Novice needs computer purchase advice... please help!

M

memonkeyz

New Member
Hi! I am looking to purchase a new computer, not more than ~$2k. I have been looking at Dells... I still can't decide between a laptop and a desktop. Am interested in using it for photos, music, lots of internet, and potentially gaming (I used to play games on my computer until it became way too outdated).

I've looked into Dell Insipron E1705 and a
Dell XPS 700...

BTW... what does the "64 bit" mean after the XPS 700? Is this a downgraded version of the regular XPS 700?

Any thoughts?

Thank you so much for your help in advance!!!
 
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Hi! I am looking to purchase a new computer, not more than ~$2k. I have been looking at Dells...
Click to expand...
Consider building your own, alot more bang-for-your-buck :)

I still can't decide between a laptop and a desktop.
Click to expand...
Unless you want to carry the computer around, go for a desktop. Laptops are generally more expensive.

BTW... what does the "64 bit" mean after the XPS 700? Is this a downgraded version of the regular XPS 700?
Click to expand...
It probably means its got either a 64-bit OS or 64-bit processor. 64 bit processing can, potentialy, offer increased performance. However, even if you've got a 64-bit CPU, you need a 64-bit OS. Most OS's are 32-bit, but if you want to take advantage of current 64 bit programs (most CPU's now aday are 64-bit regardless), you can get Windows XP 64-bit version. Just keep in mind that 32 bit programs may run slower in a 64-bit enviroment, and that driver support may be limited for XP 64-bit.
 
34erd said:
Consider building your own, alot more bang-for-your-buck :)


Unless you want to carry the computer around, go for a desktop. Laptops are generally more expensive.


It probably means its got either a 64-bit OS or 64-bit processor. 64 bit processing can, potentialy, offer increased performance. However, even if you've got a 64-bit CPU, you need a 64-bit OS. Most OS's are 32-bit, but if you want to take advantage of current 64 bit programs (most CPU's now aday are 64-bit regardless), you can get Windows XP 64-bit version. Just keep in mind that 32 bit programs may run slower in a 64-bit enviroment, and that driver support may be limited for XP 64-bit.
Click to expand...

very nice post 34erd, but if you dont want to build, i think that a Dell XPS would be the way to go.
 
34erd said:
Consider building your own, alot more bang-for-your-buck :)


Unless you want to carry the computer around, go for a desktop. Laptops are generally more expensive.


It probably means its got either a 64-bit OS or 64-bit processor. 64 bit processing can, potentialy, offer increased performance. However, even if you've got a 64-bit CPU, you need a 64-bit OS. Most OS's are 32-bit, but if you want to take advantage of current 64 bit programs (most CPU's now aday are 64-bit regardless), you can get Windows XP 64-bit version. Just keep in mind that 32 bit programs may run slower in a 64-bit enviroment, and that driver support may be limited for XP 64-bit.
Click to expand...

You dont NEED a 64-bit OS for a 64-bit CPU, it just has slightly improved performance, but it isnt NEEDED.
 
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