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Ok so I'm old school I don't like the keyboards on laptops and I also want a good monitor because my big hobby is photography and need a mouse.
I live rual NE GA but I have a Tiger Direct only 8 miles from my home so I'll be buying from them. I've already been over once and I'm still a bit overwhelmed. My last computer was a custom build by a guy who's moved. It's now 6 years old running XP and my monitor died and I'm using a crappy one now.
I have real concerns about Windows 8 from the reviews, but I went over to a friends house to help her with a quick software issue (she couldn't figure out how to copy/cut past in word) and did use it without any issues. I won't be getting a touch screen, I also heard there will be an update soon (Windows Blue) but it won't be out until the end of the year and I don't know if my current old betsy can wait that long.
Sooooo
How much RAM and Hard drive will I be happy with? I'm not a gamer but I want to have quality graphics for my photography, I use Adobe photoshop Elements and might be adding Lightroom soon. I will also get some sort of external storage for my photos.
I also utilize MS Office a lot and will be getting an upgrade on that too.
My time on the 'net is often graphic's heavy as I visit photo forums with lots of pics or online news feeds that are also graphics heavy.
I also refuse to buy an HP desktop my last one from bestbuy (crapbuy) lasted less than 2 years and fell apart.
They also are pushing Total Defense for computer security vs Norton/MacAffee...any info on that?
Any and all input will be greatly appreciated...Thanks
Ignore Total Defense. They're just trying to make a fast buck. If they get pushy about it let them know you feel the need to spend your money elsewhere.
Good advice above regarding RAM and drive size. I agree with the 1TB if you have a lot of pictures, and I mean a LOT of pictures. Pay attention to the difference in pricing between 500GB and 1TB. It may not be that much more to go to 1TB. This is a good external drive (I own one). Note the differing sizes.
As for keyboards and mouse re: laptops, I am sitting in front of my laptop typing on a full-size keyboard, using a usb mouse, in my La-Z-Boy recliner. Adding a monitor to one is simple. I'm not recommending you buy a laptop, I'm just making you aware that it doesn't restrict you to the keyboard, touch pad, and laptop screen.
I use Norton Internet Security. That statement may start a firestorm...
You should get quotes and put the specs here so we can look them over.
I can't afford a $500 monitor any other suggestions?
I suggest the Viewsonic VX 2770 which is about half that at amazon. The HP 27 is also nice if you like a glossy screen.I have two 2770's and one 2370; LPS; great color out of box for photo programs and its even get high marks for gaming at price with little ghosting. The matte screen is the best I have seen with no grainy look like Asus and others .Desktop ;windows 7 with 8 GB ram and 1 TB drive should do anything you want but you could add a second 500 Mb drive for safety of one going out to have a copy on another. If they can not do windows 7 then HP and dell still have them to order .Norton is no problem now and I also like AVG. I have used both recently and no problems at all. I am using AVG since I had program paid up and Norton came when I bought desktop. Both never slowed the machine as some said of older norton but I know AVG very well and its features; so why change what has worked well is my view.
Good advice above regarding RAM and drive size. I agree with the 1TB if you have a lot of pictures, and I mean a LOT of pictures. Pay attention to the difference in pricing between 500GB and 1TB. It may not be that much more to go to 1TB.
I still respectfully disagree. Nothing he mentioned in his original post suggest he needs anywhere near 8GB or RAM. That is pure and total overkill. The OP would be perfectly served with 4GB of RAM. Would easily get by with only 3GB of RAM.
As for a TERABYTE hard drive, are we really that out of touch with how large a TERABYTE is? Not to even mention the OP clearly said he would get an external storage device for his photos.
For the computer he wants, a 500GB hard drive is plenty large enough.
A 500 GB hard drive will hold roughly 1.6 million photos. I don't care how prolific a photographer you are, you will probably be getting a new computer by the time you can fill a 500GB hard drive with just photos...
Would he be UNHAPPY with a TB drive and 8GB of RAM? Of course not. But I get the impression the OP is trying to get something a but less expensive.
I still respectfully disagree. Nothing he mentioned in his original post suggest he needs anywhere near 8GB or RAM. That is pure and total overkill. The OP would be perfectly served with 4GB of RAM. Would easily get by with only 3GB of RAM.
As for a TERABYTE hard drive, are we really that out of touch with how large a TERABYTE is? Not to even mention the OP clearly said he would get an external storage device for his photos.
For the computer he wants, a 500GB hard drive is plenty large enough.
A 500 GB hard drive will hold roughly 1.6 million photos. I don't care how prolific a photographer you are, you will probably be getting a new computer by the time you can fill a 500GB hard drive with just photos...
Would he be UNHAPPY with a TB drive and 8GB of RAM? Of course not. But I get the impression the OP is trying to get something a but less expensive.
I was referring to your post. I hate when that happens. 8GB is certainly overkill in this instance.
As for drive size it depends. If you can get the same PC with 1TB instead 500GB for a few dollars more, why not? In the link I gave in my post the difference between 500GB and 1TB is $15.00. That's a small price difference for the extra 500GB. Even if there seems to be no chance of it ever being used it's still a good deal for a little $$. And storing pictures on an external drive is a good idea, but if they are not also on the internal drive where's the backup?
And in case you missed it I said "a LOT of pictures".
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) and did use it without any issues. I won't be getting a touch screen, I also heard there will be an update soon (Windows Blue) but it won't be out until the end of the year and I don't know if my current old betsy can wait that long.
My personal advice
