话题中的页数: [1 2] > | Need a new computer 论题张贴者: Alison Sparks (X)
| Alison Sparks (X) Local time: 01:36 French法语译成English英语 + ...
And software! My desktop machine got grilled by a lightning strike. As it was an old model (c2006) the insurance will only pay up for an equivalent - which no longer exists, and which I have already in my tiny laptop. Fortunately the screen survived so it's just the box I need.
I've taken advice from my 'techie' son and his suggestions are a bit out of my budget area, but he tends to use computers for gaming. I think members here may have more reasonable ideas.
I hav... See more And software! My desktop machine got grilled by a lightning strike. As it was an old model (c2006) the insurance will only pay up for an equivalent - which no longer exists, and which I have already in my tiny laptop. Fortunately the screen survived so it's just the box I need.
I've taken advice from my 'techie' son and his suggestions are a bit out of my budget area, but he tends to use computers for gaming. I think members here may have more reasonable ideas.
I have been lead to believe that I need Windows7 64bit, and Intel i5 core, and 8G of memory to get proper multi-tasking.
The sites I've searched seem to offer the best specifications in an ASUS Essentio CM6730 FRCH03. see link below.
http://www.priceminister.com/offer/buy/146490853/asus-cm6730-frch03-i5-2400-2tb-8gb-w7hp.html#prd_information
I've another concern in that the computers I've bought in France in the past have all come with pre-loaded software in French, and now that I'm using it for all sorts of other work I'd prefer that it was all in English.
I've also heard that the Office 2010 has a few problems.
Any comments and help would be greatly appreciated. ▲ Collapse | | |
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I have been lead to believe that I need Windows7 64bit, and Intel i5 core, and 8G of memory to get proper multi-tasking.
Hello from a person who gets normal multitasking for real work (not gaming)
with

The only problem I have is that banks delay with payments from my clients.
All other things work nicely> studio, pdf, ocr, autocad... etc. | | | Alison Sparks (X) Local time: 01:36 French法语译成English英语 + ... 主题发起人
That's what I had, XP V3, 2007 with 1G of memory and it was incredibly slow at times. The problem is I don't even have that anymore and am told XP is not available. 
My software was all preloaded and Microsoft inform me that it is now obsolete and I must purchase new software. | | | XXXphxxx (X) 英国 Local time: 00:36 Portuguese葡萄牙语译成English英语 + ...
Alison Sparks wrote:
I've another concern in that the computers I've bought in France in the past have all come with pre-loaded software in French, and now that I'm using it for all sorts of other work I'd prefer that it was all in English.
Dell France allow you to buy the machine pre-loaded with software in English as well as a QWERTY keyboard (at least they did until about 3 years ago). You'll have to go through the order on the 'phone rather than online but it should be relatively straightforward. | |
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JaneD 瑞典 Local time: 01:36 正式会员 (自2009) Swedish瑞典语译成English英语 + ... No more XP but Windows 7 can be altered | Mar 28, 2012 |
You are right that XP is no longer available. I think I bought the last copy!
But you will be able to use Windows 7 providing that you also download a program called Classic Shell, which means that you can turn off all the Windows 7 features and find the menus in the same place they always were. | | | I entirely agree | Mar 28, 2012 |
Alison Sparks wrote:
I have been lead to believe that I need Windows7 64bit, and Intel i5 core, and 8G of memory to get proper multi-tasking.
Actually you can get really good machines with those features and from reputable brands at a very reasonable price. Maybe 8 GB is a bit high, but 4 GB is definitely a must. As for the processor, you can get brand computers i7 processors (the computer then simply flies) for little over 650 euros or so. We recently bought a couple of HP machines with i7 processors around that price range.
If you are thinking of a switch to 64 bits, make sure to check the compatibility with your current software first. You could be forced to buy new versions, as it happened to us with some older Microsoft Office setups, for instance. A 32-bit environment could be more compatible with your older software, but I do think you would lose some power in the change. You might want to endure the hassle of upgrading your older software and make the change. | | | Windows7 64 bit Professional | Mar 28, 2012 |
I would highly recommend buying a PC with Windows7 Professional installed, as this system allows you to install XP free of charge. You can have both Windows7 and XP open simultaneously on your screen and switch back and forth with a simple mouse click. This is very handy for people who prefer to work in an XP environment, or who have older software that no longer works in W7. E.g. I have an old medical dictionary that only functions under XP, so it is very handy to simply click over to XP and h... See more I would highly recommend buying a PC with Windows7 Professional installed, as this system allows you to install XP free of charge. You can have both Windows7 and XP open simultaneously on your screen and switch back and forth with a simple mouse click. This is very handy for people who prefer to work in an XP environment, or who have older software that no longer works in W7. E.g. I have an old medical dictionary that only functions under XP, so it is very handy to simply click over to XP and have the program available there.
Here is a brief introduction to Virtual XP from MS:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7
Otherwise I would suggest having at least 6GB RAM and to check for "quietness". The Dell I bought several years ago still works fine, but it does make something of a racket.
A good PC in the €500-700 range should be sufficient for your purposes (including an add-on guarantee for at least 3 years).
[Edited at 2012-03-28 09:18 GMT] ▲ Collapse | | | XXXphxxx (X) 英国 Local time: 00:36 Portuguese葡萄牙语译成English英语 + ... Windows 7 is fine | Mar 28, 2012 |
I loved XP and balked at the idea of Windows 7, having avoided Vista like the plague. However, I've been using 7 for a couple of months now and it really ain't so bad. I transferred all my data across the network overnight and the next morning my computer was virtually the same as my old one, right down to the wallpaper. I loaded my trusty old Office 2003 without a problem and save for the fact that Windows Explorer is a little annoying and not quite as good as it used to be everything is pretty... See more I loved XP and balked at the idea of Windows 7, having avoided Vista like the plague. However, I've been using 7 for a couple of months now and it really ain't so bad. I transferred all my data across the network overnight and the next morning my computer was virtually the same as my old one, right down to the wallpaper. I loaded my trusty old Office 2003 without a problem and save for the fact that Windows Explorer is a little annoying and not quite as good as it used to be everything is pretty much the same, if not better. ▲ Collapse | |
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We are probably very much used to purchasing our machines over the Internet or at large electronics retail outlets where we are treated like cattle by sales reps who don't have a clue, but my recent experience here in Spain is that the true deals can be found at the official, smaller retailers of the bigger IT brands.
They are very keen to gain new local business, and always squeeze their margins a bit to offer you a good machine at a good price. I certainly encourage you to visit y... See more We are probably very much used to purchasing our machines over the Internet or at large electronics retail outlets where we are treated like cattle by sales reps who don't have a clue, but my recent experience here in Spain is that the true deals can be found at the official, smaller retailers of the bigger IT brands.
They are very keen to gain new local business, and always squeeze their margins a bit to offer you a good machine at a good price. I certainly encourage you to visit your local store and ask for a good deal in a machine from a reputable maker, so that you enjoy the quality and service of someone who will probably care about you more than a big retailer or a web outlet. ▲ Collapse | | | Alison Sparks (X) Local time: 01:36 French法语译成English英语 + ... 主题发起人
Yes thanks. I have to buy new software anyway, so compatibility isn't an issue (see original post).
I have windows7 on this little portable and quite like it, seems to work remarkably well with only 1Gig of memory, but then it isn't suitable for all my other work.
I've tried the local store which I bought from originally, but their prices are very much higher than the on-line ones for the same technical specs.
Are you sure that 4Gigs is sufficient to run t... See more Yes thanks. I have to buy new software anyway, so compatibility isn't an issue (see original post).
I have windows7 on this little portable and quite like it, seems to work remarkably well with only 1Gig of memory, but then it isn't suitable for all my other work.
I've tried the local store which I bought from originally, but their prices are very much higher than the on-line ones for the same technical specs.
Are you sure that 4Gigs is sufficient to run the 64bit Windows? Is the Intel i7 better than the i5?
It's maddening to think that I used to build and repair computers in the 80's and am now hopelessly lost as far as the equipment and operating systems are concerned, and 'fiston' is very patronising, and has expensive tastes!!!
I'll check out Dell's website as Lisa suggests, but the last time I looked they were quite pricey, and I think that after all these years with a French keyboard, I might find a qwerty a bit difficult!
But I would prefer the software in English, and have been told I can download it in any language if I purchase new, rather than having it preloaded.
Do appreciate all comments and advice. ▲ Collapse | | | Alter Windows 7? | Mar 28, 2012 |
JaneD wrote:
But you will be able to use Windows 7 providing that you also download a program called Classic Shell, which means that you can turn off all the Windows 7 features and find the menus in the same place they always were.
As the name suggests, the Classic Shell alters the outer surface only. So it is impossible to turn off *all* the new features. And it is impossible – if you have no special knowhow – to get all applications running that were running with XP. Many (most?) applications will run, though.
And BTW, it is not advisable to turn off the new security features that came with Windows Vista. Actually one should alter the default security settings of Windows 7 in order to benefit from the higher security level of Windows Vista. | | | Get something like this | Mar 28, 2012 |
1) If you use Trados 2007, get Win 7 32-bit, because Trados 2007 has problems with 64 bit Win 7
2) Get 4 GB of RAM (Outlook, Skype, Web browser, MSN, Gtalk easily eat about 1 GB RAM when running) and if you have different reference files (Excel glossary, PDF, Word instructions) open at the same time with a browser with 20 or so tabs open for research, you can easily use 2 GB without even openin Trados. If you choose a 32-bit OS, you shouldn't get more than 4 GB, because 32-bit opera... See more 1) If you use Trados 2007, get Win 7 32-bit, because Trados 2007 has problems with 64 bit Win 7
2) Get 4 GB of RAM (Outlook, Skype, Web browser, MSN, Gtalk easily eat about 1 GB RAM when running) and if you have different reference files (Excel glossary, PDF, Word instructions) open at the same time with a browser with 20 or so tabs open for research, you can easily use 2 GB without even openin Trados. If you choose a 32-bit OS, you shouldn't get more than 4 GB, because 32-bit operating systems won't recognize more than 4 GB.
3) Get something from Lenovo or Dell or whatever has the best support in your country. I buy Dell, because they offer 5 year warranty, which is more than enough. Buy refurbished or outlet from manufacturer. Dell has the same warranty terms for outlet/refurb models as they have for new machines. You'll save a lot of money this way. I suggest buying business class computers, not home game machines etc. They usually have components that are easier to fix/change and have been built for reliability and often offer better warranty terms.
4) Office 2010 is OK if you don't work with Trados 2007 word plugin, if you do, it has its problems. Just make sure all the plugins you have (like 3rd party spellcheckers, plugins, 3rd party language tools) work with 2010.
Other than RAM, I would say the specs aren't that important for a translation machine, I'd pay more attention to warranty terms (how many years? do they offer on site warranty? etc.) and service. ▲ Collapse | |
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Cores and memory | Mar 28, 2012 |
Alison Sparks wrote:
Are you sure that 4Gigs is sufficient to run the 64bit Windows? Is the Intel i7 better than the i5?
I have just checked and indeed our new HP machines have 8 GB. I just forgot. However, I still work with a machine with 4 GB and it works very nicely with all possible software. If you can go for 8 GB, then do so, but only if you switch to 64 bits, since 32-bit operating systems are only capable of addressing 4 GB anyway (AFAIK).
As for i5 to i7, normal i5 models have 2 cores, whereas normal i7 models have 4 cores (so double computing power as the i5). The exact number of cores depends on the exact processor model, so it is best to check what exact model you are getting, since "i5" or "i7" just does not say much. The exact number of cores of the model in question can be seen in the Wikipedia article about this technology.
Ask the manufacturer what exact processor model you are getting in the machine. My new HP machine has the i7 "Sandy Bridge" model, which is a 2600, i.e. 4 cores, and it really flies. | | | Cheap is not always cheap | Mar 28, 2012 |
Alison Sparks wrote:
I've tried the local store which I bought from originally, but their prices are very much higher than the on-line ones for the same technical specs.
I think that you might want to look at the specs in more detail. A 400-GB disk is a 400-GB disk, but... how fast is each of them? Is it really the same make and model? An i5 processor is an i5 processor but... are you really getting the same processor model? What chipset does the computer have?
I see a risk that you are getting a cheaper (in the bad sense) computer trying to save a couple of hundred euros. The difference in performance and reliability can be remarkable in these little things. Just as with translators: the end result usually works much better for you if you choose an [apparently] more pricey professional. | | | Alison Sparks (X) Local time: 01:36 French法语译成English英语 + ... 主题发起人 In the light of | Mar 28, 2012 |
all your comments I like the look of the Dell Vostro 460 Premium it seems to have lots of the specs proposed for a fast machine, and a fast hard drive compared with others I've looked at.
Has anyone actually bought and used this model?
Lennart, I can't find any reference to refurbished models on the Dell (French) web site. Are they really available? Perhaps I should call them, and whilst about it I can check out Lisa's suggestion for Windows7 in English.
... See more all your comments I like the look of the Dell Vostro 460 Premium it seems to have lots of the specs proposed for a fast machine, and a fast hard drive compared with others I've looked at.
Has anyone actually bought and used this model?
Lennart, I can't find any reference to refurbished models on the Dell (French) web site. Are they really available? Perhaps I should call them, and whilst about it I can check out Lisa's suggestion for Windows7 in English.
I don't use Trados or any Cat tool, but do use speech recognition, so multiple windows plus google chrome multiple tabs would be immensely useful.
[Edited at 2012-03-28 10:42 GMT] ▲ Collapse | | | 话题中的页数: [1 2] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Need a new computer LinguaCore | AI Translation at Your Fingertips
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