Suggest a spec

Jolly_Roger

As a freelance journalist, I can write the cost of my computer off against tax over a period of three years. I therefore like to replace my existing computer every three years, but is this really necessary? My current Multivision will be due for replacement in August and my usual philosophy is to try and buy the best spec out there as a means of ensuring that my new machine will be top of the range for at least a while. But I reckon I overbuy. I don't use my computer for gaming purposes at all. It is used for Internet, email, word processing, spreadsheets, listening to music while I work, etc. I often have more than two or three applications open at the same time, so I have been intrigued by the latest debate over dual core PCs. The aforementioned Multivision is a 2.2Ghz machine and becoming slightly eccentric with age. But what should I be looking for to replace it with with a view to using it for the next three years? I already have a backup Dell PC and a Dell laptop. Both are all right, but I don't like putting all my eggs in one basket. I have been quite impressed by the products I have seen advertised by Cube, especially since they sell CPUs as stand alone machines, rather than packages, which is what I want, since my 18 inch NEC TFT is more than adequate. Does anybody have any thoughts?
Thanks.

wolfman

Well if your current computers are working fine and not hindering you, is there really the need to upgrade?

Also, would you consider a Mac? They work beautifully out of the box, and would easily do all the things you need. Something like a Macbook or Macbook Pro would suit you, especially for things such as word processing, emailing, browsing. And having a laptop would allow you to move around. As you don't need so much processing power, maybe think about spending more on decent components to improve the experience. I find it to make quite a lot of difference. TFT, Mouse, Keyboard are the obvious ones. I'm sat here with a wireless bluetooth Apple keyboard, a wireless Logitech Laser mouse and a decent 19" screen. It's definitely so much nicer to use than my flatmates computers, or computer at work.

I hate to step into the restricted world of Apple, but I must say their laptops are great, and their operating system (OSX) is very impressive, secure and doesn't require too much maintenance.

I personally will always be tied to the windows environment due to working with .Net/Java. If I were building a pc though, it'd be a self build. I'm not a fan of package deals as I often find the parts/components not to be off the best quality, and there's always loads of stuff included that I'm paying for, but don't need. In other words I'd happily drop the spec slightly to get a better keyboard, nicer speakers, quieter case etc...

With regards to your needs, I don't think dual core will make much of a difference. A lot of the tasks/processes you mention will be easy on either a single or dual core. If you're getting something new though, it's usually best to try and get a dual core system, if not to at least try and future proof it.