I need computer advice

[Mushin San]

I know we have some knowledgable computer people on this forum. I am planning on buying a new laptop for writing and games. What I want to know is the a big difference between a 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4 Ghz processers or won't I see a difference. Also should I go for 1024mb DDR ram or is 512mb enough for gaming and E-budo.:) One more question is it worth waiting for 256mb graphic card.

[Starkjudo]

2.8, 3.0, 3.2 or 3.4, you probably won't see any great differences. I'd guess that there won't be too big a difference in price between 2.8 and 3.0 - just go with the one that is not significantly higher than the 2.8 - for instance, it may be 20 bucks more expensive for the 3.0 or 3.2, but 75-100 dollars more expensive for the 3.4.

512 should be enough, but if 1024 is within your budget, go for it. Same with the 256 mb card, although I expect the 128mb card will do a good job of playing almost all games.

[PwarYuex]

Go for more RAM (1024) rather than the higher graphics card (256 meg).

It's unlikely you'll need the extra graphics, although you can always do for more RAM :)

[Rogier]

I suggest that you buy a desktop instead of a laptop, especially if you want to play lots of games on it.

Go with the fastest processor you can afford, you won't see the difference now, but in a years time you will start to notice the difference!!

Go with at least 1 gig of memory and buy a very good videocard with lots of memory. Especially the memory and videocard make the biggest difference.

- fastest processor you can afford
- at least 1 gig memory
- best videocard you can buy
- at least 200 gig harddisk (for lots of pron)

[Ken-Hawaii]

Aloha!

As a brand new member, but a very long-time computer consultant, I see a lot of good advice so far. But no one has brought up machines you can test your programs upon. Sure, it's great to use the fastest machine around, with 1 GB-plus RAM & a video card with 256 MB, but what are your users going to be using?

I recommend that you have a couple of old Pentium IIs & IIIs with 8 MB video boards (& maybe with Windows 98) so you can test what you've written in the "real world." That way, you have a much better chance of writing something that's sellable.

[Rogier]

if he's going to play any games that have been released the last few months he'll be best of with the machines we've suggested...

(just try and play Halo on a pent 2 :-D )

and yes I know what I'm talking about... still got a pent 1, 2 and 3 up and running at home. God... I think I still have a pre-pent pc somewhere.

[Ewok]

By writing I think he meant the word processing sort ;) Sounds about right to me

[Mushin San]

Well I bought a dell Inspiron 9100 3.0ghz 1mb l2 cache 800mhz FSB, 1gb RAm, 128mb AGP graphic card, bluetooth, and wireless, and the beauty is Dell made the new laptops so you can upgrade your laptop. I can change processor, graphic card, and all. The weight does not bother me. I have dragged my Inspiron 8000 around for five years. It is good training for my sword and off arm while away from the dojo.

[Rogier]

the main problem with a laptop is that if you do want to upgrade it all the parts are quite a bit more expensive then their desktop counterparts..

[Mushin San]

I agree they are more expensive to upgrade, but considering I am out of the house five or six days a week the cost is worth the usability factor to me. I have no interest in carrying a desktop, and moniter around.

[Rogier]

If you're up and about lots then you're right, a laptop is a great solution.