Anybody know about computers?

[eowyn_315]

My poor little iBook is on its last legs, so I'm shopping around for a new laptop. I've had this one for over 5 years, and it was free, so I figure I've more than gotten my money's worth. Unfortunately, my new laptop will NOT be free, and as much as I like Apples, I'll be going for the cheap and getting a PC

Comments

[sevvy_o]

I recently bought (and LOVE) the new Sony Vaio notebooks. I have something similar to this (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665239957) and it is gorgeous. It even gets confused with a Mac sometimes because of the built-in webcam and low keyboard (and it's white lol) so if you're looking for an easy transition, consider that

[eowyn_315]

One of my friends (who has a Mac) recommended the Vaio, because they last forever. They look like they're a little out of my price range, though.

Windows Vista was one of the things I was concerned about. I've heard only bad things about it, but it seems like 90% of computers come with it now. I still have XP in work.

The tech support is really the thing my mother is concerned about. The reason my computer lasted as long as it did is because I had what amounted to 4 years of free tech support in college. Otherwise, I'd probably have gotten a new computer a couple years ago. So, Dell is looking pretty good for that.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'm leaning toward Dell right now, but I may end up with just whatever's on sale next week, lol.

[ldyavalon]

I'd recommend a Dell, they're worth the money you pay for them and they have got a good guarantee service. Other than that, I prefer AMD processors, but that's a quirk of mine. Intel processors are good in laptops.

[eowyn_315]

Dell is looking pretty good. It's what I have now in work, and it's fine. What's AMD? I know nothing about processors...

[ldyavalon]

AMD and Intel are the two companies that make processors. Right now there's not much difference 'tween one and the other, so you mainly choose the one you prefer.

[beloved_77]

I know squat about computers, but my husband helped me pick one out last week. I ordered the Dell Inspiron 1501. It starts at $499, but I did a few upgrades, including a DVD burner. So, mine was a bit more. They even had free shipping :-) I haven't gotten in the mail yet, so I can't vouch for the actual performance. But I use a Dell at work, and our desktop at home is also a Dell, and they've been just fine. My husband's friend, who is quite a skilled computer geek, says to try to stay away from the 64 processors as it's hard to find programs for them (Don't ask me what that means :-P) The laptop comes with Vista, but since I prefer XP, we're going to wipe the hard drive and install XP.

[ldyavalon]

64 processors are the "new thing" Most processors run at 32 bits (that's the max. amount of information they can be sending. 64 double the speed, but as you friend says, it's hard to find programs for them. Though if your think of not changing anything for the next few years, I'd probably recommend a 64 processor as everything is gonna come out for those soon enough.

[eowyn_315]

Is that what they mean by "dual processors"? I've seen that in a few descriptions. What kind of programs are we talking about? Like I said, I only use my computer for the basic stuff, so would I run into this problem?

[ldyavalon]

No, dual preocessors are those that have two processors in the same chip, making them doubly effective. Even if there isn't much software at the moment for them, you can still use the basic programs because they will use one of the two (if the programme doesn't support dual processors, it'll use one and that's it). Most programms specify if they can use dual processors of 64bit technology. You shouldn't have any problems with what you want to use.