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.
I won't help him. I have a wife and kids. Most people want me to come to their house and watch them surf the net in case they do something wrong. Pass.
If I tell them what to do, they'll do it anyway, remember I told them not to do it and demand I fix it.
It's kinda like buying a car and wanting someone to drive it around for you. If not, they want you to ride with them. When they come to a stop sign, they'll ask "What should I do?". If I say stop, they go. "I wanted to see what would happen". When they run out of gas, they'll say "Why should I have to fill the tank? I'm not a mechanic". If they run a stop sign and hit someone, they'll say "Why didn't that stop sign work? It should have stopped me"
Yes....and if they decide to BUY things online...teach them to keep a checkbook register right next to the computer where they can note their purchases.....or keep a computer "file copy" of all purchases......
Listen closely.
iMac
I hate Macs but that is the right answer
My Mother-in-Law cannot even do email......I'm beginning to think the computer is a good evaluator of mental abilities in the aging.....
They still make Acer's? Wow, I had one of those pieces of junk about 10 years ago.
The cartridges are spendy. Are you serious about them refusing to print because the date is too old? I bought a couple extra to have on hand. Am I gonna have to eat the cost of them?
I have my father-in-law, who is 85, running on Linux. I have to support him remotely as he's a couple hours away. It's solid, it keeps on working, and it does the web browsing and documents he needs. However, he is not much into multimedia or video (like not at all), and he's a penny pincher.
If he wanted seamless multimedia and had more money, I'd have him on a Mac. Keeping a Windows box free of malware has become a job for a professional with too much time on his hands -- not something I'd wish on a newbie.
How much does he know about using computers? What is 'best' for him now will change rapidly if he is willing to learn.
The iMac is pretty neat. You can even wall mount it with an optional VESA adaptor. With a wireless keyboard and mouse and supplied remote control you can surf from the living room sofa.
Call Dell and tell them what is required. They will respond with what is best.
They give me great service over the phone.
Similarly, they have Kiosks in malls. My wife just purchased her first computer by that process. She is now learning to set it up to suit her. I have always had that priviledge before.
The person I bought the computer for was an English teacher and is very active. There is nothing wrong with her mind. Older people get lazy and set in their ways. She would rather call me each time for directions. She jumps ahead of my directions and can't figure out where she is and wants me to fix it "right now." We have had some real wild sessions. She recently hung up on me when I said would you please not go ahead of me because I have no idea where you are or what you have done. She said, "I can't do this any more" and hung up. I just let her go as I know she will be back. She was. I got an email telling me she was sorry for being so rude. I am beginning to be stubborn because I believe she needs to know what she is doing and she should be remembering something. I have tried all methods, including written but she just refuses to follow them. No, I don't agree it has anything to do mentality capacity. It is desire to learn something new and spend some time exploring on your own. She has lost her ability to be inquisitive.
I used to use Dell's, but finding help became increasingly difficult. I have mine built locally now.
Commodore Vic 20.
Hummmph, that's me...always a day late and a dollar short. Thank you. I'll keep that bit of info from my hubby, though. I'll just get em as I need em from now on. :-)
FWIW... Dell now owns Alienware, although they are operated seperately.
Well....that's probably right....and my husband says his Mother really NEVER had that ever much anyway....LOL.
I'm the same way. I have always had PC's but the vast majority of what I do (music, video, photo's, internet) "just work" out of the box on a Mac and my next computer will be an Apple.
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