Should I get a new laptop?

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>So, I am currently debating whether holding the same laptop for college or getting a new laptop. I am currently looking to double-major in Poly-Sci and Econ, with a minor in Comp. Sci at UC Berkeley. I've heard from several people that getting a new computer is essential for anyone who wants to work in CS.</p>

<p>Here are the specs for my current computer:
HP Pavilion g6
4.00 GB RAM (3.46 GB usable)
Processor: AMD A4-3305M APU 1.90 GHz
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6480G (512 MB dedicated graphics memory/2037 MB total)
Hard Drive: 466 GB 5200 RPM </p>

<p>If I do end up upgrading, I'm not sure if I should get a Macbook or a Windows laptop. I'm looking to play video games and use the laptop for general research, word processing, presentation-making, and entertainment. (With the general research, word processing, and presentation-making far more essential than the other two). I will also probably be doing coding/programming through my CS classes too.</p>

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<p>BS. CS is not demanding on a laptop. An I3 is about 3 times faster than your A4. If you are surfing the web ok, then it will probably be ok for CS. Best to wait and see how it works out for you. If it is too slow, then you will be in a better position to purchase a new computer since you will know the demands.</p>

<p>If you really want it for gaming, then buy a desktop to use as your workhorse, and keep your laptop for the times that you need portability.</p>

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<p>With ever-increasing demands, computers seem to last four or five years. E.g., 8 GB RAM may be the minimum practical in four years. I agree, upgrade when you feel things are getting too slow.</p>