When you want a PC in reference to spending too much $ for a guy to remember you exist - you can't lag, freeze, or crash. Granted it DOES happen, but you have to pick something that's reliable. Ok - when I am shopping for a laptop or any computer, in your case a laptop... I remember a few things. I took this from a page I read because it pretty much sums it up. Again this is just IMO... that's all.
- Screen Size: Pay attention to the type of and quality of the display - just because it says "HD" doesn't mean it's sporting a 1920 x 1080 resolution screen (in fact, most laptops don't). Also, matte screens are easier to view in brighter light, while those with higher contrast ratios and brightness will provide a more pleasing visual experience.
- Processing Power (also called CPU): Think of the processor as the brain of the laptop. As far as what you need the PC to do, it depends on what you want the computer to do. In your case, since you will be streaming online, doing multiple things at once, watching movies, playing video games or doing any video or photo editing and image things, the bigger the better(in the 2GHz-plus range). When you see dual core - I always thought it as double the processor speed.
- Memory: Depending on the version of Windows your laptop runs, you may only need 4GB of RAM (32-bit versions of Windows 7 can only support 4GB). If you have a higher performance laptop with a 64-bit version of Windows, you can step up to higher memory capacities (you're also future-proofed to handle new 64-bit software programs). If you are looking at something with MULTIPLE Processors, this means there is more than 1 CPU at work. Example: with multiple processors like the dual core kind, you virtually could have up to 4 CPUs running at the same time in the PC to help with multi-tasking.
- Operating System wise, you need to either have Windows XP or Windows 7. I have heard too much crap about Windows 8. When you buy a computer whether in Staples, a store, or on Amazon even, it will list what OS it has. Once you know what the PC runs, it's almost smooth sailing. You just have to make sure any software or any hardware you might use, like your cam, will work with the OS.
- Hard drive storage is another matter. It's relatively cheap (and getting cheaper) so bulking up on space isn't a bad idea. My laptop has a 500GB hard drive and the desktop I have is 160GB also. I bought 3 1 TB external hard drives just to make sure that I didn't run out of space when they were on sale. I put all my cam work there - vids, pix, notes, etc. This was just to compensate... The PC I bought is part of the network I built in my house.
- Internet Connections - Does it have wireless? What type of wireless does it support so you can move around? If it doesn't have wireless, you can by a USB wireless stick if you have a router that is wireless. I have it on the same computer I bought below.
You just need to figure out how much you are willing to spend and on what. This is the specs of the PC I bought last year... per the description in the ad from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o05_s00_i00
Dell 745 Optiplex Tower Computer, Featuring Intel's Powerful & Efficient 3.4GHz Dual Core CPU Processor, Amazing 800MHz Bus Speed & 4MB Cache,160GB Ultra Fast 7200 RPM SATA hard drive, CDRW/DVDRW SATA Ultra Speed Drive, Windows7 and Vista Capable, 3GB DDR2 Dual Interlaced High Performance Memory, Play and Record CD's, Watch DVD Movies, Providing Power for Today or Future Needs, Wireless Capable (Adapter Sold Separately), Xp Professional SP3
I have testing this PC over and over. It works fantastic. I have used my Logitech c910 with it. I have ran many programs at once, zero problems. I paid $265 for this computer at the time. It is now between $142-$148. There are a few people that sell the type, but I bought mine from EzBuyCafe. They forgot the CD and sent me one when I contacted them about after my order came. It's just the TOWER so you may need a monitor if you go that route.
I mentioned Amazon Warehouse Computer Section. It is basically the sent back, refurb machines that are on clearance. Just pay attention to the descriptions and their reviews on ANYTHING you buy from Amazon anywhere. http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=sc_bb_br...ode=3545095011
Here are some laptops I found, that would work for you - all with free shipping on my end it says, hopefully it does for you as well.
$427
http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-g6...rchant&sr=1-12
$435
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-...productDetails
$504 - THIS ONE IS A BEAST!!!
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-...rchant&sr=1-14
$403
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series...rchant&sr=1-32
$397
http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-g6...rchant&sr=1-67
$584 - this one is a quad core... also a beast.
http://www.amazon.com/HP-Pavilion-dv...rchant&sr=1-77
$364
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-...rchant&sr=1-24
$375
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-...rchant&sr=1-29
I hope all this helps you narrow it down. I am always trying to stay up to date on the PC world but ever since Windows 7 came out, Microsoft and the PC world has let me down. LOL.
Sorry for making the thread so long - but again, it was just my opinion and wanting to put it all out there to help as much as I can.
If you want to know anything else, let me know. But those laptops are super cheap compared what they used to be.. you can always reformat it with XP if you wanted to downgrade as some usually do. I did it... I had to go back to Windows 7 when I set my home network up..Many of those computers, there are only 1 left in it's category or maybe at the max 3. Plus you will get it within the 2-5 days with their fast shipping. They even have options for a warranty if you want one. Make sure you get one, it's smart doing that in case you get the PC and something happens. The warehouse does returns different on things, so read their portions on that too.
Happy Shopping and I hope you get something you REALLY want!
You never have to spend close to $1500 on a computer unless you are looking at Alienware or something that has just come out.
Always try to buy a year or two older, newerly (lol) used because the updates and fixes will already be available for download from the manufacturer that made it.
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