Computer Advice
I'm thinking of buying a new computer when my tax return money comes in but I don't know a lot about computers. The last time I bought one, I made a few rookie mistakes. It was the first time buying a computer and I bought it for the sale, mostly, ordered online, and ended up with a bulky desktop replacement with a crappy graphics display. I learned to live with it, which was easy because I loved just about everything else about it, but the fact is it wasn't what I wanted.
I want to go for a smaller model this time (14 instead of 17), without sacrificing speed and graphics, which are the two most important things for me, especially because my laptop will double as a TV screen. Hard drive space isn't really a factor for me because I've got a brand new mini external. I found a model and it's more expensive than I really want to spend but I've kind of fallen in love with it -- and for its features, it really should be far more expensive than it is. Before I drop a pretty penny on it, I want to make sure it's going to be a good vidding computer. Hence the post.
I'll paste the specs under the cut and if anybody has any thoughts/advice that'd be great. Or if you know of a great vidding laptop you can direct me to that's under 800 bucks -- or even cheaper if one exists! The fact is, I have only made two real vids on my current computer (dry spell) so I'm a little hazy on the strain it puts on a machine.
What's Included
* Asus Laptop / Intel® Core™ i5 Processor / 14" Display / 6GB Memory / 640GB Hard Drive
* 8-cell lithium-ion battery
* 65W AC adapter
* Software: Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash
* Owner's manual
Product Features
* Intel® Core™ i5-480M processor
Features a 3MB L3 cache and 2.66GHz processor speed.
* Intel® Core™ i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.
* 6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
* 14" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
Showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
* Built-in facial recognition
Protects sensitive information.
* UMA graphics
For lush images and vivid detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
* Built-in 0.3MP webcam
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
* 5-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus, Memory Stick and xD-Picture Card formats.
* 2 high-speed USB 2.0 ports and 1 high-speed USB 3.0 port
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
* Embedded 4G WiMAX mobile broadband technology
Gives you an ultrafast mobile Internet connection. (Wireless service contract required; sold separately. Check with carrier for coverage area and availability in your area.)
* Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps fast Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for a quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Weighs 5 lbs. and measures just 1.25" thin
For easy portability. Seamless chiclet keyboard for comfortable typing.
* Long battery life
Of up to 6 hours and 06 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.
* Bamboo texture
For a stylish look.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
* Best Buy pc app
Your one-stop shop for digital software, games and more! Learn more.
* Software package included
With Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash. Microsoft Office Starter 2010 also included (product key card required for activation; sold separately).
* ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
* Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Also, is 5lbs considered light? Or is that pretty bulky? I am unsure and I know it's got a larger battery so I'm guessing that adds some weight.
ETA: The second part of my question, which I didn't include. Is it too much? (Particularly the RAM.)
I want to go for a smaller model this time (14 instead of 17), without sacrificing speed and graphics, which are the two most important things for me, especially because my laptop will double as a TV screen. Hard drive space isn't really a factor for me because I've got a brand new mini external. I found a model and it's more expensive than I really want to spend but I've kind of fallen in love with it -- and for its features, it really should be far more expensive than it is. Before I drop a pretty penny on it, I want to make sure it's going to be a good vidding computer. Hence the post.
I'll paste the specs under the cut and if anybody has any thoughts/advice that'd be great. Or if you know of a great vidding laptop you can direct me to that's under 800 bucks -- or even cheaper if one exists! The fact is, I have only made two real vids on my current computer (dry spell) so I'm a little hazy on the strain it puts on a machine.
What's Included
* Asus Laptop / Intel® Core™ i5 Processor / 14" Display / 6GB Memory / 640GB Hard Drive
* 8-cell lithium-ion battery
* 65W AC adapter
* Software: Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash
* Owner's manual
Product Features
* Intel® Core™ i5-480M processor
Features a 3MB L3 cache and 2.66GHz processor speed.
* Intel® Core™ i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
* Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Delivers extra performance when you need it and increased energy efficiency when you don't.
* 6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
* Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.
* 14" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
Showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
* 640GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
* Built-in facial recognition
Protects sensitive information.
* UMA graphics
For lush images and vivid detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
* Built-in 0.3MP webcam
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends.
* 5-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus, Memory Stick and xD-Picture Card formats.
* 2 high-speed USB 2.0 ports and 1 high-speed USB 3.0 port
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
* Embedded 4G WiMAX mobile broadband technology
Gives you an ultrafast mobile Internet connection. (Wireless service contract required; sold separately. Check with carrier for coverage area and availability in your area.)
* Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps fast Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for a quick and easy wired Web connection.
* Weighs 5 lbs. and measures just 1.25" thin
For easy portability. Seamless chiclet keyboard for comfortable typing.
* Long battery life
Of up to 6 hours and 06 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.
* Bamboo texture
For a stylish look.
* Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit preinstalled
Provides a stable computing platform.
* Best Buy pc app
Your one-stop shop for digital software, games and more! Learn more.
* Software package included
With Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash. Microsoft Office Starter 2010 also included (product key card required for activation; sold separately).
* ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
* Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Also, is 5lbs considered light? Or is that pretty bulky? I am unsure and I know it's got a larger battery so I'm guessing that adds some weight.
ETA: The second part of my question, which I didn't include. Is it too much? (Particularly the RAM.)