Notebooks laptop as upgrade to desktop advice needed

comparing processors...

my Athlon 64 is a single core running at 2gig

I've had a look at what's on offer retail wise in my local town.
The processors mainly run at 1.6gig (for my price range)

There is a performance gain to be had, by having 2 cores, but running at a slower clock speed, but would a 1.6gig be enough to make it worthy of the upgrade (performance wise)?

Is vista able to run the software that works in XP? just like from Win98 to XP or is there any problems that might arise?
(never used vista to such detail)

 

Yes, Vista can run the majority of software that works on XP.

For this budget, you probably won't notice much performance increase, although it should be better at multi-tasking.

 

The main gripe about my current desktop is that the processor can hit %100 when analysing music/ripping/burning etc.
so when I buy new tracks, I have to wait whilst they are analysed.
It should be good enough if it's better at multi-tasking. that's where I think my current desktop is lacking.
I should be able to analyse tracks without having the currently playing track(s) stutter.

 

I'm looking at 2ghz cpus now. Makes the upgrade more worthwhile.

How about these?

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/139159

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_5720-301G12Mn_LX.TK206.049/version.asp

any other suggestions?

 

Just had another mailshot leaflet from Dell again...
(I've been getting them since I got the free listing in Yellow Pages)

I went on Dell's site and came up with this, which I think is really good for the price:

• Vostro™ 1700 NB(N0417013)
• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5870 (2.0 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB)
• Genuine Windows Vista™ Business - English (xp pro is available at no change to cost)
• 3072MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (1x1024 + 1x2048 MB)
• 128MB nVidia® GeForce® 8400M GS
• 250GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
• Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software
• Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 (802.11 a/b/g) MiniPCI Card
• Microsoft® Works 9.0 - English
• 1Yr Basic Warranty - Next Business Day
• Primary 6-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (56 WHr)
• 17" Wide Screen WXGA+ (1440 x 900) Display with TrueLife™

offer - save 10%
offer £50 money off
Sub-total (exc VAT, inc discounts): £454.00

• Kensington SD100 USB Port Replicator

20% off on Kensington docks and Port Replicators
Sub-total (exc VAT, inc discount): £29.21

Final Total Price (inc VAT): £567.77

The first of the offers to expire is the £50 off on the 16th April, so got till then

 

They all look reasonable to me, looks like you have some good choices there, now you just need to work out which is best for you.

 

I think I'll go for the Dell.
For the specs of it, nothing else can be got for the price.

I'm not sure if to get XP Pro or Vista business.
Which should I get?

 

I'd go for Vista. There are a couple of annoying things at first, but after a while (IMO) you get used to it and you notice all of the improvements. Get the 64-bit version if you can (Dell should give you the option as it is a "business" product).

 

well dell's site does not give the option of 32 or 64 bit for any version.

 

Don't I know it Rick!

I ordered meself a Dell XPS M1730 just last week, and asked the sales rep' what version of Vista Home Premium it comes with (I wanted 64bit)?
It's the 32bit they supply - unfortunately... and they can't change it

I've got a retail version of Vista Home Premium 64bit I could use, but then the version they supply with the laptop would then be redundant (it being tied to the laptop 'n' all)

 

Hmm, yes you're right as far as Laptop's go, but you can get 64-bit on their workstations.

I'm sure if you email Dell they'll be able to give you a x64 disc to use with your license key.

 

Just ordered the Dell.

So it would be worth sending an email to them?
(before they progress my order further)

 

Not if my experience just last Friday is anything to go by? As I said above...

By all means email them. Nothing ventured... nothing gained

But if they tell you differently, and advise that they can supply the 64bit version instead... I'll be straight on the phone to my sales rep'!!
He went off specifically to make enquiries regarding me getting 64bit... and phoned me back some 15mins later to say they couldn't supply it

 

I think I'll do an online chat with them.
I'll see what happens...

[edit]
can't do an online chat, so I have sent an email from their site
[/edit]

 

... so I ended up phoning them.
I finally got to the correct department (after about five passes around, and the automated phone system(s) moving me around several countries (different ringing tones))
we only do 64bit on servers.
32bit is for laptops.

etc. etc.

so I will get 32bit then.

 

Sucks, eh!!

They offer an upgrade to 4GB (at a price!), and you need a 64 bit OS to utilise it all...
so quite why they've made the decision not to make 64bit an option in the configuration page, is beyond me

 

It appears we could get 64bit Vista as an upgrade version.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932795/en-us

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/64bit.mspx

possible a 64bit DVD could be ordered direct from MS. the procedure (starts near the bottom of the content) requires an existing Product key.]

or have I got this wrong?

 

Looks like the 32bit version is going to stay with me though.

Native Instruments have added to their site (since I last looked at it) that it is 32bit that Traktor 3 DJ Studio run on, not 64bit.

http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?shopdetail&prid=926

 

You can only order the alternative version DVD if you've bought a retail boxed version Rick.
I've already done it meself, so I have a (retail) 64bit version of Vista Home Premium I could put on the laptop.

But as I mentioned earlier... if I do that... the 32bit version I get with the laptop will effectively be useless!
I know I could always phone Microsoft, and say (i.e.) my motherboard blew capacitors, enabling me to use the laptop's Vista 32bit (and the new key) on another system.
But I wouldn't have to tell porky's/request a new key, if Dell offered 64bit versions