guess he could have taken a more intelligent approach rather than accusing everyone of just wanting to exploit women.

All I really wanted to say was that I enjoyed the article, as I did last year, and I look forward to the next installments.

Well done Tom's Hardware :lol:

 

[charlesk]

Yep, some are quite provoking. Nice response though, well laid out and explained. Yet, you have made the same mistake i and some others have made too. You fed the troll.

I didn't realize he was trolling until he just admitted it, but yes, you're correct.

Saying something is okay because everyone is doing it is no good argument. :?

But that's not what I'm saying. I'm trying to put the use of the pretty presenter in an elf costume in context to someone who is acting like it is something egregious when it is really very tame.

The best thing would be to advice Sarah to use the ignore button.

Sarah's got something better than the ignore button - a thick skin. Very useful, I wish I could develop one myself.

Thanks for your comments. --c

 

[Track]

track the.. well, i can't say what i think of him)

track is always off track

It's amazing how easy idiots find it to critisize.

 

[Track]

This is guide is stupid.
How can they recommand the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ when u can get the E6300 and overclock it to an X6800??

Obviously Core 2 Duo is FAR more price/performance efficient.
Dont trust this guide.

Probably because they were trying to hit really low prices for the budget item and the x2 4200+ is still cheaper than the E6300 by like $30 or $40. So what if the conroe is faster? It's all about choices dude.

All abt choice? YES, i choose what is faster price/performance wise.
You comment makes absolutely no sence, saying that u would choose a slower CPU over a faster one, ESPECIALLY while the 64 X2 4200+ costs 175$ or more, wich is 50$ more than the E6300, that can be turned into an X6800 sometimes even with stock cooling.

Chris.

 

[Track]

I honestly think it's good to stay on track. How is a woman in an elf's suit that distracting anyway? She's not THAT scantily clad...this IS supposed to be a hardware forum. Which reminds me of what I said earlier...keep it hardware and drop the elf suit pics.

All she did was dress up in a cute custom (that wasn't Too promiscuous) as a fun plus to the guide. Not only that, but her actually coming on this forum, and talking to everyone who liked the guide makes her seem like a very down to earth, nice and decent person whom is not stuck up in any way or thinks they are better than those who would look at the photos, like others. Her response to the other comments, and mainly to yours makes her seem like a very smart and mature person to add to that.

So i dont know what kind of insecurities u have, that have caused u to lash out at her in such an embarrassing and horribly mean way, but for a person who so wants to be focused on the hardware, u sure do take a considerable ammount of ur time talking abt the cute girl who took her own time to shoot some cute photos. And i have a personal problem with what u have said. Even if u feel strongly abt what u have said, i cannot respect ur opinion in the way that u have written it.

 

[mforce2]

Oh and here's Sarah . Didn't think she would actually post here and it's surprising how she isn't really bothered by all the silly posts . Thanks for putting up with it Sarah.
I just wanted to say that I find nothing wrong with Sarah being in the pics and me and others liking that . I don't want her number , I'm not drooling over her and stuff like that . She's about 10 000 km away anyway :lol: . I'm sure most of us here , me included were just joking .
Still it's nice to have her and I really appreciate her even more because of the way she reacted to all this. Also you have to remember that even though I have no idea what an Editorial Production Coordinator does she does work for a living and she's not selling her looks. Keep cool guys 8) .
Now about the hardware well I didn't agree with some things myself but they were just recommendations and we're all a little biased when we make them. If you want to buy what's best for you just look for the reviews and choose yourself.
P.S. : Sarah I hope you got a bonus for this . If not ask for one , you did a good job and just remind them what a model would have cost them :lol: .

 

[kanoobie]

I never assumed a thing about Sarah, nor have I ever had a problem with attracting women.

Lies . Obviously, the things you say express what you think; therefore they are not always facts. (If you think Sarah is a bimbo, it does not mean she is one, obviously.)

I'm not a homophobe like you, but I'm probably more secure in my sexuality.

I never mentioned homosexuality, but you jumped on the issue (possibly you are a homophobe, but I don't care).

Don't assume to know what I think of you. I don't know who you are and I don't care.

There was no real controversy with the Guide, but you admitted that you tried to make some controversy.

It is fine to disagree with someone or something, but what have you really accomplished here? Nothing. Since this is a thread about the Holiday Buyer's Guide and not a forum on what is morally acceptable to you, it just seems that you tried to insult Sarah. She replied gracefully to your insults.

Debates about opinions revolve around circular arguments; therefore, I am done speaking with you.