What kind of computer do you think would be good?
- Thread starter Neesy
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I have two Toshiba laptops. I use one exclusively for writing and this one for other stuff. This one is almost 5 years old and still plugs away. Haven't had any real problems with either one.
I have always used a HP pc. I have everything HP. My monitor, and my keyboard, and printer.
Thanks - I would say my technical knowledge is at best basic.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.
The computer I have now was a gift from Andy a few years ago but he does not come back home until beginning of June.
It's too bad you're so far away in Florida - this idea of a Geek Squad coming to your home to help a person set everything up sounds appealing.
I was just on the phone with someone from Best Buy who thinks I can just buy a wireless mouse and a dongle and install those. She thought they should work right away without worrying about any driver setup.
I really just want to search the internet (I almost always use Google Canada), go on the SKMB (my # 1 priority) and I do have a few of those games from Big Fish that I paid for and like to play now and then.
What do you think of what Best Buy gal said? I currently have an Acer wireless mouse and wireless keyboard but they sell mostly Logitech (not even sure if I could get a replacement Acer mouse) - see post # 10 above. Would any wireless mouse work?
I have a touch screen but it's not the same as using a mouse.
and ....Yes - I changed the batteries!
We bought the previous computer at Future Shop and now they are closed - perhaps some of the stores have now become Best Buy?
Future Shop dead; half of stores survive as Best Buys | Toronto Star
I realize the link is two years old - just shopping around at the moment and thinking about my options
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I second this. Easy to run, and very, very few viruses to plague you. I love my Mac.
I was the head of tech support operations for Future Shop back in the early 2000's. I managed them and the Staples accounts. Small world!! It was through Decision One, which is the company that made Ross Perot rich and famous.Thanks - I would say my technical knowledge is at best basic.
The computer I have now was a gift from Andy a few years ago but he does not come back home until beginning of June.
It's too bad you're so far away in Florida - this idea of a Geek Squad coming to your home to help a person set everything up sounds appealing.
I was just on the phone with someone from Best Buy who thinks I can just buy a wireless mouse and a dongle and install those. She thought they should work right away without worrying about any driver setup.
I really just want to search the internet (I almost always use Google Canada), go on the SKMB (my # 1 priority) and I do have a few of those games from Big Fish that I paid for and like to play now and then.
What do you think of what Best Buy gal said? I currently have an Acer wireless mouse and wireless keyboard but they sell mostly Logitech (not even sure if I could get a replacement Acer mouse) - see post # 10 above. Would any wireless mouse work?
I have a touch screen but it's not the same as using a mouse.
and ....Yes - I changed the batteries!
We bought the previous computer at Future Shop and now they are closed - perhaps some of the stores have now become Best Buy?
Future Shop dead; half of stores survive as Best Buys | Toronto Star
I realize the link is two years old - just shopping around at the moment and thinking about my options
Perhaps I don't fully understand your issue. You have a good working PC, but having mouse issues? The answer to that is the device (moue and Bluetooth receiver is it's wireless) just need to be compatible with the operatins system you're using. That would either be Mac for all Apple products, or the version of Windows you are using (XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10). If it's compatible, it should work. Most of the time, if it's made for an older version of Windows, the latest version should have legacy drivers. The BT receiver to plug into USB should be plug and play and just work. If it doesn't, you would have to search on Google for the driver files.
Let's say it's a Acer model 1000 (hypothetical) bluetooth receiver and mouse. And you have Windows 7. You'd search Google for "Acer model 1000 Windows 7 drivers. Download the file and then point your machine to it when asked.
As to what you're wanting to do, if you currently use Windows, you'd have to download and reinstall your Big Fish stuff on the new PC. If you went Mac, then they should have a version for those as well. I have an account I've used for some games like that and it ported from my Windows PC to my iPad. But I had to download different version of the client software to play the game for each device.
There are also refurbished Macs and PCVs you can look into, I'd still advise you to go Mac if you have the cash. For what you need, you won't get a better experience than the Mac. Was this for desktop or laptop BTW?
Thanks for such a great answer hossenpepper - at the moment I'm on my old Dell laptop.
The one that I am having trouble with is an all-in-one type of PC - an Acer ZS600 (pretty sure I have Windows 8)
I'm kind of an impatient person and when something does not work I just want it fixed plus I find it frustrating that I can't use the dang thing!
My birthday is coming up which is an excuse to buy a new one.
Or I could just take it in and get Best Buy to give it the once over and fix everything that needs fixing
Alternately they could just transfer all my old stuff that I would like to keep if I did switch to a Mac and put it in a folder called "Archive" or whatever.
Still not sure what I will end up doing yet - I'll have to mull it over for a while - thanks again
I just wonder - what happened to stop it from working so suddenly?
Sounds like you have had an interesting career!
Don't buy anything with an inbuilt Wi-Fi adaptor because people can hack into your computer remotely. Even look at you if you have a camera on your computer. Tape it up. While talking about this, I would advise anyone with a smart television or anything that can hook up to the internet to get rid of it because even if the camera is not in the up postion, they can switch the audio on to listen. The best thing is to have a Wi-Fi USB adaptor so you just plug it in when you want to go on the internet. Any computer that you use for work or banking you should never use on the internet.
If you haven't already picked something out, there's good advice in here. I would just keep my advice simple - don't get anything below 6 GB RAM (8 or more is better), because 4 GB will give you problems with Windows 10, even if you just use it for facebook. For your purposes (SKMB, Google, and BigFish), you don't really need a lot, but the stronger the processor, the better it will run and will give you fewer headaches. Unless BigFish changed lately, their games are not demanding on a computer at all. So you don't need a big gaming PC, just something that won't be irritating.
I don't use Mac, so I can't give advice there. They are a lot more expensive, but they seem to give people less trouble. They can't use as much software as Windows, which is an issue.
I don't use Mac, so I can't give advice there. They are a lot more expensive, but they seem to give people less trouble. They can't use as much software as Windows, which is an issue.
Acer Predator G§ 605
A Gamer PC
Windows 10
Intel Core i7 4*3,4 GHZ , 1000 GB SSD
16 GB DDR RAM
2 GB DDR5 GeForce GTX 770
2x 3000 GB S-ATA
2 x PCI Express x1
1 x PCI Express x16
1x DVI-I
1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
2x Ps2
Audio
1x VGA
1x HDMI
4x USB 3.0
4x USB 2.0
1x LAN
1x SD Card Reader
A Gamer PC
Windows 10
Intel Core i7 4*3,4 GHZ , 1000 GB SSD
16 GB DDR RAM
2 GB DDR5 GeForce GTX 770
2x 3000 GB S-ATA
2 x PCI Express x1
1 x PCI Express x16
1x DVI-I
1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
2x Ps2
Audio
1x VGA
1x HDMI
4x USB 3.0
4x USB 2.0
1x LAN
1x SD Card Reader
Acer Predator G§ 605
A Gamer PC
Windows 10
Intel Core i7 4*3,4 GHZ , 1000 GB SSD
16 GB DDR RAM
2 GB DDR5 GeForce GTX 770
2x 3000 GB S-ATA
2 x PCI Express x1
1 x PCI Express x16
1x DVI-I
1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
2x Ps2
Audio
1x VGA
1x HDMI
4x USB 3.0
4x USB 2.0
1x LAN
1x SD Card Reader
A Gamer PC
Windows 10
Intel Core i7 4*3,4 GHZ , 1000 GB SSD
16 GB DDR RAM
2 GB DDR5 GeForce GTX 770
2x 3000 GB S-ATA
2 x PCI Express x1
1 x PCI Express x16
1x DVI-I
1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
2x Ps2
Audio
1x VGA
1x HDMI
4x USB 3.0
4x USB 2.0
1x LAN
1x SD Card Reader