Recommendations for a new computer

[Talia]

So I just found out that my family is going to keep my current computer desktop, and get me a new one for college. The one I have now is a gateway running on vista (which I haven't had any real problems with yet), with these specs: Processor - intel(R) pentium(R) D CPU 3.20GHz 3.19GHz, Memory - 1014MB, System - 32-bit.

I'm really not knowledgeable when it comes to what makes a good computer. I want to get a laptop this time, and definitely have more RAM. But besides that, is there anything I should know or any suggestions you guys might have on what I should get? All help is appreciated :]


I plan on using it for all the basics; music, pictures, internet, possibly note taking, ect. Also a game or two, like sims and other smaller online games. I tend to keep more than one program open when I'm working, so I want something that won't lag excessively or crash.

[Nelson]

For college? Why dont you get a laptop.. Not a netbook though.

[Zero Beat]

For college? Why dont you get a laptop.. Not a netbook though.

:) Do not get a netbook what ever you do.

I'm not very good for laptops etc... Or anything non-mac :P Get a mac :P nahh to costly... One of the smart posters will come along and save the day ^_^
MacBook Pro. 13"

[Nelson]

Umm 'scuse me Jack, are you calling me not smart *sobs*

But yeah, mac is good, but too expensive :(

[Zero Beat]

Umm 'scuse me Jack, are you calling me not smart *sobs*

But yeah, mac is good, but too expensive :(

Well you just put down "Why not just get a laptop, but not a notebook" They were asking for a bit more like brand, specs etc that would be good.

[Nelson]

Ok then. chillpill and plus i only know aussie prices and brands.. Not USA

[JackOfClubs]

I bought a Gateway NV5207u a while ago. Fantastic laptop, and it was only $480. 320GB HDD, 4GB RAM, Dual core AMD processor @ 2.0GHz, 15.6" widescreen @ 1366x768. Great if you want a good, cheap laptop. Link. (http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668464.php)

[Close102]

I have the Dell Inspiron 1525 and as long as you aren't going to play video games on it then it is great. The video card that it comes with isn't that good so that's why it's not good for video games. They do not sell it anymore but the current model (Inspiron 1564) has just about the same specs link (http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/inspiron-1564/pd.aspx?refid=inspiron-1564&s=dhs&cs=19&redirect=1).

it starts at $589 for the most basic model and $789 for the most expensive (before Personalization). They all come with 3-4 G of RAM so I think that covers the "more RAM" concern you had.

If you do a lot of design then you might want to go for a basic Macbook but even the most basic still costs over $1000.

[Talia]

Thanks for the replies :] I updated my post with what I would be using it for, and looking at some brands I think I'm leaning towards either a Dell or HP. Alot of people seem to be saying positive things about HP.

[Chevy]

Get one with a lot of RAM

[Close102]

HP is good for printers and printers only pretty much. My old HP computer is now a paperweight. They are extremely slow and are not very good at multi-tasking. Mine took almost 15 minutes from pressing the start button to be able to go onto the internet and the computer wasn't that old. I stick with my previous suggestion of the Dell Inspiron but you might want to get the 4G of RAM and maybe think about upgrading the video card. If they are small games they should be fine but it would still be a good upgrade. It's like $50 if you upgrade when you buy the computer during Personalization.