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Post by Arinae on Jan 5, 2010 6:12:46 GMT
I'm in the browsing stage of getting a new laptop and I have a few questions.
What's the difference (if any) between netbooks and notebooks? The netbooks do seem to be smaller but hard drive and stuff like that seems to be comparable to the laptops. Is there an advantage for one or the other?
What's a good processor speed?
What are computer components to look for to get a fast computer? Is it memory?
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Post by Dylan on Jan 5, 2010 7:32:53 GMT
1) Netbooks are mainly for internet use, notebooks are basically laptops.
2) 2.00GHz or more is pretty good. Try going for a dual-core (Core 2 Duo) or quad-core (Core i7) if you can, as more cores means it'll be faster at loading programs etc...
3) A good processor speed and lots of RAM. Also, if you're looking to play pretty new games, make sure the laptop doesn't have an Intel graphics card (Nvidia GeForce and ATI Radeon cards are suitable for gaming). However, if you just want to watch HD movies, then Intel graphics cards will do it just fine.
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Might also be worth mentioning that you can replace, add or remove RAM from the laptop. Most modern laptops expand up to 4GB, so even if it has 2GB, you can add more to it. You can also replace the harddrive. It's almost impossible to replace the graphics cards and processors, as they're soldered to the motherboard (integrated), so that's why it's good to check the specs of both first.
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Post by Dylan on Jan 6, 2010 8:00:23 GMT
And how does that help her? Oh, another thing. Make sure it's running Windows XP or Windows 7. Or if it does have to be Vista, upgrade to Windows 7 as soon as possible.
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Post by Arinae on Jan 6, 2010 18:57:23 GMT
I have Vista now. I'm well aware of its problems, lol. I once had someone comment that they are amazed my computer can do anything at all with my current specs. It wouldn't be bad if my computer could function correctly on a regular basis with any sort of speed at all and not freeze... Thanks for the help! @ Rick, a desktop would be a huge pain to try and take notes on during class. I think it would be more work than it's worth to get one, I'll stick to a laptop for now .
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Post by Dylan on Jan 6, 2010 19:05:31 GMT
lool You're welcome. I might just tell you that you might want to get the 32bit operating system, as many programs and drivers haven't been made for or aren't compatible with the 64bit versions. Also i'll just say 64bit versions support up to 128GB of RAM, not as though you'll ever fit that into a laptop of course...
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Post by Arinae on Jan 6, 2010 19:42:19 GMT
Okay. I'll keep that in mind.
I don't really do gaming and stuff that much so I don't need an amazing system...I just want one that will work without freezing and not take twenty mintues to start up on good days....
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Post by Dylan on Jan 7, 2010 0:14:34 GMT
Ahhh i see your problem, and i used to experience it with my mum's computer. Glad i got a laptop now. Don't have to use that piece of anymore.
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Post by Dylan on Jan 7, 2010 13:01:52 GMT
To run Vista over? Yeah good idea. I think carrying a laptop throughout her classes would be a hell of a lot easier than carrying a bulking desktop.
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