I am looking seriously for a new computer. I hope to choose one tomorrow. I have talked with many people, both personal friends and people working in the computer selling business.

These are my "needs" for when I choose my next computer.

~Compatible with digital photography, perhaps even Graphic Design. (space wise)
~Fast Music Burning capabilities... DVD would be nice... but I really don't care about this too much.
~Reliable/Durable and Respectable Name
~I am going back for my Master Degree, which is also a Distant/Independant Study Degree in Art Therapy.

I need those fine "computer talk" facts...

I was looking at a Toshiba- Satellite Notebook A105-S4384

-Intel Core2Duo T5500 Processor
-1024 MB Memory
-160 GB Hard Drive
-DVD+/-R/RW Super-Multi Drive
-15.4 Wide Trubrite Display
-802.11 A/B/G (What does this mean?)

Then I went to COMPUSA and looked at some Gateway Desktops... (I currently have an old... Gateway, about 8 years old, I lost count)

Any suggestions... this seems to be a fierce question, "What type of computer should I purchase next?"
[Edited 12/7/06 11:17am]

go with the laptop, it will offer you more flexibility with WHERE you can do your work.

the a/b/g designates that it will work with most wifi that is used today.

What is a wifi? Bifi.

jerseykrs said:

By the way.. those Sony Laptops... are skyhigh! Pretty little things, why yes they are.

Freespirit said:

it's being able to access the internet without plugging an ethernet cable into your machine, it's done via wireless signal. Very convenient.

I'm looking at a Dell laptop and I know nothing about anything.



It's so difficult.

Freespirit said:

my snobbish ways show their ugly face.

Hello beautiful.

That sounds like a sweeeeet system.

CarrieMpls said:

My geeky computer friends say to stay away from Dell.

Freespirit said:

even your non geeky ones said it!

jerseykrs said:

that means you can access the internet by piggy backing on your neighbor's wireless internet connection. saves lots of money.

jerseykrs said:

So you sap other signals from unknown/unseen places? ~Smile. How does this work?

jerseykrs said:

but they're cheap and I get a corporate discount.

Why should I stay away? Everyone I've asked has had a good experience...

jerseykrs said:

I was actually talking about you.

Freespirit said:

Maybe it's not good enough for geeks, but I love my Dell. I've had it for several years now, no problems. And actually I'm kind of geeky after all.

I would like a laptop, but it's not ergonomic enough for me. It makes me feel all hunched.

Freespirit said:

listen, the wifi, you get a wireless router in your house, then you just connect to the net anywhere in the house right from your laptop.

To me, Dell is like Honda. For some it's not good enough, but for the masses it will be just fine.

CarrieMpls said:

they use the cheapest pieces to construct their machines. Great for price, I agree, but they are also more apt to fail in a shorter amount of time than higher priced components.

toshiba makes a very good notebook.

NDRU said:

I like the massness of a desktop... and would probably feel as if I need to raise my laptop on a stack of books. Hmm...

purplerein said:

Is that legal?

jerseykrs said:

So I would have to have a different component (??? Ethernet?) from the internet company I am using now... which is COX Communications... ???

purplerein said:

It looked like eye candy to me.

Freespirit said:

yes, but most companies do the switch for FREE and even come and set it up for you .

Freespirit said:

You can always hook up a keyboard & mouse to a laptop & raise it to eye level so it feels like a desktop, at least while you're at home.

I've never needed a laptop, but I can definitely see why some people would never get anything else.

NDRU said:

that's what I do at work

NDRU said:

true... but sometimes 'one' just needs a break from this internet world... why on earth do I want it to alway be with me.

However, for school needs... it could or would be convenient. I was thinking of getting a desktop first then getting a little o'l laptop for school purposes only. Computers heavy on my mind.

Freespirit said:

That's if you want to use wireless...

You'll still be able to use a regular wired connection with your laptop...
[Edited 12/7/06 11:39am]

Ok, what is a good medium or a bit above average... size for

Memory
Hard Drive

... for what I wish to do (as stated above)

?