Looking at Laptops

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Are we talking about servers here? no
Are we talking about pro or semi-pro IT gurus here? no
You shouldn't have to be a computer specialist or an IT tech to use a computer. It is a tool, one should not need to service it to be able to use it.
Just like you don't need to be an hvac tech to use a Whirlpool side by side.
Are we talking about you with your 30+ pc's, no
We are talking about people, using tools to get work done.
Like a cnc operator, or a packaging specialist, or an auto mechanic.
They all know how to use their equipment, but certainly do not need to know how to reconstruct it. If you had to tinker-service-repair your refrigerator or lawnmower, as often as a pc, you would buy a better lawnmower or refrigerator next time. Just like outboard ignition systems, how many people would buy a new 200 Merc if it had a points ignition system and a single carb? not many. why?

And I am a nut, because I found a tool that has worked for me, everyday for 2 years and 10 months, with no downtime, service, repair, or maintenance?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

KaGee, you can't afford not to buy one. Do I sound like a used car salesman? d

Actually, you can get last years version for $699, but it won't run Windows.
But I wouldn't recommend it. It just good enough to get you hooked and you would want to upgrade in no time.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Even if you know nothing about computers, you've got ~$500 left over if you buy a PC over a mac. That $500 will get you many, many, many, many hours with a computer expert who will come out to your home, but seriously, problems that severe are rare, and Macs are not perfect either. More importantly, the Dells come with a wonderful warranty, thus making sure you won't have to pay a geek if you need your computer fixed. You can spend a few extra bucks and buy an even better warranty.

And, like I said, my mac servers are LESS relaible than PCs. If a high end (extremely expensive) server has more problems, then the home version has even more. I'm not just making this up, I've been running, watching, and maintaining Mac servers for years. They suck.

Additionally, there are more than 88,000 members here, each one of them using a computer. How many are here asking how to fix their computer? Five? Ten?

Also, if you don't use Windows, then how do you know it's so bad? You're just guessing.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

many, many hours with a computer expert who will come out to your home, but seriously, problems that severe are rare, and

I don't want a computer that needs fixing, or tinkering with.
I like the way that I have had to spend ZERO MINUTES tinkering with 6 of the Macs in our family. And only 5 minutes tinkering with the 7th one.
Pretty good I think. Almost 3 years, seven Macs, 5 minutes of total tinker time.

I'm not just making this up, I've been running, watching, and maintaining Mac servers for years

Again, we are not talking about servers, I know nothing about servers, and care nothing about servers, mac pc linux or whatever.

How many are here asking how to fix their computer? Five? Ten?


Have you looked back on the last few pages of non-boating-tech topics?
Over a dozen in the last month.
Coming here to ask for help doesn't shed any light on the hours that a typical pc user will spend on tinkering, maintaining and troubleshooting their pc. And this is not the first place most members would come to seek advice.
88k members, of which only a few thousand are here more than a dozen times.

if you don't use Windows, then how do you know it's so bad? You're just guessing.

I had pc's for 12 years.
Still use them daily, at work.
Still get calls from friends asking me to help fix their machines.
Quit helping them about a year ago because it was a waste of my time.
Bought my parents a mac so I wouldn't have to tinker with their pc.

Don't know what point you are trying to make, other than I am a nut, and just guessing, (stupid?). Must make you feel superior of something. Dunno.
Your arguments are off topic and you fail to address the points I've argued.

And to quote you, one final time:

"I have no interest in upgrading, XP works fine for me. Why learn something new? "

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Yes, by nut I mean someone who is clearly delusional. I will waste no further time arguing about something so stupid. It's painfully obvious most people don't want a mac.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Looking at Laptops

I bought an Acer Aspire last month after the Circuit City rebate ($150) it came to $600.
It came with XP and I have free Vista premium coming included in the deal.

I really like this laptop except for the fat32/partioned harddrive.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Here's what I just ordered:

Inspiron 1501
AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-50, Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic
LCD panel 15.4 inch Wide Screen XGA Display with TrueLife™
MEMORY 1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm
VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated)
HARD DRIVES 60GB Hard Drive
OPERATING SYSTEM(s) Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Basic
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
Combo/DVD+RW Drives 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Sound Card Integrated Audio
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Office Software (not included in Windows XP) No productivity suite- Includes Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Warranty & Service 1 Year Mail-in Economy Plan

$580 plus tax and free shipping.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Nice! You might wanna think about an extra battery though...53 watts isn't much for two processors.

 

[KaGee]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Dell says 2.5 to 3.3 hrs which is plenty for me. I have a AC inverter in the truck if I take the computer on the road. But I'll find an extra on flea-bay down the road.

Sure glad I did not go for the Gateway. Several on the SLICK DEALS forum say they have problems with the touch pad.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Best thing i bought for my laptop was a microsoft mouse.
I hate the touchpad and found this one at Walmart for 30 something dollars.Its smaller than a regular mouse and has a very small usb plug in transmitter..No software to install,windows sees it..

this is the same type..

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...mouse&lp=5&type=product&cp=1&id=1122652230276



Sounds like you got a great deal!!

 

[Pony]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Sure glad I did not go for the Gateway. Several on the SLICK DEALS forum say they have problems with the touch pad.

That is why they get returned so much. Most people don't want to wait to get it fixed and return it for something else as long as they are within the return period. Lots of issues with keys to for whatever reason.


Looks like you got a pretty good price. Too bad that you werent buying last week. Because everything had to be sold before the computers preloaded with vista released we were selling them at hundreds below cost.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Yes, by nut I mean someone who is clearly delusional. I will waste no further time arguing about something so stupid. It's painfully obvious most people don't want a mac.

Oh yes almighty all knowing supreme being Ozzzz.
I am clearly a delusional guessing nut.
Most people have never touched a Mac, and have listened for too long, to the puke that you spew forth.
Ignorance is bliss, isn't it.

Like trying to discuss issues with a liberal; it doesn't take long for you to abandon the topic and start calling people names.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Hey Roscoe,I would like to have a Mac just to play with something new.I know a couple people who have them and say they would never go back..

Kagee did get a good deal on the Dell...I gave almost 900 for mine with a Celeron:'(

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Looking at Laptops



Kagee, what a quinky dink. I just ordered this on Tuesday. 8) It's for my job.


Order Detail

Inspiron 1501
Mobile AMD Sempron™ 3500+ (1.8GHz/512KB), Genuine Windows Vista™ Business

Inspiron 1501 Mobile AMD Sempron™ 3500+ (1.8GHz/512KB)

LCD panel 14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA Display

MEMORY 2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMM

External Keyboard Multi-Media USB Keyboard

VIDEO CARD ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™ (Integrated)

HARD DRIVES 60GB Hard Drive

OPERATING SYSTEM(s) Genuine Windows Vista™ Business

External Mouse Dell 2-Button Scroll Optical USB Mouse

Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08

Combo/DVD+RW Drives 8X CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer DVD+R write capability

Sound Card Integrated Audio

Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1490 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)

Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) Norton Internet Security™ 2007 Edition 15-months

Primary Battery 53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 3 Yr Ltd Warranty, 3 Yr Mail-in Service, and 3 Yr HW Warranty Support

Dial-Up Internet Access No ISP Requested

Digital Imaging Corel Snapfire Basic - Organize and Edit your photos

Labels Windows Vista™ Premium

Swiss Gear Comet Double Gusset case, fits up to 15.4 inch

Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers

84-inch Model B Pull-Down Projection Screen

1800MP Multimedia Projector with 1-Year Advanced Exchange Service

Dell All-In-One Printer 966 Wireless
Dell Photo All-In-One Printer 966

WIRELESS Dell 966 Internal Wireless and Ethernet Adapter

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Cool, an 84" monitor ! !

 

[KaGee]

Re: Looking at Laptops

It's fun spending other's money! LOL!

Now you see how non-profits stay that way.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Actually its money well spent.Its for training Foster Parents, staff and volunteers in First Aide, CPR and Crisis Prevention/Intervention. The grant for the job allowed for it and there was no other computer available.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Not to downplay the importance of your work, or cast any doubt that the computer will be used for good and noble purposes, BUT this question comes to mind.

How was training for Foster Parents, staff and volunteers in First Aide, CPR and Crisis Prevention/Intervention, done 20 years ago, before we had these new puters?

This thought brought to you from a guy that loves technology, but sees no sense in spending money on most of it. d

 

[aspeck]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Roscoe, it can be done without ... but not as easily. Now all the basic classes are on DVD with stops to allow for "hands on." Much easier for the teacher. I think I learned more before technology got in the way, but if you have a bad teacher ...

Definite pros and cons to the new way of doing it.

Cool set up, LF. I have a similar setup using an Insipon 1505 with MCE and an Eiki projection unit. Works great for presentations. Unfortunately, my not for profit organization didn't purchase it for me, I had to foot the bill myself. But it has been used effectively for the organization on a number of occasions now.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Looking at Laptops

Aspeck, you probably know this already but to respond to Rosoe's comment, Anyone working with grants understands that if you don't use the allotted money earmarked for equipment, you lose it.

This equipment will probably have to last us 10 years, and they have never purchased anything like it before. The .org was established in 1878. So, its way past due for some updated equipment which allows me to train staff and foster parents from the DVD material which is now required.