New Computer Advice Please

[JimD]

I am not as much into computers as I was at one time. Our home desktop is now 8 years old and showing it, however, so I am planning on buying a replacement and think I have found a pretty good deal but would appreciate your opinions.

I am thinking of buying a HP 3600z with it's basic AMD dual-core 2.3 MHZ processor, 3 G of RAM, Vista Home Premium 64 bit operating system, 500 GB hard-drive, 19 inch monitor, and F4210 all in one printer for $550. We think we want the smaller tower arrangement because we rarely plug in boards and it would take up a bit less space. LOML does not want a laptop for reasons I do not fully understand but a quick check indicates we would have to spend more or have less capability at this price point. This is with free shipping. HP has a sale going on through 12/3. I am thinking of doing this tonight (12/2).

Comments?

Jim

[dbhost]

Yeah, be prepared for a completely different experience using Vista compared to Windows 2000 or XP.

Generally speaking, Windows Vista makes Windows Me look good...

You might want to research Linux options, as well as possibly downgrading your Vista to XP...

[radhak]

The hardware is pretty good. But you should make a serious effort to get XP on it instead of Vista. I understand if you insist on it, they'd accomodate you.

[jaybee]

"Me too" on the XP replacement suggestion! As for the no laptop requirement - try touch typing for more than 10 seconds on a laptop and you will be agreeing with your wife - no matter what her reasons are (which I bet I would agree with )

[crokett]

HW specs and price on the new machine sound fine. I would also insist on XP installed on it. My sister has Vista on her laptop and I hate using it. My dad has Vista on his laptop and wishes he'd insisted on XP. We tried giving my sister our old printer and an external CD burner. Neither one worked with Vista and no drivers were available. They work fine with XP. Make sure any existing HW you plan to keep works with Vista.

[JimD]

Thanks guys. Our son has already started using Vista and he promises to help out with the transition. He doesn't now think it is bad but did at first. I'm thinking of going all the way to 64 bit Vista because of my tendency to not upgrade very often.

I normally use a X60 lenovo laptop - a small one with reduced keyboard size. I have XL hands but it doesn't bother me. Maybe it bothers her, however. She has a bigger laptop but doesn't use it a lot and they have a different feel.

Jim

[LinuxRandal]

Vista is fine if you don't use old hardware or software (IE check to see if your printer is supported). You should also ask if it comes with the XP Pro, downgrade option. This way you would have a choice. (I don't think XP uses any more then 2 cores and maybe not even two, may have to be two separate processors)

64 bit may cause some software issues, as only now is Windows software starting to try to use 64 bit (Linux has been fine with it for a while on open source software).
Linux WILL have 64 bit issues with some commercial software like Flash (not a current version for some of the video and other sites, a BIG PITA).
Battery life, hard drive size and future max, as well as heat, powersupply and cd/dvd writer/reader are all issues with long term use of a laptop. (not to mention external power connection issues, laptops are a good place for an extended warranty).

Since your old system is long in the tooth, once you have EVERYTHING you need from it, you could either restore it to original (regain some speed) or try Linux on it before testing on your other system. This would also give you some backup options (much better then the landfill).

[Alex Franke]

Looks pretty good. Make sure you have easy access to the types of connectors you use. USB is the obvious one, but as an example, a firewire connector on the front of the box would be important if you have a firewire camcorder.

See if you can find a place to try Vista out before you avoid it completely. It's really not so bad once you get used to it, and the next iteration of Windows will build off many of its GUI fundamentals (as well correct some of the mistakes).

Each fundamental Windows overhaul (1.0, 3.0, 95, XP, Vista) has been resisted for various reasons, but they all build on each other. The next version will most likely feel a lot more like Vista than XP. That's my US$0.02.

[Rand]

LinuxRandal is right on in his comments about Vista.

One thing I would seriously considering upgrading is the monitor. I'm assuming it's a 19" flat screen LCD. I would go to a 22 at least. It's easier on the eyes.

[JoeyGee]

I am in the minority, but I don't have any issues with Vista.

Now, HP computers on the other hand...

[steve-u]

There are a ton of computer deals out there. There is no need to feel pressured to buy ASAP as there us always a better deal right around the corner.

I would stay away from Vista 64 because of software compatibility issues. I am partial to Intel processors and the new 45 NM Wolfdale core processors are incredible performers for the money and also have low power consumption.

HP and Dell still both sell what is called Vista with XP Pro downgrade in that the computer comes with XP Pro installed and disks to install Vista if wanted at a later time.

Good luck and I am sure you will enjoy whatever computer you get. Also right now I see great deals on Microsoft 2007 office Sudent and Teacher edition that you may also want to get for your new computer that includes Word, Excel, and Powerpoint.

[Alex Franke]

BTW another great way to try Linux (regardless of what operating system is currently on your computer) is to try a LiveCD version. You just pop it in, reboot the computer from the CD and you're running Linux. It doesn't affect your current operating system. To stop using Linux, you just take the CD out and reboot and you're back to Windows.

I highly recommend Ubuntu, but there are many others as well. Info on LiveCDs here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD