Best Advice: Choosing the Right Desktop/Laptop

So, you are thinking of replacing that trusty outdated heap of silicon and wires for a faster heap of silicon and wires are you? Well, hopefully these guidelines will give you a head start. As with any journey, the first step is always the most critical. Ask yourself, “What do I want my computer to do for me?” and “How much can I afford to spend?”

If:

“I want to play games with the most intensive graphics and sound on the market;”
“I want to take all of those VHS or Hi-8 videos of and burn them to a DVD;”
“It would really be nice if I were able to do while I was waiting for my next flight to ;”
“I just want to use the internet and email to keep in touch with the family;” or
“I am about to do all of the CGI for the next release of ’The Titanic,’” then please stick with your response; it will help me.

These generalized “everyday user” categories or classes are:

Productivity – word processing, simple spreadsheets, etc.;
Internet – email, surfing, etc.;
Gaming – need we say anything?;
Digital Production – imaging, audio, 3D rendering, etc.;
Computationally Intensive – scientific, statistical analysis, etc.; and
Road Warrior – mobile, productivity class.

When in the market for a new personal computer, whether it be a laptop, desktop or a MAC, the same axiom holds true: Get as much system as you can afford while making sure it has expansion capability. Don’t worry as much about the nuts and bolts (or nanoseconds and bytes) in the beginning of your quest as the tasks that you will require the system to perform. Think about what you are really going to do with the system.

Ok - The basic hardware considerations when purchasing any computer remain the same, albeit not in any particular order: portability, expandability, physical size (Yes, size really does matter.), CPU (single or dual), RAM, hard drive (IDE or SCSI), video capability, monitor and CD player. (The trusty 3½” floppy drive is becoming a questionable “basic” computer requirement.) Options will include, but not be limited to: printer; scanner; other devices utilizing USB or Firewire; and external data storage like ZIP, CD-R(W)/DVD-R(W)/(+R[W]), communications/networking [i.e.: wired/wireless NIC (network interface card), modem, specialty devices like a video capture card, TV tuner, etc.].

Before we continue I need to explain a few hardware acronyms. We will use the mainstream user market for the comparisons when necessary, unless of course you are buying a server, in which case you probably wouldn’t be reading this anyway.

CPU - (central processing unit)
This is the brain of the system and is easily the most confusing and most important hardware decision you must make. AMD and Intel are the major PC/compatible chip players, but there are others. Overall speed and cache are the important factors here; so, do your research, read reviews and ultimately get a CPU that is as fast as you can afford. While an “apples-to-apples” comparison is really not possible, you can estimate that an AMD Athlon XP-based system will generally be between $50 and $100 dollars less than a similarly configured Intel P4-based system, while an Intel Celeron-based system will generally be approximately the same as the AMD Athlon. If I were to choose between an Intel Celeron and an AMD Athlon chip, Athlon would be the winner based on performance versus cost.

Choices: Each microprocessor vendor has its own classifications of chipsets based on many different technological and usage-based characteristics, but the current production mainstay from the two big manufacturers are (from server class 64 bit chips to desktop class 32 bit chips):

Intel: (http://www.intel.com)
Itanium2, Xeon(variations), Pentium IV(variations), Pentium III(variations), and Celeron. Performancewise, the Pentium 4 is up to 25-30% faster compared to an equal speed Celeron. This is primarily due to the CPU’s cache capability and bus speeds (FSB). Intel has released a new Pentium 4 chip with a technology called HyperThreading (HT); it’s a very good thing. Intel’s new mobile Centrino technology was designed specifically for laptops and integrated wireless 802.11b capability all in one CPU: http://www.intel.com/products/centrino/more_info.

AMD: (http://www.amd.com)
Opteron, MP, XP(variations), Athlon(variations), and Duron.

You asked:

What is FSB and why is it important?
FSB refers to "Front Side Bus" which connects the CPU with the main memory (RAM) and is used to connect to other components within the computer. Think of it as the highway inside the computer that connects all the data together while hopefully presenting something intelligible to you on the monitor. The FSB of a computer can vary in speeds from 66MHz, 100MHz, 133MHz, 266MHz, 400MHz and beyond. The FSB is now another important consideration when looking at purchasing a new computer or a motherboard. Intel Celerons at all CPU speed ratings from 300Mhz up to 733Mhz have an FSB of 66Mhz. At speeds of 800Mhz to 1400Mhz, the Celeron has an FSB of 100Mhz. At 1700Mhz and above, its FSB tops out at 400Mhz. The Intel Pentium IV class currently tops out at 800Mhz, while AMD’s Athlon XP (Thoroughbred) class currently tops out at 333Mhz. AMD has just announced version 10 of the XP chipset that is reportedly capable of hitting 400Mhz with what it is calling “Advanced Front-Side Bus.” The faster the FSB, the faster the system is going to process information.

“M” “h” “z”, what?
The megahertz, abbreviated MHz, is a unit of alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz [1,000,000 Hz (hertz)]. The megahertz is commonly used to express microprocessor clock speed. The unit is occasionally used in measurements or statements of bandwidth for high-speed digital data, analog and digital video signals and spread spectrum signals. Most of the recent processors released are actually in the GHz (gigahertz) range (i.e., Intel’s 3.2Ghz Pentium IV could also be interpreted as a 3,200 Mhz processor or 3,200,000 Hz).

What does Cache refer to?
Cache (pronounced as "cash") refers to a special high-speed memory mechanism which stores the most frequently used data or instructions that the CPU needs on a continual basis. By keeping as much of this type of information in the faster cache memory of the CPU, it prevents the computer from having to access the slower DRAM and hence enhances the speed of the machine. The Intel Celeron chips have either no secondary cache (Level 2 [L2]) or have 128k of cache. In the Celeron CPU, Intel designates 128k cache with an “A” suffix after the speed of the CPU (i.e., 733A or 800A). The Pentium IV class of chips has 256k to 512k of cache, while AMD’s Athlon XP (Thoroughbred) class chipset generally maxes out at 256k. AMD’s newly announced version 10 of the XP chipset reportedly utilizes 512k cache.

AMD or Intel?
Generally speaking, you will either purchase an Intel-or AMD-based system due to cost or task.

Note: Always read the specifications for the primary tasks application. In some cases software designed specifically for Intel-based processors will not run on an AMD-based computer system. While it is generally safe to assume that either manufacturer’s CPU will operate with the mainstream operating systems like Microsoft’s Windows XP or the many flavors of Linux, it is always wise to validate the task oriented software that you plan to run on top of either operating system for compliance and certification with that CPU manufacturer’s products.

Intel’s Pentium 4 Socket 478 vs. AMD’s Athlon XP Socket A.
Overall, the performance of AMD’s Athlon XP processor is very high. Architecturally, these processors are very different, and as such they cannot be compared fairly when looking only at speed in MHz or GHz. To make true comparisons, performance-based testing must be used. AMD realized this and uses a performance-based model numbering system. When looking at the model number, performance can be roughly equated to GHz speed +/- 100MHz. For example, an AMD Athlon XP1700+ processor compares favorably to an Intel Pentium 4 1.7GHz processor. On some tasks the AMD CPU will be faster; on other tasks the Intel CPU will be faster.

RAM – (random access memory)
This is the primary memory space. Get as much RAM as you can afford. Generally, start with a minimum of 128MB (megabytes); 256MB or more is always better. It is just amazing to see how much memory an application uses, not to mention feeding the operating system and notifying you about that last email from your aunt that you just received but haven’t read yet.

Choices: There are three categories of RAM that can be installed into a Pentium 4 motherboard: SDRAM; DDR (Double Data Rate), and Rambus, also known as a RIMM. While a thorough explanation of the differences in RAM is beyond the scope of this writing, generally speaking DDR and Rambus move information faster and at a greater bandwidth than standard SDRAM depending on the FSB of your motherboard and CPU.

Hard Drive – (physical storage space)
This is where the operating system (OS), applications and files are stored. Many different speeds, formats and sizes are available. Again, get as much storage space as you can afford. The average business user can generally start with a 40Gb (gigabytes) hard drive. If you are planning to do video or audio editing, you may want to consider two hard drives, one 40gb for the operating system and applications and a very high-performance large hard drive for manipulation.

Video Card – (screen output)
The video card controls the quality of what you see on your monitor. Video card performance is determined mainly by three factors: chipset speed, amount and type of memory. SGRAM is faster than SDRAM. If you care about speed, make sure you get the faster memory chips on the video card. The real differences regarding video will be on-board RAM and the resolution at various frequencies (i.e., an AGP 4x video card having 32MB of on-board SGRAM RAM that can render 32bit color resolutions at 2048 pixels at 75Mhz will look and perform better than an 8MB SDRAM AGP 4x card that can only render 24bit at 1024 resolution at 75Mhz.) If you are primarily using business applications, surfing the internet or editing audio or the like, any standard 8-16MB video card capable of 32bit color, 1024 pixels and 75MHz should be sufficient. If, however, you plan to render 3D graphics, play video games, animation, etc., spend the money on a really good 32MB-64MB or higher video card designed specifically for 3D graphics. Just don’t forget the quality of the monitor!

Monitor – (visualization of video screen output)
Get a good one! Excluding laptop screen size, don’t buy a monitor smaller than 17” unless you a have a specific reason. Your eyes will thank you, and the cost difference between a 15” and a 17” is negligible. If your budget allows, investigate 19” or larger monitors. The larger the monitor, and the better the video card quality, the more usable “screen real estate” you will have.

LCD vs. CRT: Aside from cost (LCDs being expensive) and footprint (LCDs have a tiny footprint compared to a 15” CRT) the only other factor is resolution and quality. Buying a monitor can be a very individualistic decision. Think about space, cost and task.

CRTs will generally provide a better visualization, but for general business use, space savings and that coolness factor, you can’t beat an LCD. Entertaining cost, digital imaging, game play, CRTs are still the best bet. To that end, I am going to focus on CRTs while trying to explain the nuances of purchasing a monitor.

Aside from physical size, we need to consider the technical specifications of a monitor. We always look for the DPI (dots per inch), which determines how precise the images are displayed on the screen. The lower the DPI the better the quality of the image (i.e., a .24 dpi will yield a better visual than a .28 dpi monitor). Consider also the group of frequencies available for a monitor in the resolution in which you plan to work. Refresh rate, measured in Hz, shows how many times in a second the image on the screen is recreated; this parameter is responsible for trembling or for horizontal redraw lines if it isn't appropriate to the resolution that you have chosen. Have you ever watched a television screen on TV? You know that line that moves up the TV’s TV? The analysis of all these frequencies must be carried on the base of the features of the video card and consequently on the maximum refresh values and the maximum resolutions you can set. To avoid tremble on the screen, you should check the refresh value for each resolution and ensure that the refresh rate isn't lower than 70-75 Hz, the higher the number the better the output.

Now that you know a little more about how what is inside the computer affects your needs, let’s try to pick the right system for you. We’ll go back to the tasks question I asked earlier and use the following suggestions as guidelines.

Email/internet and household finances: $400 - $500
Look for a basic entry level system with either an AMD Athlon 1700+ or an Intel Celeron 2.0Ghz with 128MB RAM.
Focus on cost savings and system use.

General business use: $550 - $650
Look for a midrange level system with either an AMD Athlon XP 2000+ or an Intel P4 2.0Ghz system with 256MB.
Focus on application compatibility, networking, and multitasking.

Music/MP3’s: $1000 – $1200
Look for a midrange-level system with either an AMD Athlon XP 2600+ or an Intel P4 2.0Ghz system with 256MB, and get a really high-quality sound card, 5.1 surround-sound speaker set and a DVD burner.
Focus on audio output, Dolby surround sound and burning audio CD/DVDs

Gamers: $1200 – $2000
Here we have a mix of music/MP3 and digital imaging.
Focus on audio and video output, screen size, high speed CDROM and miscellaneous game controllers.

Digital imaging: $1900 - $2000
Look for a higher-end system like an AMD Athlon XP 2100+ or an Intel P4 3.0Ghz with 800Mhz FSB. A high video quality, video card and monitor resolution, frequency rates at the resolutions you will be working in, and .20 - .24 DPI. Get the flattest 19” - 21” CRT you can find in the frequency and resolution range.

Gadget guys and gals: $1500 - $5000
That will get you in to the world of the Media Center PC. If you want the 42” Plasma Screen, look to the higher cost spectrum.

For the laptop gang:
Here weight and power are going to be the main factors.
Prices for laptops and notebooks are literally all over the board. Take your time and find one that suits your needs and wallet.

Traveling salesperson without presentation: $900 – $1400
Focus on a subnotebook or a laptop with at least a 12.1” XGA screen, light and thin.
Examine a 1.4Ghz Intel Mobile P4 Centrino technology-based system or a 2.0Ghz Intel Celeron-based system. Focus on size, weight and remote communications capability.

Traveling salesperson with presentation: $1500 - $2500 and up
Explore a 15” SXGA or better screen, 256MB RAM or better, and 40gb hard drive or better. Look at an Intel Mobile P4 with Centrino technology-based system. They are coming out with 17” laptops now. Frankly I wouldn’t want to even try to use that on a plane in coach, but for a presentation it would help you make a statement. Focus on presentation capability: screen clarity, size, remote communications, RAM and processing power.

Desktop replacement: $1000 – $2500
Take the traveling salesperson approach and add items that meet your needs. You can find a very basic laptop for around $1000.

Tips:

1. When purchasing a laptop, get extended coverage or insurance. Accidents and theft happen.
2. Get a case that is well padded and has a very wide and comfortable strap.
3. Don’t pack your laptop case full, as it will get very heavy very quickly and could damage your laptop. If you have so much stuff crammed into your case that the zippers look like they are going to bust, start thinking about an alternative.
4. The larger, faster laptops typically operate at a higher temperature and will generally drain the battery power more quickly.
5. Get an extra battery. Determine if two batteries can be installed in the laptop at the same time or if you have to shut down or hibernate, swap batteries and reboot to continue working.

Of course there are alternatives. I have focused primarily on the PC realm and not touched the Macintosh/Apple realm. The same theories hold true there as well, except you have one mouse button to contend with as well as only Motorola as the CPU manufacturer.

As always, cost is a factor. Maybe the neighbor down the street is upgrading to a new Media PC; see if his older Pentium III is available!

by Tres Ransom

Best Stuff Contributor Tres Ransom is former IT PRO turned IT consultant . You can reach him at tres.ransom@greyeagleconsulting.com

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