What to look for when shopping around for new pc

[ClodMaxx]

i've been a long time mac user, but i just bought a toshiba satellite 15" laptop to use flight simulator software (all my macs have pre-intel chips). i have to say, i'm really surprised how much machine i got for $550. it has the new dual core intel i3 chip (2.25mhz i believe), 4 gigs of RAM (on a LAPTOP!) and a 360 gig hard drive.

i held my breath when i installed Phoenix and ran it for the first time. i have it at the highest quality settings, at the highest resolution.... it runs flawlessly! supposedly the new intel chips (i3, i5 and i7) are better at gaming due to the hyper-threading. i don't even have a dedicated video card!

so.... i'm singing the praises of this little sucker. it moves, and moves fast...and was cheap (compared to macs, at least).