Looking for a new compute
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Looking for a new compute
Hi,
I've seen good compute advice on here before, so I'll ask.
I'm looking for a new compute, probably a desktop, and I wonder what specs to look at.
I normally do a little browsing and use some office apps. I also run the ancient VB6, but that probably is a non starter, so I'll leave it on my old machines. (Can you do batch files on W7?)
Office 07 runs ok on my Dell Vostro 1500, but when I have a few windows open, it sometimes blanks large sections of one or more pages. Usually clears if I do a save (it's a Core2Duo processor)
I do like to listen to some music and watch the occasional Hulu.
Hulu is probably limited by my wireless DSL, but also somewhat by the compute.
Music is OK if I use Media Player. I gave up on iTunes because it bogs whenever I do anything else with either my older desktop(3GHz, 2GB) or my laptop (slower, but core2).
As I said, I'm just looking for a little advice on specs (please).
I'm not interested in Apple or Linux, I know that they're awesome, but they don't fit into my screwy lifestyle.
Thanks,
hj
I've seen good compute advice on here before, so I'll ask.
I'm looking for a new compute, probably a desktop, and I wonder what specs to look at.
I normally do a little browsing and use some office apps. I also run the ancient VB6, but that probably is a non starter, so I'll leave it on my old machines. (Can you do batch files on W7?)
Office 07 runs ok on my Dell Vostro 1500, but when I have a few windows open, it sometimes blanks large sections of one or more pages. Usually clears if I do a save (it's a Core2Duo processor)
I do like to listen to some music and watch the occasional Hulu.
Hulu is probably limited by my wireless DSL, but also somewhat by the compute.
Music is OK if I use Media Player. I gave up on iTunes because it bogs whenever I do anything else with either my older desktop(3GHz, 2GB) or my laptop (slower, but core2).
As I said, I'm just looking for a little advice on specs (please).
I'm not interested in Apple or Linux, I know that they're awesome, but they don't fit into my screwy lifestyle.
Thanks,
hj
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 164,377
Likes: 82
From: MA
The basic specs I would say to go for would be these
i5 Intel Processor
4Gb of Memory
ATI or NVidia graphics card not built in
500Gb Hard Drive
Wireless card with a minimum of 150mbps data rate 300mbps prefered
Your router should also be capable of the high data rate not 54Mbps..
I would also say stay away from the small case computers and go for a mid tower size..
Easier to get parts for and they don't run as hot as the smaller ones
Just my 2 cents
i5 Intel Processor
4Gb of Memory
ATI or NVidia graphics card not built in
500Gb Hard Drive
Wireless card with a minimum of 150mbps data rate 300mbps prefered
Your router should also be capable of the high data rate not 54Mbps..
I would also say stay away from the small case computers and go for a mid tower size..
Easier to get parts for and they don't run as hot as the smaller ones
Just my 2 cents
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 8
From: Southern Oregon Coast
I would agree with what donjamer recommended.
I don't run Intel processors so I would say go with an AMD tri-core (such as the Athlon II x3) or a quad-core. The x3's are pretty reasonably priced and some of them (like the 1 I run) can keep up with the lower to mid quad cores...
They're also putting out some pretty decent laptops/notebooks that would do what you're looking for...
I don't run Intel processors so I would say go with an AMD tri-core (such as the Athlon II x3) or a quad-core. The x3's are pretty reasonably priced and some of them (like the 1 I run) can keep up with the lower to mid quad cores...
They're also putting out some pretty decent laptops/notebooks that would do what you're looking for...
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach, Ms.
Today only or until gone Woot® : One Day, One Deal
HP Quad-Core Notebook w/ Blu-ray
$519.99 + $5 shipping
Yes it is a refurb
I actually consider a refurb a better choice than a straight from the factory.
It has been gone over and you know it checks out.
HP Quad-Core Notebook w/ Blu-ray
$519.99 + $5 shipping
Yes it is a refurb
I actually consider a refurb a better choice than a straight from the factory.
It has been gone over and you know it checks out.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 10,060
Likes: 491
From: Bristol, TN.
For my desktop, I use a Dell XPS with an i7 and 8 megs of ram. First time I have ever ordered a computer with a high-end graphics card. Got this set-up to replace my six-year-old E-Machine. Do a lot of Photoshop using raw format and used to take forever to download out of my camera into Light Room. Now it is almost instantaneous. Will run two monitors, etc.
Just depends on what you want to do with it. Right now it is a little overkill, but in a year or two who knows what the operating systems will require.
Steve
Just depends on what you want to do with it. Right now it is a little overkill, but in a year or two who knows what the operating systems will require.
Steve
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