Hi all—
I’ve got a somewhat unstable 20GB hard drive in an old i2650 (384 RAM); trying to decide whether to replace and upgrade internal hard drive or just get a whole new laptop.
Needs:
-ability to process/edit large video and audio files while doing fieldwork
-and simultaneously store/work w/ searchable parsing linguistic database (Toolbox) that I’m establishing for 2 languages
-other programs important to me include: ELAN (for integrating audio and text files with video), Transcriber, EndNote, and Adobe Reader; a larger iTunes capacity would be a fun plus
Also need to install DVD burner if possible in the i2650. Planning to buy external hard drive for longer term storage of the video and audio. I have a limited (grad student) budget, but if a new laptop is the way to go, I will seek grants for help...
1)Does (internal) hard drive or laptop upgrade make the most sense? If the latter, what’s the best DELL for my needs?
2)If the answer is hard drive, I’ve been eyeballing CMS 4200 RPM 60 GB w/ 2 MB cache or 100 GB w/ 8 MB cache (same RPM) – both of these are readily available from Dell or authorized vendors. Also found a company www.Impactcomputers.com which apparently manufactures compatible hard drives, including a cheaper 100GB with similar specs as above, and faster 60GB and 80 GB models (both 5400 rpm). Which type is best for my needs?
3)If it’s the faster types, does anyone know anything about the reliability of Impactcomputers? They’re a 10 year old company...
4)Hoping the installation is dummy-proof (sounded so from previous posts), as any user-inflicted damage of course renders the thing non-returnable in Impactcomputers’ policy...
Thanks for any advice here!
I’ve got a somewhat unstable 20GB hard drive in an old i2650 (384 RAM); trying to decide whether to replace and upgrade internal hard drive or just get a whole new laptop.
Needs:
-ability to process/edit large video and audio files while doing fieldwork
-and simultaneously store/work w/ searchable parsing linguistic database (Toolbox) that I’m establishing for 2 languages
-other programs important to me include: ELAN (for integrating audio and text files with video), Transcriber, EndNote, and Adobe Reader; a larger iTunes capacity would be a fun plus
Also need to install DVD burner if possible in the i2650. Planning to buy external hard drive for longer term storage of the video and audio. I have a limited (grad student) budget, but if a new laptop is the way to go, I will seek grants for help...
1)Does (internal) hard drive or laptop upgrade make the most sense? If the latter, what’s the best DELL for my needs?
2)If the answer is hard drive, I’ve been eyeballing CMS 4200 RPM 60 GB w/ 2 MB cache or 100 GB w/ 8 MB cache (same RPM) – both of these are readily available from Dell or authorized vendors. Also found a company www.Impactcomputers.com which apparently manufactures compatible hard drives, including a cheaper 100GB with similar specs as above, and faster 60GB and 80 GB models (both 5400 rpm). Which type is best for my needs?
3)If it’s the faster types, does anyone know anything about the reliability of Impactcomputers? They’re a 10 year old company...
4)Hoping the installation is dummy-proof (sounded so from previous posts), as any user-inflicted damage of course renders the thing non-returnable in Impactcomputers’ policy...
Thanks for any advice here!
