Thanks but that is what I had already done and have lowered the graphics too. Will just have to be patient and wait for EA to correct the glitches. Re playing offline I understand that the connection is just for downloads etc. but it still slows it down. Grrrrr!
Yes, mine can be really slow at times and waiting for my Sim to wake up is annoying (takes too long). Blooming annoying that you cannot go into the community buildings too. Sims 2 seems better just now - hopefully the changes will improve Sims 3.