Calling all computer nerds
I am looking to finally replace my 2001 Dell Pentium 4 based desktop with 512 ram (lol). Up until now I haven't had an issue with this thing. Its only got 30gb of memory but I bought an external 1TB drive and an external DVD burner. But now web pages and applications (itune, phot editing software, and music creation) bog the thing down until it basically can't function.
I can't say I didn't get my money out of it being its 9 years old. But I think it is time to move up.
So I am looking for advice from all you that are more in tune with the computer enhancements. I am by no means computer illiterate but I honestly don't know what can easily handle what I have stated above without being totally overkill on my wallet.
First I have the desktop vs laptop argument. I would love the laptop for obvious reasons but I have a 22" monitor that is sweet and would still like to be able to "dock" if possible and use it. Is it true that laptops aren't as good at handling photo editing and writing music as a desktop (due to them being a little less powerful)
Do I want/need a Core Duo? Dual Core? Quad Core? Intel/AMD? i3 vs i5 vs i7???? Im so confused. I would shoot for at least 4gb ram in either a laptop or desktop. And I never understood the whole dedicated vs integrated sound and graphics cards. I am NOT a gamer on the PC, I have an XBOX for that.
Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I just started getting into downloading HD movies too which I put on a flash drive and then plug in the XBOX to watch.
Thanks