Computers & Networking

[kimdotcom24]

these are the minimum requirements i need:

around a 14" display with good quality for editing photos

durable (last for 4 years)

long battery life (6+hrs)

4GB RAM

320GB hard drive

a DVD/CD drive/burner

intel core i3 processor wiht 2+Ghz

preferably including sd drive

I've been looking at macs, sonys and lenovas

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

The extended battery life is the factor most limiting your selection. You'd want an 8 cell battery and that's typically more expensive. Why do you need such a long life, incidently? That means six hours on the battery actually using the machine before a power plug is needed. Typical user takes about 2 to 4 hours battery in a day before they can plug in.

It's a common misconception that such a long battery life is needed, so I wanted to make sure.

Another question I have for you, is what is your application? Are your applications compatible with mac, or is there a mac version available? If mac software, is there PC versions available?

I'd like to recommend, but I need more information - since you listed a mac as one of your options. What are you using it for? What programs are you going to run? What sort of situation are you in and your needs versus your wants?

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

Another thing that confuses me is that you wish an i3 (a budget proccesser) but you desire high end specs for all other aspects of the machine.. it would be much easier to find your specs in an i5 or i7 series.

[Entropy]

Actually, 14" display, 4GB RAM, and 320GB aren't high end these days.

However, "durable" immediately takes you out of the low end.

[kimdotcom24]

the battery is not as important (more of a preference really) but i want it to be able to last at least a few hours from average use without having to plug it in.

i'm looking for a computer that won't be outdated after 2 years and won't get slowed down by photo editing software and large file sizes.

as to the applications, im not sure yet.  i'm awaiting a reply from the college I'll be attending in the fall as to the software they use, but probably something like photoshop.

good screen quality is definitely preferable (colors, contrast) for editing

i definitely want a 320 hard drive and at least 2GB of RAM, and i tend to do a fair amount of multitasking on the computer

as to mac vs. pc...

would the fact that the macbook only has intel core 2 duo make it noticeably slower than a PC with i3?

[kimdotcom24]

so im guessing i need to start looking at high end if i want it to last 4 years?

[kimdotcom24]

i've been looking at the sony vaio ea.... which i can get everything except a decently long battery and i'm unsure about the screen quality.  are sony's considered "durable"?

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee]

For laptops which are designed to be durable, high resolution, and have the specifications you want, type in the words 'Blue Label' in the Keyword or Item field.

[ITechGuy16]

Hey Kim, 

As far as your question concerning processors, it depends on what you are using your computer for. The Core 2 duo is our previous generation of processors and you would definitely be missing out on some major improvements on our new core processors, i3, i5 and i7. Considering you will be multitasking, and using photo editing software you will want a stronger processor that can handle those tasks. The i3 has 4 way multi-tasking (hyper threading) technology, which allows your computer to work on two tasks at the same time, eliminating the typical lag when running a lot of applications. I would even go further and recommend you look into the i5,  which has Intel Turbo Boost technology, where the processor speeds up if you need more performance/ during heavy usage. Investing in a stronger processor will ensure that you computer is not outdated in 2 years and still able to process emerging technologies and heavy processing usage. 

With Mac you are paying a lot for the physical beauty of the machine and user experience, as a result you have to dish out even more for a strong processor. I think the PC is the most economic route, but it really just depends on your personal preference. 

Hope this helps.

-Tim 

[shawnstoppable]

The Samsung r480.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+...

If you can find it in stores, several have it on clearance for around $570. Otherwise, $650 still isn't a bad deal.