Windows 7: What shall I get for myself as a birthday present?

Hi all,

I'm not fishing for birthday wishes, but today (Aug 30) is my birthday (49...WHAT? How did that happen?).

So, I've been considering what to get. I have two things in mind and can't decide which one I'd be better off with or like better.

1. A new graphics card. I've narrowed it down to the EVGA GTX 560 ti Superclock. The Sparkle Calibre 560 looked good in a Tom's Hardware review, but they're not available yet.

2. A new monitor. Really like the IPS panel on the MacBook Pro, so I've been thinking on the Dell U2711. Pricey, yes. However, I wish that I could see one in person. None of the stores in my area carry anything that close to the high-end. Supposedly, the Apple 27" iMac has the same panel (except glossy) and I have seen one in Best Buy. Looks great.

3. Both items. Extravagent I know, but I'm worth it.

4. Something I haven't thought of yet. Any suggestions?

Kent

We can be as extravagant as your wallet allows us

How are you for SSDs, External USB 3.0 drives etc?
























Or you could just hire a hooker.

First of all, happy birthday!

Now, down to business.

Do you game? If you don't, the 9800GT should be alright. An SSD would be great; if you don't have one of course. Oh, and what's your budget?

SSD is hardly worth the cost....

IF I were you I would upgrade your 9800 to something a little better but not the 560... It will be unneeded unless you are into high demand computer games.

I would settle for a GTX 460.

With the extra cash I would but a new monitor to throw in duel monitor (extended).

You will notice a nice upgrade from the 9800 to the 460.

You can easily get cheap SSD's and most people would agree that they are worth the cost. Sure, they're more expensive then you're average HDD, but then again, the performance boost is immense.

GTX 460 is overkill for a non-gamer. If you were to buy one, I'd go with the SE version.

A new monitor sounds good. A couple of 27" in dual monitor would be amazing but if your wallet won't allow it, perhaps another 25" to match your Hannspree .

Personal opinon, which is entirely up to the OP to decide.

Happy Birthday.

You need something that is sleek, good-looking, has expensive tastes and is always there for you..............................................................sounds like an iMac would fit the bill exactly!

You can always use Bootcamp to put Windows 7 on it.

I'd also add RAM. 4GB is ok but for a 64B system... 8 or more is much better.
And Jaidynm is very right. The correct SSD is certainly worth your money...

personally if i were you i would treat myself to a couple of packets of walkers crisps and a bottle or two of bombardier. Oh and definitely a take away Indian curry.
then i would put my feet up and watch a new movie on a couple of new samsung p2370 23" lcd monitors

actually the price of them i would get 3

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes and the suggestions. Hmm...let me run down the list:

SSD - Considering one of these for the MacBook Pro.

External HDD - I have 5 so far, none are USB 3.0 as none of my machines support it.

Dual Monitors - Interesting, will ruminate on this further.

iMac - Stunning to look at. I think I'd wait for the processor refresh.

Additional RAM - Price of RAM makes this almost a no-brainer.

Walkers Crisps - May have a bit of trouble finding these around here.

Bombardier - Probably will be able to find this.

Indian Curry - No Indian takeaway joints nearby, but the Indian population is increasing so there's hope.


Budget - Let's say $1000 US. Let's all say it together now!

Gaming - Casual. Currently, Borderlands is the most recent game I play, spent 5 hours last night playing online with a friend. The 9800 seems just adequate for this, I'd like to play in higher resolution.

I'm still leaning towards the 560ti, Yeah, I know, it's like having a Ferrari as a grocery-getter, but what the hey...