<p>Looking at a couple of Acer netbooks (like the 11.6" screen). Which is preferred--faster processor or more RAM?</p>
<p>One machine has a 1.33 GHz processor, but 1G of RAM. The other has 2G of RAM, but a 1.2 GHz processor. (Other manufacturers seem to use a 1.6 GHz processor)</p>
<p>One of the uses of the machine would be to watch streaming video.</p>
<p>Whadaya think??</p>
<p>thanks in advance</p>
<p>RAM, or memory, allows you to have more programs open (or larger ones), where as the processor speed is related to how fast things run. I’m guessing you’re looking at netbooks; unless you’re on a very severe budget, I would suggest going for a slightly higher end one and getting the 1.6 GHz processor and 2 gb’s of RAM. If those are you’re only two options, though, I’d say it’s more or less a toss-up. If you’re planning to have multiple applications open at once (like a web browser, iTunes, and a word processor) then you might be better off with more RAM, but if you’re not going to be doing much multi-tasking then the additional RAM would be unnecessary and you could go for the faster processor.</p>
<p>Even if YOU are not doing a lot of multitasking, the comptuer still is. Especially with the latest OSes like Vista and Leopard, there are a ton of background processes going on at all times. Leopard and Vista can both easily take up a gig or even 2 gigs of memory just idling.</p>
<p>RAM is easy and inexpensive to upgrade on most notebooks, but you’re stuck with the processor for the life of the machine. Why not buy a computer with the fastest processor that you can afford and then just upgrade RAM later?</p>
<p>they are both important but with today’s computers there isn’t much difference between let’s say a 2.0 Ghz processor and a 2.1 really. You’ll get by either way. I’d go with the RAM if you don’t plan to upgrade or anything. Also a little bit off topic but I wouldn’t recommend an acer.</p>
<p>Well, look at it like this. Faster CPU’s make your computer run faster, and more RAM keeps it from slowing down.</p>
<p>AllPhillyFan–</p>
<p>OK, now I’m curious–what problems have you had with Acers?</p>
<p>Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I went to a concert, but to answer your question I’ve never owned an Acer but I have used Acer’s and know a few people that have owned them. Acer’s have a reputation (that I’ve seen backed up by the problems the people I know have had) with bad hardware. Hard drive crashes and screen black outs mostly. Also one of my friends had an overheating issue that even after he sent back to the company it wasn’t fixed.</p>
<p>1gb vs 2gb ram will make a difference. 1.2 GHz vs 1.33 GHz is barely noticible.</p>
<p>Thanks to all.</p>
<p>Maybe I will wait and hope that other manufacturers get into 11.6" screens. With 50+ year old eyeballs, the difference as compared to a 10.1" screen is very noticeable</p>
<p>get the one with the higher ram</p>