Posted on 06/19/2015 2:43:57 PM PDT by onyx
I recommend avoiding Windows 8 if you can.
I thought I had a surge protector! I guess it was a rip off.
I got one of these:
It helps but it still just isn’t enough when that CPU starts working overtime. Then the thing hits a certain temp and just turns off without warning.
I’m replying again, this time at my desktop. My first reply was on my Android phone and yes, it is tedious typing large amounts on a small phone keyboard.
I want to explain the laptop/docking station setup in more detail. You would have a docking station compatible with whatever laptop you choose to buy. The laptop has ports on the back that fit companion connections on the docking station. All your peripherals - mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, internet connection, power supply attach to the docking station. So all you do is insert your laptop into the dock, turn it on, close it and you have your comfortable desktop workstation. The monitor generally sits on top of the docking station so your laptop will be out of the way beneath the monitor.
If you feel a laptop will meet your needs, I highly recommend purchasing a docking station. It will free you from continually plugging and unplugging everything each time you move the laptop.
Good luck and happy Freeping!
FReepers are a great family and I’m sure all the advise given will move you in the right direction. I have used laptops for years. Many makes and models. My current one I use for business only and it works great. Have had it a few years now, it runs windows 7, but it’s fast enough and plenty of memory for my needs. I always back up on a flash drive when done with a work session and love the portability to be able to take my work on the road. I would suggest like others have said to back up to a flash drive and have an external hard drive for major back up capability . Try not to stress about this. Shop and find a computer you like, my only advise is don’t go too cheap. Spend a little money.
Windows 8.1 actually isn’t bad at all, but I would say to install Classic Shell as the first thing you do once you boot it up.
No kidding. I forgot to mentipn that most of the time one is aware of aproaching storms, thunder in the distance etc.
For the record, I am that fast ;=)
Ping-A-Ling!! FRiend needs help!
Onyx, another option if you need to buy and want more options than Wal-Mart is to have someone in a large metro area buy for you.
Spend time talking with one of our experts about what you have been using and what you want to look for in a replacement. Maybe Wal-Mart will work; but talking with others will let you explore options.
When it comes to setup time, we have folks who are in the ‘puter business who would be more than willing to talk you through it, I’m sure.
Good luck!
LUV, I’m thinking of our Salsa buddy, but don’t have the screen name handy!
Onyx: Modern computers are easy to install — even for those who are technically challenged. Most come with easy to read “road maps” that show all the steps and connections. Once you get it hooked up, there are usually phone instructions where a tech will walk you through anything else.
You can also buy a good computer on line. I’ve bought many computers from Gateway over the past 20 years and installed all of them myself. I have a “consultant” who comes in for anything more complicated, such as navigating all my old files to the new machine.
Yeah, what they call “surge protectors” only protect against the small surges that happen normally on an electic line. They aren’t designed to protect against lightning.
Now, there is a special kind of surge protector that can protect against that, but I’ve only ever seen those used when they install big pieces of equipment like large color copiers. I have no idea where you would even buy one or if it would be worth it for a computer. Probably better just to get a UPS device for that.
Yes, take it to a local computer guy and see what he says. I thought mine had died last month so dropped it off with the local guy and told him to save what he could and that I’d be back from Walmart later with a new one. I hadn’t gotten 10 miles down the road before he called and said to turn around because it was running fine.
BTW, we have a desk top and a lap top. Both about 5 years old. The lap top was bought for portability but it’s only been as far as the bedroom once and the living room once. Still, I’m glad to have it. It’s used a LOT daily and it does everything I need it to. I just bought the biggest and baddest lap top our podunk Walmart had on the shelf and have been a happy camper.
I was very surprised such a cheap computer was so very satisfactory for me.
I do hate windows 8.1 but that’s about all you can get now.
I read that Lenovo has removed the malware. I have one with a touch screen and like it. Had Toshibas for years, but last one’s HD kept overheating. No probs w my Lenovo. My nephew has an HP with a touchsecreen and loves it. I thik it was about $500 at Costco. Love our Microsoft Surface, too. All 3 have Windows 8.1 and Microsoft Office.USB ports for a mouse, etc. I have a portable Microsoft mouse I love. Oh, our 2 laptops have good size screens, too! Best of luck!
Do not buy one online at the official HP site. They stole my credit card number and when on a shopping spree with it.
Is there a local college, or tech school, that might have a student interested in earning a little extra cash?
Back to Gateway — they also have a line of re-furbished machines that really are just as good as new. You can get them preloaded with your Office Suite and your Malware. Gateway offers great phone help.
I’m sure Dell offers the same.
As far as laptop or desktop. I’ve had (have) both. Laptops have more problems and repairs. But, they are more convenient in many ways. Since my knee repalcement, I find it difficult to drag myself upstairs to my desktop, so I rely more on my laptop. But I’ve had it in for repairs SO MANY times.
Depends on how you define, “Better.” I define better by build quality and MTBF. Approximately ten years ago, at my last firm, I did the calculation that Macs had a lower TCO. First I switched my family to them, then after a successful trial, my entire company. My new company is 100% Mac or Linux and no looking back. We don’t even allow Windows machines on the network—they are DMZed.
Sure, you can define “better” by different standards, but in terms of hardware performance, Macs are definitely not the best or most cost effective.
A lightening strike will pretty much overpower any surge protector. I have all my components plugged in to my surge protector and if a storm heats up, I unplug it to be on the safe side. It is no fun having to replace a computer. Best of luck, Dear Heart!
If you have to get a TV also, a laptop would be indicated — but it will have to support external monitors, preferably via HDMI. This gives you the benefit of the larger screen while at home, and the ‘go’ capability of the laptop.
Look at the ASUS with Intel processors, I got one a few years ago (and I’m an old-time Apple guy) for something like $250.
If you go with a laptop/TV combo for the home use, get a wireless kbd/mouse package. My favorite is the Microsoft 5000, a little older, but I like the larger mouse size, mainly because I have large hands.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.