LISTENING

BUYING A COMPUTER

Listening

Assistant: Do you need any help?

Paul: Um, yes, we're looking for a Mac computer. Have you got any fairly basics ones?

Assistant: Yes, sure. If you'd like to come over here.

Paul: What different models are there?

Assistant: At the moment we've got these two models: the iMac, which is a desktop computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor operating at 2.33 gigahertz, and the portable MacBook, which has a processor running at 2.0 gigahertz. Core Duo technology actually means two cores, or processors, built into a single chip, offering up to twice the speed of a traditional chip.

Sue: So they're both very fast, then. And which one has more memory? I mean, which has more RAM?

Assistant: Well, the iMac has two gigabytes of RAM, which can be expanded up to three gigabytes, and the MacBook has one gigabyte, expandable to two gigabytes. It all depends on your needs. The iMac is suitable for home users and small offices. The MacBook is more practical if you travel a lot.

Correcting mistakes and language functions

1 The Ulysses is a powerful, expandable computer that offers high-end graphics at a low price.

2 A laptop is likely to be more expensive than the equivalent desktop computer, but a laptop is more practical if you travel a lot.

3 What's the storage capacity of the hard drive?

4 I'm looking for a desktop computer that has good graphics for games.

5 Do you need any help?

6 And how much does the PDA cost?

7 This workstation is a Pentium processor with dual-core technology, 1 gigabyte of RAM, and 1 terabyte of disk space.