LAPTOP??

[PlatyPius 5]

Don't consider any laptop with memory less than 1GB. Vista requires 1GB and prefers 2GB. As mentioned above, Vista sux. Try to get something with XP or no OS and install XP yourself.

120GB hard drive is near the minimum, in my opinion. 80GB would be the absolute minimum I would consider.

2GHz processor is a good speed to consider. Why buy something that won't run current software? Buy the fastest/biggest you can afford.

The one you listed in the first post sounds like a good one to me, even though I hate HP.

(Look for a Toshiba or Acer. Dell as a 2nd choice)

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Generally the more RAM the faster a program will execute.

RAM 128 to 256MB

Home and business users manage personal finances

using standard application software such as Word processing

using educational or entertainment CD-ROMs

communicating with others on the web

RAM 256 to 1GB

users require more advanced multi-media capabilities

running number intensive accouting, financial, or spreadsheet applications

using voice recognition

working with videos, music, and digital imaging

creating websites

participating in video conferenceing

playing internet games

RAM 1GB and up

Power users creating professional websites

Running sophisticated CAD, 3D design, or other graphic intensive software.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I could go on but then we'd have a whole CS 101 class lecture here. Good luck!

[Kazan' Tiger 1]

If you are looking for opinions, A Mac. I'm not interested in any Windows based system.

[Dan J 277]

Generally the more RAM the faster a program will execute.

RAM 128 to 256MB

Home and business users manage personal finances

using standard application software such as Word processing

using educational or entertainment CD-ROMs

communicating with others on the web

RAM 256 to 1GB

users require more advanced multi-media capabilities

running number intensive accouting, financial, or spreadsheet applications

using voice recognition

working with videos, music, and digital imaging

creating websites

participating in video conferenceing

playing internet games

RAM 1GB and up

Power users creating professional websites

Running sophisticated CAD, 3D design, or other graphic intensive software.

Thats a bit outdated, mostly because of poor software engineering practices. Memory is cheap, so there is little control on how much a given application may use.

If you are using XP get at least 512 MB of ram. Vista 1GB. If you can afford it, double it. The main advantage of more memory is faster multitasking. Some applications and games just require alot of memory.

I agree you have to ask what you are going to use it for first to know what specs you need.

And I also agree stay away from the new vista right now as with any new software there are glitches and bugs that need to be worked out.

Consider whether you will be using your computer for advanced applications or simply for email, internet and word processing and upgrade accordingly.

Suggested computer specifications, if buying new

I cannot guarantee that a computer with the following minimum specs will last for the duration of a 4 year undergraduate degree without needing to be upgraded. If you hope to have your computer last longer, you should purchase above the minimum specs listed below.

Minimum 1.3GHz processor

Minimum 512 MB memory (RAM)

Minimum 40 GB disk space

CD-RW/DVD

10/100 Ethernet

Wireless internet capability (if laptop)

Windows XP Operating Systems with Windows Service pack 2 (see software note below)

All Windows updates

Anti-virus software

Laptops Pros

mobile

can take advantage of wireless service where available on campus

fits in a bag

allows you to take your work and favourite applications wherever you go

frees up desk space for other things

Laptop Cons

can be more expensive

battery life is finite so need a plug in

can be heavy, too

not easy to upgrade

more chance of becoming damaged or lost

Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability.

The names of the processors can be very confusing and are generally used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them.

Intel family names:

Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line.

Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software

Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor.

Pentium II / III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor.

Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III / IV.

Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine.

Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache.

Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors.

AMD family names:

AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus.

AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU.

AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop.

AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed

AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.

The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall.

When looking at the speed of processors available do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.

Consider a machine with a slower processor, such as an Intel Celeron or an AMD processor, for running just basic applications, such as word processing programs.

Consider a computer with a middle-of-the-road processor to retain functionality for two or three years.

Look for a machine with a state-of-the-art processor to retain functionality for four to six years.

Choose the fastest Pentium III processor you can afford if you'll use demanding multimedia software, either for editing graphics, sounds, or video or for playing graphics-intensive games.

High-end and low-end chips are rarely a good value. Usually, the best value is the third chip down - as long as it's in the current generation of processors.

DualCore processors are popular because there are two processors doing the work.

Most of the processors in this list are no longer commonly available.

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I'd have a look at Dell's refurbished laptops. You can get some good deals, and warranties aren't prohibitively expensive.

http://www.dell.com/content/products/categ...s=22&~ck=bt

I bought a refurbished Dell desktop two years ago and (knock on wood) haven't had a problem. One caveat, though: the refurbished machines tend to come with bare bones software and often don't include MS Office. But I see you have a Costco membership, so that shouldn't be a problem. I bought my MS Office suite there for the special Education price (this is normally reserved for students, teachers, and employees of educational and research institutions). I forget what it was now, but it was way cheaper than the regular price.

[Jenn! 918]

Stay away from Vista and the new 07 Office Suite. They suck. I bought a new Dell Inspiron with 2GB RAM in May and both Vista and Office 07 have been problematic. Very slow, closing down or freezing up etc. If you can find one with XP, get that.

I agree. We switched over recently at work and I really miss the days of 2000 when my Excel files could open in less than a minute.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Oh and one more thing technology advances so quickly that what you buy today maybe outdated tomorrow. Good luck!

Thats a bit outdated, mostly because of poor software engineering practices. Memory is cheap, so there is little control on how much a given application may use.

If you are using XP get at least 512 MB of ram. Vista 1GB. If you can afford it, double it. The main advantage of more memory is faster multitasking. Some applications and games just require alot of memory.

Most of the processors in this list are no longer commonly available.

[no name 1]

Macs RULE.

[Jenn! 918]

Macs RULE.

I'm thinking that my next comp should be a Mac. Do you ever have any sort of compatibility issues, i.e. certain things on some websites won't work?

[no name 1]

Macs RULE.

I'm thinking that my next comp should be a Mac. Do you ever have any sort of compatibility issues, i.e. certain things on some websites won't work?

Not on my fancy new one! They are so much more user friendly (& cooler looking).

[JanaknJanet 0]

Wonderful thoughts.. thanks..

Well... I am pc savy enough to the point of .. every pc i own I have rebuilt... ..

This is to be something nice.. a NEW PC... Laptop.

Being a Acupuncturist.. I do some home visits... and wish to be able to take my pc./laptop with me to do charting and such when i am on site.

My Billing and charting system is run using filemaker.. I have my system on a usb storage disk for portability.

Not too complicated .. but sure would be nice to be able to access it while out and about.

My needs for pc.. obviously .. internet.. .. I do searches and formulations online for patient info.

Most Important.. of course.. is my communication with my honey in India...

I do play a few games online.. Swirve.com/ utopia.. but that is not foofy like needing graphics.. etc.

I do however do video and photo editing. also would like to use the laptop to view possible online video .. ie.. netflix ..?

From what I see.. I dont know how I can get around the option of Vista.. .. ..

I dont want/need a thick laptop... would like to have a good .. wifi system... might need to upgrade my wireless router at home soon anyhow...

overall. would love to convert my office pc to becoming non-existent.. and use the lap as a office primary pc.

Not too bad if i am the only one that works in my office. haha.

will keep looking .. and looking.. i agree.. tho. that .. 2 gb ram is nec. .. what about batteries./.. what do i need to be concern with?

Also.. I do .. hope to be able to use this.. when i travel abroad as well... of course..

[yogib37 3]

Stay away from Vista and the new 07 Office Suite. They suck. I bought a new Dell Inspiron with 2GB RAM in May and both Vista and Office 07 have been problematic. Very slow, closing down or freezing up etc. If you can find one with XP, get that.

How much RAM you have on it?

Also if you want to get a XP laptop you just may have to wipe out the Hard drive and install XP yourself on it. They wont sell new computer now with XP on it.

Only VISTA

Edited November 29, 2007 by yogib37

[PlatyPius 5]

Generally the more RAM the faster a program will execute.

RAM 128 to 256MB

Home and business users manage personal finances

using standard application software such as Word processing

using educational or entertainment CD-ROMs

communicating with others on the web

RAM 256 to 1GB

users require more advanced multi-media capabilities

running number intensive accouting, financial, or spreadsheet applications

using voice recognition

working with videos, music, and digital imaging

creating websites

participating in video conferenceing

playing internet games

RAM 1GB and up

Power users creating professional websites

Running sophisticated CAD, 3D design, or other graphic intensive software.

Wow.....that's REALLY old.

The last CAD system I worked on had 8GB of DDR2 memory......

XP won't run (well) on anything less than 512MB. 128MB might be acceptable if you're using an old AMD K6/500 with Windows 98.......

Also if you want to get a XP laptop you just may have to wipe out the Hard drive and install XP yourself on it. They wont sell new computer now with XP on it.

Only VISTA

Yes they will. You have to order it, though. (Primarily Dell, maybe HP)

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

2 GB ram minimum for vista. That's Lucky's input.