BleepingComputer.com: Purchase Template

Hello,

Hope I'm doing this right. Here goes....


What are the primary uses for this computer: Graphics design for fun, writing stories/letters, Email, Surfing the web, Graphic sharing with groups.

What software do you intend on using on the computer? Corel Paint Shop Pro XI (if it's compatiable with windows 7), several fancy plug-ins for PSP like Superblade Pro, Eye Candy, Filters Unlimited, to name a few. Jasc Animation Shop, MS Works, Incredimail. And other than my anti-virus, and 3 anti-malware and Firefox programs I prefer to run a lean computer.

Do you play games? If so, what type of games? Sometimes. But it's mostly the less intensive stuff like Bejeweled. Which I don't have anymore after HD crashed last year. I also used to have Hoyle Casino, but lost that too. Otherwise I mostly play the pre-installed games like spider solitaire or free cell. Haven't played any in awhile because the PC gets too warm, which is the main reason I wish to replace it.

Do you tend to have a lot of programs running at the same time, or do you close every program when you are done using it? I mostly close every program when I am done. But there are times when I have Paint Shop Pro, my Firefox browser and Incredimail open at the same time.

Do you store a lot of pictures or music on the computer? No music. Music sounds terrible on this PC anyway. And no digital pictures either. All the graphics, tubes, brushes, ect. that I have for Paint Shop Pro are stored on flash drives.

I currently have an almost 6 yrs old HP Pavillion with Windows XP Home SP2. It has 1024 mb's of ram, but only a 60 HD. I've already sunk enough money into this thing during it's lifetime, replacing the HD when it crashed last year, and recently replacing the screen when it went dark. So I think it's time to invest in another. Though I'm hesitant about making the jump to Windows 7. I hate the thought of starting over. The laptop is used as a desktop, so portability is not an issue.

The biggest complaint/concern with my HP is that it gets very warm when using any of the programs listed above. Even typing this message causes it to get warm. I'm also stuck on dial-up, but that's a different issue. I'm worried that this one is going to burn itself out again.

I'm seeking advice on what specs I should look for so that the laptop won't get so toasty. All this talk for front bus,processors, are just numbers to me. I know desktops run cooler, but lack of space for a desktop is the problem.

Thanks for any advice,

Ziva

I suggest you go through the following guides to get an idea of what you are looking for:

Laptop Buying Guide

Laptop Buying Guide 2

Laptop Buying Guide 3

By now, you should have a fairly good idea of what will suit you best, the brands to consider and the budget to work with.
Share the same with us and we will be able to suggest the perfect buy!