[Leica] Need a New Lap Top...Cheap!

[montoid at earthlink.net (Montie)]

Thanks Hop...this is very helpful indeed!!  I'll probably
take you up on your "off line" help offer early next month.
Just like my dumb ass to think I might get a deal 12 days
before Christmas...Maybe I'll try to struggle along with
the old Presario until Vista comes out?  Really appreciate
the help!  ;-)

Montie
----------------------------

> Montie, the good news is that you will get a lot of computing for your
money these days. A much faster and more capable machine for
> a lot less money. Shopping wise, just prior Christmas is not the best time
to secure the best deal nor a lot of the salesperson's
> time if you need to ask a lot of questions. Whatever you buy will be
superseded within six months. I wouldn't fret too much over
> whether you get the latest and greatest and there is always something new
around the corner.
>
>
> Firstly, you have mentioned a laptop. Unless you have a priority need to
make it portable, I suggest that you consider a desktop;
> especially as you are using Photoshop. The screen is the weak link. A
laptop screen is inferior to a larger dedicated monitor with a
> good graphics card for PS. You will also pay significantly more for the
same capability with a laptop, because many components have
> to be made smaller and cooler running than the standard versions.
>
> For Macs, you can only shop with a specialist MAC dealer. These machines
are excellent and are the choice of many graphics
> professionals. That is the desk top types. I know that there are a number
of Mac enthusiasts on the list and I'll leave any
> suggestions there to those folk.
>
> PC's with an INTEL processor (or an AMD processor) have the majority of
the market.
> In your situation I suggest that you choose a PC from a large company like
Dell or HP. You shop on-line and can vary the offered
> standard configurations as you like. The advantage is that there is a
formal support network and the prices are good since they deal
> with huge quantities.
>
>
> For your specifics that you mentioned:
> INTEL Core 2 duo is their latest processor (CPU) range. Generally the best
value for money is a couple of models down from the top.
> All of them are plenty fast enough for you.
> Memory (RAM) at least 1 gigabyte. For Photoshop 2GB is better. You need
DDR2 dual channel.
> Hard drive (HDD) get a monster, they are all ridiculously cheap. For
Photoshop it is better to get a second hard drive as well.
> Windows XP home is fine. XP Pro is better if you are in a network
situation. Be aware that Windows Vista is arriving. There are
> upgrade deals if you buy XP and then change to Vista when available.
> Get a DVD drive that will burn DVDS and CDs for you
>
> Maybe have a look at the on-line sites for the big brands first and your
first decision is desktop or laptop. Once you have had a
> look, drop me a line off-list if you would like some specifics or any
questions at all. I'm happy to help.
>
> Cheers
> Hoppy
>
------------------------
>
> Need some IT help here...my 7 year old Compaq Presario 1200
> is dying a slow and hideous death!  When I bought it, I knew a little
> about the technology but I have not kept up and now, after looking
> for a new one, I have no idea what they are talking about.Dual this...
> Core that...Ram x 2 (bluetooth is wireless, right)?
>
> Anyway...I'm not too big on all the muti-media stuff so I'm not
> looking for anything super teched out.  I also don't store hundreds
> of photos on my hard drive...I want CD writng/reading capability
> so I can store edited pics on CDs?  Enough memory to safely run
> CS...is XP home edition cool?  I'm still running ME and recently
> got a note from Microsoft stating that ME is no longer a supported
> OS ;-(
>
> Help the analog man!  Suggestions greatly appreciated!  Thanks
> in advance!
>
> Montie