It's official: I'm getting a new laptop. There've been months of warning signs that my trusty steed would be crapping out on me soon, and I'm finally listening -- being forced to listen, actually. So now I have to go computer shopping, which I sort of hate.It's a sort-of-hate because while I get all excited about new technology, reality quickly bursts my giddiness bubble. First there's the spending a hefty chunk of change aspect. Then I think about having to transfer all of my files, and experience tells me not all of them will survive the transition -- such as my DRM'd music library purchased way back in the day and given one license for exactly one computer. Or the various software programs that either 1) CDs don't exist for and I probably won't be able to find on the Net, or 2) won't be compatible with a new operating system.
I think about the utter pain in the ass it is to reload all of my software programs onto a new system. To have to un-register my old laptop and register my new laptop for my library's e-borrowing program, Audible, Sony Reader, Adobe Digital Editions, etc. etc. etc. I think about my fantastic printer/scanner/fax machine, which most likely won't be compatible with a new OS. I think about the fact that I'll probably have to shell out gads of money for a whole new Microsoft Office suite, because there's only so long one can continue on Office 2000. Which of course makes me think about how much I loathe the Office 2007 suite.
So now I'm in the process of narrowing down the choices for exactly which new laptop I'll be purchasing. Decisions, decisions. Probably none of you give two hoots about this, but writing it all down helps me figure out what I'm doing. Plus, I could use any advice you techies out there have for me.
Mac vs. PC
I hear lots of great things about Macs, but as they don't exist in remotely the same universe as me and my budget, I'll be sticking with PCs.
Operating System
I didn't fall for the crap that is Windows Vista back when it was released, and I'm sure as hell not falling for it now. So it looks like I'll be going with Windows 7, as XP just won't continue to be supported indefinitely.
Processor
Now we get into the nitty-gritty. Do I go with a Pentium Dual Core, or shell out the extra cash for a Core 2 Duo? A year from now will I curse myself for being too cheap, or, as a non-gamer, will I even be able to tell that the Core 2 is a faster processor? Will I end up overclocking my system? I'm still up in the air on this one.
Brand
Do I stick with Dell, or go with an HP or Toshiba or something else entirely? Is there really any difference when they're all using the same major components? For me, it will probably come down to price and familiarity. I'm not likely to go with an unknown brand just because it's cheaper. I've been burned too many times on that in the past.
Hard Drive & Memory
Is bigger always better? For hard drive, 250GB or 320GB or 500GB? For memory, 3GB or 4GB? Is it worth the cash when I haven't even fully loaded my current 40GB hard drive?
I have a list of various other must-haves -- DVD/CD burner, wireless networking card, etc. -- but I pretty much know what I want with those and they aren't the vitally important aspects.
So, any advice for me? Do you dislike setting up a new computer as much as me, or does the giddiness factor outweigh the pain-in-the-assedness of it all? Any computer horror stories you'd like to share? And just how long will it be until I'm happy with my new system and have purged the transition memories from my brain?
