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Questions about getting a new computer

 
07-06-2007 02:19X_Trixi_X is offline X_Trixi_X  

395 posts
I'm getting a new computer to take to college with me in the fall, but I don't know much about computers or which kind to get. I want to get a laptop so i can transport it easier, but I heard PCs were better. Are there any big differences?

I would like to get a computer that had windows Vista, but i've heard good and bad things about it. Should I get Vista or stick to XP? What makes Vista better or worse?

I need something that will last me through my 4 years in college and a little beyond are there any good and reliable brands of computers?

Lastly, what is a good MB or GB amount of hard drive space, memory, and RAM? (or if they even matter)

If you have any other advice about computers and what kind to get please share it with me because I only know the basics. Thanks so much!




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07-06-2007 02:32PunkRckr8 is offline PunkRckr8 


11,632 posts
If you really think you'll be carrying a laptop around with you if you get one, then that's the obvious first choice.

I choose a desktop because I knew even if I had a laptop I wouldn't take it anywhere, but I know plenty of people who use theirs on the fly and like the mobility.

I'm personally one of the people who hates MACs so, my vote goes against getting one of them.

Plenty of people love MACs, but I think they're a pain to use, all show and no go, and despite the claims they're plenty open to viruses and hacking. However, not to be completely sexist, but girls seem to love MACs, so maybe one would be right for you?

Dells are popular, but aren't all that reliable because of how many they pump out. I have a dell, and like it for the most part, but it does some weird crap everynow and then, but I suppose most comps do that sort of thing.

As far as memory goes, a lot depends on how much money you're willing/wanting to spend. If you plan on running a lot of programs, and saving music and whatnot on your comp, you'll probably want quite a bit of memory (I have 145 GB on mine, but have taken up a whole lot, probably too much, with music and movies for instance). But, you could always buy external memory drives to store extra stuff if you don't want to get a bunch directly on your system to start with.
07-06-2007 02:33PunkRckr8 is offline PunkRckr8 


11,632 posts
aaand, checking Consumer Reports or something similar to compare brands/set-ups would probably help as well
07-06-2007 09:16lonewolfatheist is offline lonewolfatheist 


3,901 posts
You'll want Windows XP because not everything is compatible with Vista yet.
07-06-2007 10:43NightHobbit is offline NightHobbit 


23,504 posts
i have vista everything for me works fine on it all i need is disc 2 phone

i just ordered an apple macbook as their great for art work

macbooks are say 'perfect' in a sense for college work.
07-06-2007 10:49NightHobbit is offline NightHobbit 


23,504 posts
plus a laptop is perfect for me as i go to my boyfriends alot and i sorta live in between places.
07-06-2007 11:12Dagor is offline Dagor 


38,012 posts
a. a laptop is stll more expensive than a desktop. So check if mobility (or space) is a big issue for you or not. If it's not, go for a desktop.

b. If you just want to use it for internet, chatting, office applications: any computer will do. You don't need a lot for that and any computer offers you that.

c. Most computers these days have enough disk space (top is around 160 GB for a laptop, 500 GB for a desktop), and external disks are getting cheaper and cheaper, so even if you run out of diskspace, you could always upgrade. But that is pretty unlikely.

d. and now it depends all on what you want to do with it: mainly there are these components to evaluate:

- processor type
- cache memory
- graphics card + memory
- sound card
- connections (modem, ethernet, WLAN, USB, ...)

For instance: if you want to play the newest games, a good graphics card is absolutely necessary. If you want to enjoy music, then a decent sound card is nice. It all depends on how much you want to spend on it.

Considering Vista/XP .. I know that Vista might still have a few bugs, but the upgrades will come for free. In 3 years most applications will be tested for Vista only, and it will almost become necessary to switch to Vista. You'll have to buy it at one point or another, so I would say that it's wiser to get it now (coming for free with the computer) and live with the constant downloads of updates. I only have it since a day, so it's too soon for me to evaluate it.

And read reports on the internet before you buy anything
07-06-2007 11:13NightHobbit is offline NightHobbit 


23,504 posts
plus search the globe to find the cheapeast and thats what i did i got an apple macbook for £699 everywhere else their more expensive.
07-06-2007 21:27X_Trixi_X is offline X_Trixi_X 

395 posts
thanks for all the help!

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