Should I upgrade or replace my laptop?

Jason · 12-21-2009, 02:17 AM

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.

Jason · 12-21-2009, 04:31 AM

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.

Eric · 12-21-2009, 06:41 AM

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.

370Zsteve · 12-21-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

I have a laptop that I bought in, I think, '05.

I stopped reading right there. Buy a new one.

Jason · 12-21-2009, 01:00 PM

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

frost · 12-21-2009, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

I stopped reading right there. Buy a new one.

frost · 12-21-2009, 01:02 PM

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

AndyO · 12-21-2009, 01:19 PM

buy a new macbook pro 15in

hazzazi · 12-21-2009, 01:30 PM

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).

Lug · 12-21-2009, 02:02 PM

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.

bigaudiofanat · 12-21-2009, 02:51 PM

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.

MightyBobo · 12-21-2009, 10:25 PM

Yes.

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

StLRedrider · 12-21-2009, 10:28 PM

wait till friday, santa might bring yah one

Jason · 12-24-2009, 06:05 PM

Santa laughed in my face!

fatcat777 · 12-24-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

I stopped reading right there. Buy a new one.

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

12-21-2009, 02:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	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.

12-21-2009, 06:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Eric Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Norton, Massachusetts Posts: 448 Drives: in the fast lane. Rep Power: 16	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. __________________ PSN ID: GTP_EricW

12-21-2009, 01:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
AndyO A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 1,530 Drives: 05 6spd Nissan 350z Rep Power: 19	buy a new macbook pro 15in __________________

12-21-2009, 01:30 PM	#9 (permalink)
hazzazi Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA, Virginia / KSA Posts: 648 Drives: 09 nismo Silver Rep Power: 17	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). __________________ i Don't Drive Fast, i just Fly Slow.

12-21-2009, 02:02 PM	#10 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 20	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. __________________ keep Chubbs in your pocket - Chubbs

12-21-2009, 04:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	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.

12-21-2009, 01:00 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	Lmao. Steve, it's still a sweet laptop..

12-21-2009, 01:02 PM	#7 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0	Hey man, seriously. If it works for you still, just upgrade.

12-21-2009, 02:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	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. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

12-21-2009, 10:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
MightyBobo A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 8,465 Drives: No cars; only bikes Rep Power: 52	Yes. I didnt even read the OP, thats how good I am. __________________ I don't own a car anymore.

12-21-2009, 10:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
StLRedrider A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St.louis,Mo Posts: 17,755 Drives: O9Sprt/Touring,p-51 Rep Power: 60	wait till friday, santa might bring yah one __________________ Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today J.Dean

12-24-2009, 06:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jason Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 309 Drives: Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 16	Santa laughed in my face!

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