Getting a New Computer
 

Alright, I'm going to be buying a new computer soon, but I'm not sure what to get. I have around $1000 dollars Canadian (Since I live in Canada) at my disposal. I was considering a LapTop, since it saves on desktop space (I have a small desk), but I'm worried about over-heating. So, do I get a LapTop or a DeskTop, and which would you recommend?

Both desktop and laptop/notebook computers have advantages and disadvantages, but it's hard to make a solid recommendation without knowing specifically what you plan on doing with it. What are you going to be using the computer for? Will you be traveling often? Do you run one program at a time, or do you multitask?

Or do you plan on doing some hardcore gaming? What do you have now that could be salvaged for your next computer?

I probably won't travel too much, but my desk (Space that's available, the rest is my printer), is only about 1.5m x .8m, or so. Although I want it to last, so I can use it into college.

I intend to do schoolwork, music, and internet at the same time, as well as hoping to get some gaming in. (Gaming at a different time, obviously).

The only thing that I have that I think I could take from this computer would be a 512mb RAM card.

You'd be best off going with a desktop, then. Notebooks with the kind of processor speed and RAM you'd need for multitasking or gaming are still pretty expensive. Desktops can come in compact cases and one with the RAM and processor speed appropriate for your needs should be in your price range. My partner built my computer, and if I remember right, it only cost us about $500-$600. In addition, notebooks tend to burn out fast because of their small size and limited space for cooling, so a desktop is a good investment if you want your computer to last for a few years.

Alright... Would I be better off looking in a store, or buying online?

Online! Buy each part from the store that has it for the least.

While you can usually find good deals online, you might want to compare the deals to the cost of shipping. It may be easier to research what you what online, then purchase it in a store. There are some smaller businesses that could probably cut you a good deal on a custom build and shipping, though. Comparison shopping is a good thing! ^_^

I strongly reccomend getting your first PC from a store- they can help you pick what you need, and you don't sound like someone who's going to be ripping into it to change stuff around hardware wise, just software wise.

Just a small suggestion, but whatever you get, make sure it has at least 1GB of RAM. 512 will hold you over for now, but it won't last you five years.