Dr Pepper: Computer Question

[austintx05]

You seem to know quite a deal about computers, so I wanted to ask your opinion.

I am looking to purchase a new laptop at the end of this month. I just need a computer for basic web surfing. I rarely ever download music, it is basically just a web browsing machine. I currently have an 8 yr old compaq desktop and due to its old hardware, it is very slow, so I want a machine that will fly. I have heard good things about Mac and their "better OS". I also know that they are a more media oriented laptop and a more pricey machine as well.

Since I am just needing a machine for internet usage, is a Mac overkill?

I don't know much about the new Vista machine, but have heard it needs more RAM to run it at fast speeds.

I have priced a 2.0ghz/1gb sddr2/80 gb hard drive Dell at $950 & those same specs on a Mac Book for $1266.

The $1200 price range is my max limit of my budget, but I want a solid machine that will fly and that will also last me for several years.

If you could give me some insight/direction as the best fit machine for my needs, I would appreciate it.

Thanks
:toast:

 

[Dr.Pepper]

Sure. I will gladly get back to you on this. Not in a location to give a thought out response at the moment. I'll do so by the end of the weekend.

 

[austintx05]

Thank You

 

[Dr.Pepper]

I'm still here austin. A little under the weather though. Hope you can be patient.

 

[austintx05]

I am here man...give me your opinion when you can?

 

[austintx05]

Pepper where you at buddy?

 

[austintx05]

Just got my tax return and will be making a purchse here in about 2 weeks...I am leaning heavily towards a MacBook - 2.0 ghz intel core 2 duo/1gb/80gb hd/combo drive for $1107...is there a pc that would be better for basic computing thsan this Mac?

 

[Dr.Pepper]

From my personal experience - and experience through friends and family - unless the money is not really an issue, spending that much on what will amount to an internet browsing system is overkill.

The Mac is probably going to be more stable, but at that price point for what you are looking for, I think it's a little too high.

Here's where my opinion would change.

Solely based on your computer expertise and experience. What I seem to be finding through close friends is the ones who do not know much of anything about PCs - and currently have one - who are also experiencing problems and slow-downs ---- they are making the switch to Macbook's and are very happy. To take it a step further, I have yet to have a friend complain about the performance of the Macbook. The only issues they have seem to stem from incompatibility with other PC programs and just the basic turn around of learning a new system when coming from a PC.

If your experience with PC's is higher - and you are familiar with tweaking your settings, reformatting hard drives, and basic troubleshooting - a curent generation system/laptop with at least 1 gig of ram is going to be more than acceptable.

What it really comes down to is budgeting your needs. Long term you will need to identify your true needs. Can you handle a system that may be much cheaper and run EVERYTHING you will need on a computer -- or do you need a more expensive system that may allow for less stress and problems. Can you also allow for the lack of programs? (Even though they are few and far between)

In addition, long-term - both will still be able to fly. I would slightly lean on the Macbook for your situation on the vibes of your computer experience I'm getting. Go with the stable machine that is going to stay cutting edge for plenty of time. Word processing, accounting, pictures and videos, etc - along with your internet browsing are all more than suitable on the Mac than a PC.

 

[austintx05]

Now if I was to buy a PC laptop, what would you recommend? This is a big investment for myself, just wanna make the right decision. What are the perks of a pc over mac and a mac over pc?

Thanks

 

[austintx05]

Well I think I am going to go the desktop route....I really want to keep the cost around $600 or so and Dell has a good deal for $570 although it is an AMD duo core/1gb/160gb hd/15" flat screen....thoughts?

 

[Dr.Pepper]

Well I think I am going to go the desktop route....I really want to keep the cost around $600 or so and Dell has a good deal for $570 although it is an AMD duo core/1gb/160gb hd/15" flat screen....thoughts?

Sounds more than fine. I've got 4 Dells. No problems. Just make sure when you receive it, you reformat the hard drive and start from scratch.

 

[austintx05]

Sounds more than fine. I've got 4 Dells. No problems. Just make sure when you receive it, you reformat the hard drive and start from scratch.

why? its brand new?

 

[austintx05]

Sounds more than fine. I've got 4 Dells. No problems. Just make sure when you receive it, you reformat the hard drive and start from scratch.

I have never purchased from Dell, do they give you all the CD's for every program on the computer?

 

[Dr.Pepper]

Yes. Because all computers, whether from Dell, HP, etc. all come with "free" pre-packaged software that does nothing more than take up space, and not allow you to actually get a new and fresh system.

I take the hassle out of all the crap programs that come preinstalled that take up my resources. I want to know all the programs I install and which ones start when. If I get a system that is preloaded, I don't know which programs are installed, or what the later ramifications may be.

 

[austintx05]

So will Dell give me the CD for Vista and the other programs?

 

[austintx05]

Sorry for all questions - when it comes to virus protection - McAfee/Norton - is one better than the other?

 

[austintx05]

DP - I have really come full circle and learned quit a deal about the guts of a computer. I am actually going to have one built. Will run me about $650 including monitor and I think I will be most happy with this machine. Just wanted to let ya know since you took the time to help me out with my other questions. I will let ya know how it turns out!

 

[Dr.Pepper]

I hope everything turns out well for you. I do not use any of the pay for service antivirus programs. I use AVG Free, which is a suitable replacement that doesnt' charge an arm and a leg, nor does it bog down your system. There are several well reviewed free antivirus software packages on the market that are just as good as the "big boys".

I also do not use your standard Adobe Acrobat reader. I use FoxIt Reader, a free, less resource hogging alternative that has several features on the paid version of Acrobat has.

Just some suggestions for great alternatives to programs that really bog down your system resources when used.

 

[Uno]

You seem to know quite a deal about computers, so I wanted to ask your opinion.

I am looking to purchase a new laptop at the end of this month. I just need a computer for basic web surfing. I rarely ever download music, it is basically just a web browsing machine. I currently have an 8 yr old compaq desktop and due to its old hardware, it is very slow, so I want a machine that will fly. I have heard good things about Mac and their "better OS". I also know that they are a more media oriented laptop and a more pricey machine as well.

Since I am just needing a machine for internet usage, is a Mac overkill?

I don't know much about the new Vista machine, but have heard it needs more RAM to run it at fast speeds.

I have priced a 2.0ghz/1gb sddr2/80 gb hard drive Dell at $950 & those same specs on a Mac Book for $1266.

The $1200 price range is my max limit of my budget, but I want a solid machine that will fly and that will also last me for several years.

If you could give me some insight/direction as the best fit machine for my needs, I would appreciate it.

Thanks
:toast:

Austin, I feel seeing as I am a huge horns fan and a texas native i owe it to you to chime in here...

I hope I am not out of place by telling you...

A. Do not get a machine built, you will regret it...

B. Do not get a desktop... You can get a great laptop for your price range that will do exactly what you are looking for and then some.

I personally have a Sony Vaio that I over paid for but my preferred machine for internet surfing is my ACER laptop. 40 gig harddrive, a gig of ram, 15.4" widescreen (i think??)... I bought it around two - to two and a alf years ago stripped all of the crappy software that it came with put a few free programs like Open Office, FoxIt, and Avast and it still flies to this day.

I paid around $700 (with a $100 rebate) for the machine and that was ages ago...

If you buy a desktop and you are tethered to the wall you will regret it man. There are tons of options out there for what you are in the market for...

Holler back...

 

[austintx05]

Austin, I feel seeing as I am a huge horns fan and a texas native i owe it to you to chime in here...

I hope I am not out of place by telling you...

A. Do not get a machine built, you will regret it...

B. Do not get a desktop... You can get a great laptop for your price range that will do exactly what you are looking for and then some.

I personally have a Sony Vaio that I over paid for but my preferred machine for internet surfing is my ACER laptop. 40 gig harddrive, a gig of ram, 15.4" widescreen (i think??)... I bought it around two - to two and a alf years ago stripped all of the crappy software that it came with put a few free programs like Open Office, FoxIt, and Avast and it still flies to this day.

I paid around $700 (with a $100 rebate) for the machine and that was ages ago...

If you buy a desktop and you are tethered to the wall you will regret it man. There are tons of options out there for what you are in the market for...

Holler back...

Thanks for the input.

Would you mind telling me why you do not recommend a desktop and a built desktop?

I have had several friends who have built macines and they love em, no problems. It is my gf's father who has about 6-7 machines of his own that he has built and he knows I have been looking for awhile...so he offered. Curious why you do not like the idea of a home built machine?

Now originally I wanted a laptop. Something where I could place my wagers, interact via email wherever I go, but to truly have wireless inernet I would need a broadband card and that is about $80/mo after taxes and it is quite expensive. Now I do spend a majority of time in my apt, so I could get a router, but then the times I do leave if I do not have wifi around, it is virtually useless.

So that is my dilemma. Will be awaiting your reply.

:toast: