32 or 64?

July 23, 2005 in Frugal Tech by Rebecca | No comments

From all the hype 64-bit computing appears to bring you’d think that
64-bit computing coming to a desktop near you will suddenly make your
life loads easier, let you shrink 4 dress sizes, and allow save you 10
extra hours a week. PC Magazine, in a July 13, 2005 article titled "The
Big Shakeup" proclaimed that 64-bit computing would "bring
unprecedented speed and power". eWeek Magazine, in a
March 2, 2005 article entitled "64-bit Computing is coming to a desktop
near you" says that "They are building it and users will certainly
come". Finally we have 64-bit computing for all our needs!

But is that extra expense and money really worth it? If you are on a
budget, it might be wise to think twice before you launch in though. By
and large, the operating systems for desktops are not 32-bit yet. Even
if they were, the chances you would actually use the capabilities are
highly unlikely at this point. Indeed, a good 32-bit computer with the
standard MS Windows XP Operating system, or an Apple MAC with Tiger or
even an Intel machine with Linux running on it with Open Office are
going to do the job for 90 of us out there.

They key thing is - what are you going to be doing with it? Don’t
get sucked into the hype of more memory, faster processors, better
storage - just think "what DO I do with this thing anyway?" If you are
like most people you probably do the following:

  • Surf the web
  • Read The Beck’s Cafe blog  ;)
  • Chat with Yahoo IM or at URNOTALONE or some other place
  • upload/download photos to Yahoo (Flickr, MSN or some other place).
  • Download MP3’s or iTunes and play them
  • Play CD’s
  • Edit photos
  • Write in your journal (you do have a journal don’t you??)

 

For
the above, a high speed connection to the net is sufficient (cable or
DSL) and, a basic PC is just fine. AND, you’ll save money. Most of us
are on a budget, and the idea of getting what you need at low to
moderate cost is really the way to think (besides, that leaves more
money to spend on clothes, makeup, or to bless one of your sisters with
lunch :) ). What does a basic low cost PC look like today? Here’s some
suggestions"

  • 1.5Ghz CPU or above (Intel or AMD)
  • 512MB of memory (don’t go lower,  you’ll save money but be unhappy)
  • an
    80GB hard disk (we like to store photos - burn them to a CD-ROM is a
    better idea and allows you to get a less expensive hard disk)
  • Basic graphics card
  • 15"
    LCD flat screen monitor (If you can 17" flat screen LCD go for it - to
    save $100 go with the old reliable CRT monitor, it’s much bigger, but
    they work great).
  • KB, Mouse

      

  Should
you get a laptop or a desktop? If you are on a budget and don’t need to
travel around with your PC, get the desktop, you’ll save hundreds of
dollars.

What about software? Microsoft Office is great software - BUT - a
free alternative exists that is 100% MS Office compatible, that is Open
Office. This software is backed by Sun Microsystems and a large number
of independent developers. I use it to write parts of my blog actually, it’s that good! You can download it for free from Open Office.org

As 64-bit desktops start coming onto the market, the 32-bit systems
will drop in price and great bargains will abound. 64-bit computing is the wave of the future - but for most of us, we will not benefit from it in this go around.  Being a sharp eyed shopper will make it possible for you to get a new 32-bit system at a great price!

drop me a note if you find something you like and your not sure about :)

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