How are the specs of this PC?

[chesbrojim]

I am going to buy a new computer (PC), nothing against Mac's but I was weaned on a PC. My current desktop is over 6 years old and starting to limp and wheeze a little bit. I have configured a couple PC's online and I would like a little feedback. This is the computer I have configured the HP web site. I put together a similar one at Dell.
Operating system: Windows Vista Ultimate (64 Bit)
Processor: AMD Phenom(TM) 9600 quad-core processor - 2.3GHz
Memory: 4GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (4x1024)
Graphics Card: 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT, TV-out, DVI-I, HDMI
Networking: Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n & Bluetooth(R )
Hard Drive: 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive: LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW
Secondary CD/DVD Drive 16x max. DVD-ROM
TV & Entertainment Experience ATSC-NTSC TV tuner with PVR, FM tuner, remote
Sound Card Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer
Speakers Logitech X-230 speakers (2.1)
Keyboard and Mouse HP wireless keyboard and HP wireless optical mouse
Monitor HP 24-inch LCD Wide Flat Panel Monitor

Questions: Is the Vista Ultimate 64 bit operating system going to cause me any problems with software compatibility? Will most software run on any Vista operating system?

Will I have file compatibility issues when I move all my music, pictures and other Word & Excel docs from XP to Vista?
I want this computer to last 5 years. Do I have enough RAM? Should I consider a Blu-ray drive?

The computer is mainly for general use. I put together slide shows and manipulate pictures with various software, I will do some light gaming and listen to music and perhaps record and watch some TV.

Are there any other things I should consider getting? Am I over doing it in some areas? Any advice anyone has would be appreciated. What do you use for photo software (besides Photoshop)? I’m considering an all in one printer, scanner copier. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

[BethB]

chesbrojim, I'm sure you will get answers here but you might also check with Damon. He's the computer guy that has helped quite a few residents.
Windows Vista -- "Be Prepared" | RanchoMurieta.com -- Rancho Murieta news, homes, golf, forums and people

I see that he does not post his phone number, so I will PM you that.

[Matthew]

Vista will be fine with any new software, but may have issues with old software. Are you running any old software that you will want to run on the new PC? It sounds like you are running Office. Will you be upgrading to the newest version Office 2007, if not what version are you running today? Music and pictures will be fine.

Personally I would not get a Blu-ray drive. The standards are not yet defined for HD DVD, though I do think Blu-ray will win. The picture is awesome, but I would wait. 4GB of RAM is good. Some may say it is overkill for a general use computer, but I have always recommended buying as much RAM as you can afford. I would not get less than 2G if you are considering less. The system you have there is pretty high end overall for general use. Are you going to do any gaming on this PC? Will you be using it as a home entertainment PC?

I need to run into a meeting but I will think some more about this and post any other thoughts later.

[Foofaraw]

this is from PC advisor regarding the phenom:

Can AMD remain competitive if its latest high-end processor isn't much faster than a year-old Intel CPU? AMD's new CPU may well boast impressive technology, but it turns in disappointing performance

AMD Phenom vs Intel Penryn - the verdict News - PC Advisor

[DBCooper]

Ass kicking specs Chesbro. Premature congrads on the new PC if you go that route. Try to find out if you can get the Core Duo option from Intel if its offered. I have read that its faster than the AMD chip. I remember when I bought my present desktop and did what Matthew said which was to buy as much RAM as I could afford or that the system would hold. I also splurged for the optional upgrade to the fastest processor at the time for that system which was 1.8 GHz. Its lasted 6 years now with some but not many complaints. I have heard with Vista that you need to have butt loads of RAM 2G min with 4 being better obviously. I concur with Matthew about Blu Ray but that fight should be over in a year or so. Just make sure that the system can also be purchased with an HD drive so you could swap either way depending on your purchase option.

Again its always Christmas morning when you get a new toy.

[chesbrojim]

Thanks for the info, especially about the processor. I had some misgivings about going with AMD over Intel. I assumed that a quad-core was bigger, better, faster than a core 2 duo. I read the article on the AMD Phenom and other articles on the new Intel Penryn. From what I read, it may be prudent to wait for the Penryn.

[Damon]

I concur with Matthew on the specs for the PC. I would also be looking at an HP all in one printer ,scanner and recommending buying a wireless printer at the time of purchase.There will be issue's with Vista since it is a new operating system and this would be by a case by case basis.So I'm not going to stick My neck out on the line and say your not going to have any problems. In regards to the music and picture files, those will be easy to transfer over. If you have e-mail messages and an address book in outlook or outlook express that need to be moved over to the new computer, you might need some help in that area. That is My two cents on the subject.

[Foofaraw]

I believe the Penryn has been available, just not under the name Penryn (that is a development name). Check out Dell as well...

[Matthew]

I think generally AMD is fine processor. I ran into compatibility issues years ago with an AMD chipset and the new (at the time) AGP slot. After that I switched to Intel and have not looked back.

[DBCooper]

Ever since they started going to dual processors on a chip the technology has started to pull away from me. Where is the definitive performance meter that we used to couple with Moore's law? Is the newer AMD chip comperable in speed and performance to the dual-quadraphonic overhead cam with a Dana rearend Intel processor?