"Error Loading Operating System" - Windows XP

[BeanCounter]

I appreciate your wisdom on the topic, as I'm in complete agreement.

Is there anything on these new computers that could help extend the life?
I've read that the 7200 rpm HD's are a plus.
An external hard drive and some diagnostic programs (like Disk Checkup) run regularly could be a benefit as well I suppose.

 

[javacontour]

Don't wait until there is a crisis or another crisis, buy the laptop.

Sure, the one you have works. But do you rely on it? You seemed pretty concerned when it was having issues. Why not buy now and migrate stuff to the new laptop when you can do that at a leisurely pace. You can still use the old one, giving the new one time to settle in, make sure there is no infant mortality in the new rig, etc.

Buy the new one now, start migrating stuff to it, and keep the old one until at least Christmas time. By then, you should know if the replacement is solid, or a lemon.

 

[BeanCounter]

I'm leaning your way, believe me!
All of your points are good ones that I agree with. It would be nice to have a backup computer in case a new one would have issues too (or else your without a computer for 2-3 weeks while they "work" on your new one).
If the logistics fall into place, I'll likely get it...

 

[PandaBear]

Judging by the age of your current laptop, it won't take SSD.

From a performance perspective, SSD give the most bang for the buck for non CPU intensive usage. I upgraded my work computer with an SSD and it cut my build time down from 2.5 hr to 1.75 hr, multiply that by 10 times a day and I got my money back in a week. It is my work horse and I saturate the 50GB it has (OCZ Vertex 2) all the time, when the price drop I'll consider buying a bigger one so I don't have to move files around all the time on such a small drive.

I'd not spend any more $ on your current computer other than may be a new battery, or more ram if you have less than 1GB.

 

[BeanCounter]

Yeah, that is true.
I don't think this new laptop I was eying has an SSD...

I agree with not putting money into the current laptop. A battery would be nice...but also $150 from Dell for a genuine item (which seem to last much longer than the off-brands). That's 1/4 of the way to the new laptop nearly, so maybe it is time to get a new one...

Is 64-bit Windows 7 even really necessary instead of the 32-bit?

 

[PandaBear]

You need 64 bit if you go above 4GB of RAM (technically in windows that's 3GB). I don't think there is any requirement in any software below 3GB right now.

 

[BeanCounter]

Are there in huge pluses to 64-bit for an average user like me?
Would 32-bit and 3GB RAM be just fine for most all I would ever use, or will the near future begin to require more from my system?

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: BeanCounter
Are there in huge pluses to 64-bit for an average user like me?
Would 32-bit and 3GB RAM be just fine for most all I would ever use, or will the near future begin to require more from my system?


I'm still using 32 bit XP at work, so hopefully it is good enough. I don't think over night they will obsolete all the 32 bit OS in the world and force people to go 64 bit. The chance is good that your next next computer need to be 64 bit but if you buy now, you can get away with 32 bit.

 

[BeanCounter]

Awesome.
I take it that 3GB of RAM is plenty then, especially with the 32-bit OS?

 

[PandaBear]

Unless you do some hard core stuff (photo or video editing or gaming), 3GB is plenty for most. I have only 1GB at home and 2GB at work and it works fine for me (developing firmware).

 

[BeanCounter]

That's what I was thinking.

I was on the verge of buying a Dell Vostro last night, but a discount decreased without warning and a coupon code expired before a Dell rep told me it would.
I was pretty disappointed. It had all the features I wanted and sounded great.
I've only had Dell's before and have been happy with them. I'm used to the styling and the setup for sure. I do hear Dell get "bashed" a moderate bit from IT folks, but am not really sure why, from my personal experience (non-overseas customer service related bashing, that is).

Anyway, unless another deal or coupon pops up, or I can find it somehow else, I doubt I'll be buying anything right away. I was almost there though!