New Computer needed.

[gizmo]

Another plug for Linux:

I am using an old computer, surplus from the local school, which I bought for under $50. It is a pentium 3 with about 512 Mb ram and 2 hard drives of 10 Mb each. As a windows computer it is pretty well obsolete. I am currently using Dreamlinux, and playing with other versions of Linux from live Cds. There is nothing installed on any hard drive, I am running purely from CD at present. Dreamlinux is very easy to use, reasonably familiar to use for a PC user but some things are more Mac-like. (single click to select for example.) Dreamlinux is free to download as a CD ISO image, you then burn this image to a CD and boot from the CD. It auto -detects hardware such as mouse, keyboard, video card, and so on. Once loaded it also detects my printer. Setting up the wireless network was easy. (It is often problematic on many versions of Linux.)

Using Dreamlinux has given me a good useful computer from what was an obsolete piece of junk. The Dreamlinux Cd also has useful software such OpenOffice, Firefox browser, PDF reader, audio and video editing software, lots of other stuff I don't use. I have found it easy and interesting to try.

Ubuntu Linux (and variants, I like the look of Kubuntu) has more software, is more slick and polished, but it doesn't run perfectly on this old computer. Ubuntu leaves little segments of previous windows on the screen (I think a video card compatibility problem, as it is a Compaq computer with basic on-board video driver) and on Kubuntu I can't get the wireless network to work at all.

It might be worth playing with linux for a slightly more Mac-like experience on PC hardware.

There is a vast range of Linux versions (called "distros", meaning distributions) at: www.distrowatch.com

Chris.

http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/

 

[hooverkeymatic]

Toshiba

I would reccommend a Toshiba laptop. They are very reliable and fast.The sound quality is excellent. I wouldn't really reccommend Acer because they seem a bit flimsy.

Toshiba laptops are good for games (if you buy a mid-range one),Surfing the internet and are also very good at doing multiple tasks all at once.

Hope this helps!

 

[whirlcool]

In my opinion, I think Dell laptops are fine, but the cases usually start falling apart after a year or so. Things like key caps popping off the keyboard, hinges breaking, etc.

I agree Toshiba does make a very nice laptop, and the people I know who have them have very little problems with them if any at all. They are also very solidly constructed.

My favorite laptop is the Lenovo Thinkpad. These used to be the IBM Thinkpad. Very well constructed with that rubberized outer coating on the case. They have fast performance. I had two IBM Thinkpads over the years and I just replaced my last one with a Lenovo. It's just as good as an IBM Thinkpad was.

The original IBM Thinkpad was developed by IBM for use by the IRS Field Agents. That's one reason why they are so solidly constructed. Due to it being a government application, I wonder what IBM charged the IRS for each one?

 

[j2400]

I agree with what mrx said about Mac OS X security

My favorite description of Windows was something like "a petri dish for viruses!"

UNIX (Linux and Mac OS X are part of the family) are, by nature, more secure.

My ex-roommate had a MacBook which, at the time I moved on, was running fine with a OS X install of more than a year old.

Even without malware, Windows seems to need reinstallation regularly (at least through XP). Time takes a toll, and junk builds up, and slows Windows down. Many Windows experts will reinstall regularly.

 

[jmm63]

Well... I opted to go the inexpensive route to see if it works and it did. I bought a new LG 20 in monitor and dvi cables and figured out how to run it off my mac. It seems to be working great, I just need to tuck the mac away under the desk and adjust it so I have access to the drive and cable ports. So far so good. I only spent less than 200 for everything and I still have a perfectly running mac.

 

[j2400]

Let's hope it continues! This is the sort of solution I love when I can pull it off--a few dollars, a little creative thinking, and one saves a lot.

 

[toploader55]

Hi Jim

Eddie from the Cape.
I bought a Dell Laptop and Desktop. No problems here. Except I hate Windows Vista. I have that on the Laptop and can't understand it. My Desktop has XP which is fine. I guess I'll have to take a class in order to understand it.
The Mobile Maid is fine and has been asking for you. I've been busy with a New/Old Job so I have not used her in a while. Serving 350+ dinners a night has been a Plate Full and a few Side Dishes. My Dad lives in Blairstown, so in the fall, maybe we could meet. Not too far from Denville.
I hope you are well, and everything is good for you. Eddie