What kind of computer do you think would be good?

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Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hi - I am thinking of splurging out on my birthday and after my recent computer problems it seems to be time to get a better one - perhaps with more "Bells and Whistles"

Any advice?

(I am trying to get Andy on board with this idea but it may take some convincing!) :moneygrubber:

Any stories about your own personal experiences?

Thanks! :haha:

p.s. I am talking desktop here, but my old laptop is in sad shape as well - I cannot use a smart phone all the time - screen is too small
:inspect:
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
As you know I am total dinosaur re technology. Have used PC computers in past and always needed help. When my daughter purchased a new computer she gave me her MacBook. If I can use it, anyone can. I remember when she set it up originally. Open, turn it on, no complex this or that. I'd recommend a Mac.
Thanks for the suggestion - it never even occurred to me to get a Mac

I have a good friend who owns one so there's another person I may ask!

(I have always had a PC, not an Apple, although I do own a smart phone which took a while to get used to after having a Samsung Android)
 

ghost19

"Have I run too far to get home?"
Sep 25, 2011
8,926
56,578
51
Arkansas
Lots of options. Windows 10 is a pretty solid operating system. I'd shoot for something with at least 4-gigs of RAM and a larger hard drive, 500gb or 1tb. 4gigs of RAM will keep you surfing quickly without a lot of lag and a larger hard drive will give you lots of room for pics, etc. dual core processor is just about a given nowadays and I'd definitely go with that. Processor size is also a factor which is worth looking at. Bigger processor will mean bigger price, but it will keep you from wanting to scream at your computer when you're watching videos, downloading files, etc. I like Dell computers but that's just personal opinion. Some people hate Dell but I've always had good luck with them. Lenovo is a solid brand also. They're no longer made by IBM like they used to be, but they still seem to be solid computers. Emachine used to be kind of junky, but now they're made my Gateway so those are a good, budget friendly option. Walmart sells a ton of them.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
You know what? Jordan would probably laugh but I just discovered there is some kind of "dongle" somewhere on my current computer that apparently controls the mouse and keyboard - I wonder if that is what could be causing the problems?

Maybe I just need to get Best Buy to look at it?

"Dongle" - now THAT is a funny word o_O:a11:

I would love to have a new computer and I see there is one on sale for 599 that got really good reviews from PC Magazine :hmm:

My son could always "inherit" my old one (that is a nice way to say "hand me down" but at least the price would be right!
 

ghost19

"Have I run too far to get home?"
Sep 25, 2011
8,926
56,578
51
Arkansas
You know what? Jordan would probably laugh but I just discovered there is some kind of "dongle" somewhere on my current computer that apparently controls the mouse and keyboard - I wonder if that is what could be causing the problems?

Maybe I just need to get Best Buy to look at it?

"Dongle" - now THAT is a funny word o_O:a11:

I would love to have a new computer and I see there is one on sale for 599 that got really good reviews from PC Magazine :hmm:

My son could always "inherit" my old one (that is a nice way to say "hand me down" but at least the price would be right!

You can try plugging in the dongle to another USB port see if it makes any difference....
TWSS...I'll go ahead and get that in myself before GNT sees it...;;D
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Lots of options. Windows 10 is a pretty solid operating system. I'd shoot for something with at least 4-gigs of RAM and a larger hard drive, 500gb or 1tb. 4gigs of RAM will keep you surfing quickly without a lot of lag and a larger hard drive will give you lots of room for pics, etc. dual core processor is just about a given nowadays and I'd definitely go with that. Processor size is also a factor which is worth looking at. Bigger processor will mean bigger price, but it will keep you from wanting to scream at your computer when you're watching videos, downloading files, etc. I like Dell computers but that's just personal opinion. Some people hate Dell but I've always had good luck with them. Lenovo is a solid brand also. They're no longer made by IBM like they used to be, but they still seem to be solid computers. Emachine used to be kind of junky, but now they're made my Gateway so those are a good, budget friendly option. Walmart sells a ton of them.
Thanks - I was looking at some of those Lenovo ones on-line.

I really should contact Andy up north first - he is Mr. Megabucks plus he knows my B-Day is coming soon in April


All-in-One PC: Shop All-in-One Computers - Best Buy Canada


There is also a nice Acer there for 599 which is my current brand - I have had lots of luck with that one until just recently when the mouse stopped working :dunno:

There is also a Dell with 3.7 GHz but it is available on-line only and shipped from
"Mike's Computer Shop" - hmmm - sounds fishy :my_bad:
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
MouseBottom.jpg


RFReconBatteryDoor.jpg


RDRecdetachedfromBatteryDoor.jpg


This is my mouse! Hurray - finally found it on-line - now I have to go play with my "dongle"

ghost19 :facepalm_smiley::a24: Please - no comments from the Peanut Gallery :biggrin2:

Thanks!
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Three things that I value most in terms of personal computer:

1. Portability
2. Solid State drive - fastest startup/reboot times
3. Processing power - get the fastest processor you can afford

I recommend the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro if you can get one.
Thanks Bob - I will look into that one!

:cheerful::love:
 

ghost19

"Have I run too far to get home?"
Sep 25, 2011
8,926
56,578
51
Arkansas
Three things that I value most in terms of personal computer:

1. Portability
2. Solid State drive - fastest startup/reboot times
3. Processing power - get the fastest processor you can afford

I recommend the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro if you can get one.
Yeah, if you can custom order a computer with a solid state drive, you definitely won't regret it. I've cloned all the drives on my laptops and my desktop onto SSDs, it's amazing the difference it makes. SSDs are coming down as far as prices go now also, much more cost effective.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
61,289
239,271
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Non Mac:

Desktop...
The Lenovo IdeaCentre 710 at under $500 UDS looks good.

Laptop...
Asus ZenBook UX305 at under $650 USD, and the Acer Aspire S 13 at under $600 USD looks good.
Thanks Dio!

Really must sign off now - I am wasting my one day off when I should be at least getting myself a cup of coffee - I see it is almost 20 to 12 now

:byebye:
 

hossenpepper

Don't worry. I have a permit!!!
Feb 5, 2010
12,897
32,897
Wonderland Avenue
Neesy if you'll give me a list of what you wanna do with it and your true technical knowledge level, I'd more than happy to be a free consultant for you. I've been using computers at expert user level since 1980 and worked in IT since the 1990's. I can get more specific then and send you a link to a configured model.

For the most part, I would suggest a MacBook Pro for a super snappy, pretty much error free experience. Of course they are pricey. But I can tell you that we buy each kid a new one for graduation and so far the 3 we bought have been rock solid. I've never had to once help them fix anything. They just work. The graphics, web browsing and music experience on Mac is the best.

I make my living off Windows and have for many years now. Windows 10 is good, but like Ghost said, lots of RAM and also an upgraded video card. I wouldn't go below 8GBs of RAM and also the higher frequency chips if possible. Again, depends on what you're doing with it. I am typing from a Dell XPS right now. I still have Windows 7 Ultimate, but that's because I am a grump. My son has a Dell gaming PC that runs Windows 10 and it hasn't really had any issues in the year he's had it. I have a few expired Dell certifications, mostly server stuff, but the point is I've worked with Dell machines since they were a startup. I was in Oklahoma relatively close to their HQ then and so was exposed early. They used to be AMAZING machines. Now, I'd say the upper level ones are still pretty good, but the lower down the ladder you go, expect to be more disappointed in its life and performance. The span from zero of the initial bathtub curve of failure is wider for the lower end models than the high end. Essentially more initial failure in their cheapo depot models now.

HP has lost a lot of its mojo, but I've heard some good things about their newer laptops. Desktops are a toss up. I'd go Dell over them. As referenced, Lenovo makes some really quality stuff. But again, don't cheap out.

In the "biz" we call these brand name PCs "peanut computers", because they come in a box filled with Styrofoam peanuts. I think you get the basic idea though. If you're going to get a Windows machine or PC, then don't go low end. Middle grade is Ok if you're trying to save some cash or don't need a big performer. Normally you will get lucky with a mid grade and get 4-5 years out of it. The thing with PCs is that since the operating system is so flexible itself, the configuration of the hardware you choose is also flexible. With Mac, they come pre-packaged in a limited number of configs that address most everything a person would want at each threshold.

Another option not mentioned is to find a reputable local PC shop and have them build one to spec for you. Normally they will have pre-built stock models you can pick or customize, or they will build one ground up for you. You can typically get a really quality machine for less. If you're really feeling froggy, you can also buy all the parts and software and build it yourself. You can usually build a high end PC for half the cost or less of buying one. Of course you have to know what you're doing... :)

If I can help further, please let me know. :)
 

swiftdog2.0

I tell you one and one makes three...
Mar 16, 2010
7,095
35,344
Macroverse
Once you go Mac you'll never go back!

I have had my iMac for almost 10 years and have never had a single problem with it. The previous 10 yr period consisted of at least 3 Windows based machines all of which had more than one instance of hard drive failure.

Only problem with the Macs is they are expensive :(
 
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