Why is my comp slow? Buffering...

[AS85]

I'm not an expert so bear with me - I need help understanding why my computer is slow.

My computer:
ASUS UL50AG-RBBBK05
http://www.cnet.com/laptops/asus-ul50ag-rbbbk05/4505-3121_7-33776113.html
Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300(1.30GHz) - first line of ULV processors
Intel GMA 4500MHD
4GB DDR2 800MHz
I upgraded from the original HDD to an Intel 330 Series 240GB SSD (not a clean install - cloned from HDD)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008M56YHS/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00

Also, my ISP is ATT U-verse 12Mbps.

My computer is fine with Excel, Word, and most programs, especially since I installed the SSD. But watching videos on the internet is slow. My computer takes a long time to buffer streaming vids on Netflix, Daily Show, Amazon Instant, etc. So, given the info above, what is likely causing this - it it my CPU, GPU? Is it time for me to upgrade to a new machine? Or is it my internet speed - should I upgrade to 24 Mbps?

I've had my computer since 2009 and if it is the hardware, I'm looking into this:
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NP350V5C-T01US-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Silver/dp/B0098O6CMO/ref=sr_1_11?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1359287230&sr=1-11

Please let me know if it's the computer or my internet speed - you can save me $800.

 

[alvine]

well buffering is your internet and not your hardware. you can run speedtest.net and check if you are getting the advertised speeds

 

[AS85]

thank you. i am getting near the 12mbps as advertised. so it has nothing to do with my video card or processor?

 

[popatim]

Buffering is purely internet. Once you are bufferered things like stuttering or choppy video would be your laptop. As for the internet, keep in mind that 12mbs is the fastest you can download; there is no limit on how SLOW a website/server can send.

 

[jaguarskx]

It also depends on what type of video you are trying to watch. High resolution HD movies (1080p) requires a lot of bandwidth while lower resolution DVD movies (720p) requires less bandwidth.

12mbps is not really that fast for a direct internet connection (i.e. wired). For example, smartphones with 4G LTE can approach up to 20mbps second in certain areas where there is strong signal strength and very good coverage (enough towers to support the number of 4G LTE customers).

I would say you need to upgrade your internet plan so that your download bandwidth is at least 20mbps.

 

[AS85]

thanks guys. i actually upgraded to 18mbps after my first post and i noticed a difference when watching non-HD videos on amazon. however, the daily show still takes a long time to load. so i guess given the responses, my internet speed is the culprit...