I need a new computer .... Suggestions?

[XL-entLady]

Hi folks,

I need to buy a new laptop computer. I know it needs a large screen, a big hard drive and lots of RAM. I can't use Apple because some of the software I need to run burps on a Mac. I don't want a Linux operating system because I never was any good at model airplanes and if I put together a model computer operating system I'd just end up with glue all over my fingers. :toung:

The laptop I bought from Dell last spring (yeah, I know, but I need another one - it's business related) was my first introduction to the Vista operating system. I hated it then, I hate it worse now, but if I buy XP and figure out how to load it I will be stuck with an operating system that Uncle Bill Gates won't support because Microsoft is ramming Vista down everybody's throats.

SO .....

What would you suggest? I'm open to any and all laptop computer-related ideas. Will you share your thoughts with me, please?

Lady

 

[Show-me]

Way over my head, I buy the cheapest PC money can buy and run it until the legs fall off.

I have found that the locally owned PC dealer has better support and customer service. That means a lot if you have problems.

 

[malyla]

The laptop I bought from Dell last spring (yeah, I know, but I need another one - it's business related) was my first introduction to the Vista operating system. I hated it then, I hate it worse now, but if I buy XP and figure out how to load it I will be stuck with an operating system that Uncle Bill Gates won't support because Microsoft is ramming Vista down everybody's throats.

SO .....

What would you suggest? I'm open to any and all laptop computer-related ideas. Will you share your thoughts with me, please?

Lady

I would get an inspiron with windows xp. Microsoft will support xp for many years due to the fact that the US government will not allow vista on our computers. Even if they quit in a year or so to support it, as long as you request the startup disks (Dell makes you pay for them now) you can reload it yourself. It is a robust operating system and will be good for awhile (3-5 years as a guess). By then it will be time to buy another computer and maybe vista will be working by then. G.L.

 

[Show-me]

Actually I have a Inspiron too.

 

[poolman]

This is what I got was I was on Vacation this summer. I really don't use it much. Some around the house via wireless. I bought it at Best Buy for $1350.00

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/toshiba-qosmio-x305-q701/4505-3121_7-33088931.html

 

[ATCJeff]

Hi folks,

I need to buy a new laptop computer. I know it needs a large screen, a big hard drive and lots of RAM. I can't use Apple because some of the software I need to run burps on a Mac. I don't want a Linux operating system because I never was any good at model airplanes and if I put together a model computer operating system I'd just end up with glue all over my fingers. :toung:

The laptop I bought from Dell last spring (yeah, I know, but I need another one - it's business related) was my first introduction to the Vista operating system. I hated it then, I hate it worse now, but if I buy XP and figure out how to load it I will be stuck with an operating system that Uncle Bill Gates won't support because Microsoft is ramming Vista down everybody's throats.

SO .....

What would you suggest? I'm open to any and all laptop computer-related ideas. Will you share your thoughts with me, please?

Lady

Wait until the holiday season, you will see lots of great deals!

 

[GYPSYJ]

I tell ya. I think the nerds who work in the Electronic section of Walmart are under utilized. I got good advice on what to buy from a kid working there. He gave me good advise such as what I would use the computer for, etc..
I ended up going to Circuit City for my monitor but bought and "off brand" "Emachine" for the crap I use a computer for and I have had no problems.

 

[PessOptimist]

We have bought a few HP laptops lately. They were offering a free downgrade to XP and sending along the disks for both OS for free.

(I am sure we were paying in some way)

 

[XL-entLady]

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful suggestions. I'm surely going to take Malyla's advice and 'downgrade' to XP in order to save my sanity. And waiting for a month to see what kind of holiday sales I can find is excellent advice too. And in the interim I'll be reading reviews and everything else I have time for in order to weigh the relative merits of an Inspiron vs. a Toshiba vs. HP vs. ???

Thanks again!
Lady

 

[EW_ret]

Not all PC makers allow you to 'downgrade' to XP. I'm surprised there are any remaining. You will likely have to have a small business account to do so, or say you are a business.

I would not rule out VISTA when buying a new PC. I am pleased with VISTA and have been using it for about six months now. Every new Windows operating system is slower than the previous version, and the first year of use always has some problems. I have seen this happen since the Windows 3.1 days. What's alarming with VISTA is its hunger for memory and hard drive resources. But the costs have come down for memory and hard drives. VISTA treats the user as a novice who requires protection and guidance. It takes some getting use to, and I had to discover how to control some of its nuances.

You should also consider a transition to the 64-bit operating systems. The 32-bit Windows is at the end of its life since the maximum memory it can manage is 4 Gigabytes.

 

[Frixxxx]

I would get an inspiron with windows xp. Microsoft will support xp for many years due to the fact that the US government will not allow vista on our computers. Even if they quit in a year or so to support it, as long as you request the startup disks (Dell makes you pay for them now) you can reload it yourself. It is a robust operating system and will be good for awhile (3-5 years as a guess). By then it will be time to buy another computer and maybe vista will be working by then. G.L.

Malyla, Unfortunately, XP is going OUT the door. I have already seen this occur on Air Force installations. It is just a matter of time until the Security (IA) folks figure out how to document it at your local I.T. shop. Don't get me wrong XP is good, heck 98 was better. But to think the government is stuck with XP, your totally wrong. Here's Micorsoft's latest END DATES:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx

.....
I would not rule out VISTA when buying a new PC. I am pleased with VISTA and have been using it for about six months now. Every new Windows operating system is slower than the previous version, and the first year of use always has some problems. I have seen this happen since the Windows 3.1 days. What's alarming with VISTA is its hunger for memory and hard drive resources. But the costs have come down for memory and hard drives. VISTA treats the user as a novice who requires protection and guidance. It takes some getting use to, and I had to discover how to control some of its nuances.

You should also consider a transition to the 64-bit operating systems. The 32-bit Windows is at the end of its life since the maximum memory it can manage is 4 Gigabytes.

Great advice, however, some people do need protection from themselves. As a Computer guy myself, we have a saying: If it weren't for users, our computer systems would work flawlessly!


Lady,

My rule of thumb is this:
1. Write down all the software you will need to run on your system.
2. Research the minimum requirements need to operate each one.
3. Take the highest requirements from the total: RAM, Disk, processor
4. Increase these numbers by 30%
5. Purchase a computer with those features.

If this is for a business, you might want to see if leasing is an option. Remember, this will be an asset that you will depreciate and charge off as an expense. Since it is an asset, lump warranty in with the costs for wirte offs. Business computers should last 18-24 months before your model changes and your business grows. Then you will probably need to uupgrade.

 

[XL-entLady]

Malyla, Unfortunately, XP is going OUT the door. ... some people do need protection from themselves. As a Computer guy myself, we have a saying: If it weren't for users, our computer systems would work flawlessly!

Thanks for the tips, buddy! (And you're right, it will be depreciable personal property.)

My issue with Vista is that I used to know that if I was having computer problems then it had to be a PEBCAC* error. Now I have to waste time finding out if it's me or if Vista is messing with me yet again. Makes me nuts. But then driving me nuts is a short trip! :blink:

Lady

*PEBCAC: Problem Exists Between Computer And Chair

 

[Steadygain]

Hi folks,

I need to buy a new laptop computer. I know it needs a large screen, a big hard drive and lots of RAM. I can't use Apple because some of the software I need to run burps on a Mac. I don't want a Linux operating system because I never was any good at model airplanes and if I put together a model computer operating system I'd just end up with glue all over my fingers. :toung:

The laptop I bought from Dell last spring (yeah, I know, but I need another one - it's business related) was my first introduction to the Vista operating system. I hated it then, I hate it worse now, but if I buy XP and figure out how to load it I will be stuck with an operating system that Uncle Bill Gates won't support because Microsoft is ramming Vista down everybody's throats.

SO .....

What would you suggest? I'm open to any and all laptop computer-related ideas. Will you share your thoughts with me, please?

Lady

Lady, I just got a new laptop from Dell within the past few weeks.

Most importantly - Make sure it's the Windows Vista Premium

If you're getting a new computer the last thing you want is just the Basic Model - so get the Premium because it's still very cheap.

NOW THIS IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT - Make sure you order Direct from their open and returned; refurbrished; scratch and dent area.

As with any computer you have to look at the components:

Operating System: Windows Vista Premium

Memory: the more the better (2 G) is great

Chip - Try to get the Best and Fastest - Dual Core and at least 1.8 GHz speed. Also you want the better FBS. Intel and Windows go hand in hand so it's probably better to go with them

Make sure it has the wireless connection card installed

Most have Works 9 - try to make sure it's already installed

Make sure it has the DVD/ RW to burn DVDs

Get a Hard Drive of at least 160 GB (most have that)

DON'T FORGET TO THINK OF ME EVERYTHING YOU GET ON OR CLOSE OFF (ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT)

 

[Steadygain]

Thanks for the tips, buddy! (And you're right, it will be depreciable personal property.)

My issue with Vista is that I used to know that if I was having computer problems then it had to be a PEBCAC* error. Now I have to waste time finding out if it's me or if Vista is messing with me yet again. Makes me nuts. But then driving me nuts is a short trip! :blink:

Lady

*PEBCAC: Problem Exists Between Computer And Chair

The basic Vista is more likely to have problems; just like basic XP

That's why I stress the Premium - it's well worth the money and essentially means less hassels.....(at least we'll hope)

 

[Silverbird]

IF you "downgrade" to XP, you'll need to get XP Premium. Basic is...basically not enough. As for Vista, the inevitable may move on a snail. Not all Agencies move very fast in upgrades, we got XP last year. The reason? Microsoft was unable to back up their claims that the registration information they hold for XP was secure. The fight went on for years, some sort of accomodation was made - don't ask me, I'm not an applications/security guru. Vista is viewed right now as even more of a security risk - plus with the XP upgrade we "only" had to replace 1/8 of our computers. Vista would make more than half of our current computers choke. We're Commerce/ITA, and half our our computers came from Census after they finished the last Census -- and we don't trust Microsoft security. Always one upgrade behind.

I guess when they do the next Census in 2010 if they get the computers they need to pull it off, those will be ours in 2012.

 

[peterson82]

One company stands above the rest: Packard-Bell!

 

[malyla]

IF you "downgrade" to XP, you'll need to get XP Premium. Basic is...basically not enough. As for Vista, the inevitable may move on a snail. Not all Agencies move very fast in upgrades, we got XP last year. The reason? Microsoft was unable to back up their claims that the registration information they hold for XP was secure. The fight went on for years, some sort of accomodation was made - don't ask me, I'm not an applications/security guru. Vista is viewed right now as even more of a security risk - plus with the XP upgrade we "only" had to replace 1/8 of our computers. Vista would make more than half of our current computers choke. We're Commerce/ITA, and half our our computers came from Census after they finished the last Census -- and we don't trust Microsoft security. Always one upgrade behind.

I guess when they do the next Census in 2010 if they get the computers they need to pull it off, those will be ours in 2012.

This is the same with my agency (NASA). Windows XP with service pack 3 (available now) will be supported for at least another year (probably longer) no matter what the microsoft timeline says. The government is one of their biggest customers (if not the biggest) and they will not risk this market by no longer supporting XP. Security is a huge issue right now and it will be at least a year (if not longer) before Vista is allowed in. I have had zero problems with my XP OS since I bought my computer 2 years ago and I use it extensively. I would love a idiot proof GUI, but I would buy an Apple with their GUI OS before I buy Vista right now. In a year or two Vista may have fixed the compatibility bugs that I hear friends and family talk about. Until then I love my Dell with Windows XP.

There may be an issue with getting a personal system with XP installed from Dell (this was mentioned in a previous post). I would call a Dell sales rep directly as the online ordering may only have the Vista option. Small business and government online options have XP systems (it's just the personnal systems that are locked into Vista). Or go with a retailer as has been voiced in other posts. Some retailers still have XP systems. Just make sure you get the setup disks as this will allow for more flexibility if a problem does arise or if you want to keep the system longer than 3 years.

G.L.
Malyla