The Tech Corner (Questions on Software/Hardware)

[reddogs]

I hope this section is helpful with all kinds of questions and issues that members of the forum might have and other members can help with info or knowledge. Any links to technical sites or helpful hints for computer users is encouraged, and info on DSL or software such as anti-virus or firewalls is good to post, or driver issues on printers, gadgets and accessories, etc...

 

[reddogs]

Here is a link to a excellent article on buying a new computer to replace that old PC Jr....

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2007-12-12-baig_N.htm

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Neat thread, Red.

Rofl. We used to have a PC Jr. I loved that old thing. Had some of the best DOS games!

Hey..So, My dad's considering getting me a laptop. (YAY!) Any suggestions guys? There's so many out there, I wouldn't know where to start.

 

[reddogs]

Neat thread, Red.

Rofl. We used to have a PC Jr. I loved that old thing. Had some of the best DOS games!

Hey..So, My dad's considering getting me a laptop. (YAY!) Any suggestions guys? There's so many out there, I wouldn't know where to start.

Toshiba and Sony make some of the best but pricy, HP is good, Compaq is solid with good prices, and I dont recommend Acer, Levono or Gateway...

Oh, and as a personal rule I wont even look at the 'no name' brands as they have the worst support (if any) and are a real problem when looking for parts or accessories...

Here is some of the best places to shop unless you want to try some of the low price 'fell of the truck' websites..

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=abcat0502000&type=category

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/category.do?catOid=-12963&N=20012961+20012963&c=1&cm_re=PC-_-Product%20categories-_-Laptop%20computers


http://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/notebook-personal-computers/Nr=200000&N=265455/

 

[JonMiller]

Fujitsu, Apple, and Assus also are good brands.

JM

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Thanks guys.

My mom's a trained techy, and my dad worked at IBM for most of his life..so for the most part we only ever had IBM comps. Now IBM doesn't 'make' comps, so it's kinda interesting to branch out. Lol.

Still, it seems like my dad goes for the "best price", sadly. I'm aware that's not quality in most cases. I do find it interesting that you mentioned Toshiba and Sony first, Red..as those were the brands I'd been looking at. Toshiba had one on sale that was around $900 CAD and not bad stats really. Didn't end up getting it for other reasons, though.

So, I may go with that. I'd considered Apple, but being that I've only ever known Microsoft systems I'm kinda scared of branching that far.

Here's a question..what's the difference with a satelite internet laptop and a regular? I may be using this for college when I am able to attend, so access to internet everywhere is good..but anyone know if it's pricey..? I don't get how it works.

(Hardware and software were never my thing. It's all HTML and graphics for me. )

 

[thecountrydoc]

Hi Sarah,

I'm not really the best person to ask about computers because I never went on line until after I retired. But I have learned a little bit about them. One of my sons, a grandson, and a son-in-law all are fairly high profile computer people and just a little bit of their knowledge and experience has rubbed off on me.

From personal exrience if I were looking for a laptop I would give serious consideration to a Dell simply because they have the best customer service that I have ever seen. They can also now be purchased through retail outlets not just from the factory.

Since HP bought out Compaq they are basicly made from the same parts bin. The biggest problem with both brands is that eventhough they are both basicly good products if you need customer service or support you will have to speak with someone in India. The problem with that is they have a completely different mind set from the American consumer and simply don't comprehind what the needs are or how to even go about fixing them.

Your question about satelite internet:

Here's a question..what's the difference with a satelite internet laptop and a regular? I may be using this for college when I am able to attend, so access to internet everywhere is good..but anyone know if it's pricey..? I don't get how it works.

My son-n-law uses what is called an "air card" which is pluged into the laptop. That inturn transmits through his cell phone provider for internet connection. He travels about 70 miles a day on the train and uses that connection for business while in transit. If I remember correctly he is using Sprint for his cell phone provider.

I hope this is of some help to you. If you have futher qustions just let me know and I'll get the answers from my panel of experts.

Your friend and brother in Christ,
Doc

 

[honorthesabbath]

I've heard that "Alienware" is pretty awesome. I hope I got the spelling correct.

 

[jclark]

Since there are not that many actual manufacturers of Laptops, most of them are made to order for the respective companies. If you find one that has what you want and you can carry it around and has the price in which you are willing to pay then go for it. As for the Mac, if you have a lot of software, check if they will work in simulation mode, because the new Mac's can mimic windows. I personally own a PC and a Laptop, and sorry Reddogs but it is an Acer. I do not live and breath on my laptop, it is just for when traveling or quick access, therefore it does not need to be built like a tank, with military specs, (they have one, you should see it) but I have a nice carrying bag which protects it and I carry it carefully. It has lasted as long as my previous HP, which is funny because my first HP laptop is still working but my second has failed.

JClark

Thanks guys.

My mom's a trained techy, and my dad worked at IBM for most of his life..so for the most part we only ever had IBM comps. Now IBM doesn't 'make' comps, so it's kinda interesting to branch out. Lol.

Still, it seems like my dad goes for the "best price", sadly. I'm aware that's not quality in most cases. I do find it interesting that you mentioned Toshiba and Sony first, Red..as those were the brands I'd been looking at. Toshiba had one on sale that was around $900 CAD and not bad stats really. Didn't end up getting it for other reasons, though.

So, I may go with that. I'd considered Apple, but being that I've only ever known Microsoft systems I'm kinda scared of branching that far.

Here's a question..what's the difference with a satelite internet laptop and a regular? I may be using this for college when I am able to attend, so access to internet everywhere is good..but anyone know if it's pricey..? I don't get how it works.

(Hardware and software were never my thing. It's all HTML and graphics for me. )

 

[IntoTheCrimsonSky]

Thanks guys.

Doc,

I've heard some good things about Dell, and I must admit the new coloured line of them certainly look attractive. I have heard occasional tech problems with it, though, but yes..the support is probably better than most. (My old bf was a techie and warned me never to go Compaq, but now that it's made by HP I'm not sure about it.)

I think one of the biggest concerns I've seen is the over heating problem. Several companies have had to take models off the shelf because of laptop spontanious combustion. It has something to do with packing that much into a tiny area. Like the flat screen monitors..several fires from them too. (I have one and it started to smell like smoke one time, been really careful ever since).

I'm not sure if Sprint is in Canada anymore. Hmm. For the time being I'll still be using my desktop more than my laptop, and may not even get internet for it for awhile..but it's something I need to think about for college, I guess. I didn't know you could do that with cell phone providers, though. Neat. Something to look into!

Honor,

You know, I've never heard of that brand. Except in my Sims game. Rofl. There's a Sim computer called Alienware. I never knew it was a real brand. Sounds neat.

jclark,

Welcome to the board! I hadn't thought about whether my software could go with a mac or not, I just figured it ran windows like a regular PC did. Hm. Probably not the best option for me, then.

For me it's convenience, plus future schooling. Same as you, I'm not really planning on using it as a main computer. It'll allow me to do my graphic work and Bible studies away from this desk, though..as I often find it can hurt my back sitting here too long. So, I guess I certainly need one with good memory, HD space, and graphics card if I plan on doing that stuff.

I guess it all really comes down to the laptop itself. I could end up with a lemon, for all I know.


Soo. At this point it's probably Sony, Toshiba, Dell, or HP (although still got some question about HP from other feedback, probably just depends). More than likely I'd go for Toshiba or Dell.

Anyone know what the customer support for Toshiba's like?

 

[longhair75]

friend ITCS,

If you must have a windows machine, Dell makes a variety of good solid laptops. I have applications that absolutely require windows, so I recently bought a Dell Inspiron 1520. It is one of two laptops still available with Windows XP. (My business applications will not run on Widows Vista)

For my personal use, I really love my MacBook......

 

[reddogs]

Google gets into the website-building business

"...Google (GOOG), already the world's most popular spot for finding websites, is aiming to become the go-to place for creating websites too.

The Mountain View-based company is taking its first step toward that goal ... with the debut of a free service designed for high-tech neophytes looking for a simple way to share information with other people working in the same company or attending the same class in school.

With only a few clicks, just about anyone will be able to quickly set up and update a website featuring a wide array of material, including pictures, calendars and video from Google's YouTube subsidiary.....All sites created on the service will run on one of Google's computers....

Google acquired many of the Web-site tools when it bought a Silicon Valley start-up, JotSpot, last year.
The tools are the latest addition to a bundle of applications that Google offers to consumers and businesses as alternatives to similar products sold by Microsoft (MSFT), one of Google's fiercest rivals....."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2008-02-28-google-websites_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip

 

[reddogs]

Oh, and for techies, Microsoft Windows 2008 Server is coming out...

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/serverunleashed/default.html