16

I'm planning to buy a new laptop in a couple of months or so, but I have no idea what tech specs I should go for. I'm on a budget and would only like to get specs that I really need.

On that note, I was wondering if there's a software that can monitor my laptop usage over the next 2 months and then tell me what are the minimum requirements that I would need. So the software would read the memory usage, CPU usage, etc. over 2 months and then tell me (or at least give me the info I need to decide) what are the optimal tech specs I should go for.

Anything out there that can do this?

| improve this question | |
  • 1
    This would be particularly good and interesting. – Izumi-reiLuLu Jun 26 '14 at 10:21
  • 4
    I like this idea, something to log what application is running and identify where you are stressing your system most often. Would be a very handy tool, even just for component upgrades. – James Jun 27 '14 at 14:39
  • What operating system are you running? (Bear in mind that if you're putting Windows and MSOffice on your new computer, that's going to take a large chunk out of your budget.) – Pharap Jul 30 '14 at 8:14
  • I'm only talking about my budget to buy a new computer. MSOffice and Windows are not included in this. – Prahar Jul 31 '14 at 12:15
  • 1
    I completely agree with that. I was simply wondering if there's an app that can do it all for me. I know exactly what I would have to do to make a decision. But it seems that such a thing can be automated and therefore, there should be an app for this. – Prahar Aug 2 '14 at 16:38
2

The best thing you can do is:

  • try all applications you are interested in
  • if you notice some are not working as fast as they should go online and search for their system requirements and look for a computer based on that requirements

Also you could also use Microsoft Upgrade Assistant:

  • runs on XP, Vista and 7
  • free
  • scans your software and hardware and tells you if you can run Windows 8/8.1. If it says yes, then you can start looking for a laptop with similar hardware like your current PC.
| improve this answer | |
  • 2
    Why do you say that computer usage has nothing to do with hardware? I mean, If I use software like Photoshop (say), there is definitely an optimal hardware that you must have to be able to run the software smoothly. I know that I can do what you said, I was wondering if there is a software that can do it for me. – Prahar Jun 26 '14 at 16:38
  • The stat "ran at 100% for 3 hours, versus ran at 100% for 20 minutes" would be very valuable. – James Jun 27 '14 at 14:39
  • This seems to focus on theoretical usage, while the OP asks for measurements on practical usage. – Mast Mar 20 '15 at 13:34

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.