Fed up - Seeking New Computer Advice

[Athena]

I've been having problems with my desktop PC lately - one right after the other. If I manage to actually type this message without it crashing it will be a record tonight. sigh.

If you were going to get a new computer what would you get? Suggestions can be either Apple of PC. I have not ruled out changing platforms, but it's not really my dream as I would then need to replace software too.

[NikonMarty]

i've had very rare issues with my iMacs...one was the first run of the first generation so it did have a couple of glitches re: power supply and logic board, but i've had no issues yet with my second gen unit
if i had the money tho i'd have gone with one of their boxes

and not to worry, there are ways of allowing you to run your Windows software on a mac

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by Athena

I have not ruled out changing platforms

You should rule out changing platforms. If you have substantial investment in software, as most of us do, a switch will cost you boatloads of time and money--and you'll still face computer-related meltdowns. Macs have issues, too. Windows 7 is around the corner (here already if you download the RC), and it's quite good.

Get yourself a fast Dell and be done with it. Dell sells good machines for the general public, and most of them are quiet, too.

[transcape5]

And I thought you're finally getting a break with your pc.

[transcape5]

Originally Posted by JDArt

You should rule out changing platforms. If you have substantial investment in software, as most of us do, a switch will cost you boatloads of time and money--and you'll still face computer-related meltdowns. Macs have issues, too. Windows 7 is around the corner (here already if you download the RC), and it's quite good.

Get yourself a fast Dell and be done with it. Dell sells good machines for the general public, and most of them are quiet, too.

Not to endorse Dell or anything as with any brand you can get a hit or miss but I have a Dell pc from 1999 that we're still using.

[Bob B]

I know the feeling that is why I just got rid of my 5 year old PC and bought a new one. I just finished loading some software and the tethered shooting works fine. However, the Vista must be 32-bit because the Canon driver will not work with 64-bit. Fortunately I got the 32-bit Vista Premium. My computer is just a basic HP Slimline 3710t (it is physically 1/3 the size of a regular PC)with 7200 rpm harddrive, 3 GB memory HP Pavilion Slimline s3710t PC, etc here is a list.

- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E7400 [2.8GHz]
- 3GB DDR2-800MHz SDRAM [1x2048,1x1024]
- 320GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
- Integrated Graphics (NVIDIA GeForce 7100) [VGA]
- LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
- Integrated 10/100 Ethernet, No wireless LAN
- 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, headphone port
- No TV Tuner w/remote control
- Integrated 5.1 channel sound with front audio ports
- No speakers
- HP keyboard and HP optical mouse
- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
- No additional security software
- HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope
Cost delivered $500.
Photography is just a hobby so I don't need the big stuff.
Happy shopping

[JDArt]

Originally Posted by transcape5

Not to endorse Dell or anything as with any brand you can get a hit or miss but I have a Dell pc from 1999 that we're still using.

I've been less than impressed with the durability of the Inspiron line of notebooks. The Dell desktops, however, have not let us down. Like you, we have one from 10 years ago. I'm not crazy about Dell's often proprietary case designs, since I build my own PCs, but for those who just want an off-the-shelf computer, Dell focuses on the right things: performance, price, and noise levels.

[verdesardog]

I just got a cute Acer Aspire one, 1 gig mamory, 120 gig hard drive, windows XP. It weighs less than 3 pounds and almost fits into my pocket. It doesn't have an optical drive but I really don't need it in my truck. I loaded all my software using mirror images of my CD's on high speed, high capacity SSD cards. $240.00 from amazon.com. I'll use it mostly for search and rescue map printing and planing.

[Athena]

My desktop (that is now having registry issues and constantly sending error reports) is a HP Pavilion t280d with upgraded DVD drive, harddrive and memory. It's several years old, but honestly has never been a shining star. It's been to the shop 3 or 4 times in the last few weeks. Mike is going to take it back today and he will likely not be as polite as I have been.

I am not sure if I can get Dell computers here. I looked into them when I was in Thailand and there they were available only to businesses and schools.

The reality of my crazy life is that in a month's time I won't be here anymore, so maybe I should try to wait... But I may just go insane in the meantime!

[Rogue]

Originally Posted by Bob B

However, the Vista must be 32-bit because the Canon driver will not work with 64-bit.

I've got Vista 64 on my newest computer and have no problems with Canon Drivers.

[R. House]

I just recently bought an HP slimline with Vista 64 bit, 4 gigs memory, DVD/CD writer, 500 gb hard drive and a 22" monitor with speakers. I've had no problems downloading drivers for my scanners or printer. So far I'm lovin' it!

[zemlin]

You should have a RESTORE CD or DVD that came with the computer. Registry issues can be solved by reinstalling your operating system. This would wipe out the disk and start fresh, so you'd need to backup all your data first. A USB hard disk is a good way to do that these days.

I'm not a fan of Windows Vista - I run XP on all my machines and have not had any trouble. If you were to buy a copy of XP, you could install that on your existing system without reformatting your disk, but I'd suggest it anyway - Vista's file structure is different and you'd probably never get rid of the Vista legacy on the machine.

If you just want a new machine anyway, the only critical thing I'd say is to get a Core 2 Duo processor or better. A dual core of anything less is a big step down in performance.

As far as brand names, I build all my desktops. I have an ACER laptop that's been good - except I deleted Vista and installed XP. My wife just got an HP laptop that seems good. We've had some Gateway laptops - they weren't bad, but weren't perfect either. My oldest daughter now has one of them, and the other is used for parts.

[Stercus Vultus]

Originally Posted by Athena

I have not ruled out changing platforms, but it's not really my dream as I would then need to replace software too.

No, Athena, if you change to a Mac you don't need to replace software, because you can run Windows, and all it's software, on that Mac! Just as easily as on a PC. Even at the same time and side-by-side, if you want!

I.o.w. JDart's comments are 100% off the mark: I am running OSX, Win7, and Vista on a Mac, on this Mac, as we speak. Check here: Apple - Get a Mac

[Athena]

I'm running XP, but don't have the disks for it. It came installed on the original harddrive with a recovery function that no longer works. Maybe buying the software outright so I can have the disks is an option I should consider.

The harddrive in the computer is new - less than a month old. The machine itself is a P4 and is about 5 years old.

Thanks for the "Core 2 Duo processor or better" advice - that's exactly the sort of thing I need to know.

Also thank you for the apple link - I am checking it out right now.

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by Rogue

I've got Vista 64 on my newest computer and have no problems with Canon Drivers.

Originally Posted by R. House

I just recently bought an HP slimline with Vista 64 bit, 4 gigs memory, DVD/CD writer, 500 gb hard drive and a 22" monitor with speakers. I've had no problems downloading drivers for my scanners or printer. So far I'm lovin' it!

I would like to know if either of you have been using a camera with LiveView successfully while tethered to a computer. Thanks

[TonyK]

Actually a year ago I was in the same boat and did switch from Windows to OS X. Yes, there were some software changes, but most on OS X were cheaper for my needs, like MoneyDance for finances.

Adobe has a cross-over program which is not too expense and at the same time I upgraded from CS to CS3 for not a lot of cash.

The downside, especially for a working photographer, is the time needed to get used to a different platform. That, in my mind, is more reason to stay with a platform than actual money. Money can be made but only if you are not having to unlearn YEARS of experience.

Originally Posted by JDArt

You should rule out changing platforms. If you have substantial investment in software, as most of us do, a switch will cost you boatloads of time and money--and you'll still face computer-related meltdowns. Macs have issues, too. Windows 7 is around the corner (here already if you download the RC), and it's quite good.

Get yourself a fast Dell and be done with it. Dell sells good machines for the general public, and most of them are quiet, too.

[Athena]

I was a lab assistant in the computer lab in university and those were mainly macs. Is it a lot different now? I think I could pick up the Mac's fairly easily. Also the kids are using Macs at school...

Also, I think my SyncMaster (Samsung) monitor can be used with a Mac (haven't checked on that yet though).

I'd still have a PC laptop, so would have access to Microsoft Office there. I'd just need Photoshop on a new Mac.

But I am still not sure what to do - need to do more reading. The PC is back at the computer store again. Not holding out much hope that they are going to fix it though...

[TonyK]

Hi,

I am using Sony monitors on my Mac Pro and my PowerMac is using a different Sony monitor. You an essentially use any monitor you want with a Mac as long as it has the right adapter, or you can buy an adapter converter.

You might be okay with a Mini though my suggestion would be for a iMac with 4GB of memory and a LARGE hard drive (640GB or 1TB). That would be around $1500-$1700 USD.

Depending on your needs, some software from you windows system could be abandoned. OS X has built in capabilities for burning general music or data CDs/DVDs. I did have to pick up software to sync my system to external drives and then MoneyDance replaced Quicken.

At work I am a Windows Web developer and at home I am a Mac user. That means I keep my feet in both worlds. LOL

Take care,

Originally Posted by Athena

I was a lab assistant in the computer lab in university and those were mainly macs. Is it a lot different now? I think I could pick up the Mac's fairly easily. Also the kids are using Macs at school...

Also, I think my SyncMaster (Samsung) monitor can be used with a Mac (haven't checked on that yet though).

I'd still have a PC laptop, so would have access to Microsoft Office there. I'd just need Photoshop on a new Mac.

But I am still not sure what to do - need to do more reading. The PC is back at the computer store again. Not holding out much hope that they are going to fix it though...

[Stercus Vultus]

Originally Posted by Athena

I'd still have a PC laptop, so would have access to Microsoft Office there.

Not necessary, Athena: M$ Office runs perfectly on Macs. Your choice: in OSX, or in Windows XP, in Windows Vista, or in Windows 7.

[TonyK]

There is also OpenOffice and NeoOffice for Linux, and Macs. OpenOffice also runs on Windows.