Should I upgrade or replace my laptop?
 

I have a laptop that I bought in, I think, '05. It's a Dell Inspiron E1405 (1.6GHz Core Duo, 1.5GB, 120GB).

I use my PC for school, work, and video-editting. I use Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, but the program lags like crazy. I really don't know if it's the processor or lack of memory but I need to do something about it. I want to be able to edit video smoothly.

Option 1: Upgrade the processor to a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo ($200). Upgrade the memory to 4GB (<$85). I think this will do the trick but eventually I'll run out of HD space and get an external or something. The laptop needs a couple things. I just ordered new $8 hinges (monitor tends to fall). The PC will basically be max'd out.

Option 2: Buy a new desktop PC for $700. 3GHz Core 2 Duo (expandable to Quad Cores), 4GB (expandable to 8GB), and 500GB (expandable to 1TB+). I wouldn't need a monitor or anything cuz I'd hook it up to my TV.

Normally I'd just go for option 2, but I'm super broke. I mean, I can afford it but I much rather use the $400 for strippers. I kid. I really could use that for school/books, food, car pmt, etc. So easy, I'll just go with option 1 and mod my current. My problem with this is that it'll be MAX'd out so I'm not sure how much longer it'll last before 4GB of memory is considered "crap". Then I'll definitely need a new one (albeit, I should be better off financially by this time). Anyone know how long option 1 would last?

Then I was also thinking I'd need a better video card... Like what if I mod my current PC and the video program still runs like crap? Then it turns out I need a new graphics card. I'm SOL because the current one is internal and I dont believe it can be upgraded. Then I'm out $300 and need to buy a new PC.

Sorry, I know this turned into more of a rant lol but I'd like to hear what you guys think. The money is there, but I'd rather not use it if I don't have to.

i just tested a friends PC running AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2.1GHz and 2GB and the program ran MUCH smoother. This has me leaning more towards the modding (cheaper) option now.

I think the only way to see a huge difference would be to get a new PC with quad core (that's more in the high $700, low $800s). I don't see modding my PC to a 2.3ghz dual core being much different than a new 3ghz dual core. decisions decisions.

Jason, I would start with upgrading the memory to 4GB first and go from there. Depending on how much memory you have right now, 512K?, 1GB? 2GB?, you could notice a significant different in performance. Adobe Premier system requiremenst for memory is quite high demanding no less than 2GB of memory.

If you're in the need of many upgrades like processor, video card, etc... you might want to then weigh out the costs against buying a new PC or laptop.

I stopped reading right there. Buy a new one.

Lmao. Steve, it's still a sweet laptop..

:icon17: :iagree:

Hey man, seriously. If it works for you still, just upgrade.

buy a new macbook pro 15in

i agree, just upgrade the memory for now, and see how it goes (most likely, you will a see a difference, and would be less laggy).. suck it up for a while.. and when u get the $$ later on buy a nice desktop (i think they are much better than laptops).

memory upgrade should the best bang for your buck. That's all I would do before moving on to a new machine. You might consider a USB external drive that can move on to the new system if space becomes a problem. At least you still get use out of it when you move on.

Memory is only going to increase your speed IF you are using all of your current ram. That would be the only way more memory would help. But a new computer with a better graphics card with its own memory would be better.

I know some of you are going to flame me but I do not care. OP if you are seriously getting into video editing and want a laptop that will last a while. Look at macs I do not do editing but I have a 6 year old mac original battery and all still running like the day I got it. I even still take it to lan partied for unreal tournament 2004. If you do not want a mac stay away from dells as their quality has dropped so has HP. Look at acer asus or sony.

Yes.


I didnt even read the OP, thats how good I am.

wait till friday, santa might bring yah one:tup:

Santa laughed in my face!

haha i did the same thing. Time for a new machine.