Should I buy a new laptop if my old laptop is still working in order?

Question

My current laptop is 4 years old and the Microsoft Vista Upgrade Advisor program said that there is not enough RAM (only 512mb RAM) and graphics memory (only 64mb graphics) on my laptop. My laptop works fine with Windows XP but it is a bit slow. Someone told me that you can't upgrade laptop graphic cards and therefore, is it worth it to buy a new laptop with Microsoft Vista? I think there is a lot of hype for Microsoft Vista and I also want to join the band wagon and buy Microsoft Vista but will it be worth it?

Answer 1

If your current laptop does everything you want it to... no, I wouldn't upgrade. Why spend all that money?

You heard right about laptop graphics cards (no matter what someone else in this thread told you). Most laptop graphics cards are soldered on to the motherboard, or _built in_ to the motherboard (depending on whether or not you got integrated graphics). There are very very few that are upgradeable. You can, however, add memory to your system. I'd stick with WinXP on a 4 year old system though.

Of course, some folks like all the bells and whistles that come with something shiny and new. I built myself a nice laptop less than a year ago, and I still catch myself perusing the 'great deals' I'm seeing out there now. Though what would I do with two good laptops?! Type on both at the same time, one with each hand? :)

I wouldn't upgrade to Vista, yet. Let them work out the bugs and get more drivers. Some of your current peripherals might not work.

If you are annoyed at how slow your current laptop is... you could pass it down to a friend, family member, etc. and get yourself a new one (once you've done everything you should to clean it up and optimize it to see if that helps) and go shopping. I highly recommend ASUS laptops.

Answer 2

Upgrading a 4 year old laptop to Vista will undoubtedly lead to problems with Vista compatible drivers - even if you get Vista up and running you will probably find certain things don't work. If you want the new features of Vista, especially its new interface, then ideally you need more graphics memory than 64mb and a dedicated graphics chip would be even better. In the long run you would probably find it easier not to mention cheaper getting on the Vista bandwagon by buying a new Vista (Home Premium) laptop.

Answer 3

Vista is truly terrible, I work with computers and have used it at a friend's house and would never buy it, XP is so much better and is what I use at home. If you do buy Vista, wait for the next version to come out as there are so many problems with it, big ones that are apparent when using it. If you want to buy a new laptop for the graphics then go for it, but I would really recommend sticking with XP for now, Vista really is error strewn.

Answer 4

I will advise you join an IT newsletter on the net and read info about Vista and the progress. It is generally not a good idea to join the band wagon on new software until atleast a year because no software is flawless as it is created by humans.
I will say if your laptop does want you need it for then wait before you get another one with Vista. If it is very bad then go ahead. I guess really the deciding factor is if you have cash to burn. I personally won't buy Vista.... yet.

Answer 5

the reviews for vista now a days arent that good yet, but it is a very good idea to buy a new laptop that is compatible to vista with better ram and graphics, but rite now buy a laptop and downgrade to win xp, and wait until microsoft fixes the patches and then u can always upgrade ur laptop back to vista for now charge and without loosing any of ur data.

Answer 6

First I would NOT get Visa, heck XP going to have longer support unless you buy the high dollar Vistas.
If, it work do not fix it. My Laptops are 10 and 8 years old, my mother commandeered my IBM 770 and it works great with Windows 98SE.
My IBM iSeries had 98SE and I did a full install of Windows 2000 Pro and it work as good as any new computer for what I do. Though I did build a nice tower not long ago that is awesome and should do me 10-15 years. I loaded Ubuntu Linux on it.

Answer 7

Minimum System Requirements Installation Windows® 2000 (service pack 4), Windows XP (service pack 2), Windows Vista 200MHz Intel Pentium® processor (or equivalent) with 64MB RAM 200MB of Hard disk space 16-bit colour, 1024x768 screen resolution CD-Rom Drive Windows-compatible printer Windows-compatible mouse or pointing device Some features require Internet access Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 QuickTime® 4.0 Card synchronisation requires Microsoft Outlook 2000 to 2007 Adobe® Acrobat Reader v4 or higher Microsoft Office connection requires Microsoft Word 2000 to 2007 Microsoft Excel 2000 to 2007 It seems MYOB 12 can run on Vista as long as you meet the other requirements. If you're having difficulty installing it, then you should post error messages, etc.

Answer 8

Get Vista w/ a new computer--don't buy it as an upgrade b/c you're putting money into an already dated machine.

If your computer suits your needs (for now) and you aren't having any problems w/ it, runs fine, and does everything you need and want it to do, then be happy that you don't have to buy a new computer anytime soon.

I'm still running XP Home that came w/ the HP Pavilion I bought just before the [Free] Vista Upgrade promo ::doh!:: Runs fine...plenty of speed, just can't justify an extra $100+ for something that is more-or-less just eye-candy. :)

Answer 9

upgrading a laptop isnt as easy as upgrading a desktop pc (costs alot more). i think it would save u hastle to buy a new laptop for vista and keep the old 1 for the programs that dont work on vista, then u can have the best of both worlds : ).

Answer 10

First of all, you can upgrade a laptops graphic card, its just not an easy thing to do unless you are familiar with your system and can get to its innards. You can also usually upgrade the memory that you currently have. I would recommend a minimum of 1 gig. Check with your laptop makers website for information on your particular model; you may find instructions and information on how to go about doing this, and whether it is possible. They may offer rebates also for upgrading or trading in your notebook.