The Computer Geek Thread

[darklight1216]

Yup, what he said sounds right. Photo editing, games, video encoding/editing, file compression/decompression are some of the most common tasks that rely heavily on processor speed...if you dont plan on doing much of the above, then most likely you dont need a fancy pants processor.

If you multitask a lot (run several programs at once, like web browser, music, etc), you would benefit a lot from a quad core processor. The i5 and i7 are quads, the i3 is a dual core. For multitaskers and general use, the quad cores are worth every penny. And these days, the modern quads are very energy efficient, so they dont kill your battery the way the old quads used to.

Here's what I think you should do, and still stay under $1000 --

get a laptop with ANY i5 or i7 processor
4 GB or more of RAM
a solid state drive (SSD)
purchase an external USB hard drive to store your multimedia stuff on (it wont come with the laptop, but requires no tech skills to install -- just plug it into your USB drive like you would an iPod)

and maybe an upgraded graphics card if you plan on some gaming, but the integrated graphics will be good enough for older games.

If you do the above, you'll have invested $700 - $850, and will have a blazing fast computer that is also very energy efficient...and you wont be looking to upgrade it for years

I do multitask. A lot. Im pretty sure thats what causes my poor old acer (amd athelon I think) to screetch at me and freeze.

I think the dell inspiron(that has the i3) is not for me. Im just not confident in the processor.

Ill take your advice into consideration. Its just that there are some pretty good sales, like that toshiba and the envys...decisions, decisions.

Thank you for the counsel.

[flynismo]

I do multitask. A lot. Im pretty sure thats what causes my poor old acer (amd athelon I think) to screetch at me and freeze.

I think the dell inspiron(that has the i3) is not for me. Im just not confident in the processor.

Ill take your advice into consideration. Its just that there are some pretty good sales, like that toshiba and the envys...decisions, decisions.

Thank you for the counsel.

How much RAM do you have now? If you freeze up a lot, it's often because you are doing too much and running out of memory.Upgrading your memory may solve that problem, to the point where you may not even feel the need to get a new system

[darklight1216]

How much RAM do you have now? If you freeze up a lot, it's often because you are doing too much and running out of memory.Upgrading your memory may solve that problem, to the point where you may not even feel the need to get a new system

It has 4 gb (3.75 usable).

One of the usb ports was broken when I took it to Staples and neither function any more. It doesn't have bluetooth as an alternative (and I can't exactly use a bluetooth dongle). Otherwise I'd be satisified to keep it until it really, really breaks down.