I have a stupid question on computers
 

If I am looking at a laptop and want the fastest one...what number do I look for???:confused: and what is it called?

Hi! :)

You want to look at:

- Number of processors.
- Processor speed.
- Amount of RAM / amount of total memory.
~ Size of hard disk.

It also matters what you're planning to use your computer for. Why do you need the 'fastest' one?

So all of those contribute to the speed? I just do not like sitting with a hourglass. I like fast :) What numbers should I be looking for?

All of these things affect speed. Relatively speaking, pretty much all laptops are fast compared to what they were five years ago. :) There's a lot of things to consider, though.

- Do you want a Mac or PC?

- What do you want to use this laptop for? Word processing? Email? Photo editing? Work?

- How much are you willing to spend?

I would also make sure the operating system can handle the amount of RAM the computer comes with. I'd definitely go for 64 bit Windows 7 as its capable of handling more RAM. I'd look for at least 4G. If you have a couple laptops you're considering why not post the specs and I can try to give you more help.

Right now I am looking at the Dell Touch Screen Laptops and you can basically design it the way you want. Any suggestions?

Do you have a price range or a max by chance?

I just bought this one and love it!!! The prices on the Dell website seem a little steep to me.
Samsung - Laptop with Intel® Core™ i5 Processor - Red/Black - NP-R580-JSB1US

This one also looks good
Dell - Studio Laptop with Intel® Core™ i7 Processor - Black Chainlink - S1747-3209CBK

Dell tech support is a living nightmare. Been there, done that.

Your questions are not stupid.

From my experience it's not to bad anymore. When I got my first dell laptop (2002) it was a nightmare! Mostly because they outsourced their support, and had them reading off a screen. Despite my horrible experience I bought another laptop from them and have had good support over the last couple years. One thing I like is the warranty, you get. My boss just bought one from Future Shop and when it broke (after the first month) they wanted to take it for over 2 weeks to fix it. When you use your computer for work this is hardly an option. Dell will send the part with support to your house within a couple days and that is excellent. (If you choose the right warranty package)

Get 4 gb ram - nice if you can upgrade it to more later
64 bit
Processor Intel Core i5 cpu M520 @ 2.4o ghz is the one I'm looking at.
largest hard drive you can 250-360 gb

What the processor is called may differ from one manufacturer to another. Technology changes every year, so it's pretty hard to keep up w/terminology.

If you are shopping on a manufacturer website put together what you think you want, then call sales & ask them if you have what you think you want before finishing your order.

Remember the more you want, the more it costs. I've always wanted screamers too. It costs me everytime. It basically comes down to how much you can afford. Good luck!

Today's nb are sooo nice compared to back when I first got one many years ago.

You guys are very helpful! Thanks! :hug:

I found this one...doesn't have the touch screen... (will I "need" a touch screen???)


# Includes notebook, nine-cell battery, AC adapter, PC Treasures software (software ships separately)
# 2.2GHz Intel Pentium dual-core T4400 processor
# 15.6" diagonal glossy widescreen WLED display with 720p resolution
# 4GB dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM
# 500GB 5400 RPM SATA hard drive
# Slot-loading CD/DVD/DVD+/-RW writer
# Dell 2GB DataSafe online backup/storage for one year
# Dell 1397 wireless b/g mini-card
# Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD graphics
# Built-in surround sound speakers, subwoofer
# Built-in 2MP Web cam, array mic, facial-recognition software
# 10/100/1000 gigabit ethernet
# Built-in 8-in-1 memory card reader: SD, hi-speed SD, SDHD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD
# Two USB 2.0 ports
# HDMI, USB/eSATA, IEEE 1394, VGA, RJ-45 ports
# Line-in/line-out/microphone jacks
# ExpressCard/34 slot
# Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit
# Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
# 30 days of McAfee Security
# 1-year LoJack theft protection
# Measures approximately 14-5/8"W x 10"D x 1-1/2"H
# UL listed; 1-year LMW

And then come with additional software:
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8

o Fashion Solitaire

o H&R Block at Home Basic e-file

o Hallmark Scrapbook Studio Deluxe 3

o Mahjonng Ancient Mayas

o McAfee VirusScan Plus 2010 (3 yr subscription

o Roboform Password Manager

o Scrabble Champion Edition

o System Mechanic 9

o Top Chef- The Game

o World's Best Board Games

o Million Dollar Password

To answer your question about the touch screen: no, you don't need it. :)

Don't worry about the software, except for the basics you'll be using all the time. I'm assuming that you'll be using Microsoft Office, which you are getting; Photo editing software (not sure if what you are getting is enough, might be); do you plan to do any type of video editing?

Most game software you can get on the cheap, so I wouldn't worry about that. You do want to make sure you get really solid protection against malware (viruses, worms, and spyware).

I've had problems with McAfee conflicting with other software on my notebook, but it is very popular. You can also download Windows Defender and Hijaack This.

I would recommend that you shop at Dell Outlet if you are wanting a Dell. You can get a 'scratch and dent' (we have ordered this numerous times and have yet to see any scratches or dents and my last laptop was actually refurbished!), refurbs, previously ordered news, etc... the prices are a LOT less than brand spanking new. Also, if you sign up for their mailing list, you will occasionally get a coupon for 15% off of Dell Outlet prices... which is honestly unbeatable, if you ask me. :) Good luck!

LOL yes but what fun it may be! :D

I should admit that I am a complete electronics geek where I always want the latest and greatest gadget out. ;)

I agree. :D:D:D

That sounds pretty decent Breny. You would love the 9-cell battery! Speakers-good; Office-good if it's the full version & not just a trial version; Photoshop Elements 8 is supposed to have some great new features. I'm using version 5.

# Dell 1397 wireless b/g mini-card - the newest is b/g/n. The 'n' is supposed to be fastest out & most recent. I think you probably would need the same in a router. Don't know what else would be involved. I'm not that schooled on it.

I like the idea of facial recognition, but I would worry about what is the backup if the software malfunctions & you can't get in your own computer. I've had no experience with it, has anyone else? It sounds pretty neat though.

Touch screen looks fun, but I don't know that I would really use it that much if it were me. Too many years of not touching the screen has me pretty set in my ways. Have you ever needed a touch screen before? If you haven't, you don't need one now. Would it be fun? Yes it probably would. : )

Be sure that any new software you buy is 64 bit compatible or you might have trouble using it. Although I did find a fix for 2 programs. Don't know if that would work for all programs or not.

Overall, it sounds pretty good.

I'm with you, Breny... always want the latest & greatest!!! Dang, it always cost me!

I know its a crazy obsession! LOL I just noticed your from MI too!

Thank for all the info!!! This one I posted was actually from QVC Dell Studio 15", T4300, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, 9- Cell, MS Office - QVC.com
They tend to add in the extra software, which is neat.

OK 64 bit. I will have issues running my other software on this??? This is why I was looking at a windows laptop and not a mac. I have an imac desktop and can not use any of my photosoftware and breeder software on it so I thought i'd get a windows laptop.
I do have a mini laptop, thought I'd use it a whole heck more but honestly the small screen bug the eyes sometimes and I still can't use my software on it.
I gave my gateway laptop to hubby when I got my mini and now he says he isn't giving it back haha. :D

What do you think of this one? Dell - Inspiron Laptop with Intel® Core™ i5 Processor - Black Obsidian - I1764-6075OBK

of course no bonus software. I do know I'd use the heck out of elements 8, since I have elements 6 now.

You definitely want 64 bit. It's the wave of the future.

I remember having to switch from 16 bit to 32 bit. :dreaming:

OK cool, thank you!

This was an interesting thread. Thanks for posting now I know what to look for when I buy my next computer;)

This one has the Core i5 processor that has that turbo boost. There is an i3 that is slower. This doesn't have as much battery time-think it's a 6 cell, but very better than they used to be. Larger screen (my next one will be). Good size hard drive. Speakers may not be as good, it just says stereo. Many nbs have quite a tinny sound. Doesn't have Home & Student.

I wonder on the wireless N - will it downgrade itself to b/g if that's what's needed at your home or wherever you are? That would be important to know.

Over all, it boils down to choices. I've never seen it happen. Why can't they make like items without taking away other features we want??? Why? Whhyyyyyeeee!!!

You might have trouble running 32 bit software on 65 bit. I did, but found on a blog somewhere a suggestion to install the program directly onto the c: drive, instead of the Program Folders that Win usually wants to install them into. I uninstalled the 2 programs & did as was suggested, installed directly onto the C: drive and they work good. It may not work with every program, but it did the two that I wanted.

Breny, if you are really stuck on Dell, I learned something today when I had to stop at BB. I browse desktops now getting ready to get a new one later this year. I asked the woman there who was making good desktops these days. The woman there first suggested Dell. I made a cross sign in front of her that I wouldn't go there. Told her my experience tech support & said I'd never consider it again. She hasn't had the experience with Dell that I had.

Last year I got an email from my son who remembers well how bad my experience was. Email said that when we run into tech support in a foreign country where neither people can understand each other, you can insist on talking to an American representative. I immediately started banging my head on the desk. Anyway, this woman I talked to today said that legally they have to give you access to an American. Be sure to remember that in the future. It's something I'll never forget!

She said she & her husband were building computers 17 yrs ago for a long time. She appeared to really know her stuff.