Should I replace my computer or wait?

Question

I have a Gateway w/Pentium 4, 2 Gig, 512 MB RAM and 30 Gig hard drive. Operating system is Windows XP. This computer does not have USB2. I do have an adapter that gives me that, but it plugs in where my air card, from T-Mobile plugs in so I can't use both at the same time. T-Mobile is my only source of an internet connection.

My uses are:
1. Internet connection while mobile. ( I live in a motohome and don't have a land line. WiFi works when available.
2. GPS while traveling across USA & Canada.
3. Down loading photos from camera.
4. General word processing.
5. Internet banking.

Everything works fine, just a bit slow.

What should I look for and what should I replace this computer with? My only limitations are, new must be a laptop.

RAM is at max for this laptop. Air card & USB 2 adapter plug into the PCIMA? slot, one at a time.

In a motorhome, which travels down the road, I have the option to operate with 120 volts ac from either a 2,000 watt inverter on my 7.5 KW generator. Power is not a problem. Yes the laptop travels with me as I drive. Most of the time I can keep my internet connection while driving down the road, with T-Mobile.

This laptop is over 4 years old. It has options that were availble in 2003, nothing newer. Hard drive space is only 30 Gig. RAM is at maximum limit.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=400SD4.

I scan this computer and here are the results.

Thanks everyone for your opinions. I will compile them all when I purchase a new laptop.

I don't need tremendous speed, but I would like lot's of memory so I don't get in the perdiciment I'm in now, little RAM with nowhere to go and a hard drive so small I need to look for things to dump so I have room for something new.

Also a USB buss with now where to go.

Thanks again.

Answer 1

nice to be traveling around, arthur
peculiar as it may sound, i did need to wrack my limited gray matter. you are mobile, but your computer stays put. you do not have regular access to wall sockets for power or recharging. you do not have a fixed internet dsl line

tried configuring with a dell, cause they are the most freely configurable one's around >> just an illustration / hint at specs & a few tips

Dell Inspirion 1520
Jet Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Genuine Windows ® Vista Home Basic Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
AT&T built-in cellular mobile broadband (HSDPA 3.6)
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Microsoft Works 8
Yahoo! Music Jukebox - Music Player
Dell Additional Slim 65W Auto/Air/AC Adapter
1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Free 3 GB Online Backup for 1Yr
6 Months America Online Internet Access Included
Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
Jet Black color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera

>> $ 1512

true, much on higher side... but then a whole lot of extra's had to be included
1. Windows XP no longer is offered routinely
Vista home basic should be fine for you
2. Wireless N minicard helps a great deal > high speed wi-fi, wherever available
3. AT&T built-in cellular mobile broadband (HSDPA 3.6)
** just an example, select your provider from list, so hardware is built in & does not take up your express card slot (PCMCIA earlier)
4. Jet Black colour helps hide the dusty appearance
5. Integrated 2.0M Pixel Webcam, maybe handy for snaps ...
6. CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
** DVD's provide much more room for storage
7. Dell Additional Slim 65W Auto/Air/AC Adapter
** uses your automotive power to run / charge your laptop, besides providing for wall charging & air charging
#1 ask dell / manufacturer for supply of this one only at extra cost & not as an additional one
#2 rating of 65 watts seems underpowered as your batteries are 9 cell & may need a bigger charger
8. one express card slot remains vacant for now ... for future
9. you get 4 x usb 2.0 ports, besides 1 x firewire port
10. multi-card reader useful for sd card reading ... etc
11. bluetooth option is cheap @ $20, included that > just in case

now that is what i could fore-see, you know ground reality best
mail me any querries / im me ... whichever suits ya
we'll try working around the best possibilities

sure your present laptop is pretty much cramped, so make sure you are future proof too to some extant

this was just an illustration to give you an idea, plenty many good deals going !
__ __ ___ __ __ __

512 mb ram for windows xp & your applications should not be a problem
again, i doubt if you've maxed out on ram
http://www.crucial.com
"scan my computer"
post results please

please post model number / link to product - support page

remember, now you will be dealing with windows vista > home basic edition should suffice
should be ok to start off with 512 mb ram, but i will not recommend anything short of 1 gb ram
___ ___ ___ ___ ___

i stand corrected, you simply have too many issues for us to handle here
a thorough study needs to be done on what is possible & what is not
** none the less i will try my best to deal with each issue & inform you accordingly
for now, i will simply rule out the windows vista option

Answer 2

I'm of the philosophy of if it ain't broke don't fix it. Your specs seem respectable enough unless you have to have the latest and greatest laptop your in good shape. It's sounds as if you just need a spring cleaning. I also recommend CCleaner along with regular Windows PC maintenance(defrag,error check, Disk Clean up etc...). You can also while doing disk cleanup is to remove all except last restore point. That usually saves a lot space. Hardware upgrades are always an option such as more RAM which would first and then perhaps hard drive if your running close to the limit. If it were me I'd keep it clean it up(software wise) and perhaps increase your hard drive size. It's considerably less expensive than buying a brand new laptop that after 6 month's of use could be just as slow as the old one and your wallet will be a lot lighter to boot..

Answer 3

I would get an intel core 2 duo, at least 1 gig of ram, maybe an 80 gig to a 100 gig hard drive, and you should probably stick will xp instead of upgrading to vista but that might be hard because almost all new computers come with vista. If you have a digital camera with a memory card get a 7 in1 card reader that makes it a lot easier to transfer files from your camera to your computer. HP, IBM, Sony, and Dell have some pretty good laptops.

Answer 4

This isn't a bad time to buy, but supposedly new processors are due to hit the market around July 22nd, so that might result in prices coming down a little.

If you're satisfied with how things are working, I wouldn't worry about it. When you DO get a new laptop, I'd recommend that it either have a Turion 64 X2 or Core 2 Duo processor, and at least 1gb of RAM.

Toshiba is an excellent brand, as is Lenovo/IBM. And Gateway is worth a look- their models are pretty inexpensive compared to Toshiba/HP.

Answer 5

Well, considering the fact that you only have absic needs for you laptop, getting a new one should not be much of a problem at a basic price. All the top of the line features from 2003 that you have are fairly common on all laptops now, but I would suggest a Dell. The basic XPS series can be bought for under a grand. If your looking for something even cheaper, the Inspiron 1501 is only $499

Answer 6

The internet connection is not going to work faster with a new computer. The new Dell e1520 would be a good choice as a replacement. Comes with a metal case and you can get all the options at a decent price. They also advertise improved connectivity.

Answer 7

it's a laptop i'm quessing?

up the memory to 1gb
install a usb 2 pcima card

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/48669

(not sure about if ur in the states. but that will do the job)

as for memory , look @ cruical . com for the sort u need ;-)

should be ok for another while.. but memory will improve matters..

hope u run av + firewall?

also give it a spring clean with this >

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

cleaner + issues tab..

Answer 8

why don't just get a new one with dual processor, it should last the upcoming years.

Answer 9

confusing subject. try searching at bing and yahoo. this will help!