Time to get a new pc

[jcme]

MY PC has been showing it's age recently. It's getting crankier and crankier and I'm finding more and more roadblocks in trying to do things because the older versions of my software aren't compatible with some newer stuff I am trying to use. :(

I am shopping around for a new laptop and just watching for a really good sale to pop up. I'm targeting the $400-$600 price range. I use the PC mainly for internet, word processing, spreadsheets, digital picture management with very little editing. I also need to keep my contacts, calendar and to-do list synced between my phone.

Some things I would like to do are converting old pictures, slides and negatives to digital images and also transfering my albums to CD. I'd also like to do more photo editing. I know this requires special hardware and software so it isn't something I would be doing right away, I just want to make sure the PC I choose would be able to handle this kind of stuff when I'm ready to do it.

Any suggestions on features to look for or avoid? Also, would you get Vista or XP if the option was available. Is it best to buy a pre-configured PC or do a custom build?

Take care

[minimom]

I believe that you can no longer purchase XP with a new computer, your only choice on a PC is Vista. But, I know people that have purchased XP online elsewhere - such as eBay.

One thing I would say, Vista uses a lot more memory than XP. Make sure you get enough memory since a lot of photo software also use a lot of memory.

Good luck with your new purchase. It is fun to get a new one!

Pam

[jcme]

I believe that you can no longer purchase XP with a new computer, your only choice on a PC is Vista. But, I know people that have purchased XP online elsewhere - such as eBay.

One thing I would say, Vista uses a lot more memory than XP. Make sure you get enough memory since a lot of photo software also use a lot of memory.

Good luck with your new purchase. It is fun to get a new one!

Pam

Thanks Pam

There are PCs you can buy with an XP "downgrade" with a little hunting (usually from places that sell machines for small businesses). Personally I'd like to leave the intall to the professionals so buying a copy to install after the fact isn't in my plan ;)

I know Vist needs more memory but didn't realize I should consider more for the photo stuff.

Take care

[rumbledoll]

not sure if you've checked best buy but they have had some great deals on laptops. they sell all brands but i bought my son a dell. you can check them out at bestbuy.com. i've always custom built my dells but probably wont next time i need one.

[LuvMaui]

I'm not a big fan of Windows Vista. I don't blame you for wanting XP.

[juleebugg]

It seems like as soon as you get used to working with one version, they have to come out with the new and improved. Its crazy, but we have to keep up or the old stuff becomes obsolete and then we are stuck.

[Mykhal Jaems]

I'm not the most knowledgeable about computers, DH does all that on mine and his. But I have sort of been paying attention.

Last time we upgraded he bought everything he needed from tigerdirect.com. He bought all new pieces (the ones he couldn't recycle from the pieces we already have) and he has a 'new' computer that runs everything he wants at great speed and I have his old computer with a few new pieces as well and it's great too.

I'm also running Ubuntu. Don't know alot about it, but am sure you can find out more online. Most programs run with it and you get lots of free programs online. The only draw back I've found is when I was looking for free online games to play some didn't run on my computer.

Anyway, just an idea.

[jcme]

Thanks for everyone's input.

With a laptop I think the feel of the keyboard is important so when I first started looking I went to Best Buy since they seem to have the biggest variety. Based on keyboard feel, quality and customer support , I have narrowed it down to just a few brands.

I am looking at local, on-line stores, warehouse clubs, Dell, Lenovo and HP's web sites. I also check out a few websites that post good deals on stuff.

The issue with Ubuntu is definitely software compatibility since most of the mainstream stuff is geared towards Microsoft Operating Systems.

Take care