I need a back-up computer. Suggestions please.

[Jerry]

When this one goes to the shop I feel so lost , especially since I co administer AP
My extra (old) computer just died, power supply. It does not pay to fix.  It may be 12 years old!
So my needs are minimal.  Think a laptop makes sense, or maybe an "E" machine?

Ideas welcomed!

Jerry

[Timgod]

I bought an E Machine last year. My first computer from about 10 years ago was doing the duty of hosting my internet and running the routers and firewall. Basically just an old workhorse. It finally gave up the ghost. I bought an E Machine to replace it. I didn't even buy a new monitor. It was roughly 6 times faster than my old one. It is not as fast as my everyday use computer but it does what I need it to. If I wanted to max out the ram it would probably be pretty good. I however am pretty demanding of my computers. I always have at least a 1/2 dozen pieces of software running including memory pigs like photoshop, word etc.
I finally bought a laptop in December but I got a top of the line because of what I do so it wasn't cheap. You can usually get almost twice the computer for the same money when buying a desktop vs. a laptop. It just depends on your needs. Always buy a little more power than you think you need because sooner or later you will regret it if you don't.

Tim

[Jerry]

Thanks Tim, it makes sense.    My son in law says I ought to deal with Costco, a 90 day guarantee.

[GAjen]

Jerry, I'd look on Ebay for a good used laptop. With Grandmother going down as fast as she is I may end doing just that so I can be online in her room.

[Jerry]

My record on e bay as a buyer  is very bad.     I used an e bay power seller locally to move stuff for me.
I ended up with 19.00 for a  custom tackle box loaded  (90.00 new) with lures hooks and even a reel. All good too.
I would be better off giving it to a charity and taking a tax deduction.

[GAjen]

I like ebay but did have a bad experience with a pond store there no names mentioned.....else I've been okay I just like to buy from a direct supplier when I can.

[Jerry]

A new DELL is on the way!  A pal did the research so we both bought one.  "How much off if we buy two he asked?"  It was significant.   We bought from a DELL kiosk in a Mall.
Now the question is, how do I send the hard drive info to the new unit?

I suspect i will be calling in a pro.

[Jerry]

The DELL is installed, BIG and beautiful, BUT....  many programs seem not compatible with Vista.
At this point I can't use my flash cards and upload photos.  Many more similar problems.
I did use an expensive pro to install.  At this point i hate the %$#%$ thing!

[miguynmkoi]

Jerry, does your camera have a USB cord to hook up to your computer - you may have to install your camera's program to computer.  If you have this, put the flash cards back in the camera or memory device to download pics to computer.  Let me know if you need help!  I have been a Dell user for the past 6 or more years.

[Jerry]

I will check Anett.  I just learned that  for 220.00 DELL would install and make it all compatible, I paid 298.00 ugh!  It is still a mess.