Time to Choose a New Computer?

If you have enough time to shower and make a pot of coffee while waiting for your computer to boot up, it might be time for a new one. Today's media-intensive applications demand high-speed processing power.


Experts suggest, you'll want to buy a new PC every two to five years. The good news is that it's never been so easy to get so much for your money. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the choices.


PC or Mac?


The gap between PCs and Macs is shrinking. PCs have become easier to use and more reliable, and Macs have become less expensive and now run on Intel processors. Macs still have a slight advantage on ease of use, mostly because Apple keeps tight control on their hardware and software. In the PC world, there's more variety in hardware and software, so there can be more compatibility and reliability issues.


Your interests will play a role in which machine you choose. If you are more into creative pursuits like podcasting and creating Web pages, you'll probably want to get a Mac so you have access to Apple's great software.


If you spend more time using basic Web applications, word processing and synching other devices with your computer, you'll probably get more out of a PC. Keep in mind that you can run Windows applications on a Mac, but you’ll need to purchase both Windows and a program called Parallels to do so.


Laptop or Desktop?


One compelling case for desktops is that they have become incredibly cheap. You can get a perfectly reasonable one for as little as $500 (plus the cost of the monitor). The same power in a laptop will cost you at least $200 more.


Desktops are great if you have an office space devoted to your machine or you like the comfort of a large display. Desktops also make it easier for moms and dads to supervise their kids' computer use. But for families on the go, a laptop with a wireless connection is freedom in a box.


Where and How Do You Plan to Use Your New Computer?


If all you do on your computer is surf the Internet and word process from the same place in your house, you'll be fine with a less expensive desktop computer. If you plan to travel or even move from your desk to the kitchen and back again, the flexibility of a laptop is what you need.
While you can find a fairly powerful desktop computer for around $500, you’ll be hard pressed to find a great laptop for much less than $1,000. Laptops less than that price-point tend to be a bit on the heavy side and not much to look at. They'll use Celeron or Core Duo processors rather than the state-of-the-art Core 2 Duo.


Gamers and media-minded users may want more power (and perhaps a better sound card) than these less expensive laptops. If you're a gamer, you'll be happier if you consider a desktop PC that allows you the flexibility to add memory and hard drive space, which you'll need for some of today’s top graphics.


"Today's media-intensive applications demand high speed processing power. To keep things running smoothly, experts suggest you'll want to buy a new PC every two to five years."


Here's a list of the minimum specifications you'll want in this year's PC laptop.
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo• Memory: 1GB (more is better)• Hard drive: 80GB• Media: DVD-RW to read and write disks• Wireless capability: 802.11a, b and g
General User:If your computer will primarily be for schoolwork, e-mail and iTunes, you'll be able to buy a lot of power for not that much money. Instead of spending more on the computer, you may want to upgrade your monitor to a larger, sleeker, flat screen.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Dell Inspiron E1505Desktop: HP Pavilion a6050y, Dell Dimension E521, HP Pavilion Slimline s3020n


Multimedia User:You need a powerful laptop or desktop for designing Web sites, editing movies and photos, listening to music and playing games. That means you'll want exceptionally good graphics capabilities along with a large hard drive and the fastest processor you can afford. Some computers designed for multimedia use, like the HP Media Center PC, are more focused on entertainment, while others, like the iMac, support creative pursuits.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Sony VAIO AR Series, Apple MacBook ProDesktop: HP Pavilion Media Center TV m8000n, Apple iMac Core 2 Duo


Road Warrior: The smallest and lightest notebooks are often called ultra-portables. They weigh less than four pounds and are no thicker than a standard spiral-bound notebook. Other good choices for the frequent traveler include small form-factor laptops with rugged components and a wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth or 802.11. Some road warriors are opting for tablet PCs which let you write and draw as well as type.


BEST BETS
Laptop: Panasonic Toughbook Y5, Samsung Q1, Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet (Windows Vista)Desktop: You can’t take 'em with you.


Discover EDGE contributor Robin Raskin is the former editor of PC Magazine. She regularly tests new PCs and Apple computers, and thinks today’s computers offer a lot of bang for the buck.
 posted by Jane