need your pc knowledge

[bobzrag]

this site has lots of tech deals, check daily to see if you find anything that might be helpful... http://www.techbargains.com/index.cfm

[Fired Yo Momma]

Another thought is that once you get your new computer you can overclock your processor. That can help.

[sheclimbs]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

Another thought is that once you get your new computer you can overclock your processor. That can help.

say what? Can you tell by my neophite questions that "overclocking my processor" is a foreign language !

[Neccros]

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

say what? Can you tell by my neophite questions that "overclocking my processor" is a foreign language !

All you need is this,

ANY decent laptop with a Core 2 Duo processor
2 gigs is FINE
at least a 15.4" WUXGA screen(If possible) with a dedicated video card built in with at least 128-256 megs of RAM on it.
dont need a DVD burner, but a combo drive(DVDplayer/CD Burner) is good.

Also dont get caught up in the 64bit hype... there are TOO many issues with hardware and drivers not working with 64bit windows... just stick to the regular 32bit XP and NOT Vista for at least another 6months to a year or longer if you can avoid it.... You can get a legit copy of XP Pro for $25 at computer shows... its going cheap now that vista is out...

I use AutoCAD, Microstation(AutoCAD on Steroids) and software called PDS(Plant Design System) here at work. I model and build various equipment and piping in gigantic 3D models running on an old school 3ghz P4 with 1 gig of RAM to dual LCD monitors here on my desk and it all runs perfect!!!!

Also I do side jobs for my sister using Photoshop, etc and I run those on a lower end PC and they still run fine...

Also I cant speak for all brands of laptops but Dells seem to be the way to go but if you need it now, then write some info down and start hitting places like Frys and Microcenter or even Best Buy and see what they sell.... Just dont get sucked into some sales pitch!!!

Hope this helps

P.S. Attached is what I get to look at all day long!

[Fired Yo Momma]

Originally Posted by sheclimbs

say what? Can you tell by my neophite questions that "overclocking my processor" is a foreign language !

In short its making your processor race ready. I guess another example would be this taking the speed governor off the car.

[LBmtb]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

In short its making your processor race ready. I guess another example would be this taking the speed governor off the car.

Or another example would be a person taking 5 espresso shots. It usually voids warranties and can be dangerous to the processor unless you know what you're doing (i.e. don't overclock too much and keep the extra heat under control).

[Fired Yo Momma]

You are right that was one of the reasons I really did not want to tell too much about it. In fact I should have not been a blowhard and just keep my mouth shut on that one. opps. I do it and yes I actually have put another fan in.

[Kid A]

Originally Posted by LBmtb

Or another example would be a person taking 5 espresso shots. .

i don't understand the analogy. what's the issue here

[Sprockethead]

This deal just started today. Usually you have to jump on it fast at Slickdeals

Slickdeals.net

link to the actual laptop:
The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

You can upgrade the ram and processor. Smokin' deal in my opinion.

[cH4os]

A Laptop for Autocad is really an OxyMoron.. You should have a Tower with a smokin Video Card...

Spend your money on Graphics and on Memory.

Call one of these guys:
Authorized Autodesk Value Added Resellers

PSP KETIV Technologies of Calif., Inc. Fullerton CA 714 680-6744
PSP L.A. CAD, Inc. Costa Mesa CA 877 875-2223
Hagerman & Company, Inc. Placentia CA 714 579-0295
CVIS, Inc. Newport Beach CA 800 511-8020
Microdesk, Inc. Irvine CA 800 336-3375
CAD Masters, Inc. Ontario CA 909 989-8929

Have them spec a Minimum and Maximum system requirement for what you are doing.. and then buy what you can afford.

[danophoto]

I have a new hp with vista. Upgraded graphics card-dual proc. and such. I only wished I'd would have stayed with windows xp- I've had some program compatibility issues...

[Neccros]

Originally Posted by danophoto

I have a new hp with vista. Upgraded graphics card-dual proc. and such. I only wished I'd would have stayed with windows xp- I've had some program compatibility issues...

You can still get XP cheap.... Im not touching Vista untill everything has working drivers and all compatibility issues have been resolved...

Originally Posted by cH4os

A Laptop for Autocad is really an OxyMoron.. You should have a Tower with a smokin Video Card...

Whats wrong with a laptop??? We have engineers all the time in the field running AutoCAD/Microstation/PDS on laptops....

Also maybe she wants/needs to have a laptop and not a tower....

AutoCAD wont really need that "smoking" of a video card, any decent nVidia or ATI card with at least 128megs is fine....