New Computer Advice

[Cliffmeister2000]

Quote:
Unlike most PC hardcore folks, I have nothing against Apple. However, as a monopoly, it seems everything costs more.

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Hmm. the only comapany that's ever been sued by the federal govt. and the govt of other countries is Microsoft. Apple has 5% of the computer market and you call it a monopoly? They do have 100% of their computer market. And it's those people who choose Apple. If not then they can go to the other 95% of the technology. A monopoly means that there are no choices. Apple is at least 10 years away from being a monopoly.

I was referring to the hardware more than the software. I don't have much use for Microsoft either.

[deceiver]

Quote:
Unlike most PC hardcore folks, I have nothing against Apple. However, as a monopoly, it seems everything costs more.

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Hmm. the only comapany that's ever been sued by the federal govt. and the govt of other countries is Microsoft. Apple has 5% of the computer market and you call it a monopoly? They do have 100% of their computer market. And it's those people who choose Apple. If not then they can go to the other 95% of the technology. A monopoly means that there are no choices. Apple is at least 10 years away from being a monopoly.

I was referring to the hardware more than the software. I don't have much use for Microsoft either.

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A mac has an intel processor in it, you can buy any version of MS OS and load it. Or flip back to the Mac OS. You can get onto the internet on any machine. Yes Apple has some software that won't run on a PC but lots of PC software isn't made for a Mac either. Still no monopoly. Everyone has choices.

[Cliffmeister2000]

I'm sorry, it appears I've touched a nerve. I apologize. I use PCs because when I got into computing, they were what was readily available. I have already stated, I have nothing against MACs. I enjoy it every time I hear that someone has outwitted Microsoft. I yearn for the day Linux becomes a viable desktop option to the masses. I could care less about any individual company in the PC / MAC arenas. I have what I have and it works for me.

[notned]

New computers -- My vote is for the end of the row at Best Buy. It'll do what you need.

Old computer - bring your data over with your external drive. You'll have to re-install your software.

Take a look at Open Office you can't beat the price.

[Volund]

Dell is still a good company, but really, don't bother with their home division, skip strait to their small business division.

Dell Small buisiness is honestly a joy to order from, I would suggest calling them to order. From my experiance, with both ordering and service you get to speak to someone in the US, and you can usually bargain a bit with them, resulting in a lower price for you . The computers come without the usual crapware, which is nice that you just get started without deleting a bunch of stuff you will never use. You can also get in-home service from a service tech, no need to send your PC out before you know what is wrong with it.

Although some Mac's have really nice build quality (the unibody mac books), it is just not worth it to me to pay that much more just for the name, OS, and build quality, two of which I have absolutely no need for . With a mac, you also tend to get less hardware power for your money, which, as someone who builds computers for myself and friends/family, makes me rather sad .

I would personally suggest staying with windows, if only for the reason that it is what you are currently using. It's easier to get used to it if you are already comfortable with what you are using. I have tried using OSX, but I have never really gotten it, mainly because I am so used to windows and linux, I have no need for it. Just a tip as well, if you don't want to use Windows 7 (which is really extremely good), Microsoft has extended the downgrade period for XP, so you can still get XP if that is what you want.

I will second openoffice if you don't want to deal with paying MS for Office.