Jay Masunaga Consulting Services

Archive for the ‘Windows’ Category

After testing Windows 7 for the past year, I’m pleased to say that it’s an excellent, well-refined product.  I installed it onto my Dell XPS M1330 laptop which originally had Vista running on it.  I immediately saw benefits: extremely fast boot up, better overall (perceived) performance and a graphical interface that always got lots of positive comments from those that saw it.  The funniest comment that I ever got was “How did you get the Mac software onto a Dell?”

Here’s some information for those that have a computer running Vista, I recommend that you try running the Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor.  Click HERE to be redirected to Microsoft’s site.  If upgrading Vista to Windows 7 is your preferred path, I highly recommend backing up your system and then installing Windows 7 as a new installation versus an upgraded one.  Yes, you’ll have to reinstall all your applications.  Yes, you’ll have to reload those documents you backed up.  Yes, this will take time, however operating system upgrades are never perfect and will always have quirks that’ll need addressing.

For those that want an easier transition or don’t have a system that can optimally run Windows 7, here are some recommendations:

Laptops

• Sony CW 190 – starting at $719
  • This excellent 14.1″ laptop features good performance and good looks in a “not to large” form factor.
  • Build Recommendation: Choose VPCCW190X Configure -to-Order + Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 2.2 Ghz Processor + 500 GB HD + 4 GB Memory
  • Click HERE for a direct link to Sony Style’s website.  This is is a special discount link which expires 11/15/09.

Desktops – Basic

• HP Pavilion p6200Z – starting at $299
  • A good solid entry level performer.  I do not recommend going beyond the following recommended system for this particular platform, instead look at one of the performance systems.
  • Build recommendation: Base + AMD Athlon II 215 dual-core 2.7 Ghz processor + 4 GB Memory (not necessary if you primarily just use the Internet) + 500 GB HD (for those that have large music and/or photo collections)
  • Click HERE for a direct link to HP’s website.
• HP Pavilion p6280t – starting at $599
  • This is an excellent system with some excellent performance options.  The base system is perfect for most persons.  My build recommendation listed below is better for those that plays games, manage large collections of photos and/or music or do some basic graphic design.
  • Build recommendation: Base + Intel Core 2 Quad 2.66 Ghz processor + Free 640 GB HD Upgrade + 1 GB NVidia GeForce GT 220 graphics card.
  • Click HERE for a direct link to HP’s website.

Desktops – Performance

• HP Pavilion Elite e9210t – starting at $699
  • This is an excellent system with good looks combined with great performance.  I would recommend this to those that play games or do graphic design work.
  • Build recommendation: Base + Windows Ultimate + Intel Core 2 Quad Q505 2.83 Ghz processor + 6 GB memory + Free 640 GB HD Upgrade + 1 GB NVidia GeForce GT 220 video card.
  • Click HERE for a direct link to HP’s website.

All-In-One Systems

• Sony JS – starting at $849
  • Combining Sony’s excellent design skills with good computing products, this is a great all-in-one unit that features a beautiful 20.1″ screen.
  • Build recommendation: Base
  • Special offer!  Click HERE and use code SONYJS230 to save $100!
• HP TouchSmart 300Z – starting at $799
  • This all-in-one design features a beautiful 20″ HD touchscreen and built-in webcam and mic.
  • Build recommendation: base system + AMD Athlon X4 600e quad-core processor 2.2 Ghz (for those not on a tight budget), 4 GB of memory (for gamers and graphic artists), and free 640 GB HD upgrade (for those that have a large photo and/or music collection)
  • Click HERE for a direct link to HP’s website.
• HP TouchSmart 600xt – starting at $1349
  • Featuring a larger 23″ screen than the HP TouchSmart 300Z and a better graphics card, this unit is very similar in design to it’s little brother.
  • Build recommendation: Base + 2.53 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor + Free Upgrade to 640 GB HD.
  • Click HERE for a direct link to HP’s website.

After beta testing Windows 7 for several months, I am happy and thrilled to endorse Windows 7!  Microsoft refined Windows into an elegant and efficient operating system.  October 22nd can not come soon enough!

If you would like to see if your current system can run Windows 7, click HERE for Microsoft’s Upgrade Advisor.