computer advice

[GOT SVT]

i am looking into a new computer - desktop and/or laptop

main ?, is there any difference between intel and amd processors?? will i really notice any difference?? never had amd always intel( will not buy celeron )

also, what are minimum specs these days for a decent computer life

computer will be used for running work software and internet - no gaming

thanks in advance for any input

[sutyak]

Not sure where to start...
Basically any laptop in the past 5 years will do what you want.
Any brand-new laptop you buy will certainly be fine as far as speed, storage, internet connectivity options, etc.
Personally I've only ever owned AMD systems, but that's because I used to build my own systems and the AMD processors are cheaper for same (or really close) speed.

Given that laptops are pretty powerful now, I say just go with a laptop over a desktop.
The specs you're actually going to care about in a laptop are:
- screen size. (15.4" seems to be the standard now. I prefer a 17" at the tradeoff of shorter battery life)
- battery size. general rule is more cells = longer life.
- Processors: anything really.. although I admit I also don't buy Celerons either.
I have an AMD Turion 64 X2 in my laptop and it's been a beast, even being a couple years old.
- RAM: more = better, but everyone knows that. 2GB should suite you fine for Vista or Windows 7. 4GB=faster
- Wireless: current standard is 802.11G, but N coming fast.
- Hard drive. higher RPM = better. 4200=slower, 5400=standard, 7200=best (gaming, etc). Higher RPM also means shorter battery life.
- DVD writers are standard now. You can also get Blu-Ray players for a price.
- Brands: I have personally owned IBM, Dell, Toshiba, Acer. I currently own a Toshiba and it's great. Wife has an Acer and it's also great.
Brands I trust/recommend: Acer, Toshiba, Dell, Gateway, Asus.. off the top of my head.
Brands I don't particularly trust or are difficult to work on: Lenova (formerly IBM Thinkpad), HP

Personally I think a Gateway would suite your needs fine.
A 15.4" screen runs around $550 or so, and 17" screen around $650 I believe.
If you have a couple hundred more to spend, then an Asus is a good step up from that.
I've helped a lot of people buy laptops.
I'm also a former IBM certified laptop technician, if that counts for anything. :)
Buy.com and NewEgg.com are good places to laptop shop.
I'm also a fan of refurbished laptops, but probably because I know more effort goes into fixing a laptop than first building it!
My Toshiba is a refurb and has been fantastic.

[GOT SVT]

thanks mark

[KeystoneJohnny]

Excellent advice from Sporadic. Are you looking for new or used. Do you have a preference on operating system as well?

[GOT SVT]

more than likely new.

looking at windows 7.

[KeystoneJohnny]

Ok then you have alot of choices then basically. As far as Windows 7 is concerned. It is considerably vastly improved over Windows Vista. I am due to be re-certified in Windows for work and I'm sure Windows 7 will be one of the main focuses. At any rate if you are get a windows 7 machine and you have some software that is XP specific I recommend getting the 90.00 Windows 7 Professional upgrade as it has a very well written (so I am told over Vista) XP emulator to run software that was only made to run on an XP machine. Standard Windows 7 will not be able to run it. Just an FYI

[blizzard]

buy a mac.. or i can install OSX on your intel-based machine
*letthebashingbegin* ha, sorry i had to

[jaa55]

buy a mac.. or i can install OSX on your intel-based machine
*letthebashingbegin* ha, sorry i had to

I'd like more info on this! i looked into it before but i got scared and didnt do it haha
i have a dv2000 intel centrino core duo

[mr4teth]

buy a mac.. or i can install OSX on your intel-based machine
*letthebashingbegin* ha, sorry i had to

I bought a MAC mini about three years ago and I will never go back to Windows! The only complaint I have is Parallels (I like the old 2002 Quicken) runs very slow. I don't have enough memory to power it and I'm out slots to upgrade, but if you get a Macbook or iMac you'll be fine.