I'm thinking of upgrading this "coal fired" computer, what's good?

Question

Business use mostly, runs XP, Photos; Adobe 7, not running games but lots of small files. Under $1200.00, anything?

Answer 1

Smiles,, thanks for the chuckle, and no points expected. I just had the same issue. I enjoy COAL FIRED, and yet can't keep the "BIN" full no matter my efforts. Technology is exponential.
In minor research, and remedial as I am, IF I could afford it now, BRAND would be less important than the processor type,,despite any hype, and as many little giggers as are available. DUAL CORE, seems to be up and coming??? I'd also want as much RAM as could possiblt be squeezed to the slots,

Versatile, upgradable, expandable, within the onrush of technology is important, as may be your budget, but you must realize, as I do, that a TOP level comp today, will be considered COAL FIRED by this time next year.

I began in Computing when it was no more than a machine that could sort magnetic numbers, and was amazed. I worked for a defense contractor before PC's were on the market, in a room with refrigerator sized units, kept at 68 degrees or less.

My first PC was an APPLE LISA,,,how sweet that they named them as such, and she was great for spread sheets, but of course there was no WWW then.

Anyway, I'll stop rambling, and wish you well. I've never been Techno able to any great degree, but I'm wise enough to know I should continue my education.

Good Luck,
Rev. Steven

Answer 2

It's good that you know what you need it for because questions like this usually get a response from people of the computer they want, not what you need. I don't know if you need a desktop or a laptop but this will probably apply to either:

Apple is probably too expessive, stay away from eMachines, SysteMax, and probably Gateway. You have a crap shoot with any of the others (HP, Compaq, Dell), you will be able to find horror stories about any brand so don't get too paranoid about that. If I were you, I would keep an eye on sites like Spoofee (link below) that will have coupons and specials listed, you might not see any computers for a few days then 5 may pop up at once. Dell has a lot of promotional discounts and you will hear from plenty of Dell haters (many of whom will have legit reasons), but they also have some great deals. I bought my parents a Dell last year and they haven't had any problems (and there is no telling what junk my mother has loaded on there) and I bought a wireless mouse/speaker bundle, which part didn't ship and they overnighted it to me once I called customer service (customer service has been a big problem with Dell the last few years but they seem to be trying to fix that). Just keep an eye out because some of their promotions are better than others.

Also, I sure many people will have a problem with this but don't overlook refurbs (tigerdirect and ecost links below). Refurbs don't always mean, the computer was crap and we "fixed" it. Sometimes it is an older model they are clearing out or one component such as the motherboard went out between the factory and point of sale. I usually buy refurbs because they can be about half the price of regular priced PCs. I have bought 5 refurbs over the years and only had 1 with problems after a year (that was my parents before the Dell, so there is no telling what they could have done to it). I've saved a lot of money on refurbs and only 1 died early.

I was thinking of buying a new PC but decided to delay until Windows Vista is released (it keeps being pushed back and I think now its back to Mar 07), since it is (suppose to be) more secure. Also, since I will put off a new PC for 9-12 months, when I do get one the RAM and harddrive will be larger/cheaper than what I could/would get now.

Get at least 1 GB RAM and you would probably be wise to get an external hard drive for backing up (you can build one yourself or buy one for less than $60-100 depending on size).

Answer 3

I am very happy with my HP Media Center with the multiple USB ports, an external hard drive and upgrade to one gig RAM. It is a double Pentium. I can't say it was under 1200, as we bought a package with monitor, printer, insurance and extra software, but it probably was close. We use it for personal use.

Answer 4

Right now, Diesel is 3 cents cheaper than gas. Maybe you can try a HD Allison Hard Drive, with a Duramax processor.

Answer 5

I have always had Emachines, and have never had any problems with any of them. None of my various models broke on me, I just wanted more speed, and more bells and whistles.

My fiancee has always had Dells....and he has not had any problems either.

Check out the Best Buy Ad in the Sunday paper to get ideas on prices for Emachines.

Answer 6

I just got a Dell Lattitude d620 from work, and it is great. Not sure about the 1200 part

Answer 7

Get a Mac!
U can run both Windows and Mac.

Answer 8

You should try fuel oil. a lot less messy than coal.

Answer 9

Go with a mac.

Answer 10

How much RAM do you have right now? What type of CPU?