Aqua-Soft ForumsI'm currently using a Sony VGN-A190 laptop with 512MB, 60GB and XP Home SP2. It's having some serious performance issues. Mainly, HD access is constant (especially when using OD+), and the wait time to perform simple tasks, such as opening a folder in Explorer or copying files to a new folder, can take up to 10 seconds. Additionally, opening my most used apps, such as Photoshop and MS VC++ can take even longer (for PS, nearly 40 seconds!!).
I've gone through the whole "speed this computer up" maze, and have used any number of apps to help out - such as intensely defragging, cutting running processes to a minimum, etc.
My options are to either upgrade the HD and mem on the laptop or get a whole new desktop box. If I upgrade, I'm thinking of 1GB RAM and a 7200 RPM HD (as opposed to the 5400 RPM that's in the laptop now). But, there are issues here, such as the fact that the unit is still under warranty and I'd probably have to go through Sony to get these upgrades - which would mean paying through the nose for something I could do myself for the cost of the components.
If I just get a new desktop, then I'm thinking of either a Hush ATX or a Cubit P4 for space saving on my desk. I'd certainly gain in the area of raw speed, but then I'd have to also get a new monitor. This is tough for me to imagine, since the LCD on the laptop is probably the best one I've ever seen (Sony got that one right). I don't have the room for a CRT, so I'd be looking for an LCD. The only models I've found that come close to the VGN-A's are from Apple and Sony - both very expensive. Tight resolution and extreme sharpness are vital to me, but even if I run a desktop LCD at the same or better res as the laptop (1920x1200), the physical size of a desk model pretty much negates the effect (running 1920x1200 on a 17" LCD is quite sexier than the same res on a 23" desk model).
Any advice you can offer in this area would be greatly appreciated!
