|
|||||||
 |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
03-09-2004, 07:06 PM
|
#1 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Premium Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,616
|
What do I get: new laptop or new desktop??
Hi guys. I'm stuck here. My main computer is a P4 1.3 gig, 256 ram, Dell that I got 4 years ago. I have some extra cash finaly, but do I get a new really great desktop to replace this one that is a little out of date, or a nice laptop and hold out another year for my desktop? Here is my situation:
My current desktop isn't bad at all. It works fine, just missing some features that are starting to move from the "would be nice" list to the "this is getting anoying" list. It has a CD/RW that I like, but no DVD drive. I have the USB 1.1 ports I could ever use, but no USB 2.0 or Firewire ports that are going to start becoming a problem when I start upgrading my twichy scanner, and old digital cam or want to get a digital video cam. Ram and CPU are fine for what I want to do mostly, but I play MMORPGs so they are a tad out of date really. Plus my video card is an older GeForce 2 MX 400. Works for now, but I'm sure it won't for the next gen games. Your thinking, well why not just get the new desktop right? Well I'm also a college student, as well as a bit of a writter, so a laptop would be real nice to take to class and be able to work on a story or report without being chained to a desk. So do I get the desktop and write in the same room for another year but enhance my gaming and web graphics work, or the laptop and dig in for the wait on the next round of desktop parts? I don't want to spend more then $1,500, $1,000 would be better. What would you all do? |
|
|
|
03-09-2004, 07:28 PM
|
#2 |
|
Member (9 bit)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 484
|
I rather have high-end desktop bulit over mobility. I recently purchased 3.0 GHz, Audigy 2 ZS, TT7700, Dual 1GB PC3500, Radeon 9800 Pro for less than $1300.
|
|
|
|
|
03-09-2004, 07:29 PM
|
#3 |
|
Member (14 bit)
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: Christmas, Florida
Posts: 10,661
|
I would probly be tempted to sell the now computer to help pay for the parts to build nice system, I don't see the need to justify the cost of a laptop.
the other method I would use is to scrap the dell case and buy a new one with a newer motherboard , cpu and some fast ddr ram, and use the rest of the same parts from your old system to cut the cost way down on the new system. you will end up with a much better system at much less money than a new system would cost. |
|
|
|
|
03-09-2004, 07:38 PM
|
#4 |
|
Member (4 bit)
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Illinois
Posts: 10
|
If your looking around at laptops check out the Dell Inspiron 8600. 15.4 widescreen, Centrino chipset for long battery life, and can be bought for around $1200-1300. I hang around the Dell boards and the 8600 is the best laptop in the Dell lineup. Ive had mine for 3 weeks and couldnt be happier.
|
|
|
|
|
03-09-2004, 11:32 PM
|
#5 |
|
Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 1,012
  |
the only reason I wouldnt buy a laptop is for gaming, other than that they are just so handy BUT a desktop is so much cheaper in price, repair costs and easier to upgrade in order to keep up with advancement in technologie.
cheers
__________________
3.40 AMD Phenom II X4 965--4G OCZ DDR3---Asus 5770 ATI Radeon----INTEL 78G SSD drive |
|
|
|
|
03-10-2004, 02:03 AM
|
#6 |
|
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,773
|
I'd buy the laptop and maybe a docking station, just make sure the laptop has a decent video chip and you can game very nicely on it. Keep the desktop around too and network them together. You can upgrade the desktop to Firewire, USB 2.0, and a DVD drive for around 70 bucks - this would be with a decent DVD drive and a combo USB 2.0/Firewire card.
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2004, 02:18 AM
|
#7 |
|
iTroll
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: 818
Posts: 2,252
|
I had the same choice recently. I got a desktop because of its mobility and im heading to college next skool year.
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2004, 02:35 PM
|
#8 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Premium Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,616
|
Thanks for all the advice guys. I think the laptop might be my best bet. I can get USB 2.0 and Firewire ports on any laptop I want if I find myself with a need for the newer devices in the next year or so. The desktop I have should do most everything I want it to do for another year. I can hold out until the next round of hardware to come out.
|
|
|
|
|
03-10-2004, 02:42 PM
|
#9 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Blue Springs, MO
Posts: 1,766
|
My son just decided against a laptop and for a desktop. He found he could get a lot more for the money if he went desktop. If you don't need mobility, then you don't need a laptop. Of course your reasoning for waiting until the next generation of parts comes out is pretty good.
__________________
CH "All you need is love." |
|
|
|
|
03-10-2004, 02:48 PM
|
#10 |
|
Member (7 bit)
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 92
|
I say forget the computer and take a cruise ship around the world!
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2004, 05:35 PM
|
#11 |
|
Member (11 bit)
Premium Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,616
|
Has anyone here worked with http://www.cyberpowerinc.com before? I am looking at their centrino laptops. They look vary good at first glance, and the prices are vary on par with Dell.
|
|
|
|
|
03-11-2004, 06:11 PM
|
#12 |
|
Member (9 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: G.P., TX
Posts: 472
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
Linear Mode
