Getting to the point where I'll need a faster computer, possible a new laptop. Always been a Mac guy although I've maintained the PC's I've had at work. Software I'm going to need to use is ArcGIS and ENVI which don't run fast enough using Virtual PC. And Apple just isn't going to have their dual-boot Intel PowerBooks out in any timely fashion.

So my questions....

1. AMD vs. Pentium and which chip?

2. Build my own desktop? I'm pretty handy and PC's are the small-block Chevy's of the computer world.

3. Just get an Alienware laptop or ???? (No, I don't game. I process GIS data and satellite data.)

 

One thing to keep in mind is Alienware is geared towards gaming. If your not planning to play games on it, then Its probably not worth the money. Otherwise I say build you own desktop.

 

I understand the gaming inclination of the Alienware, but when your dealing with large graphic files (one satellite image is 300+ mb) and geographic databases with several layers, the extra resources come in handy.

 

dont buy an alienware...for what you pay for one of those you can buy an awesome computer with a better performance for less money

 

Building my own is cool. I always loved tinkering, upgrading and figuring how to make my Macs better.

So...AMD or Intel?

 

AMD all the way...

I would recommend you building your own system or have someone build it for you. I would recommend an Nforce4 motherboard with a Amd Athlon64 3800x2 or 4400x2 (thats a dual core CPU) 200+ gigs of harddrive, Ati X800 or equiv (i'm partial to ATI myself), I would say 1-2gigs of memory depending on your needs. Sounds like 2 gigs would be more future proof for you.

I run my own computer biz akcomputers.net (my website is outdated so don't go by that) if your intrested just shoot me an email and I can work some prices up for you.

 

What I would build (general info):

• AMD 64 - Socket 939 is popular these days. Wait a bit longer and you'll be able to get the new M2 socket which will support DDR2 RAM. You'll pay a premium for that though. My choice right now would be anything dual core.
• Whatever mobo fits your needs. I'm partial to Asus or MSI, but there are other boards out there that work fine too. Just gotta find the one that has the options you want.
• If you want a real performance machine, consider getting 2 hard drives... the first being WD's 10k RPM 74GB Raptor for your OS drive, and the other being a bigger storage drive.
• I too am partial to ATI, but right now NVIDIA is ahead of the game if you go top of the line. If not, stick with ATI.

Post here if you decide to build with your specs.

 

For data apps such as GIS data and such, I personally would go for a P4. For gaming AMD.