Buying a computer

[bertusgeert 1]

I am freaked out by all the numbers and dont know what is what anymore. I used to.

So..

I'm in college and need a computer.
There are plenty of computers around campus, so I dont think I need a laptop.

A desktop would also be easier to upgrade, and is usaully cheaper - right?

All I need is FAST internet access....
MS WORD, EXCEL, Powerpoint, etc.
I wanna also be able to burn CDs.

Later on when I strap da camera to my head, I would like to play with editing and making movies.

So what do you think I need, what kinda specifications?


This is a deal my Dad found - they will pay for 2/3 of the computer.

Dell Laptop; 14” Display; 30Gb Hard Drive; 256 M Memory; Windows XP; Read/Write CD. Prys: $699

So what do you all suggest I do?

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As jy dom is moet jy bloei!

[DJatLarge 0]

You were looking good till you said you wanted to edit video on your computer. For that you will want to have a really good processor, at least 1 gig of Ram, and a huge hard drive to store the video clips before and after you edit them. You are also looking at whether you want to burn them to DVD's or not....... another thing to look at.

[AggieDave 6]

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A desktop would also be easier to upgrade, and is usaully cheaper - right?

Yup, but you can't lug it to your favorite coffee shop to study with. And with a wireless internet card, its very nice to take with you.

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Later on when I strap da camera to my head, I would like to play with editing and making movies.

If you really want to do that, then you need some serious horse power in the CPU, lots of memory (RAM and HD).

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Dell Laptop; 14” Display; 30Gb Hard Drive; 256 M Memory; Windows XP; Read/Write CD. Prys: $699

Not bad, not bad at all. If you can, see if you can upgrade the RAM to 512mb, as a rule of thumb, you can never have too much RAM. 30gb of HD space isn't bad, you can definately live with that, especially if you don't store a lot of stuff on your HD, but burn it off to CD. You can look at it this way, though, I have what I consider to be small available space and I have 200gbs. A 30gb HD isn't big enough to even hold my MP3 collection.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[bertusgeert 1]

Cool, I see what you are saying.

I like MP3's - can I hook it up to my stereo and get good sound right?

I also like a nice big screen, which I can also add right?

It will take a (LONG!) while before I shoot good enough footage to put it into a movie and edit it, so that is something I can invest in later. Not too worried about it now.

So the only extra cost is the RAM and the WiFi right?

Can some of you explain WIFI to me?

THANKS!!

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As jy dom is moet jy bloei!

[AggieDave 6]

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I like MP3's - can I hook it up to my stereo and get good sound right?

Yup, very simple to do.

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I also like a nice big screen, which I can also add right?

To a laptop? Ummm, not really, you can have a monitor that you use in your dorm room, but that would be a bitch to lug around.

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Can some of you explain WIFI to me?

Basically, you pay for a service that offers "hot spots" places where there is coverage. With that service and your card, you're able to wirelessly connect through the service at the hot spot to the internet.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[beowulf 1]

could always get a port replicator. That would make it easier to hook up a mouse keyboard and monitor while at home/Dorm.

[AggieDave 6]

Yeah, that he could do. I've never been a fan of those, too bulky, takes up your desk, etc.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[bch7773 0]

i would go with a desktop. I see lots of people with laptops, but not that many of em take the time to drag it around outside their room. if you're not a businessman, its more of a gimmick then something actually needed, IMHO.

plus desktops are cheaper, you can upgrade them much easier, and you can mix and match what you want on it (monitors, printers, speakers, etc). plus a desktop is more "making video" friendly. with that laptop you listed, its at a good price, but keep in mind its a 14" screen, and only one CD tray... so you can't just copy CDs.

MB 3528, RB 1182

[Flyer2Diver 0]

I had a desktop when I was in college, but would highly recommend a laptop now (I now have laptops for both my work & home computers).

1. Laptops have gotten far more capable in recent years. I can edit video on my laptop easily, and it is plenty fast enough for internet & MS office.

2. The value of the added expandability of a desktop is overrated IMHO - most people won't expand beyond adding RAM, hard disk space & peripherals (which can be added to laptops easily now, using USB2 or Firewire) - upgrading video cards, etc. is mainly for hardcore gamers - if you are one of those, a desktop is probably a better choice. Also, there is a limit to the amount of expansion you want to do - at some point, buying a new PC becomes more cost-effective than trying to pimp out an old one (which likely has a slow processor, bus, worn power supply, etc.)

3. It's very conveient to be able to take your laptop with you when you go away on breaks, home for the summer, etc. I used to lug my desktop home - which was a major PITA.

4. Laptops take up less space (and space is often at a premium)

Just my .02

Blue skies

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30005KT 10SM SKC 23/05 A3006

[bertusgeert 1]

yeah, a laptop might be a better idea...

i can just have they keyboard/mouse/screen at home.

thanks for all the advice

i'll go for the dell deal

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As jy dom is moet jy bloei!