I Hate Computers

[Bird]

If anyone is thinking of buying a new computer, wait until next month because prices will drop dramatically. I know they will because I just ordered a new one and every time I've bought a new computer prices fell rapidly immediately thereafter./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif The new one is only going to cost twice as much as I intended to spend./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif I told my wife I didn't know whether to attribute that to my senility or that young feller's sales abilities./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Bird

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Bird,
Reminds me of the commercial of the guy leaving the computer store with his new "T5, the world's fastest computer". At the first stoplight after leaving the store he sees a billboard for the new "T6, the world's fastest computer".

Like 'ol Bill used to say, I feel your pain.

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

Um, Bird?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I think the new 64 bit machines are due in the spring.

SHF

 

[glennmac]

Bird, the tone of your post suggests to me you are having second thoughts. Cancel the order. You may not need that computer. You may have gotten carried away with immature purchasing impulses. For novice users/web surfers, sometimes smaller is better. You may just need a quasi-computer internet connection device if that's what you use a computer for 99% of the time. Is a new computer going to solve your connection speed problems?

We should discuss this here before you spend money that could go towards a larger tiller.

 

[GlueGuy]

Well, if it makes you feel any better, I don't think it will happen this time. I happen to work for one of those computer manufacturers, and we are so close to the bone right now, I have no clue where any "further reductions" in price would come from.

Heck, you can get a pretty decent computer these days for < $500 (less monitor). There's not a lot of fat left (although Intel is still getting (up to) several hundred dollars per chip) on the higher-end versions.

FWIW - Any CPU speed > 800MHz is a waste of money until memory speed and I/O speed can catch up to the CPU.

The GlueGuy

 

[Bird]

Second thoughts, Glennmac? Heck, I had 3rd and 4th thoughts about it. Actually I ordered it Saturday and was still considering canceling the order until about 9 a.m. today/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif, but I've finally decided to go ahead. <font color=blue>Is a new computer going to solve your connection speed problems?</font color=blue> Probably not a bit, darn it!/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

And you're right; I could buy a BIG tiller cheaper.

However, there's one other little minor consideration. I have a grandson that wants this old (3 years) IBM I'm using right now./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

 

[Bird]

GlueGuy, in a way I hope you're right about the price not continuing to fall.

And I could have gotten a decent computer much cheaper, but you know how the difference is between "needs" and "wants." Kind like some of the tractors some of us have.

<font color=blue>FWIW - Any CPU speed > 800MHz is a waste of money until memory speed and I/O speed can catch up to the CPU.</font color=blue>

That's what a nephew had told me, too. Now I don't understand much about computers, but Dell is claiming to have sped up the bus and I/O so we'll see http://www.dell4me.com/8100

Bird

 

[BobT]

Howdy Bird,

Almost everyone with a keyboard & monitor will "give" you advice. In my opinion, Dell is the best choice for buying a computer today. They supply the best components, usually are first with new technologies for the desktop market, and their service is superb (I speak from experience here).

One thing about Dell is, though, that if you ordered from their "home user" section of the Dell web site, you were probably charged $300+- more for whatever you bought. You likely could buy the exact same machine and configuration via their "small business" section of the web site for considerably less. I suppose they justify this "dynamic" pricing differential by the fact that most home users will require considerably more support. But, if one has a choice, order online by selecting the "small business" button, and pay with a credit card. You'll save a little.

You will in all liklihood notice a significant increase in speed from a 3 year old IBM to your new Dell machine.

Also, satellite wireless broadband "should" be becoming available even in regions like yours (and mine), fairly soon (maybe by the end of the year???).

Anyway, congratulations on your new machine. You done good. Enjoy it.

BobT.
A Indiana Boy

 

[Bird]

Thanks, BobT. My nephew had told me about other routes than buying directly off the Internet (I had to call Dell on the phone anyway to ask some questions).

And my brother told me Saturday night that he talked last week to a company in Waco and was told they have the wireless satellite service now that covers our area. Of course, I haven't checked into it yet to see whether I could afford it or not./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird

 

[Boondox]

Bill -- What's your feeling on the PIII vs PIV offerings? The Wife, who is into graphics but must remain on the IBM-compatible platform, is making new PC noises as her P-500 with 128M is "too slow." I was thinking of a slower PIV chip, but doubling the RAM and getting a screaming video card. Would our $$ be better spent on a PIII?

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com