Power To the Non-Gamers

                Cool it, gamers, and let me reassure you: this is not an article trying to sleight computer gaming in any way. Rather, it is an article focused on informing the non-gamers among the computer community what their options for a powerful computer are if they aren’t interested in a preconfigured gaming computer. If you’re one of those non-gamers that is still looking for a cost-effective computer solution without all the bells and whistles (like a great graphics card or a flash computer case) then read on! Finding a powerful computer that isn’t optimized for a special purpose (like computer gaming) can be a bit difficult, and oftentimes those viable alternatives are overshadowed by the popularity of those gaming computers. So where can you begin while keeping costs low? Consider the Dell Dimension 8400.

Dell Dimension 8400

The Dell Dimension 8400 is a powerful and affordable computer in the high performance market. There are several reasons the Dimension 8400 is an optimized machine, but not optimized for gaming. For starters, the 8400 doesn’t come stock with a high-performance graphics card, nor does it require multiple fans (as many gaming computers do). Gaming computers oftentimes require a single fan that sounds like a jet engine or multiple fans that fill the room with white noise like an overhead fan. While there isn’t necessarily a problem with a noisy fan (I would disagree, personally) the Dimension 8400 runs very quietly considering the degree of performance it puts out.

The Dimension 8400 has a Intel Pentium 4 560 processor with a clock rate of 3.6 GHz. Intel Pentium may sound old now, but consider that the first generation of i7 processors had 2 GHz with a boosted 2 GHz for a total of 4 GHz. Having nearly 4 GHz of engaged processing speed is an excellent choice if you’re planning on business applications which require fast performance. With one gigabyte of RAM standard (expandable to 8 gigabytes), the Dimension 8400 should probably receive a memory upgrade if you plan on multitasking. Despite this, a full RAM configuration does not add that much cost to the overall build. Many of these parts can be ordered refurbished at a fraction of the cost. In addition to the processor and memory included in the basic configuration, the 8400 standard build comes with two 160 GB SATA drives, a DVD + RW dual layer drive, a CD-RW drive, eight USB ports, a FireWire port, and a decent sound card.

Why Not New?

If you’d like to find a brand new performance computer, be prepared to spend quite a bit of money. Most high performance business computers on the market today run in the area of a few thousand dollars. A Dimension 8400, on the other hand, can be purchased refurbished at a fraction of the cost. While refurbished is a more cost-effective alternative, you must be certain that your reseller offers a warranty on refurbished computers, and has a great history of customer satisfaction.

Stacking Up: The ProBook Advantage

                At some point, you just have to shrug your shoulders and admit that your current computer isn’t cutting it. Whether it is an ancient processor, frequent crashes, insufficient storage, or a small amount of RAM, your old computer just can’t compete with the constantly evolving technology industry and the rapid pace it has set. Your computer is a central component to the success of your business, and slowdowns will cost you time and, consequentially, profit. Basic computers are great – provided you only focus on basic functionality. As your technology needs increase, so too must the performance of your computer. A common choice among industry professionals is a computer built specifically for professional applications. HP offers a powerful and versatile series of computers: the HP ProBooks. ProBooks balance advanced configurations and affordability, translating into the powerful machine that is right for business applications. The HP ProBook 6550B Notebook PC is among the most popular portable options HP has on the market today.

The HP ProBook 6550b Notebook Advantage

So what’s the big difference between your current computer and the ProBook 6550b? It’s the same difference between a minivan and a Super Duty truck: more power. The HP ProBook 6550b offers an impressive set of configurable specifications, which is especially advantageous considering the need of many professionals to configure to their individual needs.

The 6550b Notebook is a workhorse for a notebook computer. This computer supports Intel’s latest i-series of processors, including Intel Core i7 quad-core, i7, i5, and i3 dual-core processors. With the addition of vPro technology and accelerated processor boosting, the performance of a ProBook such as this is demonstrable from boot to intense processing. A highly functioning quad-core processor such as the i7 has proven results in multiprocessing capabilities.

With the option for speedy processors, expandable RAM, and great storage capacity, you might think the 6550b is a complete package as is. While the internal specifications are impressive, there are several other advantageous aspects of the 6550b. It features a 15.6 inch diagonal HD LED screen modified to reduce glare on the display. This option is especially attractive for professionals in the visual media professions. This capability is further complimented by Intel HD UMA graphics or, as is my personal preference, the great-performing ATI Mobility Radeon HD 540v. With several options of battery life, this ProBook can serve as a stationary workstation or work on the go.

The advantages of ProBooks extend beyond just system specifications. Considerations of the professional world have also been taken into account. For instance, a partial boot allows a user to access email and HP QuickWeb applications without waiting for the entire operating system to boot. Need to send a quick email or check stock prices quickly? Just choose the quick-boot option and you’ll be browsing the web or your inbox in moments. The 6550bProBook is a perfect choice if you are considering an upgrade from your current slow laptop. ProBooks are the right choice for business professionals who need a business laptop that reflects their commitment to efficient and quality work.