Computer's Which One Should I Buy?

[corarose]

I need to purchase a new computer because my computer keeps crashing and it's over 5 years old with the first edition of Windows 98 on it.

I am not a wealthy person and I am an older student who is not working right now.

My Aunt is going to put it on a credit card for me and I would like to know what type of computer should I purchase?

What are the differences in them and should I look into getting an Apple?

[Not a robought]

1. I use all form of computer

from WinPC's to Mac to Unix workstations in my line of work.

Your choice depends on your flavor. I love Mac's but I find them pricey and limiting in some ways. You buy one willingly knowing that in a year, Mac will put something out making yours almost obsolete.

PC's do the same thing but I find them to be more modular and generic meaning you can custom create a PC to fit your needs and update them piece by piece over time, ie. the processor, memory, hard drive space, etc. My recommendation if you go the PC route, is to see if you can find a mom and pop shop near you who custom builds PCs and avoid the Compaqs and Dells. You can get better value for your dollar this way and avoid all the extra crap software they install.

I currently have a very powerful PC laptop. My next will probably be a Mac... but only if I still have this PC as a functioning and current tool.

[joefree1]

2. Get a Mac if you're a creative person

Most visual and music artist use Macs cause we all see the same thing on our Mac screens. I travel a lot and do my art and design on a G4 laptop which has a great screen for color and resolution. Studio artist go for the desk tops. If you want to wait a couple of Months Mac is coming out with the super duper G5.

If you don't need extreme power and speed you can go for the iMacs.

Non creative folk use PCs because they still have way more applications. I told my Mom to get a PC because her sewing program was PC.

However since Mac is now Unix based this may change in a couple of years.

And Macs look very cool.

[corarose]

3. Desktop or Laptop?

Is there a difference besides the convenience?

[TrogL]

4. What do you want to do with it?

If you're bringing home work or dialing into work you'll need to be on some sort of Windows platform.

If you're not computer adept, much as I'd hate to say it, you need to work with a brand-name computer. This will, of course, start a flame war, but people have had good success with Compaq and Dell, even though they're highly proprietary. I'd stay away from IBM. My wife has one and it's a bitch. My daughter has a Gateway - same problem. It got a BIOS virus and there's no CMOS reset switch.

The problem with clones is getting parts and service. I just went through that with my clone - the supplier couldn't identify the motherboard even though it had the supplier's serial number on it. I had to make a wild stab in the dark to buy RAM for it.

If you want to run games, you'll need lots of CPU and disk and RAM. If you're running Windows 2000 (not a bad idea) you'll need at least 256 Mb of RAM. I just upgraded mine to 640 Mb and it still may not be enough. For games, you'll also need high-end video and sound cards.

If you're just doing email and logging into DU, something more modest will work just fine.

Laptops are a hassle and overpriced.

Apple's are good solid computers with an excellent operating system and a good user interface. Unfortunately, it won't run most off-the-shelf software (ie. Microcrap). If that doesn't concern you - go for it.

[corarose]

6. I have a few months of programming under my belt (18 years ago)

I am not familiar with the new computers. I paid thousands years ago for one of the first IBM's.

I know a little about computers but not much. I am also creative.

[cprise]

10. Then a Mac is perfect

You will NOT be sorry.

[frylock]

5. unless you also plan on buying a new catalog of software..

you should probably stick with the Wintel platform.

[corarose]

7. What's wintel?

I am an Idiot know when it comes to names. I am use to IBM and old platforms.

[bpcmxr]

8. Wintel platform =

Computers featuring the Windows operating system running on Intel chips. Basically, this includes just about everything that's not Mac or Linux.

[demnan]

9. I find that my Dell was the most reliable computer

I had ever bought. We purchase them also for our government client. A good website that's easy to order from. And you can get all your software and peripherals there too. My work computer is also a Dell. Never had any problems with anything I purchased from them.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/gen/default.htm

I don't own stock in them either.