Lightning blew out my computer! Need to replace. Laptop this time?

Free Republic | Friday, June 19, 2015 | Onyx

[onyx]

A huge thunderstorm ripped through here four days ago. It blew out my TV and my computer. My small town only has a Walmart and an Office Depot. I would prefer to go buy a new computer at Walmart. I'm thinking a laptop would be a better purchase. I have no idea how to install it on my own. I'm thinking of asking a clerk to come home with me to install it and I will pay him $50. I need this new computer installed before the start of our FReepathon on July 1

I will also need one that I can operate with a mouse. I need serious suggestions and price is extremely important.

I am truly at a loss. Attempts to shop online using my iPhone are about as productive as my attempts to successfully post here using my iPhone

My dearest FRiend in the whole world, penelopesire, and her husband Allen were just here and they both confirmed that both my computer and TV ARE KAPUT!!

Which brand and model? I'd like to buy it today. Vicksburg Mississippi Walmart No secrecy here.

P S. I have lost everything on the old computer. I guess that means I would have to start from scratch to install the colored font thing right? I am such a novice I am just absolutely overwhelmed. I have no idea what the hell I'm doing. God bless you all.

[truth_seeker]

Then the question of Win 7, Win 8.1, Win 10 etc.

[Excellence]

Desktop if you don’t need to be portable.
You can upgrade a desktop, a laptop not so much.

[dinodino]

Not by raw performance specs. If you are willing to trade stellar build quality for cutting edge performance, then Apple is right for you.

Good luck trying to get a replacement motherboard for a Dell when you are traveling. You probably can’t even get a power cord. In the interest of full disclosure, in past hell computing existences, I have been in both scenarios.

[Excellence]

Also you can’t upgrade the video card in a laptop, but you can on a desk top.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Have you turned it in to your insurance? Sounds like you have a good claim.

[Enlightened1]

I would go with a Apple Mac Book Pro or iMac.

If you prefer a PC, then go with Dell Inspiron Laptop or Inspiron Desktop.

Here are some links for you to view.

iMac

http://www.apple.com/imac/

Mac Book Pro

http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

Dell Desktop

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-23-5348-aio/pd?ref=PD_OC

Dell Laptop

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-17-5758-laptop/pd?ref=PD_OC

Finally here are some 2015 reviews of the Best Computers by price, size, brand, etc...

Desktops

http://www.cnet.com/topics/desktops/

Laptops

http://www.cnet.com/topics/laptops/

[Clyde5445]

I’m Sorry to hear what happened. As you know I had to get a new computer. I ended up getting a HP Pavilion Slimeline 400PC Series. and a Acer 22inch Moniter for about $425-450.

The HHP has a 1.4Ghz processor an 450GB Hard Drive. It also comes with a CDDVDRW and has 6 USB ports.

The internet connection is EtherNet.

It seems to work fine for me. Hope the helps you.

Oh and It’s good to see you Dear Lady.

[MIchaelTArchangel]

Unless of course she is a hottie!

[Clyde5445]

One Other thing I should mention is you should be able to use the speakers from your old computer with the new one you get.

[Intolerant in NJ]

Hope you reported your losses to your homeowner’s insurance carrier - lightning loss is usually covered.....

[deoetdoctrinae]

Hi dearest onyx. Yes, that next FReepathon will be here before we know it.

I'm probably not adding anything new to the conversation... just distilling some good info from others. Definitely take your old one to the local shop. You could get very lucky and find that it's something minor (and relatively cheap). If not, see if they sell any that they have taken in and refurbished. A local shop here sells some like that at very good prices, and even offers a 1 year warranty. If you bought something like that, (and the info on your old hard drive is still intact), they would probably also do a "file transfer" for you and move all your goodies to the replacement computer.

Finally, if you have been using Windows 7, and don't want to deal with the learning curve of a newer version before the next FReepathon, you could do as others have suggested and install "Classic Shell", which basically makes the newer version mimic the familiar appearance and operation of the older version.

Please keep us posted on your progress, as well as keep the questions coming if you have more. FReepers are the greatest when it comes to helping FRiends!

[AFreeBird]

B

[for-q-clinton]

Not Android but it can run Linux.

[Enlightened1]

One more thing.

I would only go to WalMart to purchase a surge protector.

For the record, the latest computers are very easy to set up.

I think the hardest part is remembering what is your WIFI password and doing all the updates when you initially start up.

Finally I know Apple is initially expensive, but it’s very “user friendly”. Overall you should have a great experience, but it takes about 3 weeks (1 hour each day) to get used to. That is if you never owned one.

I own both. I have had PC’s since 1997, and I can tell you Apple is better. Although it did take me about a month to get use to it.

The best part about Apple is that you don’t have to worry about cleaning your computer for viruses, malware, Trojans, etc...

It’s also has very fast boot up, and operates smooth.

Good luck on your search.

[for-q-clinton]

Also you can install bluestacks which makes it emulate Android.

[FLCowboy,]

Desktops are okay, but laptops are better, enabling you to easily take it a technician for help, since it appears you are a novice.

During electrical storms, you can simply unplug the laptop and safely store it away, or, double up on surge protectors.

Go to Office Depot or whatever, rather than WalMart. You need expertise more than likely found in stores not selling hair treatment, or toothpaste.

[SamAdams76]

I don't see laptops as a compromise at all. I haven't used a desktop in about five years. Todays laptops can do all that a desktop can do and you gain the portability. Take it anywhere around the house or take it with you on trips.

On a warm day, I take my laptop out to my picnic table on the deck (hint: on a bright sunny day, use an empty cardboard box turned on its side to reduce sun glare.

A 15-inch screen is perfect for a laptop.

[luvie]

It’s spel_grammer_an_punct_polise. He’s the best with computer questions!

Just wish he’d get a name that I could remember! Sheesh! LOL!

[luvie]

Laptop. I have a Mac and love it, but others love their Windows 8.1 or 7. NOT Windows 8. I hope you found the advice you really need. :)

[ansel12]

If you don’t need a laptop, then the desktop is the way to go.

A desk top is easy to keep upgrading, you don’t waste money on a battery that will die in time anyway, and overheating isn’t an issue.

Laptops are for people who either need the mobility, or who replace their computers periodically.