Should I get a new laptop?

Typical user response:

It's slowing down so it must be it's fault.

Typical Responses to this question:

Have you de-fragmented the hard disk or checked the page file size?

Check what programs are running by using task manager to check for obviouse signs of auto start apps.

Run MSconfig (via search or tap it into RUN) then go to the services or startup tab and see what's listed. Turn off anything non-essential because startup background apps might be slowing it down.

Check how much RAM your system uses. If it's using a lot then it (might) need more, but 3GB should be fine for basic crap.

You could get a mac, but buying this just for extra speed? Got cash to burn. Fine!

If you want start speed without getting an SSD use Linux Ubuntu. I'm logging 4 seconds (post bios) here rather than about 10 - 15 waiting for those windows balls to give me a ui.

Other Responses:

(censored)

And finally:

A computer is just a tool, if it's not doing what you want then it's not worth keeping. You can't bash in nails with a china teapot.

If your computer is not performing how you want it or it isn't keeping up with your uses then yes you do need to upgrade and I would use that as a general rule for anyone who is thinking of upgrading their laptop.

Doing down the Mac route is an option but they are very expensive for something you can do exactly the same on a Windows machine. Whether you choose Windows or Mac is a personal decision you must choose, don't let anyone's biased opinions push you into the wrong purchase.

As several others have suggested, your HP has ample resources to run Linux far faster than any version of Windows. My personal favorite (at this time) is Ubuntu 10.04, a long-term support release. Linux Mint is usually considered an easier transition for Windows users. If a lot of what you do involves trying out new software, this is an area where Linux excels -- at no cost other than your time, which certainly isn't the case with Windows (unless you are using pirated software). I set up a Win7 HP laptop for a friend this summer, and after I was done, my friend said she still preferred using her Acer 8.9" netbook, because Linux Mint is so much faster than Windows. She's been using that netbook for over a year, and I have not been asked to provide any support during that time. Contrary to popular perception, desktop Linux is easier, not more difficult to use than Windows.

You don't need a new laptop, you just need a better operating system. One built upon Linux.

@Drmgiver It's not that windows 7 is a bad operating system, I admit it has its issues but the most common problem with windows 7 is that it has a massive load of options and features that not all users want or need.

@JTech I would recommend you review the features and disable or uninstall the ones you don't need. I guarantee doing so will boost your PC's performance. Another useful tip is to monitor the task manager (ctrl+shift+esc) and resource monitor (open the task manager-> performance tab->resource monitor)

Wishing you the best of luck

well i love my mac so i usually recommend macs. but if your into trying a lot of new software out pc has more available so you might want to stick with them. as for it slowing down try a disk defray. adding and deleting a lot of programs very often will order your disk is a very unorganized way and can slow it down pretty significantly if you've been doing it long enough. if you have the budget go ahead and buy a new laptop, maybe use the one you have to test your experimental software then get it on you main one. as long as your not doing video editing though or some other software that needs a lot of power then the laptop you have should be fine.

If speed is the only problem you have, I'd recommend wiping the computer and starting over. That way, if the computer really is too slow, you can get a new one and the only thing you've wasted is a day or so. But if all it needed was a fresh start, you can save yourself a good $500 or more!

In order of cost - if you basically like the computer but just think it's gotten slow:

1. Save your data, wipe the disc and then reinstall from scratch. This might also be a good time to upgrade your HDD to a 500GB or better 7200RPM model. Running a big HDD has the virtue of giving you more room, natch - but also a big disk will run what you've got now from the perimeter of the platter, which should (along with the RPM increase) give you faster response. With a new set of OS brains you'll see a very noticeable speed increase for free (wipe & reinstall alone); or, even better speed for little cost (when you install a faster HDD in the process).

2. Another cheap thing to do is upgrade memory. With 3GB you probably have a 2GB and 1GB stick installed. Replace the 1GB with a 2 or 4 GB stick, and Windows will use the extra room to speed things up a little. This can especially pay dividends if you run a lot of programs simultaneously, 'cause it eliminates paging to disk.

3. As in #1 above but replace the HDD with an SSD. The HDD is probably your current bottleneck, and an SSD will eliminate that. More cost, but much more speed. Eliminates defragging, too.

4. Don't really like the computer? forget the above advice and upgrade to a new model you do like. Highest cost, and given your specs probably unnecessary, unless you have major gripes with the current machine.

5. Finally - best speed, security and productive time freed from Windows' constant admin tasks - at no cost: move to Linux. I moved my work machines to Ubuntu several years ago and now feel like I do work with them, instead of spending time maintaining and defending them. I have one Windows installation to go to if need be - it runs in a VM. I hardly ever use it, mostly start it up just to download updates and refresh malware definitions. Linux is just a better tool. With regard to program availability, Linux has as much or more free, useful software available than Windows does. The only claim Windows has is ubiquity, so the only excuse to use it is if you can't get something else to do the job. Linux is a better tool 99% of the time!

I don't think you need a new machine. Two of my office machines are 2004-vintage Dells, and they run Ubuntu just fine. Clean yours up according to the above and it will be better than new. Good luck!

Save some money and buy a 120GB SSD or bigger. That's if you're able to access the HD to replace for an SSD

Sounds to me like you are using your laptop for the wrong reasons. A more powerful desktop system with bigger storage should serve the purpose of trying new programs. Laptops in my opinion, should have as minimal of stuff on it as possible to not only reduce slowdown but increase battery life. Also check your task manager and msconfig settings. You may have unimportant resources running in the background.