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Liese, I just did the same thing. Went for the i7, RAM and 640 GB HD, from a Sony VAIO to another VAIO. It has a Blu-ray player, but the screen is not true HD, though it's still phenomenal for a computer screen. Since this is basically a desktop replacement, I went with a 17.4" screen. The i7 processor is a HUGE difference/upgrade from the Core 2 Duo. Go for the processing speed.
You will only be able to output HD to your projector if you have the Blu-ray player and the proper connections. Otherwise it's like a standard dvd player.
The easiest sound upgrade would probably be one of those "sound bar" style surround speakers. I've heard they deliver better results than you'd expect.
Upgrading Every Version of Microsoft Windows From 1.0 to Windows 7
Cool, as some settings, programs and program groups from Windows 2.0 were retained all the way to Windows 7, which is 23 years (I think) of backwards compatibility.
I'm going to look up sound bars, thanks. It seems, so far, they're within a starting price range.
Cool, as some settings, programs and program groups from Windows 2.0 were retained all the way to Windows 7, which is 23 years (I think) of backwards compatibility.
While part of me thinks that is great. Part of me also wonders if that keeps your new OS mired down with legacy code, and might explain that 2 hour installation. As a Mac guy, I'm pretty sure if I had any System 6 or 7 discs laying about, there would be no applications that would run on OS-X. I dunno. Mixed feelings on that.
Very cool, and an interesting study.
I'm going to look up sound bars, thanks. It seems, so far, they're within a starting price range.
Ditto. I've been reading along with this discussion because I really need to upgrade from my "no speakers."
Yeah, I've been thinking I need speakers for my tv. Hmm.
We got this one when we got the tv about 18 mos ago. It delivers great sound, and our LR is pretty big, the accoustics aren't great. In fact, we've turned off the subwoofer because it muffles the dialog. We did have to send it back because the dvd player locked up. They fixed it fine and sent it back--it's worked great ever since. But it meant going without external speakers and the dvd player meanwhile--we were able to use the PS3 in the interim.
Also--Javachik, thanks for the Roku ref! We've been streaming Instant watch Netflix on the PS3, and finally got a Roku because for us it's more versatile (Amazon, Hulu). I'm impressed with the upgrade in picture quality on Nf IW just from the PS3 to the Roku.
Oh good, Bev, I am so glad you like the Roku! I LOVE mine, and hated the streaming on the Wii.
What's a good brand for a sound bar? I don't need a DVD player or anything built in--I finally got my region-free Blu Ray player.
