Computer Suggestions...

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 10:57am

Hey...I am buying myself a computer tonight and am open to recommendations. What kind do you prefer? What is the best?

Updated On: 11/22/04 at 10:57 AM

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:48am

What are your needs?

Personally, I prefer PCs, and you'll have an easier time getting software for them. To be fair, though, a lot of people like Macs, and most viruses and worms are aimed at PC users just because that's the best way to strike as many computers as possible.

As for laptop vs. desktop- I like having a desktop because I can have a large monitor, a keyboard with good "feel," and a real mouse rather than a miserable little touchpad. You could try getting a laptop with a port, so you can have all those advantages plus be able to "unplug" and carry your computer around all the time. But then you'd need to buy a separate keyboard, mouse, and possibly monitor to make it worth it.

Um...I'd get a computer with Firewire ports, just because it's damn useful sometimes. Especially if you have an iPod. :) A flat-panel monitor is really nice for saving desk space but not absolutely necessary. The costs of it are getting better, though.

Any details on how you're going to be using this computer?

[ckeaton]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:52am

I love Dell Laptops.

You can get a great deal on a refurbished Dell laptop and use additional coupons. Do a google search for "dell coupons" and then go to delloutlet.com you can save between 200 and 500 dollars. The beauty of "refurbished" laptops is that they have been throroughly tested so you KNOW they are of excellent quality, unlike their assembly line brethren. That being said, Dell Inspirons are my laptop of choice. With built-in wireless you can connect without any trouble at your local starbucks, JFK airport, hotels, etc.

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:14pm

I agree that Dell kicks ass. Be sure to look for the coupons like others have said and keep an eye on what the special of the week is (Hard drive uprade, free monitor, etc)

Don't try to be cool by buying any Apple product unless all you want to do is surf the web, send email, and/or do very high-end professional graphic editing.

Ask yourself if you really need a laptop. They often coast as much as three times as much as the desktop that will do the same stuff.

If you're a student consider a Tablet PC. They tend to be smaller, and therefore more lightweight than a Laptop, plus the OneNote software is very cool. Currently in my Econ class I download the professor's powerpoint presentation ahead of time, then during the lecture I can write hand written notes directly on the powerpoint while recording the audio of the lecture in real time. That way later you can play back the powerpoint while watching your notes appear on the screen as you hear the prof's voice.. very cool. No laptop can do that.


Finally, if you do get a desktop, consider getting a burner drive in addition to your regular player drive. It's usually not that much more and it's a lot more convienent.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:22pm

Oh, definitely get a CD burner. Or even a DVD burner. They're great for backing up your hard drive.

I still don't get why Macs are considered better for high-end graphics editing, so I'll let that go. Let me just add- whatever you do, make sure you get a comfortable mouse and keyboard. Repetitive stress injuries are really no fun, and I speak from experience.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:24pm

a good keyboard and mouse are a MUST

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:31pm

"I still don't get why Macs are considered better for high-end graphics editing, so I'll let that go."

Back in the early nineties when PCs were still 256 color VGA machines, Apple was WAY better for graphics. As a result much of the Industry Standard professional graphic editing software is on Apple because that's what it was on to begin with.

Of course ANYTHING that a 'normal' user would want to do with grpahics could be done on a PC nowadays.

As far as the Mouse and Keyboard goes, one thing to do is to have a couple different mouses and swap them out every month or so.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:47pm

Hallelujah. First reasonable explanation I've heard of the graphics thing. They really don't bother making PC versions of the high-end software? Craziness.

The graphics and animation stuff I've done for fun hasn't been very advanced- so I haven't used software much more advanced than 3D Studio Max, which was plenty.

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:50pm

"They really don't bother making PC versions of the high-end software?"

Ya gotta remember that deep down inside PCs and Macs are VERY different. Re-tooling the software to make it PC friendly would be VERY expensive.

[DaysOfWine&Roses]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:52pm

A Mac will cost you a little more, but in the end, it's an easier OS, plus you'll never worry about viruses again...

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:54pm

"plus you'll never worry about viruses again.."

that's a bit of an over-statement, don't ya think?

About five years ago a jpg-eating virus, whos name I can't remember hit Mac users HARD.

"The OS is easier" another out-of-date comparison of PC vs. Mac that was true ten years ago.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:59pm

I think it depends on what you're used to. I'm not stupid, and I've been using computers since I had the hand-eye coordination to handle a mouse, but I found Mac OS difficult to use when I first had to start working with it for extended periods of time. You get used to certain things with PCs (the right mouse button, for instance), and having to change old habits to switch OSs is annoying. I'm sure the same is true in reverse.

More viruses target PCs than Macs, just because there's more PCs. But I haven't gotten a single virus in...11 years, I think. You just have to know how to protect your computer.

[AbsolutKnight]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:07pm

I would love to get a Sony, but they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Posted: 11/22/04 at 1:35pm

I've heard some BAD things about Sony PCs.

[AbsolutKnight]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:15pm

I have used them and have only had good experiences with them.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:54pm

I suggest getting a Mac Powerbook.

1) PCs vs. Macs = everyone has a PC, but Windows is badly designed, prone to viruses and always crashes. The new Mac operating system is intuitive and stable.

2) Desktop computers vs. Laptops = I LOVE having a laptop. It's convenient, compact, and you develop a certain attachment to your laptop. Laptop sales have exceeded sales for desktops, so it's becoming the new norm. I hate the touchpad too, so I just plug in mouse into the USB port at the back. Mac laptops in particular are amazing, with a snazzy sleek design and bright, vibrant widescreens.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 2:56pm

I have a Mac Powerbook, and I love it (except for now, when I can't get rid of a stupid green line on my screen). But in general it's great. Very easy to use.

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 4:44pm

BlueWizard- bull****, bull****, and bull****. I like you, but I really can't stand to have the Apple company line repeated all the time as some kind of truism.

I have a PC, always have used a PC, and I haven't had a single crash in over a year. You know why? I take care of my computer, don't abuse it, and make sure that it stays free of adware and other crap. As for the claim that Mac OS is better-designed- like I said, it depends on what you use first. From my point of view, Mac OS is quite poorly designed and counter-intuitive. I'm sure from the point of view of Mac users, Windows looks the same way.

Windows is that target of more viruses simply because a virus aimed at Windows will hit more computers. It isn't a reflection on the quality of the software- the quality of Mac's security just doesn't get tested as often. If you like Macs, so be it. I'm just really sick of these outdated truisms.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 11/24/04 at 9:10pm

I just bought an awesome computer for only $399 after mail-in rebates. It is an Insignia.

So, I am back on-line.