Should I continue to use Skype and wait for a better computer, or try switching?

• Yoorah wrote on 2011-01-30 21:23
  Both Ventrilo and Teamspeak were designed for gaming use, while Skype was not. Both will be good alternatives--but you will have to find a free server for your guildies.
  
  I don't know if you're aware, but Ventrilo, unlike Skype, does not use a global public "server" where everyone can log in and message/call each other. Instead, someone hosts a (often private) Vent server and then their friends connect there and chat. The server costs $/month. You may be able to find a server that will host your room for free, as mentioned previously. As you can see, it's a bit more complex than Skype, in that sense. :P I'm guessing that Teamspeak works similarly to Ventrilo.
  
  I don't think the OP asked if he should replace his computer. :| The laptop's specs are not bad--I'm guessing it's an ultraportable model. They're not ideal for gaming, but the OP is already aware of that and was asking for work-arounds! :(
  
  
  Also, on an unrelated note...
  

  Quote from rapidfire55k;306064:

  Yes, they are. They're just integrated. Your computer can't run without a graphics card.

  
  Not all GPUs (graphics processors) are graphics cards, just like how not all rectangles are squares. :|
  
  And contrary to popular belief, building the computer yourself is not always cheaper. Not to mention the extra time required to select the parts, have them shipped, and put everything together.. assuming you even know how to. Then there are support issues... It's definitely not something I would advise to someone who didn't know how to check their computer's specs, unless they know someone who they can rely on to help them with any future issues that may arise.
• Shizukani wrote on 2011-01-30 22:37

  Quote from Yoorah;311343:

  Both Ventrilo and Teamspeak were designed for gaming use, while Skype was not. Both will be good alternatives--but you will have to find a free server for your guildies.
  
  I don't know if you're aware, but Ventrilo, unlike Skype, does not use a global public "server" where everyone can log in and message/call each other. Instead, someone hosts a (often private) Vent server and then their friends connect there and chat. The server costs $/month. You may be able to find a server that will host your room for free, as mentioned previously. As you can see, it's a bit more complex than Skype, in that sense. :P I'm guessing that Teamspeak works similarly to Ventrilo.
  
  I don't think the OP asked if he should replace his computer. :| The laptop's specs are not bad--I'm guessing it's an ultraportable model. They're not ideal for gaming, but the OP is already aware of that and was asking for work-arounds! :(
  
  
  Also, on an unrelated note...
  
  Not all GPUs (graphics processors) are graphics cards, just like how not all rectangles are squares. :|
  
  And contrary to popular belief, building the computer yourself is not always cheaper. Not to mention the extra time required to select the parts, have them shipped, and put everything together.. assuming you even know how to. Then there are support issues... It's definitely not something I would advise to someone who didn't know how to check their computer's specs, unless they know someone who they can rely on to help them with any future issues that may arise.

  
  
  Well, assuming you know a good place to buy the parts and you actually know how to put them together, it could potentially save money.
  
  And I just call them graphics cards. GPU, graphics card, meh, I'd rather not get into semantics.
• Yanm wrote on 2011-02-04 21:02
  Ironically, I've actually seen those specs many many times. I just didn't know that they were the specs of a computer. I thought that those LONG walls of text that people post were the specs. I can't remember how to find them exactly, but does anyone know what I'm talking about concering those long walls of text?