Our desktop computer died. It wasn't a quick death, it wasn't a slow death. It took about a week. It started with the screen freezing, moved onto the fan sounding like a blow dryer, and ended with the light on the tower turning amber with nothing on the screen.
Now our family is without a computer..sob.
So we are faced with the burning question of whether to replace our dead desktop with a laptop...or a new desktop. And which brand...and what do we things to we need, and how much memory...and... oh wait that was more that just one question. sigh.
I am a true technotards. I have absolutely no idea where to even start to look to decide laptop or desktop. Elle wants an apple laptop...of course she wants it for herself. Um hello there...we need a new family computer. Didn't we just spend a boat-load of money on new kitties for her?????
Having just restored the desktop due to a virus...6 weeks ago, DH and I are not inclined to keep photos or anything important on the computer...we'll use flashdrives.
Does anybody have any suggestions for us? We basically need a computer for email, blogging (although I realize I haven't done much lately), playing games (Wor.ld of War.craft and Rune.scape. for Sport), and downloading music and burning CD's for Elle.
Make, model, amount of memory, video cards, etc...we're not even sure what it is we need. Anyone have any suggestions???
About Me
- Lynn
- I'm a mom, the primary care giver for my elderly mother, and I work 24 hours/week. I'm tired. I need to sleep. That about sums it up.
Someday...
...I'll make time to recharge my batteries
Why I am so tired...
I"d Like To Thank The Academy...
10 comments:
most manufacturers have where you tell them what you want to do with your computer and they tell you what you need to get it done.
Shop around and you'll get the right one. I found that I could get a great deal at one place with a rebate, but alas they closed up all stores and are now online only.
oh DH messed up his back while working at the Church so now we both look like "little hunched up old people" it's quite comical.
yup we both took anti-inflamatories and I even took a muscle relaxer...neither have cleared it up. I guess I should do the ice thing.
Cameron said he would usually recommend a Mac but he doesn't know how much you'd want to "shell out"
;-)
I use both platforms, pc and apple. I use apple more because it is more user friendly for design based platforms and less susceptible to viruses. I know... not much help.....Another tidbit of information, you can buy refurbished apples for a couple of hundred dollars less than new ones. they still have the same new computer warranty. Most work well, as I am currently typing on one of them.
If you are apprehensive about changing platforms (many people are) consider a dell with the extended warranty. My better half has a dell, and they dispatched a tech recently to our home to correct a problem.
As for laptop versus desktop, it is a personal decision. For the most part one of stationary versus portable. In a family situation where a computer is shared and you wish to monitor your child's time,activity, etc. online, I would recommend a desktop in a centralized location to discourage contraband activity. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Off the subject, I hope your sis is okay, things have\been quiet at her place. Please wish her well on my behalf.
I have never used a mac so I can't help you there. All new computers will have enough memory, cpu and video card capabilities to do what you want. I would get whatever is the least expensive, but that is just me. I just helped my Mandy by her first laptop of her very own with her very own money. We ended up with an Acer from Radio Shap, it was $399 after rebate. My laptop is an Averatec and seems to be holding up pretty good. Hope that helps.
sorry that was supposed to be radio shack.
Why not review columns By Walter Mossberg from the Wall Street Journal, the tech writer.
The first link is from last October about what to look for when buying a PC:
http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20071018/some-basic-features-you-should-demand-when-buying-a-pc/
Note that Windows XP will not be available on new PCs made after June I think.
The next link is for laptops, and is from April 10, 2008:
http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20080410/consider-your-needs-then-use-this-guide-to-buying-a-laptop/
Nope this helps!
Renee - The trick is finding the right manufacturer.
Patti - What is with these kids? Elle would love a Mac...but they start at $1000...yikes.
Patches - Thanks for the info. Lots of people are telling us to go with Dell. Elle wants an Apple, but they are more expensive, I figure we'll wait until she's going to college, and then buy her one then. As far as monitoring the kids, they know that the computers, whether they are desktops or laptops, are to remain downstairs.
Marshamlow - I had never heard of an Acer, until you brought it up. Then my cousin mentioned them. We are looking for a simple laptop that Elle can use to listen to music ,burn CD's, and oh yeah, do homework on. This computer stuff really gives me a headache.
Ralph - Thanks. Those links were very helpful:~)
We got a macbook in january, I would not go back to windows based anything, but I do know that the price is an issue.
Okay, now I see you addressed the Mac issue here. It looks like Patches covered the topic pretty well. Like Sari I'd never go back, but I've been using them for 10 years now. The nice part is they're so user friendly and there's no need to buy virus protection.
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