topic Re: Time to get new computer! in Electronics

Time to get new computer!

scooter36 — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:29:51 GMT

Guess it's time to join the world.My compaq that is 13years old just can't keep up anymore. That's only one I ever owned. Using my sons I pad for now but he was it back soon. Any info would be great of what to buy or stay away from. Anything on the Q that's any good? Almost 60 years old and feel really stupid when it comes to electronics. Thinking desktop. Back is totally fused. Can't look down much. Thinking $500 or $600 or less to spend.What's a good name and etc. Who has good deals?

Re: Time to get new computer!

Nuttmeg — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 21:56:04 GMT

You may want to look for a Toshiba Laptop at Best Buy. Some computers sold by the company have over 500 reviews. You could even consider buying an iPad. Talk to your son about this. You could have a tablet feel like a laptop with the additional of a keyboard case, a Zagg or Clam Case products.

Re: Time to get new computer!

glb613 — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 22:35:08 GMT

You didn't post how you use a computer. While 60 is hardly old, you might be better off with an iPad since you've been using one for a while.

Re: Time to get new computer!

LilacTree — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:31:18 GMT

You need to do a lot of research. A lot. Perhaps your son can help you with that?

Re: Time to get new computer!

Kathlen — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:34:29 GMT

My usual routine is to go to Best Buy or Staples and buy the cheapest one. Technology changes so quickly - I spend as little as possible on a new computer.

ETA: I'm 71 and have used PCs for years - I used to train users back in the PC Dark Ages. My mother was 81 when she got her first one.

Re: Time to get new computer!

gardenman — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 23:56:18 GMT

Depending on what you use a computer for, you might also want to look at the Google Chromebooks (starting at $199) or the new (coming in March/April) Asus Chromebox ($179) that works largely like a desktop. Since you're using a 13 year old computer now, I'm assuming you're not using much state-of-the-art software on it now and mostly use it for e-mail and web surfing. If that's the case then Google's Chromebooks/boxes might be the best option for you. For $500-$600 you could get the Asus Chromebox, their wireless keyboard/mouse, and a good sized monitor (23" or even a bit bigger) and still be under that budget.

Here's a link to the Asus Chomebox if you're interested.

http://promos.asus.com/us/chrome-os/chromebox/

Re: Time to get new computer!

Lynnj — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:12:16 GMT

Buying a new computer nowadays is a lot like buying a car. There are so many different brands and varieties of computers, just like there are cars. If you asked a question on a board...what kind of car should I get, you would get many different answers. Asking what kind of computer to get will be the same. As you would to buy a car, do your research to decide what will work best for your individual needs.

Re: Time to get new computer!

Kachina624 — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 00:39:49 GMT

I love my iPad so much that I'll probably never own another computer. It's so nice to kick back in my recliner and check email, shop, surf the web or play games. I never even open my laptop anymore. I have a clamp with a Velcro strap on the back that holds the pad in the palm of my hand so even holding it takes no effort.

Re: Time to get new computer!

Jordan2 — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:39:02 GMT

I have a Toshiba that I've had for about 4 years. I've had nothing but trouble with it and will never buy another Toshiba product again. I had a HP and liked it very much. I might be in the market soon for a new computer myself. I'm not sure though that I would like the Windows 8. My niece has it and doesn't like it at all. I'm waiting to see if something else will be available soon.

Re: Time to get new computer!

knmt — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 02:08:23 GMT

I've had Toshiba laptops for almost 20 years. They've all had daily heavy use and I've never had a problem with any of them. As to the specs, it depends on what you want to do on the computer which will determine how much memory, disk size you will need. I found the last laptop I wanted at OfficeMax since they had a really good price. No matter where you purchase it, it's a good idea to "google" the computer you're thinking of buying and check customer reviews. See if Amazon has it and if there are any customer reviews on the model you want.

Re: Time to get new computer!

chickenbutt — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 20:01:11 GMT

The first thing I would say is - don't buy them on a shopping channel. You will pay way too much because they load all this junk on it and convince unsavvy people that it's worth hundreds of dollars. It's not. Buy from a reputable online retailer or directly from the manufacturer.

I have all laptops now and could not be happier. But you have your preference, of course.

As for brands, Toshiba is an excellent brand. I have three Toshiba laptops, the oldest one being from 2008. Tosh08 had to go to the doctor once, a few years ago, but has been excellent ever since. Tosh09 and Tosh10 (yeah, I had to name all of them to keep them straight on my network) have been excellent for the several years I've had them.

I also l Lenovo. Len11 is going on three years old now and has had no problems.

Sony is a huge brand favorite of mine, for electronics. Sony13 is about 13 months old and has been great. The Sony is beautiful, too. But I buy for the features I need.

I still have my old Dell laptop (Dell07) but this one is out of my network now because the old XP OS didn't seem to be compatible with my network, since I replaced my router a few years ago with one that had higher security. But that one still works too. I'm not a Dell fan, though. Dell and I got a divorce after they lied to me and skrewed me over.

For processors, I prefer Intel over AMD. AMD seems slower. Yeah, they are less expensive but, given the choice, I'll chose an Intel processor. The i5 or i7 are both very good. The i3 is fine, too. One of mine is an i3 and it's perfectly fine. But I don't do gaming. It doesn't sound like you do, either.

You might want to learn more about computers so that you can properly maintain your new one. Security is very important. Keeping the computer clean and operating well is also very important.

Re: Time to get new computer!

scooter36 — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:20:38 GMT

Thanks for all your input. Gave me a lot to think about and a lot of Good advise.!Looks like I'am going shopping when the weather warms up! BURR

Re: Time to get new computer!

scooter36 — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:19:33 GMT

betteb. Thanks for finding the Asus at Sears. There's a store not too far from me. I really appreciate that you took time for me.

Re: Time to get new computer!

betteb — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 10:27:37 GMT

On 3/11/2014 scooter36 said: betteb. Thanks for finding the Asus at Sears. There's a store not too far from me. I really appreciate that you took time for me.

No problem scooter. It is showing as available for shipping, but not available in stores. The is a place on the page to enter your Zip for shipping costs. I entered mine, just to see and it was $7.50 with a 7 day shipping with a faster option at $16

It really is a nice computer, I do everything on it.

Re: Time to get new computer!

sipp — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 06:25:31 GMT

I don't get why posters say they have 3 specific brand (ie Toshiba or Dell Or whatever) computers and tell someone not to buy this or that .If you have a GOOD one- why do you have 3 in the first place? Especially if you're not a gamer and just want a decent reliable one. Then they say this one or that one is also good. Just why bother to answer someone who just wants an honest helpful answer if you're going to tell them about all different brands that they haven't even owned?

Re: Time to get new computer!

glb613 — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 11:26:16 GMT

On 3/15/2014 dgluvr said:
I don't get why posters say they have 3 specific brand (ie Toshiba or Dell Or whatever) computers and tell someone not to buy this or that .If you have a GOOD one- why do you have 3 in the first place? Especially if you're not a gamer and just want a decent reliable one. Then they say this one or that one is also good. Just why bother to answer someone who just wants an honest helpful answer if you're going to tell them about all different brands that they haven't even owned?

I haven't had only 1 computer since the 90s. Why? I use them in different ways and if one fails or needs to be repaired, I still have another computer to use. I don't have all notebook computers. I currently have an iMac, Macbook Pro, a Dell and an iPad. After going all Apple, I bought a Dell so I could run the windows based Quicken program.

I do wonder why a person needs multiple tablets. Then again, I really don't use my iPad much. It's too small to do the things I enjoy. The exception is when I travel where it's great.

Re: Time to get new computer!

Nuttmeg — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:02:32 GMT

On 3/15/2014 dgluvr said:
I don't get why posters say they have 3 specific brand (ie Toshiba or Dell Or whatever) computers and tell someone not to buy this or that .If you have a GOOD one- why do you have 3 in the first place? Especially if you're not a gamer and just want a decent reliable one. Then they say this one or that one is also good. Just why bother to answer someone who just wants an honest helpful answer if you're going to tell them about all different brands that they haven't even owned?

I have two computers a Dell desktop, and a laptop. If one were to fail, I have a spare. I use both in two different places in my house.