Computer Advice

[wilkinsi]

fuck pc.
get a mac.
i'll be so overjoyed when i get shot of this oversized piece of crap...
after february's paycheck....

[quiksilver]

I would strongly recommend considering a Mac. They are not bogged down with all the extra crap the major PC manufacturers stuff onto their computers, and they're not plagued with viruses or a barrage of continuing, annoying manufacturer (of the PC, the OS, the drivers, etc.) updates that often conflict with each other. The Mac OS is intuitive and inviting, while also powerful and stable. Macs do cost more, but they are worth it the entire time you own the computer, and they are still worth something when you decide to get a new one. If you want to save money, get a refurbished Mac directly from Apple. It carries the same warranty as a new one. I am using a refurbished MacBook to write this, and it is fantastic.

[GWARGHOUL]

I would strongly recommend considering a Mac. They are not bogged down with all the extra crap the major PC manufacturers stuff onto their computers, and they're not plagued with viruses or a barrage of continuing, annoying manufacturer (of the PC, the OS, the drivers, etc.) updates that often conflict with each other. The Mac OS is intuitive and inviting, while also powerful and stable. Macs do cost more, but they are worth it the entire time you own the computer, and they are still worth something when you decide to get a new one. If you want to save money, get a refurbished Mac directly from Apple. It carries the same warranty as a new one. I am using a refurbished MacBook to write this, and it is fantastic.

My friend,
One could build a PC equivalent or better to a mac for far cheaper than a mac.
No propietary parts either.

RUN LINUX.

Mac OS is based on Unix since os9 or os10.
Its a dumbed-down GUI-only kinda Unix.
And as far as configurability and customization, it is actually not as "powerful" of an OS as you claim, especially from the technical and support standpoint.

Want a powerful and intuitive user interface that offers un-unparalleled stability, configurability and powerful utilities and security...
Get a better OS.

[sonofspy]

I run all three myself. Windoze Mac and Linux. Each has
its own strengths.

To get your feet wet with Linux you can download a live CD
(that's a CD you can boot from), it will load (and run!) the whole OS
from your CDROM, without installing anthing. It can also install
on a separate partition, or do as I do and simply have another hard drive
to load it on and just swap them out...Linux doesn't take up much
space, and if will flat out fly on even reasonable powered hardware.

You might try Mepis for ease of use... it uses the KDE shell
and is very similar to Windows/Mac plus includes lots of goodies
right out of the Totally Free Box.You can get it here http://www.mepis.org

YMMV

Son Of Spy

[atomic charvel guy]

Mike,
I get offers everyday of factory seconds, meaning they are fine but may have a scratch or some kind of imperfection on the computer, and I get used ones in lots of 15 pcs at atime up to 5,000 pcs . at a time, with warranty, specs, and prices that are a a joke. When I say joke I mean cheap. I sell modules to some of these companies, maybe I can get you a screaming deal on something real nice if you're interested. PM me if so, I've sent out countless modules to guys on the board in the past , but it's been a while since I've stocked anything, but I can at least steer you in the direction if not get you the killer deal. Let me know.
Tommy

[Shawn Lutz]

I have Dells at work and we pay the service so its a lot better. I have 2 Dell Inspirion Laptops and they are as pieces of shit. I wouldnt reccomend Dell for anything other than the enterprise.. the regular guy should avoid them. Their service sucks for the average user...so far I had 4 a/c power adapter fail, defect screen the HAD to go back because it was under warranty and gone for 4 weeks when I could have put in myself in about 10 minutes. The service calls go to a fake american sounding name in India...yeah right...your name is .Rahseish Patel Bhrgav Pradeep...not Bob like you say

After having the same issues again (it will be 6 now not 4) with the ac power adapters on these laptops...their Indian service claim its the mother board...I had them both looked at and the board is fine...its the power adaptors again. Fuck Dell!!!!!!!!!

[jackson1]

I think we need a little counterweight on the Dell (laptop) opinions.

My DELL Inspiron 8200 2.2 Ghz laptop has been the best computer I ever had, all things considered (I've had a lot). It has run for at least 2 hours every day for almost 5 years now. It's been through hell and back and it f*ckin' rules. It runs Pro Tools with 32 tracks and lots of plugins. A 5 year old laptop! For people in the know - this is a tough application. I've produced albums on it from tracking to mastering.

Issues (RMA's):

1. I told Dell that my cd-rw drive was sometimes a little slow picking up certain cdrom's. The Dell support said: No problem. The next day a courier brought me a new and much faster drive.

2. After 4 years, the screen periodically showed some funny lines. Dell support: No problem. The next day a courier dropped off an empty box at my house. I put my notebook in it and called the courier. The next day he picked it up at my house. 4 days later (!) my Dell was back from Ireland. I'm in Denmark. New screen installed, problem solved.

Every single time I've contacted Dell about spare parts, add-ons, whatever, they have been awesome. Maybe it's because I bought a service contract for it. Maybe that's why they treated me so good.

Dell has online manuals on how to DISMANTLE the laptop completely. Hel-lo Mac?

I upgraded the hard drive myself.
I installed a 2nd hard drive myself.
I upgraded the CPU myself.
I upgraded the graphics card myself.
I installed more RAM myself.
I installed 2 new silent fans myself.

None of the above has hurt my warranty with Dell. No problem. Dell support has even encouraged me and helped me during upgrades.

The laptop is expandable, modular and very well documented and supported by Dell.

Dell spare parts are ALL OVER eBay.
The machine was (and still is) a very powerful laptop.

Try the above with a HP, a Fujitsu, an IBM or a MAC :ROTF:

I'm not dissing the MAC. It's just impossible to upgrade it without facing trouble and/or big bills.

Shit, LONG POST!

[atomic charvel guy]

Anybody need Cisco products?-lol I have Real stuff, believe it or not.