Pentium D? Pentium 4?

pwd72s · 04-02-2006, 12:32 PM

Cindy & I are looking into getting a new computer. I know this is pretty basic to many of you, but could somebody tell me the difference between Pentium D and Pentium 4? Is one better than the other? Yes...I'm a dumb***** when it comes to 'puters...

Neilk · 04-02-2006, 12:59 PM

Pentium D is just another version of the Pentium 4.

Unless you have gotten broadband recently, any computer you get today will be MORE than adequate for your needs. Tell us your budget and I am sure we can find a good deal for you...

Whatever PC you get, make sure to get 512mb of ram.

tabs · 04-02-2006, 12:59 PM

Nobody cares whats his name thinks anymore, he has LOST all credibility...so noone respond to his childish attempts at attention...

TWork · 04-02-2006, 01:59 PM

Pentium 4 and Pentium D are not the same thing, or different versions of the same thing. Pentium D is a dual core processor. Pentium 4 is a single processor. If you're multi-tasking, the Pentium D is significantly faster.

HTH,

T.

pwd72s · 04-02-2006, 02:10 PM

Thanks Neil & T. Cindy's been pouring through Dell catalogs, has been looking at desktops in the $1500 range. We are going to hook up to Comcast, since we live "too far out" for DSL. We're not into game playing, just looking for speed & reliability. Primarily for home use. I'm also thinking of exploring digital photography. This current machine is too old to handle even that.

TWork · 02:20 PM

This here would be plenty of computer. Essentially its a Pentium D with Windows Media Center edition, the combination of the two are what's known as Viiv technology. It'd definitely let you do your digital photos, some videos and it'd double as a DVR/PVR machine. You could record your favorite car shows and burn them to a DVD.

Here

And, would come in well under $1500 with a LCD monitor. I have had, and recommended, Dells in the past. However, they just aren't what they used to be (both in hardware and service).

T.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

Just don't get a celeron!

Halm · 04-02-2006, 02:38 PM

With all due respect TWork, I wouldn't touch a HP desktop with the proverbial 10' pole!!! Dell, Lenovo (or IBM labeled stock) or maybe Alienware are the only systems that will hold up and be supported for the long haul.

I like this Dell and it under $1,000

pwd72s · 04-02-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul K
Just don't get a celeron!

Agreed! That's what we're using now. This, our first computer...we knew totally zilch. Just walked into a big box store
and bought a package they had on sale. It's taught us lot..about what we do and don't want next time around. Guys, I really appreciate this input...maybe I should have gone with a new title? "What computer to buy for $1500"....or less...or $1600. Just a ballpark figure, but I should cut it off somewhere.

yellowline · 04-02-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Thanks Neil & T. Cindy's been pouring through Dell catalogs, has been looking at desktops in the $1500 range. We are going to hook up to Comcast, since we live "too far out" for DSL. We're not into game playing, just looking for speed & reliability. Primarily for home use. I'm also thinking of exploring digital photography. This current machine is too old to handle even that.

Macs handle digital photography better, they are better media machines. Plenty of applications are available for photo work if you look in the right places. It connects to the Internet like any other computer, and the differences between Mac and Windows are far less than you might expect now. I honestly think you could learn 95% of what you'd do with a Mac in an afternoon. For the casual user, it's nothing like learning a new language.

I've found my Mac to be far more of a plug and go machine than my Windows computers ever were. It set up my Internet settings out of the box, I didn't do a thing. That's a feature you're probably looking for. You can't drive to any old store and expect Mac software, but it IS available.

Neilk · 04-02-2006, 08:18 PM

Unless you are getting a 20"+ LCD monitor, spending $1,500 is overkill. A Dell Dimension E510 with a 19" LCD should be doable for about $1000.

Go to fatwallet.com -->Forums --> Hot deals and look around for some Dell deals. For the digital photography YOU want to do, ANY new PC with 512mb RAM will suffice.