|
I've currently got an HP running on a 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 Hyper Threading (160 Gig hard drive, if that makes a difference), and XP Home.
I'd like to replace it with somebody's box package (computer and flat-screen monitor--I can do without a printer) before XP is superceded by Vista, BUT, capable of being upgraded to Vista at a future date.
As other threads point out, speed is no longer a big deal, but how well data is prodessed is, in this case specifically as it relates to the burning of DVDs, both now and the HD versions when burners become available. I'm assuming that system requirements will be a tad more demanding that what I have now.
OK, what to look for: start by what to avoid: Celeron, Durnon, Sempron.
There's still lots of Pentium 4s in packages, from 2.8 on up. I guess I picked a good processor to buy three years ago.
But the latest good thing seems to be the Pentium D (dual core) and the best ones seem to start in the 700 range (eg. 760). Am I correct?
I have no experience with Athalon, but should I even consider anything less than a 3500? Given the incestuous relationship between Microsoft and Intel, will the next generation of MS product behave well on an AMD processor?
I've always tried to hit the "sweet spot" in processors, the one that hangs around, and eventually become the minimum requirement for backwards-compatible software written primarily for the newest OS and the high-powered computer it ideally runs on. Yet if I'm making the investment I need to look to the future too, because I can only afford a new computer every three years..
Anybody here want to guess what the sweet spot will be in 3 years, the processor that was just too good/useful to discontinue?
Thanks.
Brendan
Ps I've toyed with the idea of making my purchase a laptop, but the specs always seem to be underpowered for the burning of DVDs, at least in the budget range. Is this a reasonable assesment? I've never had one and it would be a useful addition to what I can do. What processor should I look for in this case? Any suggestion on brand?
|
