Posted on 09/22/2006 8:07:04 AM PDT by Sen Jack S. Fogbound
I am planning to purchase a computer for my cousin. He wants a "best" computer. Cost is not really a problem but doesn't want overkill.
He plans to write emails, send and receive pictures, watch TV, and movies.
He also wants to have a hang-on-a-wall LCD flat screen for monitor. I mentioned that wouldn't be too practical. Have both, one for TV, and one for computer display-- a 21" flat panel.
He also wants service availability at his home.
He wants a fax, copier, and printer. I suggested HP All-in-one printer.
I suggested a DELL for all that. Such as XPS410.
But I want to check with my friends on FR and see what they say.............
He is 87 years old and ready to enter the computer world and get on the Interent. He decided to stop resisting the changes! LOL He is mentally sharp.
Their Tech Support is in Oklahoma City.....
If cost is no object and specific features are necessary, why not build one custom to his needs? Get him a support contract with his local Geeks-R-Us (or whatever they call it down there) and there'll be no calls to India.
Depending on his locality, you might want to consider buying locally. That way, he might get better service and assistance, if needed.
It might cost a bit more, but could be worth the extra in the long run.
Has he tried the HAL 9000?
Seriously, Dell would be the perfect place for him, IMHO. Given his age and relative lack of experience, getting a company willing to give him lots of handholding is the most important thing.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Agreed on the HP all-in-one. I got mine as part of a package, substituted a larger LCD screen, and got a very nice Presario. He'll want a state of the art computer, though.
Ditto also on separate TV from monitor. There are too many times he'll want to surf and watch TV at the same time.
At the age of 87 it's probably not that big a deal. But I work on Dells at school. Piece of junk, as far as I'm concerned! they have a greater than 10% failure reat, right out of the box. Aggravating, to say the least!
Gateway, or eMachines will solve those concerns.
What the contract says: We will send someone to fix your computer if we cannot resolve the problem over the phone
What the customer heard: If you have any questions, we will send someone to your house to sit with you while you use your computer.
It's the biggest source of frustration with computer users, especially older ones. I know a guy in his 80's who still has the computer in a box after a year because no one will set it up for him.
I recommend System76.
Regards, Ivan
Unless you live nearby and want to patch his machine for every win exploit, buy him an iMac.
Simple to use, better security record that windows, nifty as hell.
Unless you live nearby and want to patch his machine for every win exploit, buy him an iMac.
Simple to use, better security record that windows, nifty as hell.
I volunteer as the IT administrator at my kids Catholic school (even though I am a software development guy) and we have all Dell hardware - 75+ PC's and two servers. We've had good luck with the hardware and onsite service. But I tend not to use phone tech support much - unless they shipped something that was broken and I need to do a return - and we haven't had to do that yet - I can figure things out myself.
A 21" monitor seems a little small for "on the wall" viewing, unless the room is very small. Plus keep in mind that the PC will need to be near that monitor. My neck and eyes hurt thinking about my monitor being on a wall.
OK, an 87 year old will not be a gamer. Resist the temptation to go overboard (in other words, don't plunk down the bucks for an Alienware high-end gaming system, for example). My experience is that Seasoned Citizens (credit Rush) do not exactly "challenge" their computers; email, a little Web browsing, etc. Doesn't take a workhorse-level system for that, so save your $$$. Virtually any current system from IBM, Dell, Gateway, etc. would more than do the trick. I'm partial to IBM's for many reasons, but we also have some Dells in the house. You can get him a terrific system for < $1000 (not counting the display). Your recommendation to him on the flat panel is a good one; however, I'd look on eBay and you can get a Dell 24" flat panel for <$800 that he'd just love (yes, new ones).
Your recommendation for an HP All-in-One is also a good one; I've had many over the years (including now), but again......probably overkill for him, but they're cheap enough now it's cool. Look at the Officejet 7210.
Good luck, and if you want more specific recommendations, FReepmail me.
Get an iMac, and contract seperately with a local service tech for in-home support. The iMac is optimized for his needs, and no computer manufacturer is going to do house calls, but a local guy will provide much more personal service.
I'd go for a 20" iMac too, despite the fairly stiff initial price for the machine. I've played with the current iMacs with the Intel Core Duo CPU and they are decently fast; also, that 20" display is excellent.
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