The Best Computer Alive (Vanity)

Me | 9/22/06 | Me

[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.

[dangerdoc]

Macs also have the special double posting feature. ;)

[Snoopers-868th]

I have a Vet friend (86) who has no T.V. but watches DVD's on computer. He says he is running Win'98. He has no on-line connection and doesn't want one. He has no CD-ROM drive (probably a floppy). Now I would say this fellow is somewhat computer literate or he has a local person who knows what he wants. I have encouraged him to get an on-line service because I am certain he would enjoy it but he says--no, I got a life. He drives all over. I am amazed at his energy at that age but I sure would like to be able to email him rather than the long distance phone call. I send him quite a bit off the web via snail mail. What a shame for such an active person. But he is in control and I love his determination.

[EQAndyBuzz]

Get him a 286 with 8 megs of ram and it runs microsoft exchange.

He isn't in a rush anyway. /kidding

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

A Dell would work great for him. They have on site service available.

I would recommend the XPS 410. Includes a 1 year on site warranty. Upgrade to the 21" digital flat panel for an extra $200.

Total cost $1,190

[Sloth]

I'm a PC guy myself, but for the scenario you describe I'd be leaning toward a Mac.

[The Great RJ]

Having taught basic computer skills to seniors, many have trouble handling a mouse. You might want to include a track ball. A 19" LCD monitor is another good option.

[processing please hold]

I didn't know that, thanks.

[ChinaGotTheGoodsOnClinton]

Your specs fit this XPS perfectly:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m2010?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

I am on one now (a different XPS) and I must admit it ROCKS...

[Sloth]

P.S., Dell has a 30-inch LCD monitor for $1700:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=222-0863

[Kaylee Frye]

Didn't know that. I actually haven't been on Alienware's website in a couple of years! I don't really have a need since I build my own, but they always looked really cool and I like that they use quality parts through and through. (most people could care less what kind of mobo or memory they get as long as it "can do what I need", but if reliability is an issue, they really should care!) :)

[Adams]

[ScreamingFist]

"Didn't know that. I actually haven't been on Alienware's website in a couple of years! I don't really have a need since I build my own"

This is the truth. Most highend, old time PC/Windows users are building our own machines...hence the new ads proclaiming "We'll build it for you!" For out of the box net surfing and emailing....the IMac is difficult to beat....do I have one...no.....would I buy one for my 72 year old mother?.....yes....

[Tribune7]

I'd suggest the least expensive iMac then splurge and get MS Office for it.

There is a learning curve with Mac as there would be with any new computer-- don't believe the hype -- but the malware factor makes me recommend it without hesitation.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

buy him an iMac.

Simple to use, better security record that windows, nifty as hell.

I second the motion. If you aren't expecting the box to have to do anything fancy, there's no issue of needing software you can't run on a Mac.

I just think the stress factor of Windows vulnerability to hackers is something worth avoiding if you can.

I bought a computer for someone, myself, this year. But since the software required didn't run on a Mac, I had to get a PC. And I worry that it'll suffer an attack.

[Mannaggia l'America]

They still make Acer's? Wow, I had one of those pieces of junk about 10 years ago.

Acer makes a nice system. I don't care for their laptops though. Check out:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16883103004

[MarkL]

The best deals on Dells can be found at http://dealnews.com

A friend got a Celeron system for her daughter, with a 17" flat screen monitor for about $350, including shipping. They've got one right now for $360 on the site, and here's the description:

This Dimension 1100 includes an Intel Celeron D 325 2.53GHz processor, 256MB RAM, 80GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, and Windows XP Home. Deal ends September 27.

Mark

[Protagoras]

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 guess you don't like him.

[AppyPappy]

I don't have an infinite amount of time to teach him how to use a computer.

[Ramcat]

Two to stay far away from:
Toshiba, customer service in Philippines.
ACER: The worst crap ever marketed as a computer.
Their customer service is in Texas but dealing with them reminds me of going into one of those gag restaurants where the staff abuses you. (DICKS in Myrtle Beach comes to mind)
The machines are made in Taiwan and are cheap but not worth the aggravation.

[Howlin]

I just bought a HP Pavilion dv8330us Notebook; it's wonderful; complete TV capture/cable/LCD package; Lightscribe DVD and CD burner.

I just love it.

I'd go with the HP 3310 or 3320, too; the 3310 scans slides now!