. I've had Windows XP since around 2003, I guess. It sucks. Nearly every day, I battle with my computer. It crashes, it locks up, I get strange error messages telling me a script is still running. Most of the time, after failing to shut down non-responsive programs, I have to just shut the computer off and re-boot.
And it is SUPER slow.Slow. Slow.
I guess it was the thought that I might possibly get the freelance writing job with this place I'm going to interview at tomorrow that got me thinking about replacing this wretched beast called a computer.
I'm looking at the Dell Inspiron 570 MT. It comes with 3 GB of memory, 2010 Word, Excel and Powerpoint and free shipping. It doesn't include the speakers or monitor, which I already have and will keep from my current computer. The only accessory I splurged on was a wireless keypad and mouse, which would be great on my cluttered desk. The security software I think I would buy separately as Dell only offers McAfee. The cost for all this is $624.
I'm not a gamer and I don't save videos; mainly, I use word for text documents and like to fool around with photos. So this is supposed to be more than ample for my needs.
It's gotten solid reviews, even the Editor's Choice, from PC Magazine.
It's still a lot of money, and I'm not working steadily. Also, I dread the thought of set-up and transferring all my documents/photos from my old computer to the new one.
If you have any feedback on my choice of computer or have experience with it, please let me know!
Trying to Justify a New Computer Purchase
August 17th, 2010 at 01:12 pm
August 17th, 2010 at 01:32 pm 1282048347
Believe it or not, but XP is actually pretty lean and efficient. It's the loose ends from it and glut from other programs that causes the slow downs. If you still have the original installation disk, I would try a clean re-install after copying over all of your essential data to a back-up drive.
If that's not an option, try Ccleaner, and then Smart Defrag afterwards. Both are free downloads.
I know this is a bit laborious, but if it works, it's a great way to save money.
If you lived closer, I'd come over and help, but you're too far.
August 17th, 2010 at 04:25 pm 1282058747
By the same token, the netbook I got is incredible. For $400 you can find something that will kick a 5yo computer's butt. Just FYI. I don't have any opinion on your computer choice. Maybe you prefer a desktop. I was just in awe last time we went computer shopping - how small and portable the netbooks were, and how powerful compared to my few years old laptop.
P.S. Don't buy security software! McAfee has free software (& there are others). Any techie would tell you not to waste your money. Security is VERY important. But, paying for it, isn't. BA may have advice on that, too. I am not a techie - just surrounded by them.
August 17th, 2010 at 08:58 pm 1282075101
Interesting factoid, I actually have a certification in Information Security.
Actually, I don't consider myself to be a true techie anymore, because I don't keep up with it, nor do I dabble in the development side anymore. All that costs money, and it's just not something I can justify right now without adequate interest....
Still, if there are any other PC questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
August 17th, 2010 at 09:25 pm 1282076729
I do prefer a desktop and a full-size monitor.
I have done a lot of defragging, clearing caches and that sort of thing and none of that helped.
It's a good thing I talked to a sales guy at Dell before placing my order online. I told him I'd been out of work a long time and needed a good deal. There was an offline promotion going on at Dell so for $10 less than the price I was quoted online when I "built" the Dell Inspiron I wanted, i got an upgrade from 3 GB to 4GB and I got 3 yrs of anti-virus protection instead of 1 year. (Sorry, too late!). I also got that wireless mouse and keyboard and free shipping.
With sales tax and a black ink cartridge I needed, the grand total came to a shocking $725.75. (And it includes Windows 7 OS plus 2010 Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Deep breath. Does that price sound reasonable to you based on what I'm getting?
It should be a huge improvement, processing and speedwise, over my current XP, which only has 128 MB. Sales guy said 1,000 MB = 1 GB, so given the difference between my current 128 MB and the new 4 GB Inspiron, it should be 4 times faster.
August 17th, 2010 at 11:41 pm 1282084869
August 18th, 2010 at 04:02 am 1282100539
August 18th, 2010 at 03:14 pm 1282140859
August 18th, 2010 at 08:46 pm 1282160789
August 19th, 2010 at 03:43 pm 1282228990
Last year I bought an Acer netbook for travel and have been very happy with it.
August 19th, 2010 at 10:16 pm 1282252592
However, BEWARE!! If you are ordering directly from Dell make sure and check your computer's system configuration as soon as you get it. You can do this on the Dell support website or you can turn the computer on and look at system properties under My Computer.
The reason I say this is because the computer I recieved did not come with ANY of the upgrades I paid for!! Literally, NONE!! I called them, and they assured me it was the right computer, I told them they were wrong and they remote accessed it and verified that it was infact wrong. So they issued an exchange. When I got the new computer, it was the SAME problem!! They sent me the most basic of everything! The processor, hard drive, RAM, no wireless, nothing!! I called them back and they said they most definitely did send the correct computer. I told them they were wrong, so again the remote accessed it and verified that yes it was wrong. So they said, "let us send you a 3rd computer, and i assure you it will be correct." I said absolutely not, give me a refund and take these computers back.
They emailed me UPS return labels and gave me reference #s for the return, and I shipped them back that same day. That was on Aug 2nd. On Aug 4th they recieved the computers, on Aug 8th they issued the refund, and here it is Aug 19th and I have yet to see the money. I called them today and they said "we have already issued you credit. It should be in your account." I told them it wasn't, they said, "sorry, contact your bank, we have done everything correctly, it should be in your account." I filed a dispute with my bank and we'll see how long it takes to get my money.
Do your homework, don't go by just some PCMag review. Look at the hundreds of web pages dedicated to how bad DELL treats their customers once you give them your money. Look at how many problems there are with their computers failing in a few months. I would rather gouge my eyes out than have to continue to deal with this very sketchy company. They DO NOT care about individual customers. They make all their money by supplying computers to schools and businesses. They will do nothing to help you when you need them. And you will be speaking to people overseas in India that are just reading scripts and cannot do anything competently. It will take talking to at least 3-6 different people to resolve ONE issue.
If you still decide to buy a Dell, I wish you the best of luck. Maybe you'll be one of the few who have no problems.
August 19th, 2010 at 10:26 pm 1282253191