Comments | vamapper: Do I really need a new computer?

vamapper

Do I really need a new computer?

Aug 04, 2009 07:01

I've had computers for a while now. In fact, I've had one since I first got a 286 back in 1990. I know some of you have had computers for even longer than that. But in any case, I think it can be said that computers are and will continue to be a part of my life.

But I'm tired of buying a new computer every couple years. I know they've gotten cheaper ( Read more... )

computers, technology

Comments 9

seabear59 August 4 2009, 16:07:16 UTC

Apple will come out with a netbook like tablet product. From what I've read it will have a 10 inch screen and be similar to an iPod Touch. Great for internet surfing. It will have music like an iPod of course, great for portable movie watching and be a challenger to the Kindle.

Check out appleinsider.com or macrumors.com

vamapper August 7 2009, 00:38:56 UTC

Thanks. I'd already seen what some Apple followers think might be coming out within the next two months. Not a bad idea. But I would want a way to play all, or at least most, of my music on it. (Right now I have about 60GBs.) I think I want to wait a couple years and see how this goes. Plus, I'm not sure I can live without a real keyboard. Decent suggestion, and I am thinking about it. Just probably not yet.

bigbenleyland August 5 2009, 00:17:27 UTC

Windows 7 is coming out in October, it's basically Vista but not crap and bloated...there will probably be cheap laptops that will be able to run it just fine...I believe (shudder) Wal Mart is now selling a $300 full size Compaq.

vamapper August 7 2009, 00:42:10 UTC

I know. I've been thinking about this also. Though if I get a Win7 box, it'll probably be a desktop and I'll stick with my laptop for a bit. Personally, I haven't had much trouble with Vista. But I usually only browse the internet, check my email, and load my iTunes with it. Even then, it still crashes on me at least once/session and it doesn't lose anything when it crashes. OK. Maybe I'm just more tolerant or expect less from MS.

timbear August 5 2009, 08:53:39 UTC

You are right about the netbooks, they are too small for older eyes.

I think you've got it right about the 15" laptops, just go get a relatively cheap one. However, if it comes with Windows I'd say stick with it, Windows 7 is really pretty good. You can get free/extremely cheap virus scanners that don't have all the bloat (see F-prot.com for a great example, install on up to five computers for a single payment of $29) and the free OpenOffice runs for your word processing needs, along with whatever browser you choose. So for around $400 you've got a pretty good machine.

However, that presupposes that you need a new computer. I can't help feeling that if you have to ask the question then the answer is probably "No, not yet".

vamapper August 7 2009, 00:47:52 UTC

You're probably right. My answer is probably going to be not quite yet. I may get a new desktop, but I'm not sure about that either. I can get free antivirus (MacAfee. I can also get Norton.) and MS Office for $10 (advantage of working for the DoD). So that's not an issue. Thanks for the input.

Yes! kodiakva August 5 2009, 13:05:55 UTC

Do I really need a new computer?

You're pondering the question because the need / desire has already crossed your mind. Just keep in mind that when you're searching for "the cheapest 15" laptop [you] can find" that you get what you pay for. Spend enough $ to get a quality box that'll keep up with the implied Linux, Sun Office, browser, firewall and virus scanning software to come.

Re: Yes! vamapper August 7 2009, 00:52:37 UTC

I guess I shouldn't have used the word cheapest. My bad. I mean the cheapest that also satisfies my requirements; I'd still want 2-4GB RAM and at least a 250GB hard drive. Right now I'm leaning on waiting until I get back from Afghanistan in April. Then I'll probably be able to afford a nicer system regardless. Thanks.

(The comment has been removed)

vamapper August 9 2009, 20:46:59 UTC

The list of apps is pretty short; iTunes, Amazon's mp3 downloader, Irfanview, and some sort of office app. That's it. Google Earth, the Weather Channel Desktop app, a low-end graphics editor like Photoshop Elements, and possibly RealPlayer mp3 creator would be nice but not necessary. (I tried and didn't like Winamp, and iTunes creator doesn't always work properly.) My main problem is lack of hard drive space. I just have too much music. I guess it's a nice problem to have.