My new PC, laptop or desktop?

[sinned]

Another option to playback HD video and many other uses is an iPad and Apple TV. AirPlay via wifi connects the iPad to your big screen and sound system. Very cool.

[Winston001]

So....does the mint flavoured penguin run MSE and Outlook Express? Gotta keep the emails comin nice and clean.

[SMOKEU]

you can fix your mac....




with linux!

yeah that's another good thing about linux, it will read file systems from anything you plug into it.

android is not linux? android is open source and linux is open source. android is owned by google (see "the umbrella corporation" per resident evil) linux is owned by everyone. linux uses the linux kernel, andorid does not (i think?)

anyone remember that large hadron collider they were working on? guess which OS?
know why? cos you don't want a blue screen (BSOD) when you're trying not to make black holes...

my first post stands, but i seriously encourage you to try linux (f*ck paying for another M$ install!)

You're right about the file systems, Ubuntu and Mint have native support for NTFS. Android is based on the Linux kernel.

I hadn't realised there were desktops like the all in one. Thats why I was curious about how they compared with the conventional desktops.

I do like the idea of a decent sized screen. Had a look at 21" monitors today. $150-200. I think if I bought one and ran it off the laptop, I'll still only have my current laptop performance .

I'm going through to Hamilton tomorrow and have a good look around.

"All in one" computers are pretty much just a laptop with a different case. They still use laptop components and have most of the usual problems that laptops have. I'm lead to believe that some use standard desktop RAM and 3.5" HDDs.

Another option to playback HD video and many other uses is an iPad and Apple TV. AirPlay via wifi connects the iPad to your big screen and sound system. Very cool.

That's just nasty, dude. A good Android tablet such as the Galaxy range are far superior.

[Gremlin]

OP has asked for a choice between desktops and laptops, not which operating system he should have. Keep your answers relevant to the topic, otherwise I'm highly tempted to start a new thread simply to move all OS debates to.

[SMOKEU]

Another reason why desktops are the best is parts availability and the ATX standards. I've had a few HP and IBM branded desktops, and they all suck balls. Firstly, the use of non standard parts is what pisses me off. The PSU and motherboard are proprietary components, meaning it's not possible to just buy a cheap PSU or motherboard off Trademe if it fails. I can't even fit a standard sized PCI card in the HP desktop I have. It has PCI slots on the motherboard, but the case is too small to fit any normal ATX spec PCI card.

If I need a new motherboard, video card, PSU or whatever for my custom built desktop I can just chuck an ordinary, cheap one in (assuming I get the right socket motherboard and a PCI-E video card etc). No need to hunt around for rare parts or chase up the manufacturer who will insist on charging double just because it's proprietary.

Fuck I love industry standards. You wouldn't put up with a bike that only uses special tyres that have to be imported from Italy directly from the factory where the bike was built, would you?

[Winston001]

OP has asked for a choice between desktops and laptops, not which operating system he should have. Keep your answers relevant to the topic, otherwise I'm highly tempted to start a new thread simply to move all OS debates to.

Strictly you are correct and it's fine with me but equally it does no harm to expand the knowledge.

For example, I've never run Linux but I have a 10yr HP (business) laptop which still runs fine on XP but slow. Skype eats the processor. After reading the above posts I'm tempted to try Linux on it: hadn't thought of that previously because Mandrake etc appeared to be slow and difficult.

[SMOKEU]

For example, I've never run Linux but I have a 10yr HP (business) laptop which still runs fine on XP but slow. Skype eats the processor. After reading the above posts I'm tempted to try Linux on it: hadn't thought of that previously because Mandrake etc appeared to be slow and difficult.

Many modern versions of Linux are actually quite resource intensive as there has been a real push in recent years to make Linux more user friendly, with all the accompying eye candy. I'm running Mint 12 32 bit on a Pentium 4 3GHz processor with 512MB RAM, and it was so slow that it was almost impossible to do even simple tasks on, until I put in a SSD which made a huge difference since the page file is on the SSD. Apparently Xubuntu is quite light on the resources, although I haven't tried it.

I have been using DSL (damn small Linux) of late, although I'm unsure of the version, but I do know it uses the 2.4 kernel. That is so light that it runs fine on a VM with 64MB of RAM! It's a bit light on features, however and lacks the smooth GUI refinement you'd expect from a modern GNOME, MATE or KDE environment.

[AllanB]

Picked up a dv6 from Dick Smith on Saturday - 25% off. Goes like light speed compared to my old desktop. My daughter can do her high school homework now. Everyone happy. Excellent for the price I paid. I figure laptops are units with a relatively short life so spending mega bucks is a waste of time.

[AllanB]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

[scracha]

I'm looking at replacing my older Compaq C700 ( runs Vista ) as it doesn't playback HD vid clips. HP started this model back in 2007 and I've been told its pointless trying to up grade the video capability of the C700.

I also have a newish HP mini 10" notebook ( runs Wins 7) which out performs the bigger Compaq but the small screen is a bugbear.

Awa.....first questions really are:
a) What are you going to be doing on the computer? i.e. What tasks and particular apps are you looking to run on it
b) Are you short of physical space?
c) Do you require portability?

Stick with Windows or if you're a bit flush, a Mac. Linux is great for servers but I've never yet found a desktop version that at some point, hasn't required a bit of geek knowledge. Win 7 is very stable and if properly setup is very unlikely to get a virus. Even if you do, it's not rocket science to use system imaging software to recover it in a matter of minutes.

Stick with Intel (especially if not a desktop). An i3 with 4GB and built in mobo based video should be ample if you're just watching HD video. If you're editing, then i5, 8GB (ram cheap enough now) and if you win the lottery, an SSD drive. Older Core 2 Duo processor bargains are around too (Toshiba C665 anyone).

Main advantage of nettops (a.k.a. "all in ones") are the looks and lack of desk space. I personally don't even consider the touchscreen being a bonus. You can upgrade them but they're a bit tricky (done a couple of HP Touchsmarts) Stick with Toshiba, Samsung or Lenovo if you're looking at nettops or notebooks. Get a 3 year factory warranty on them....in unlikely event of failure, the above 3 get things fixed quick smart. Sale of Goods act isn't much use if your PC is away for weeks on end or gets returned wiped.

Acer also do a very reasonably price "mini" pc with a 4 year onsite warranty. I've had ZERO problems with them. Your local computer shop will likely be able to get them.
http://www.dove.co.nz/products/deskt...sktop-pcs/7925

Avoid Acer consumer stuff (Aspire). Avoid HP consumer suff (Compaq, Presario, PAvillion, DV6). At all costs avoid the HP all on ones.....many seem to last about 2 years then .....
Acer Timeline stuff is OK. HP Corporate stuff is also ok (Probook, Elitebook) but I hate dealing with their warranty support.....complete @#$cking morons.

Sure, you'll hear anecdotal stories about "I've owned an Aspire/DV6 for years blah blah". There's normally a virus ridden 8 year old Acer Aspire whirring away in our workshop, but I can only go on the reliability stats out there and also by my own experience flogging and fixing the bloody things.

Traditional desktops (a.k.a. tower) do have advantages of cheap to replace/upgrade parts but to be honest, most consumers don't bother. Plus laptops and nettops generally have better resale value. My advice....get a machine just a wee bit better than you need at the moment, sell it for reasonable money after 3 or 4 years.......get another one.


And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable

[Winston001]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

Pwchahww! What's so hard about dual core, pentium 7, 64bit 8GB DDR3 RAM yadda yadda...? With your own personal choice of OS???

[EJK]

PS - you computer geeks are talking another language.

01000110 01110101 01100011 01101011 00100000 01111001 01100101 01100001 01101000 00100001

[SMOKEU]

And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable

If that's what you call brand new Asus motherboards, first one cost $309 and the other around $380 which were normal prices when the boards came out, then I'm guilty.

[Winston001]

01000110 01110101 01100011 01101011 00100000 01111001 01100101 01100001 01101000 00100001

Oh talk dirty to me you devil!!

[Brian d marge]

Awa.....first questions really are:
a) What are you going to be doing on the computer? i.e. What tasks and particular apps are you looking to run on it
b) Are you short of physical space?
c) Do you require portability?

Stick with Windows or if you're a bit flush, a Mac. Linux is great for servers but I've never yet found a desktop version that at some point, hasn't required a bit of geek knowledge. Win 7 is very stable and if properly setup is very unlikely to get a virus. Even if you do, it's not rocket science to use system imaging software to recover it in a matter of minutes.

Stick with Intel (especially if not a desktop). An i3 with 4GB and built in mobo based video should be ample if you're just watching HD video. If you're editing, then i5, 8GB (ram cheap enough now) and if you win the lottery, an SSD drive. Older Core 2 Duo processor bargains are around too (Toshiba C665 anyone).

Main advantage of nettops (a.k.a. "all in ones") are the looks and lack of desk space. I personally don't even consider the touchscreen being a bonus. You can upgrade them but they're a bit tricky (done a couple of HP Touchsmarts) Stick with Toshiba, Samsung or Lenovo if you're looking at nettops or notebooks. Get a 3 year factory warranty on them....in unlikely event of failure, the above 3 get things fixed quick smart. Sale of Goods act isn't much use if your PC is away for weeks on end or gets returned wiped.

Acer also do a very reasonably price "mini" pc with a 4 year onsite warranty. I've had ZERO problems with them. Your local computer shop will likely be able to get them.
http://www.dove.co.nz/products/deskt...sktop-pcs/7925

Avoid Acer consumer stuff (Aspire). Avoid HP consumer suff (Compaq, Presario, PAvillion, DV6). At all costs avoid the HP all on ones.....many seem to last about 2 years then .....
Acer Timeline stuff is OK. HP Corporate stuff is also ok (Probook, Elitebook) but I hate dealing with their warranty support.....complete @#$cking morons.

Sure, you'll hear anecdotal stories about "I've owned an Aspire/DV6 for years blah blah". There's normally a virus ridden 8 year old Acer Aspire whirring away in our workshop, but I can only go on the reliability stats out there and also by my own experience flogging and fixing the bloody things.

Traditional desktops (a.k.a. tower) do have advantages of cheap to replace/upgrade parts but to be honest, most consumers don't bother. Plus laptops and nettops generally have better resale value. My advice....get a machine just a wee bit better than you need at the moment, sell it for reasonable money after 3 or 4 years.......get another one.


And SMOKEU....if you didn't keep buying cheap SHIT from trademe then you wouldn't have to worry about replacing parts all the time. Still.....it is enjoyable

Wot e sed , except about linux and you did mention video editing for which you need a bit of processor power .. I bought a Asus laptop new, chucked a new linux on it ( ubuntu ~ ) works a treat , free and bullet proof ie worked with no surprises BUT.........I use CGI , and it slows down , lower than 600fps while this ok for smaller drawings , its kind of annoying for the larger ones
The desktop was cheaper to build , and has enough grunt ..and will get upgraded cheap as ... duo core to quad

The rig I am watching F1 monaco , HD big screen monitor etc , is at least 7 years old ( when did duo cores come out?),,and will stay like this for another 7 ( again runs linux ubuntu 12.04 duo core 3 gig 1 gig vid card ) unless smoke starts appearing


finally , a 125 commuter MZ is fine ...but we need a motogp bike ..... JUST IMHO....

Stephen,