This thread is interesting, in that it had reminded me of how passionate one can be when it comes to raw benchmark results and how it relates to real-world applications usage.

I started out on a Compaq Deskpro 286 in 2000 – it was a gift from my mom’s coworker.

I then got my own PC, which was an AMD K62, branded in a Compaq mini tower, circa 1998

My third rig was an Ascent PC, which I think was a Pentium II.

From there, I upgraded to an Athlon X2, which ended up being my mom’s computer.

My next pyuter was an Intel Core 2 Duo, packaged in the form of a polycarbonate Macbook, which is now my wife’s computer.

I then downgraded to a PowerMac G4, running on the PowerPC architecture, which is enough for daily web surfing, bill-paying, and photo retouch and uploads to our social networking sites.

Overall, I’m still undecided as to which route to go to: AMD or Intel.

I’ve had problems with mobile computers in the past, mostly because they are fragile and need constant care, but if I do go back to using a desktop as my primary machine, I’d have to narrow down my needs.

Let me get this started…

I need a computer to do these things daily:

1. Pay my bills
2. Manage my calendar events
3. Browse through my messages on social networking sites
4. Check and reply to e-mails

I need my computer to do these things at least once a week:

1. Download multimedia and tech-tools
2. Download Linux operating system disk images
3. Upload and retouch photos; upload to social networking and personal sites

Edit: 2010-07-02-1405CST

I acquired a netbook recently thanks to a random ninja. I’m actually using it now. Will post more about first impressions of the netbook soon.