More Comp questions

[JadedLegend3]

1. How old is too old for a comp? I mean, you always hear that "it's obsolete" thing now. When does that happen?

2. Who likes their comp? What brand do you reccommend?

3. Which is best: laptop or desktop? (I have desktop now...laptops frustrate me, but this one isn't doing much better)

4. If you've read my other comp thread, do you think I need to just bite the bullet and buy a new one?

5. Where can one find a good, yet inexpensive comp? I don't need to do much with it anymore, I'd like WindowsXP home again, and maybe a cd burner, but I don't need one....what does everyone reccommend?

[LiLOrion]

1. Depends on what you are using it for. If you find that you cannot run newer programs or play certain games cause youre software is outdated or your processor is too slow, then its too old.

2. Mine is okay. I have a DELL. I dont use it for much though other than work and surfing the net and I download/play music.

3. If you move a lot, a laptop. If you dont, a desktop... only cause you can get a pretty good desktop for under $700. Laptops usually start at that price or more.

4. I'll take a guess and say yes. :lol Cause I didnt read your other thread.

5. My DELL is okay. I had a HP before this one. This is only my second desktop. You'll probably get different answers though cause I know some people have had trouble with their DELLs, but then again, I dont think any computer is totally problem free.

[AgentSun]

first off...you have to know what you want and how much money you want to spend. i have a Dell Inspiron 5150, and it's been great. my only problem with laptops is the overheating issue. it seems to happen with a lot of laptops, and it's solvable by merely getting a cooling pad. that is, unless it's a tiny flat thing where then it doesnt have much to cool down anyway. what you want in your laptop or desktop will affect how much it is. i highly recommend you STAY AWAY from compaq and HP. i despise them.

[JadedLegend3]

LOL Yeah, I have a compaq now. :lol

[LiLOrion]

I have a Compaq laptop and it hasnt given me trouble....yet. It'll decide not to work when I'm in Burbank, cause thats just how things work. :)

But AS is right...know what you want and what you want to spend and you should be fine. But desktops are cheaper than laptops on the whole.

[LT Garrix]

1. Computers are obsolete when you can no longer run the new software you want.

2. I've got a 2+ year old Compaq laptop that has given me no trouble. It's been completely reliable and I do some heavy duty video editing. Of course, I paid extra for the larger memory and high end graphics card so this was not a cheap purchase, but at it's age, it's still pretty comparable to the mid level stuff sold now.

Hubby has a Toshiba laptop that has a model problem with the video cable coming loose. It's happened twice within a year for him.

I've traveled more with mine than he has with his, and it has held up just fine.

3. As was said about laptop/desktop, it's part how much you want to spend, how much you travel, how much space you have available, what you want to do with your computer. If you don't do a lot of gaming or other audio, video or heavy duty photo editing, you can get a desktop package for somewhere around $500. If you monitor is good, you can probably pick up just a CPU for around $300.

If you do decide to go for a laptop, overheating can be an issue. Hubby got one with a regular Pentium IV chip, not a IVm (for mobile) or other processor optimtimized for use in a laptop. I have the IVm and my computer doesn't get near as hot as his and is lighter weight. Because I use it on my lap frequently I did purchase a perch for it that allows it to be angled and improves ventilation while keeping it off my lap.

4. If you are still able to run the software you want, I would suggest finding a local computer guru who can give it a look. It's very hard to diagnose computer ailments when you can't look at it and see exactly what it's doing. Worst case scenario is that you would have to backup all your files and bite the bullet and reformat the C: drive. This would wipe out any viruses and give you a clean load of Windows. Just remember to run the update check when you finish to make sure you have the most recent version of the drivers you need.

5. As for inexpensive computers, places like Best Buy, Circuit City offer a selection of brands. These are generally easy because you can just bet right then. Office Depot and Staples also offer good deals on bare bones computers. There are also web sites you can order from, but I'm leary of buying something that expensive off the net. CompUSA or Computer City can also help. There you have the advantage that whoever's working the computer area is little more knowledgable. I don't like Circuit City because they work off commission. I know they don't at Best Buy and can't speak for the others. I'm alwasy leary of people who work off commission. They will be inclined to sell you more than you need.

[Third EYe]

1. How old is too old for a comp? I mean, you always hear that "it's obsolete" thing now. When does that happen?

I have computers that range from the VIC20 to a 2.4 ghz pentium, it really does depend on what you are going to use it for. If you are just gonna surf the net and get email, the occassional video, a 1 ghz processor or better with at least 256k memory.

2. Who likes their comp? What brand do you reccommend?

I recomend the brand you build yourself. This way each individual component is exactly what you want or need and they are each under thier own warranty. I hate brand name puters. I have a few Dells, Compaqs, Gateways and IBMs that people gave me, cause they sucked, I use them to keep 98, 95 and win3.x running.

3. Which is best: laptop or desktop? (I have desktop now...laptops frustrate me, but this one isn't doing much better)

Desktop is more practical, and usually lasts longer. Laptops don't have very good air circulation, so the components get really hot and die. I wouldn't mind a laptop, but won't pay the price they want for them. When they come down to 200 bucks, I'll get one.

4. If you've read my other comp thread, do you think I need to just bite the bullet and buy a new one?

Didn't read your other thread, sorry, I missed it. usually when someone asks the question, they need a new one.



5. Where can one find a good, yet inexpensive comp? I don't need to do much with it anymore, I'd like WindowsXP home again, and maybe a cd burner, but I don't need one....what does everyone reccommend?


What's your budget? A DVD burner is about the same price as some cd burners, so I'd go that route no matter what you decide.

[talyn3]

It's a tough call on all that. I have a Dell, that has given me like one minor problem that I love, the computer not the problem. But I also right now have a brand new tablet PC/laptop that blows my mind. It's near top of the line, free and basicly makes me put my desktop on the back burner. I agree with whomever it was that said build your own desktop. If I ever get a another desktop, that's the route I'm going to take. Right now I'm so in love with this tablet, desktops don't even enter into the picture. Even if it does try to burn me.

It's like people have said, What do you do? Where do you need it? How much do you want to spend? Figure those out, then go from there.

[Third EYe]

is it the minor problem or the dell that you love, just checking, I'm writing a book.

[talyn3]

... I have a Dell, that has given me like one minor problem that I love, the computer not the problem....

Does that clear it up. :)

[Third EYe]

Does that clear it up. :)


that's what I get for not reading.

[Defect9]

I'll build you a desktop to your specs and give you a price quote if you want. it's cheaper if its homebuilt, and you get exactly what you need, not just what's available.

if you prefer buying from a company, Dell seems to be really good, and i've seen some insanely quiet and cool laptops come from them recently (Blackthorn got a killer one not to long ago). unless you're going for insane gaming abilities, places like Alienware and Falcon northwest (my two favorite places for inspiration) are probably bad ideas. Best buy has a lot of good, all-around compys, but i think that having a purpose built desktop is a better idea than an off the shelf thing. on top of that, homebuilts tend to be much more upgradeable

if i get the time, i may just post a full-computer spec that is good for most users (not hardcore gamers though), and a basic price list so you know what it would cost. i know i just ordered everything for a computer up to MY standards and it would run about 700 bucks for everything new (i had half the parts here already). my dad's getting a deal, and getting my couple-year-old setup for about $370 because he just bought be the parts i needed to finish it.

[tribsaint]

Next question just for you, JL3: Where can you buy the white ink? ;)

[BlackThorn]

1. -- That varies from user to user. When the comp can no longer keep up with everything YOU need to do with it, then it's getting too old, and you probably need to upgrade. Some people only need the basics, and therefore, and older comp works just fine for them. Some need a lot, and an older one can't keep up.

2. -- I like both of my comps. I built my desktop myself (it's not that hard with the internet, as you can find out everything you need and how to put it together.) It's the most stable system I've ever owned, and when anything does go wrong with it, I can fix it myself because I know what went into it. It runs an AMD 1800XP processor -- runs hot and needs a big fan, but it runs Windows XP more stable than most Pentium processors I've seen. Less crashes, etc..

My laptop is a Dell Inspiron 600m, and I'm very pleased with it. I've gotten excellent customer service from them so far; they've gone out of their way to help me with anything I need. I've heard different from others, but haven't experienced anything bad with Dell myself. It has a Pentium Molbile processor which runs much cooler and more power efficient -- both are problems that can crop up with laptops. I got it specifically because my last laptop had a heating issue and eventually fried. I also upgraded the warranty and got accidental damage insurance, both for three years. I know that, for what I use it for, it will be obsolete in three years anyway, so going beyond that wasn't cost effective for me.

3. -- Laptop vs. Desktop -- that really depends on what you need it for. For the average user, a desktop is usually best. For games and heavy CPU running programs, it's usually easier and cheaper to build/buy a desktop which will last longer with less problems. However, if you need must have mobility for on the road, work, school, etc... then a laptop is the only way to go. I have to have a laptop to get my work done, but when it comes to games, I trust my desktop more.

4. -- Sorry, didn't read it.

5. -- As others have pointed out, building it yourself is the cheapest, and as I mentioned, it's easier for me to fix mine now that I know exactly what went into itand such. Yeah, it seems like a daunting task at first, but trust me when I say it really is easy. I went from knowing nothing about building them to building my own. All because I looked it up on various sites around the web, compared parts, and such.

If you have to buy a brand one, then I second the motion to stay away from Compaq/HP. HP is the anti-christ, and since Compaq merged with them, it has become the son of the anti-christ. Yeah, HP has some very cheap stuff, but their CS blows once something goes wrong. Since I've had good experiences with Dell, I'd say try them, but again, I've heard others had problems with them. Still, easier to build your own.

[Chryse]

1. How old is too old for a comp? I mean, you always hear that "it's obsolete" thing now. When does that happen?

2. Who likes their comp? What brand do you reccommend?

3. Which is best: laptop or desktop? (I have desktop now...laptops frustrate me, but this one isn't doing much better)

4. If you've read my other comp thread, do you think I need to just bite the bullet and buy a new one?

5. Where can one find a good, yet inexpensive comp? I don't need to do much with it anymore, I'd like WindowsXP home again, and maybe a cd burner, but I don't need one....what does everyone reccommend?

1. Depends. Macs become obsolete at a slower rate than PCs in general. It also depends on what you are going to do with your computer and what programs you want to run. My iMac is going on 4+ years old now and is still not obsolete for the things I want it to do. I'm only replacing it now because the crt tube in the monitor is dying and I can (and did get) a better computer for just a bit more than the repair would cost.

2. I love my Mac. 'nuff said. :P

3. Desktops. They are easier and cheaper to upgrade/repair and customize, imo and experience, when necessary. I also can't stand laptop keyboards.

4. probably

5. Do your research. Read up about the different companies are out there, become knowledgable about the different and important parts of a computer. See what the minimum specs are to run WindowsXP and the other programs you will be using, then add as much RAM as you can afford.

Where to get a cheap computer? Look around your town for a PC repair shop or used Office Supply/Furniture store. Check out eBay (make sure you check out the seller thoroughly). Consider making your own or getting a PC tech at the repair shop to do it. Look online for Used PC sellers. Do you have a computer tech at work/school? Ask their professional opinion on where to look, and ask them to help you look too.

[JadedLegend3]

Next question just for you, JL3: Where can you buy the white ink? ;)


Who asked you anyway! :P :D :lol

And you're one to talk, Miss Parking Tables. :nana:


Thanks to everyone else. I would attempt to build my own, but I have no idea. Besides, generally my idea of "fixing" it, is kicking it really hard. LOL Which I know, doesn't help. :D

[BlackThorn]

Neither did I, until I looked it up. Then it turned out to be easy.

[Spedoinkel]

From my experience, and not reading this thread, the best choice is to build your own.

That's what I do. My comp is about 8 years old, and the oldest current part is about six. Everything else, 2 years. I just switch parts out when I have the money.

So, in conclusion build it. You know exactly how much you are spending and what you are spending it on. If you are unsure what to get, ask a techno-savy friend.



Do not buy anything from E-Machines.

[AgentSun]

building it yourself is fine and dandy, but if you don't have the knowhow to do it, then you're in a quandary, because you have to find someone reliable to do it. and that in itself is a bind because you have to search for someone that you would trust to do it well, and sink money into it. and even after that, you still won't know how to fix anything, because you aren't the one who built it!

JL3, am i correct to assume that you are not incredibly computer literate? enerally my idea of "fixing" it, is kicking it really hard. yeah i remember when i did that a few times. and my aunt used to do that too, which would make me yell at her, and want to cry, and soothe the poor cpu. she'd smack the monitor when her cpu wasn't working! what the frell? as if that has anything to do with it...

so anyways, yeah building it yourself is great and fine and the best deal, but you have to find someone you trust to do it. i think the real idea to any kind of longevity for your future computer is that you take a basic computer course. learn the workings of your computer and how things run on it. where the ram is, the fan, the video card, sound card, etc. where those all are, and what can cause them to malfunction. it's like fixing a car...take a basic course to know the ins and outs of the basics, and you'll be able to do some things on your own. it will also give you confidence of knowledge, and give you less panic when something does go wrong.

[shadowshiv]

This is how i determined my computers to be obsolete. :)

1. My 386. When I could not play Doom II on it.

2. My Pentium 120. When I could not play Baldur's Gate on it.

Right now I have a Pentium III 450 mhz with 128 megs of RAMM, with a Voodoo 3 video card. Methinks it is time for me to upgrade. :eek:

[Spedoinkel]

Especcially since Voodoo shut down several years ago.

[shadowshiv]

Especcially since Voodoo shut down several years ago.

That is true. Thank goodness for a couple of driver updates from third party sources. :eek:

[Defect9]

<text removed due to repetition>...take a basic course to know the ins and outs of the basics, and you'll be able to do some things on your own. it will also give you confidence of knowledge, and give you less panic when something does go wrong.

agreed. there are how many scapers out here that are willing to help you along if you have question? we're your tech support group, and if you need, i know at least one of us will be willing to build it for you and save you an ASSload of money.

-J

[BaseLine]

Especcially since Voodoo shut down several years ago.

3DFX to be exact. The Voodoo 2 was the first 3D graphics accelerator card I got. Bought it exclusively for Need for Speed III: Hot Pursuit. Those were the days :D

[jayelsee]

Am I glad I saw this thread! I have just killed my laptop (or at the very least, must very soon put it out of its misery), and want a new one. Money is an object, but not a big one, and I DO NOT want to build my own or ever ever work on it in any way! Every time I try to fix a problem I make it worse, and then get angry and frustrated!

I carry it everywhere, play NO games on it, watch lots of dvds--and there have been overheating issues--, I download lots of music videos, want to be able to burn dvds/cds, use it for constant net surfing--wireless cable (I'm on a crappy library computer now, frell it!), download lots of Farscape graphics. I want something with a long-life battery so I can watch Farscape dvds on the plane while I'm flying from the east coast to Burbank in November. There are no "computer stores" near me, the nearest are 90 miles away, but I can go there in person. There are Best Buys, Circuit Cities, etc.

The laptop I have now is a Dell Inspiron and I do not DO NOT want another Dell (I'm one of those who has had problems). I did buy their 3-year warranty and liked that. Did I mention that I never, ever ever want to have to spend any time personally trying to fix my computer? I do have friends who help me with problems when I get to the point where I want to forcibly fling it out the nearest 20 story window (hard where I live since an 8-floor hotel is our "skyscraper"). Reliability is a good characteristic for me. Did I remember to tell you I hate working on computers......?

Anybody have any specific brand recs or where to buy? (I have read the recs in this thread and they are timely and helpful).

[LT Garrix]

Can't recommend or not recommend, I know hubby's had issues with his Toshiba, the monitor connector, twice in a year. I've not had problem one with my Compaq, but it's a pre-merger machine, so I wouldn't go with that. I don't know how Sony computers are, but I've noticed a dip in their other consumer electronics the last few years, so they may be a bit overpriced.

My only exposure to Gateways was back in college we used them for a tow tank, but that was 10 years ago. There are pluses and minuses no matter who's machine you get.

Definitely go with the extended warranty since you carry it around a lot. Unfortunately nowadays the place of purchase mails it back off to the company so you'll be without it for a week if something should go wrong.

Make sure you get a mobile chip to help cut down on the overheating.