I’ll get this out of the way first. I love computers, technology, cellphones all that. The top of the post will be about buying my computer, and the bottom will be about the fun stuff I am/will be doing to it. If you aren’t into technology and are just interested in the buying process, I’ll tell you when you can stop reading.
I had planned on buying a new computer this year, just not so soon. My laptop from college was still working and did what I needed it to. Well it died and so I got to go shopping. Now there are a lot of options out there. I could buy direct (Dell), online (like Tiger Direct), at the mall (Apple store or kiosk), or retail (Best Buy). There are options in between as well. Each option has its pros and cons. Like with Dell, I could get a computer exactly the way I wanted, but I might pay more. Best Buy has a good selection, but given my price range and certain spec needs it wasn’t working out. Plus many retail outlets play the rebate game, and I’m not playing that game.
I didn’t need a big hard drive, but wanted some decent memory and a dual core processor to handle Windows Vista. Vista is sort of a memory hog and has other problems, but with enough memory its just fine. I got 3 gigs of RAM.
I think I got lucky. After shopping for 6 weeks I was very frustrated with my options. I didn’t want to order online, but the Best Buy/Office Depot deals weren’t very good. They always advertise a good computer with a large monitor. Of course once you get to the store or read the fine print, you find the monitor is not included. Classic marketing scheme. My lady and I are fond of the free samples at Costco. I knew they had a few computers but figured their selection was too small. We went to look anyway. There, for $700, was everything I wanted. 19 inch monitor, 3 gigs of ram, and everything else in one box. No rebates, no games. She was up and running in 20 minutes.
If you are in the market for a computer, check out Sams and Costco first. You might get lucky and find everything you need. There is a line between need and want. I wanted a $3000 super machine, but needed something less. In reality thought, the $3000 machine I wanted is not $2,300 better than what I bought. Think about that with any big purchase you are about to make.
Computer buffs can read on. Casual consumers can stop if you want.
What happened to my laptop?
I had a Dell Inspiron 5100, 40 GB hard drive, 512 MB ram, and a battery that lasted about an hour fully charged. I was in the process of removing XP SP2 to install Ubuntu. I spent my college years working for a company running on all Linux machines and servers (Fedora/Red Hat) and had a stint as an intern in the IT department. Being a Linux hippie, I had to have a Linux machine and the old laptop was perfect.
Well… if you don’t know, the old Dells run hot. There should have been a massive recall, but mine was never on any. Try cooling a Ferrari with the radiator from a Camry and you see how long it lasts. The video card is soldered to the mother board and it finally gave out. It would be cheaper to get a new laptop than to try and fix this one. The hard drive is fine and I’ll get the data into my new computer someday.
So what’s the plan with the new computer?
I knew I would get a desktop as my next computer. I was planning to always have a laptop and desktop in rotation, but hoped the Dell would last longer. Anyway, so the Gateway has Vista, 3 gigs of ram, 400gig hard drive, and a 19 inch monitor. I don’t game or do video editing, so I didn’t need anything fancy . I’m going to get a second monitor, I’ll probably try and find one exactly the same as what I have. More than likely I’ll get something cheap online though. I’m keeping Vista, I like it.
I did not pay for the Microsoft suite, its too much money when Open Office covers my needs. Of course I use Firefox too. I installed folding@home since my processor could now handle more than I could throw it at.
What else you got planned?
Glad you asked. Asus EeePC. The 9 inch will come out soon and I’m on it. I do a lot of writing from work and would rather spend my lunch break downstairs on the free WiFi than at my desk looking like I’m not working. I’ll remove the Asus Linux and load Ubuntu methinks. My cellphone (Cingular 3125 aka HTC Star Trek) is going to be replaced this summer. My girlfriend has an iPhone and I’m thinking I’ll get version 2. Android looks interesting, but there is potential for it to end up like Windows Mobile.
I considered Apple computers over Windows but decided against it based on cost and the fanboy image, mostly the cost. However my girlfriend is interested in a Macbook, and I’m going to have my parents get an iMac for their next computer. Dad gets a new Lenovo every 2 years through his employer and so rarely uses his home computer. Mom is tired of not understanding how Windows works (after 15 years) and I think she’ll like an iMac when she sees one.
I love hearing about other people’s set ups or dream set ups. Share with me what you’ve been through and what you have planned for the future.
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice. |
