Confused with 32 bit and 64 bit

I am in the process of looking for a new PC. While trying to figure out if I really want quad core or if a duo core will suffice, I bumped up against another issue.
32 bit or 64 bit? The only recommendation I have gotten so far was to stay away from 64 bit as my peripherals won't work. Which is only a HP C5180 printer.
I pretty much only surf the net and use use photo shop type programs.
Looking for ideas.

64 bit and never look back. Make sure you have 4gb of RAM.

I've had a habit of buying last years best. lol

last yers best is fine. Make sure it can run the 64bit. If yes, then go for it. You will not regret it. The 32bit is so passe

The x64 Windows 7 is the future for sure, but it's here now so capitalize on it and get used to it.

HP does offer a Windows 7 driver for your model printer in the 64 bit and 32 bit Windows 7. Plus the software for it.

Go here to check it out: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...t=1153481#N671

So you can no longer use that to not upgrade to Windows 7 x64 operating system.

It ROCKS!

jimpierece7, welcome to the forum! Last year's best will be alright, as long as it's 64 bit. It will run on 2GB RAM, but 4GB is far better.

As far as dual or quad core, that depends on how much you want to spend. But personally, if I had to do it all over again, I would go quad core, as it's getting closer to being the standard. I'm telling you from experience, if you can afford quad core, go for it. The reason why I tell you this? There's a project that a few of us are involved in, and my dual core won't run the high performance client at the speed to get the job done. A quad won't cost that much more.

Also, it would really be a good idea to shop around. The office stores have some good deals, and so does Newegg. But, stay as far away from Best Buy as you can. They were going to charge me nearly $100 more for my desktop than I got it for at HP direct, plus all of that "geek" crap they try to sell you. If you know how to use a computer, you don't need to pay the "geek squad" $99 to set it up for you. I pulled mine out of the box, powered it on and waited for 20 or so minutes as directed, then typed in my name, address & phone #, then established my internet connection. Well, that's what those "geeks" do for your $99, except they don't do your internet connection, they don't physically setup your computer at your desk or workstation, they will sell you extra crap you don't need and install that for you, you can bring your box and garbage from the box it came in back to them and they'll dispose it for you. Isn't that nice of them?

I kept my box & packing materials in case of a warranty return. And speaking of warranties, you can get a three year one from SquareTrade for a third of the price you pay at the retailers. And if it breaks down, you are emailed a shipping label, and if the repairs exceeds what the computer is worth, they will refund every penny you paid for it. I'm living testimony to that, on two occasions. I received back $350 over a hard drive, and $185 for an internal problem where the battery wouldn't charge properly. And I have another one that is on it's last leg right now, I paid $400 for it. They pay their claims super fast, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Hopefully, my post has been of some help to you, and I hope that you find the computer that has your name written on it soon.

Best of Luck,
Cat

thank you all very much for the help!!! My old Pentium 4 has done its time. Starting to run hot and so so slow.

[QUOTE=jimpierce7;46034] I am in the process of looking for a new PC. While trying to figure out if I really want quad core or if a duo core will suffice, I bumped up against another issue.
32 bit or 64 bit? The only recommendation I have gotten so far was to stay away from 64 bit as my peripherals won't work. Which is only a HP C5180 printer.
I pretty much only surf the net and use use photo shop type programs.
Looking for ideas.[/QUOTE]

What kind of processor do you have presently? If it's a dual core and you think you'd like just a little more power, you could still upgrade to a faster dual core if you're trying to hold down the cost.
If you're going with Intel, here's where you can check out what's available for processors, might help you make a decision........
http://ark.intel.com/Default.aspx

He has an old Pentium 4, I don't think it's a dual core at all. My advice is to do quad, if you can afford it. You won't regret it, and the price difference a "premium" dual core and a standard quad is minimal. I wish I had one right now, I could run one of the high performance folding clients. That's the difference between dual & quad, is standard performance vs high performance. It takes more than RAM to have it all, although a minimum of 4GB RAM helps, too.

The old Pentium 4. And no, it isn't dual core. As I do want a better machine this time, and one that may keep up a little longer, the quad core sounds like the way to go.
Due to some unemployment credit issues from a year ago I will be getting it threw a place costs a little more then usual but does let me use a payment plan. Acer, Lenovo and HP will be what I choose from.