Getting a new computer (help please)

[Louis XXIV]

OK, I've decided to get a new computer, since my computer is four years old and doesn't even run Civ4 properly (I haven't played it in probably six months and had to uninstall it since I ran out of hard drive space, which is a real shame). Anyway, I don't know anywhere near as much about a computer as I should and even less about Windows Vista, so I'm wondering if you could help me out.

First off, I want to get a laptop to replace the one I have now and I do want to get Vista, since it seems pointless to get XP, since it'll be obsolete long before I get a new computer. I'm a college student so I'm seriously limited in budget. Does anyone have recommendations for computers that are reasonably priced? Right now, I'm looking at HP, but its just because I don't really want to go back to Gateway right now (I think they kind of ripped me off with the last laptop they sold me).

Second, I have a few questions about Vista. Is it stable right now? I've heard it requires more system resources than XP and I've heard that I might need 2 gigs of RAM. Does that sound about right?

Third, since this is CFC and I'll get to the point, what kind of graphics card should I be looking at to play Civ4 reasonably well (since my graphics card, which can't be replaced on this laptop without replacing the entire motherboard, isn't good enough to work right)? Ideally, I want a graphics card that can do a bit better than get by, since I'd like to be able to play games that come out in the future, but I'm not looking for something that plays some graphic intensive FPS at maximum capacity. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd be appreciative.

Finally, does anyone know if its possible to transfer programs on my current laptop easily? Music files are a big concern, since I have a lot of them (they are filling up a good chunk of my hard drive right now and part of the reason why I'm getting a significantly larger one). But my biggest concern is software. I should have my Microsoft Office software and can reinstall it on the new computer (I assume that's allowed, correct me if I'm wrong), but I have some old computer games, which the CD no longer works for installation (Civilization 2 being a good example) as well as some games that it might be difficult to track down a patch for if I have to reinstall. Does anyone even do things like that for customers (or is it even possible to do?).

Thanks for any help you can give me. I really feel bad being as clueless as I am about this, but I want to make sure I'm making a smart purchase (since I don't think my current laptop was worth the price it was bought for).

 

[MarineCorps]

In regards to the OS. It's a microsoft release which means it won't hit a sweet spot for another year or two. XP is just a good of an OS, not obsolete. IIRC vista will run on 512MB just fine if you don't turn every feature on (ex. Aero) and load it up. However 1GB is recommended. I myself am planning to stay with XP for the foreseeable future. As for graphics card, I don't know if it's offered but the Go 7600GT should be fine for civ IV. However since your getting a laptop your choices are limited.

 

[taper]

If you're going to keep this laptop for another 4 years, Vista might be ok. There's nothing (major) wrong with XP, and hopefully Vista will mature soon. I wouldn't run XP on less than 1GB now, much less Vista. RAM is very easy to upgrade on a laptop though, and pretty cheap. I'm writing this on a year old Compaq notebook, which is an HP clone, and I've had no problems with it. It's not as durable as something like an IBM/Lenovo, but it costs a lot less.

Transferring files is pretty easy. A few passes with a USB key will take care of music, game saves, or other files. Or you could get an external enclosure for the hard drive inside your current PC, then you'll have a decent sized portable drive for backup or transfer. Or buy a new external drive for same. Moving an installed program to a new PC isn't really feasible. There's too many system files to worry about. You should be able to pick up Civ2 on ebay for cheap, but you can transfer your saved games.

 

[Louis XXIV]

My goal is to keep the laptop at least until I finish college (another three years) with the possibility of even longer if I can't afford anything better (at some point, I will have genuine living expenses to worry about, plus paying back my college loans, plus I plan to have three more years of law school). I might not get much option with regards to Vista anyway, since I think a significant number of new computers are only offered with Vista. Basically, is it stable enough to not cause me major headaches if I don't try anything too complicated with it?

Its a shame about transfering installed programs. Yeah, I realize I could try and find Civ2 somewhere (someone accidentally stuck Civ2 Test of Time in a CD I bought recently, so I could try that if it doesn't require the original installed and just transfer scenario files). The only problem with buying a new copy is that I did pay for the copy I have now (granted, it was a long time ago). I don't suppose there's anyone from Microprose left who could exchange an old CD for one that works.

Finally, as for graphics cards, what was the thing that prevents leaderheads from showing up as floating eyeballs and teeth? I can't remember what it is, but I'm guessing that, by now, its probably fairly standard.

 

[soul_warrior]

1- id stay with XP for now. you can upgrade to vista later.
it is not friendly at all right now, but after they release SP1 for Vista, things might looks better.

regarding a machine, id have a look at the IBM\LENOVO T60 range.
those are real war horses!
tough as nails, sturdy, nearly unbreakable and VERY good hardware.
i have a few dozen at work (out of nearly 100) and they are the least problematic.

2- regarding RAM and Vista, id install the 2GB RAm now.
true, you can upgrade easily, but you WILL need to upgrade, so might as well get it done now.
also remember that you have limited RAM slots in your laptop.
if you opt for 1GB, make sure you leave slots open for future upgrades.
no matter what, dont go below 1GB RAM.

Vista is a real system vampire, so beef up your RAM.

3- dont know which card you'll need, but id go with the best you can afford, as you plan on keep this machine for 4 years.

4- transfering programs.
yes it is possible. you will need a tech-guy to do it.
he can clone your hard drive (complete with everything, music, applics, etc) onto the new hard drive, which in turn will be transfered to the new laptop.
after that he will just need to install drivers, adn MAYBE repair the windows install (not likely, but possible)
he'll probably use GHost, or something similar.
you will have to pay a bit extra, but well worth it, imo.

if you cant do that, just back up your DATA (music files, etc) via CD Burning.
applications will 9 out of 10 cases require you reinstall them.

 

[Louis XXIV]

Assuming I find a company that will sell a laptop with XP and not Vista, how much would it cost later to upgrade? Is it really so bad off now that its worth spending the extra money? Also, when will it be good to use? Ideally, I'd want this computer sooner, rather than later, but as long as I get it before September, I can possibly wait. Will it be stable by then?

 

[soul_warrior]

every day that passes makes Vista more stable, due to updates, etc.

upgrading will probably cost you full price, so that might prove problematic.

on second thought,you might as well go with vista.
its not that horrible, but it is problematic now.

it will save you around 150$, but you might be paying a bit for it in aggravation.

did you consider my idea about cloning the existing laptop?
that way you wont need to pay for vista now, just when you decide to upgrade.

 

[Louis XXIV]

I'll think about it. It means I'll have to find someone who could do something like that, but its definitely something I'll consider.

 

[Louis XXIV]

OK, I'm bumping this after a month because I think I've finally made my decision. I've decided to go with Vista and not clone the existing laptop. I'm not actually getting rid of this laptop, so, if there's something I can't reinstall, I can always go back to it.

Please, if you can, let me know if you see any problems or you think its a bad price. Its an HP dv6000t series laptop and I'm getting a 10% discount on it.

Operating System: Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit)
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) dual core processor T2080 (1.73 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 533MHz FSB)
Display: 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
Memory: 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Graphics Card: 256MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 7400
Networking: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection
Hard Drive: 120GB 5400RPM
Primary CD/DVD Drive: SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
Primary Battery: High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
Productivity Software: Microsoft(R) Works 8.0

The price is $858, not counting the discount. So what do you think?

 

[dosed150]

thats a good spec and to me it sounds very good value but thats from someone who lives in rip off britain