The computer helper: Which computer should you buy?

Washington - Buying a new computer usually involves comparing models. Comparisons are more difficult than they used to be, as the number of choices has grown and manufacturers have started marketing computers with specific uses in mind. A little know-how, though, goes a long way toward making the task of sorting through the options a lot easier. Read on for some help. Q: I'm looking at two computers, and the only difference appears to be the processor. One has an 'Intel Core Quad 2400' processor and the other an 'Intel Core 2 Quad - 2400.' What is the difference? I want the fastest computer possible. A: These two computers use the same processor, even though the labels differ. Both computers, in fact, are mislabelled - or at least the labels do not conform to Intel's current naming scheme. The processor in each of these machines is undoubtedly the Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, which contains four processor 'cores,' each of which runs at 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). 2.4 GHz equals 2400 megahertz (MHz). That, apparently, is where the advertiser of these machines got the '2400' that's listed. The Core 2 Quad Q6600 is the oldest of Intel's quad-core chips and the current low end of the Core 2 Quad line. It runs with a front side bus of 1066 MHz. This front side bus value is significant if you have any intention of upgrading the processor in the future. That's because Intel's newer chips - including more recent models in the Core 2 Quad line - use a 1333 MHz front side bus. The faster bus speeds allow for faster overall system speed. Whether you can upgrade a system built around a Core 2 Quad Q6600 - which uses the older 1066 MHz bus - to a processor that uses a 1333 front side bus will depend upon whether the computer's motherboard supports both types of chips. Many do not. Check with the vendor to determine which chips are compatible. At this point, it would definitely make sense to ensure that any computer you buy is compatible with the newer chips - whether dual or quad core - that utilize the 1333 MHz front side bus. Not only will these systems be faster, but they'll also provide you with an upgrade path should you decide later on to buy and use a faster processor. In the case of quad core chips from Intel, the Core 2 Quad Q9300, which does run on a 1333 MHz bus, costs about 50 dollars more than the Q6600. Q: My parents have said that I can purchase a new notebook computer for myself, but I'm on a budget. I want a notebook that can play the latest games, but the gaming notebooks out there seem to cost a lot more than I have to spend. Will regular notebooks also play the latest games? A: Gaming notebooks are a different breed, as they focus on the hardware components that gaming fans alone consider important: beefed-up graphics cards - and sometimes dual graphics cards - that can render fast-moving action games realistically and without blurring or choppiness; explosive sound, which typically includes a built-in subwoofer; and large screens that boast the highest resolutions available in portable computers. No typical business user needs or even wants those types of components. Not only would they be overkill for the tasks required, but they add cost, weight, and heat to a notebook - all undesirable qualities for someone on the go. That doesn't mean, though, that a more conventional notebook computer cannot play the latest games. It just won't play those games with the same level of performance that a gaming notebook will. You can, though, configure a standard notebook with components that will give you the best chance of being happy with its gaming capabilities. Most online notebook retailers - including Dell and HP - make the process of specifying individual components a breeze. First, stay away from notebooks with integrated graphics. Choose a dedicated graphics card option, and get the beefiest one that your budget will allow. Today's games utilise the muscle and memory of graphics cards like never before. Next, opt for larger and higher-resolution screens if you can afford them. Immersive gaming means 'bodacious' graphics. And larger screens will make you feel more a part of the action. Naturally, too, the faster processor will be better for gaming performance, but you can skimp a bit on processor speed if your budget is getting tight. You should outfit the machine with 2 gigabytes (GB) of memory. All other options - hard drive, wireless, sound, colourful notebook covers - are less critical. What you should end up with is a notebook that's more than capable of handling games and the type of work your parents will probably wish you were doing on the notebook - and the cost should be less than half of what you'd pay for a 'dedicated' gaming notebook. Q: I travel a lot and am in the market for a new notebook. Size and weight are prime considerations, so I was looking at the new netbooks. Can these small notebooks run standard applications? A: Yes, and the latest models can do so quite well. Original netbooks - namely, the Asus Eee PC - were optimized for use of Internet-based services. Newer variants, such as the Dell Inspiron Mini, are fully capable of running standard business applications from their internal solid state hard drives (SSD). Keep in mind that one can often buy a netbook with either a Unix- based operating system with Windows - usually Windows XP, since it's less demanding of hardware. Which applications you run will, of course, be dependent upon the operating system you choose. If light weight and small size are high on your list of priorities, you should give the latest generation of netbooks a serious look. --- Have a computer question? Send it to the Computer Helper at jayd@csi.com.