My laptop is chugging along, but is basically living on borrowed time. I'd like to keep it working at least till the next big thing is out, so I'm not stuck with old technology. So what's next? I like the all-in-one computers but a lot of them use Vista, which I don't love. Is there a new XP coming out? Something new and better?

I had a laptop that ran Millenium Edition Windows. As far as I'm concerned Bill Gates owes me money. Help desk people would groan when I told them what OS I was running. It was a mess. I hear Vista isn't much better.

My laptop is running a little slow but still working. It's the machine that's a mess. (The battery never would hold a charge and the replacement only lasted 2 years. How I have to be careful and not move too suddenly or the power is disrupted and it dies. I need a new battery but can't justify the expense unless this overtime laden job runs a few more weeks. sigh

Houndentenor

"Get the trash off the street and back on the stage where it belongs." -- Bette Midler

Your world will change greatly for the better.

I went Mac two years ago and have had NOT ONE technical or hardware issue in TWO YEARS. With my PCs over two years I would have to restore I don't know how many times.

Not a glitch, not a virus, not a worm, not a thing that didn't work correctly. And that includes having moved to three different computers as I upgraded each time, seamlessly.

And these were USED refurbished ones... not even new.

Even my windows programs run better, faster, and more reliably in the Windows (XP) partition of my Apple computer(s).

My email, contacts, photos, music, etc. is all synced, some of it like automatically in the ether. For emails, contacts and calendars it is automtic, I never have to worry about syncing them up manually

And my files move seamlessly to the Windows world when they need to.

The next big thing for me will be if Apple moves forward on a tablet type thingee, that would be like a dream come true.

So my suggestion is Change Teams and everything will look different!

It is just such a joy to not have to deal with the inadequacies of Windows anymore.

how much are Macs (refurbished and new) running these days. I never considered one because of the price.

Houndentenor

"Get the trash off the street and back on the stage where it belongs." -- Bette Midler

It depends on the model, and on whether or not it is still within the Apple care period if you want to buy it.

My cheapest was $499 for a midrange macbook and my most recent was $650 for a 20 inch screen iMac.

I know people who have often had good luck on craigslist esp lately with some people in fire sale mentality they have been giving them away for some cash.

At the time I bought mine my sister and mom both bought PCs for $400 and real cheapie for my Mom for $300 more like a netbook. They have already crashed a few times each plus have been stuck with Vista and problems with apps.

If a person has more time and patience than money, then I understand going the PC route but you will pay with time and inconvenience. For one or two hundred more think of all the time and inconvenience saved. A decent mac is more like an investment in my view.

Inconvenience is only a factor when you have the money to begin with. Some of us don't have any other choice. I'm not going to buy a new computer on a credit card and pay 20% interest on it for 2 years or however long it would take to pay it off. Just not going to do that unless it's the direst of emergencies. I will have to make due with what I already have for awhile.

There are a lot of things in this world that cheese me off but few more than when someone tells me that something I can't afford is worth the extra money. I also realize that Macs crash a lot less than PCs, but I have seen Macs do complete meltdowns of the sort that can't be fixed. I have never had a PC do that. And the reason given is usually "well it was over three years old". Yeah, my laptop is from January 2005 and I have to get at least another year of use out of it. Something that works just fine until it self destructs three years later and costs $1500 is just not an option for me at this time. I wish I had made better financial decidions for the last 10 years so that this would be an option but alas I did not.

Houndentenor

"Get the trash off the street and back on the stage where it belongs." -- Bette Midler

I certainly did not mean it that way, sorry if it sounded that way!

One buys what it is their budget and take the best care of it they can to make it last and work well!

I did mean, IF someone has the budget, then I think they are wise to consider moving over rather than getting a larger laptop or more memory on the laptop, but instead put that money to moving over. For example, IF their budget is $400 to $750, then consider a refurbished Mac rather than an upgraded PC. I know people who recently bought PCs for like over a grand and that is where I would suggest - consider a Mac, with that budget the person can afford it and I think there would be benefits.

I have never had a Mac product meltdown in any way wheras all my PCs melted down eventually and some spent more time getting fixed than getting used.

Maybe I have just been lucky! If so, I knock on wood!!!!!

I found that they had a high resale value which I use as seed money for the next version if I want it. On the first one I bought, I happened to get a good deal and I used it a few months and was able to sell it for more than I paid for it. I then used that as seed money for my iMac. I expect I will be able to resell the iMac for what I paid at least. I just did the same with my iPhone - I was able to sell it, a year old, for almost what I paid and kick in just a little more to upgrade this week.

But look all this technology is something of a luxury anyway. There were many times when I had no computer at all and used the work computer or library computer or even my alumni center for free. And the pay as you go $14.99 TracFone got the job done and it could do so again.

That thing about money was NOT directed at you.

but I hear stuff like that all the time and it's very annoying. Especially during times when I have no money to spend on anything.

Again, not mad at you.

For what it's worth you can often get brand new PCs for under $1000. I know people love their Macs but sometimes they sound like people who have joined a cult. LOL It would have to be a gazillion times better to justify spending 50% more money.

Houndentenor

"Get the trash off the street and back on the stage where it belongs." -- Bette Midler

I stand aside and let the rant pour, no hard feelings!

To me the Mac IS a gazillion times better, but only IF a person is a serious enough user to use the features and benefit from the benefits. I was struck by the ease of use, the speed, the reliability and especially the fact that my windows things work even better on my Mac, so for ME, it was worth the transition.

Also, I use Windows all day at work, so I am always able to keep the comparison going, and also have Windows at home on the Mac... but at home I always stick the Mac side unless I absolutely can't. I can see why a person would stick with Window so I do not think I am cultish.

If all a person is doing is checking email, surfing a little and using Word, then if they take precautions security wise and don't mind the occasional virus or crash, NP.

To me the additional features and the fact that I have not had any security issues or crashes in two years has been well worth the extra investment.

But is is like a car... a 12k one and a 30K will probably both get you there, it is just a matter of how a person wants to spend their money, IF they have it.

I haven't bought anything from them yet but they have really good prices especially on refurbished computers and shipping is often free.

I am thinking of getting a Sony Vaio all in one, which was recently rated as a better computer for the money than a comparable Mac.

Tiger Direct is excellent. I have ordered from them and always been satisfied.

Of all my PC, my Sony Vaio was the best. It held up better physically than the others. However, on my model the keyboard was a little uncomfortable if that matters to you you might want to see one in person.

However, keep in mind that those types of comparisons are usually a bit apples and orange because the price points are so different. Don't let the comparisons drive your selection.

But I just don't want to now. My current IBM Thinkpad has actually worked really well - I just have knocked the heck out of it and used it a lot. It's begging to retire.

I have really good Norton protection and haven't had any problem with security.

Why exactly do you need a new one?

is out in October but there will be an upgrade program (where you buy a system with Vista but get a free upgrade when it's released) available as early as this month. Macs are good but are a serious cost trade off. A sizable number of Mac users are just using the hardware to run Windows partitions but at almost twice the cost for comparable hardware. The Windows 7 beta/RC testing (which I've been participating in) has gone well and has virtually none of the problems that Vista had (despite being built on the same platform.) With more viruses, etc being written for Mac, that's no longer a really good reason to go with them. They are more user friendly but you're going to need to have a Windows partition anyway so you may as well not pay for two operating systems or double the cost for the same hardware specs.

I will agree with Robin about the Mac tablet, however. I was really looking forward to it at the developers conference and disappointed when it didn't show up.



- Visit the Canadian Opera Blog:http://canadianopera.blogspot.com/

If you don't want to go the Mac route (which is the route you SHOULD go, but just in case), you might give Linux a whirl.

--
Karen Mercedes - contralto
singwiththespirit [at] yahoo [dot] com
http://artfuljesus.0catch.com/karenmercedes.html

Lots of people have talked about Mac above, so I'll be short. I was a die-hard PC girl, and when my last died after being eatin by software and OS crashes, I just jumped ship and bought a Macbook. I love it. It's simple to use. My compatibility issues have been minor, and software has been easy to...obtain.

However, many of my friends who are less tied to their computer are opting for the Netbook option. I've played with them, and I understand their choice. For ~$300, you get a an 8" laptop-like device that will do basic office and internet...which to be truthful is what the casual user does anyway. They are cheap, they are tiny and fit in a purse, and you don't feel like crying when they become obsolete because the initial investment wasn't that high to start with. I seriously considered getting one so I didn't have to carry my laptop around all the time, but I figured I was just to addicted.

Any, my 2c. Hope it helps,

NJ

I'm just not interested in getting a Mac.

There, I said it. Can this please not turn into a thread about how Windows sucks? I like Windows and have had no issues with XP.

OK, you like Windows and are looking for recommendations in the Windows universe.

What are you looking to accomplish with your computer purchase?

It is entirely possible that the next big thing in computers doesn't affect you or your purchase.

Or r u looking to stay ahead of the curve in some area?

I suppose, if people knew what you are hoping to accomplish, they can make more meaningful suggestions!

For instance, it looks like laptops are all being made with BluRay players now. Is BluRay a fad, or is it here to stay?

What's coming out in terms of operating systems?

Any new cool hardware or software that will be released and available?

Part of the reason I am waiting is because I am trying to avoid having yesterday's technology when I make my purchase. I don't really have my ear to the ground when it comes to technology innovations, and that's why I am asking here.

The day you buy it, it is already yesterday's technology

You already know enough to not buy Vista. Windows 7 is probably the way to go and just have a plan in mind for updating it as soon as you start to use it becaue by the time you get it there will probably already be patches, etc.

I think instead of focusing on it from this angle, FIRST focus on what YOU want / need to do with it, how much storage and performance you need, if you already have software that can be loaded on or if you need to buy something loaded, etc.

You might be surprised at how little you need.

Then if you want to scan the latest technologies to see if any of them float your boat that is fine. But really, keep your focus on what YOU need and WANT and not "what is available". Evaluate each trend against your needs. It is very possible that there are some new trends which frankly you won't really need or want.

Focusing on what is available is a surefire way to end up with more computer and more bells and whistles than you need.

OPTIONAL MAC COMMENT [-And, I realize you are into Windows and all that,and don't care about Mac, but I will just mention that in an earlier post, I mentioned that one thing which impressed me was my Mac's resale values, which makes it possible for me to always stay current, and I never have to worry about falling out of step.]

Redmond's scared to death of a further drop in market share. With that in mind, Windows 7 likely won't see an update until service pack 1 in late 2010. As I've mentioned, the Release Candidate works flawlessly and so there's no reason to believe that the actual release will be any different.

If you want to make sure that you're good for a couple of years, go with 2 gigs of RAM, a multi core (dual or quad core) processor, and at least 300GB hard drive. Blu-ray is here to stay but unless you are going to invest in a HD monitor, you don't need it. Blu-ray burners are still priced a little high and haven't been widely adopted. I prefer AMD processors but they tend to be a little quirkier so I'd stick will Intel based on what you're saying.

I've used Tiger Direct (both .ca and .com) and don't have a single complaint. If you have a monitor that you can hold onto from your previous system (and there's no reason at all why you shouldn't,) Tiger direct has a system on sale right now that will be Windows 7 ready with 3GB RAM, and 320GB hard drive for $329.99 athttp://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4527899&CatId=2630 The comparable specs on the cheapest clearence Mac are 1GB RAM, 250GB hard drive, (exact)same processor for $999.00

The only thing is that if you buy it now, instead of in July or August, you'll need to buy your own Windows 7 when it's released. As I mentioned before, wait until the upgrade program is announced at whatever retailer you're going with. They'll have a ton of systems on sale to co-incide with that announcement.



- Visit the Canadian Opera Blog:http://canadianopera.blogspot.com/

I use my computer mostly for basic stuff:

Browsing
E-mail
Photo editing
iTunes

Since I take a lot of video at events and travel, I'd like to have a setup that helps me easily edit my videos and a way to burn them so they're easy to share.

I play a few basic video games but nothing that requires serious graphics. My current laptop is slowing down just because it's seen a lot of use and is over 3 years old.

I'm thinking of getting a desktop or an all-in-one rather than a new laptop because I want a bigger screen. I don't really care about having a touch screen but if it cost about the same as a non-touch screen then I would probably add that on.

My old monitor still works but it's the old huge kind and since I am dealing with limited space, I want the flat screen.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and it's nice to know that TigerDirect is a good seller. Have you bought refurbs there, or only new?

You do not believe that Windows 7 will 'work flawlessly' in the real world, do you Time will tell

BTW I was not just talking about operating systems. I was talking about everything else too - hardware, software, bells and whistles, trendy things etc.

Obviously anyone buying Windows now would probably want to wait for 7, especially since this person's ThinkPad is still working - which is why I asked them why they want to get a new laptop anyway, if the old one is still going strong?

Why not wait to see how "flawless" 7 really is, in the real world, wait for the bugs to shake out a bit and stable updates to come out, wait for the initial buying frenzy among Windows fans to subside and then look for a real deal rather than being one of the first to rush in and pay top price.

Personally I don't recommend installing an upgrade over Vista if that is what they have, if it is XP maybe... but there again I would wait til all the bugs shake out. It might end up being easier to just buy it installed and wait a while for the prices to come down!

[The OP is not interested in MACs, so I don't know why you are commenting on them unless you are trying to make the point that PCs are cheaper, which everyone knows anyway. We won't get into why they are cheaper, because everyone knows that anyway too!]

This is a laptop that has seen heavy use for over 3 years and it's just getting to the point where it's slow.

There's one physical problem with it that I already had fixed once - the spot where the power cord plugs into the computer is loose and you sometimes have to play games with the position of the cord to get it to stay charged.

Okay, actually that's not true - there is another problem that I have just gotten so used to dealing with I don't even think about it anymore. They keyboard is really f'ed. If I use the regular keyboard on the laptop, it types all sorts of wrong stuff. I bought a wireless keybaord and mouse that I like better anyway, and have been using them. This whole thing started when I first sent the laptop in because of the power cord issue. Even though I didn't ask them to, they put on a new keyboard! And that's when things started to really decline. I could have sent it back but it wasn't convenient with my work schedule. Now the computer is out of warranty and since I want a new computer somewhat soon, I have been just dealing.

The worst part about this IBM has been the customer service. When it got to the point that I finally had to call them, they were absolutely useless.

Another reason I want a new toy is that I am tired of having a laptop and want a bigger monitor etc. Sure I could get a docking station but why pay for a docking station for an old computer?

Me want new toy.

I can relate, I once had an HP Pavillion that was near death and the the letters on the keyboard all wore away. Even as a decent typist I made a lot of mistakes with that baby!!

I can run this puppy into the ground and not worry too much. But for now my keyboard band-aid works fine. The wireless one is actually nicer to use than the one on the actual laptop. I think of it as having a docking station without the monitor...

(the wrong co, but)....
If your computer is running slowly, you would be amazed at the improvements you can often get by doing a full reformat/reinstall. You have said everything is backed up, so I would recommend trying this first, before going to a new comp. If nothing else, it might get you enough life in your current baby to last till windoze 7 comes out, and the initial bugs are solved..

But if it was me, I would be waiting for Snow Leopard... Mmmm... new shiney toys!!!

Stu the crazy bass from down under


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Polar bears for Obama!!

nt

due out this year...



Stu the crazy bass from down under


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Polar bears for Obama!!

My ibook from 2004 is still going strong but I have worn the letters off of a few keys as well. Fortunately I am an expert touch typist so it doesn't matter. I'm expecting this ibook to last another year or so before I have to buy a new one.

It runs only on newer Macs with Intel CPUs.

Some info on OS X 10.6:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/166327/5_things_you_should_know_about_snow_leopard.html

--
Karen Mercedes - contralto
singwiththespirit [at] yahoo [dot] com
http://artfuljesus.0catch.com/karenmercedes.html

New comps released this month, including new portables....

http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/


Stu the crazy bass from down under


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Polar bears for Obama!!