Pcs & Hardware
2011/2012 Computer and Laptop Buying Guide
Manufacturer
Processor
The processor is what does the real work, but it also relis on a lot of other compoenents. The core 2 stuff was product end in 2010 and the product line has been around since 2006. I would stick with anything from the Intel core i line of things. This is a much better product, built off of new platforms. The core I3 is for the regular everyday PC user, email and Internet. Core i5 is for the novice power user, hi def movies and power user of email and Internet. Core i7 is for the hard core user, video editing, graphic design, power email and Internet user. Core i3 and core i5 is where most people are going to end up
How to add multiple monitors
I currently have 3 monitors and I planned on pluggin in a TV as well on my computer at home.
There There are 3 options for extra monitors
The best route is to get multiple video cards that are PCI express interface. You have to make sure your motherboard can handle the upgrade, some can, some can't. Mine does, with 3 PCI express slots. i put in 2 video cards that have 2 output jacks on each and I have room for a third. Look in your manual at your specifications. Or look online at what they look like, pop the side off and look inside. When buying your video cards make sure you look at the size, some of them can get pretty big with heatsinks and fans. Here is a decent one after a quick search
The second best route is to get video cards that plug into your PCI interfaces. Again you have to check if your Motherboard has these but 99% have at least 2 slots for additional cards. Often times you will see sound cards, or network cards plugged into these slots.
Here is a card that is made for multiple monitors on a work station
The third route would be to get USB add on for extra monitors. The addon hubs are usually not suited for high quality or being your primary monitors. They are often lower quality and resolution then dedicated PCI-X or PCI cards. This would most likely be the only route for laptops.
Here is one after a quick search, you might find it cheaper. With this product you can only use 2 at 1 one time. So for the laptop you would use the laptops own screen, the 1 video out that all laptops have and then 2 usb adapters for a total of 4 screens. Without getting something really complicated that's probably going to be the limit for a laptop.
If your getting a MAC all of this can change as your options are most likely limited. I would check with the local Apple store. There are not to many things that you can get "non Apple" to fit Macs. Most likely you have to buy it from Apple directly and you will pay for it. It's similar to going to the dealer for car parts, although with Macs often it's the only choice.
Laptop Recommendation
Make sure you get 64 bit windows vista and at least 3GB of RAM. Core 2 duo processor or better. You cannot measure processor in GHZ anymore, as they have lower GHZ then older processors. They now have multiple cores which is kind of like have more then 1 processor in 1. I would just use model number and check sites like this http://www.cpubenchmark.net/
At the moment i would not recommend AMD as Intel is kicking its butt. Spend the extra 10 bucks and get Bluetooth and wireless N instead of G.
A lot of computers are coming with free upgrades to windows 7 when it comes out, look for that. you don't want to spend another $100 in a year and windows 7 is a whole lot better than vista. I've been using it for a month on my desktop and laptop and love it.
oh and always get the video card upgrade. The onboard cheap video is not the way to go, even for people who are not going to do any heavy gaming or graphics.
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