I just started taking a couple of college classes after years and years of being out of the loop. One of my classes is a Basic Windows 2007 class. I have a project due 2/9/10 that involves a scenario of being allotted $800 to buy a new computer that is going to be useful to me in let's say 10 years.
My major is in Business and Finance and I don't have a clue. I am totally ignorant when it comes to computers and software that would be useful. Any ideas? I really could use some help with this. I appreciate any help you can give me.
By Elaine from Ruidoso, NM
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First off make it very clear right from the start that no computer bought today at any price will be affective in 10 years. It will accomplish tasks, but without upgrades (which cost money) it will not be efficient. Example (just to give you perspective) The most crucial part of a competent PC is the operating system.
If you look back at the past of Microsoft Windows, the first release being in 1995, in a period of 10 years the OS had developed to a point that the software made for the early version (95) "might" run on the newest version (by 2005 that was the year before XP was released). So basically you had 95, 98, 98SE, 2000 and XP. Not too far after was Vista.
The technology didn't stand still either; the computers of 95 had floppies, maybe 10x speed CD roms and that was pretty much it. The PCs by 2005 might have a floppy, CDR drives, USB and maybe Firewire.
Technology doesn't stand still. So your 10 yr old PC will be pretty close to archaic.
Now for the pricing:
Starter PC $298 use the money left over for upgrades of both technology and Operating System as needed. Here is what you are buying:
Acer 10.1" Aspire Netbook PC with Intel AtomProcessor, 6 Cell Battery & Windows 7 Home Starter From $298.00
Add in tax and many a bell and whistle available to it and you spend around $450.00 and get
Standard Items
iYogi New PC Setup Support
Acer 10.1" Aspire Netbook PC
Acer Blue 10.1" AO532h-2527 Netbook PC with Intel Atom Processor N450 & Windows 7 Starter
Wintec 2GB Netbook Memory Upgrade Kit
Wintec Ampo 2GB PC2-6400 DIY Memory Upgrade Kit for Netbooks and Notebooks (+$39.00)
Mobile Mouse
Microsoft Wireless 3000 Mobile Mouse - Black (+$25.00)
USB DVDRom
Targus DVD-ROM External USB 2.0 Drive (+$45.00)
USB Complete PC Deluxe Software 4GB
(you burn the software to disk or transfer it to hard drive and you have a re-usable USB flash drive)
Go here for complete details www.walmart.com/
Walmart is just the quickest way to go if you really don't know what you are doing. I build PCs and could probably build a desktop with a lot more room for expansion for about the same price. The disadvantage is you would have a portable the advantage for me is I would have the expandable.
Oh yeah, add on about $60 for a printer. You'll need one. I didn't see anything about an extended warranty but I recommend one if offered.
You might be able to do cheaper and better from a few other PC houses but this is the down and dirty way for a newbie.
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Check out the type of computer you are considering and keep track of pricing. Rather than purchase before Christmas purchase after Christmas and before the new year. Sales people have more time to give you and they may want to meet year end sales quotas. Generally prices remain good through the end of the year.
Secondly, do not buy an extended warranty from the selling dealer. You have one year automatically and you can purchase additional warranty from the manufacturer later for a cheaper price, if you feel it is necessary.
By Syd
