I currently own a Dell Studio 1537 Intel Core 2 Duo laptop but want to switch back to a desktop. I figured I'll just use an iPad when I need something portable. I need some hardware advice since I'm not a computer expert. Ideally I want to build a desktop computer so I don't have to upgrade for a few years. A CPU that can handle multi-tasking is a must since my current Core 2 Duo isn't cutting it.
Below are a list of activities I frequently do with my laptop:
Browse the internet with multiple tabs open
Stream shows and movies
Listen to music
Chat with friends
Play some games - nothing too heavy on graphics
Below are a list of software/programs I frequently use:
Photoshop CS5
Illustrator CS5
Adobe Acrobat
Digsby
Tweet Deck
IE9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera - I need to open all 5 browsers sometimes without lag.
Windows 7
Microsoft Office 2010
iTunes
As you can see I'm not building a gaming desktop, although I prefer to have a separate video card instead of an integrated one in case I want to upgrade to a better one down the line. So basically I need a desktop that's scalable so I don't have to replace a lot of hardware if I decide to upgrade in the future. My current budget without a monitor is around $800.
Below are a list of activities I frequently do with my laptop:
Browse the internet with multiple tabs open
Stream shows and movies
Listen to music
Chat with friends
Play some games - nothing too heavy on graphics
Below are a list of software/programs I frequently use:
Photoshop CS5
Illustrator CS5
Adobe Acrobat
Digsby
Tweet Deck
IE9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera - I need to open all 5 browsers sometimes without lag.
Windows 7
Microsoft Office 2010
iTunes
As you can see I'm not building a gaming desktop, although I prefer to have a separate video card instead of an integrated one in case I want to upgrade to a better one down the line. So basically I need a desktop that's scalable so I don't have to replace a lot of hardware if I decide to upgrade in the future. My current budget without a monitor is around $800.