R50/53 MINIclo's Spring Roadtrip!
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Hiya, Friends!
I'm planning on taking an extensive roadtrip in MINIclo this Spring and need info on which laptop pc to purchase. I want to be able to use a laptop on the road...be mobile...but, I don't know anything about them or how to set up the mobile capability.
So, all my techy MINIac friends, please advise! I'd like to know what y'all recommend...is Athlon as good or better than Pentium? (I'm pretty much dead-set against Celeron.) And can I hook into my cell phone to connect? How do I accomplish all this at a reasonable cost? My budget is around $1,000. :smile:
Please share your thoughts on how to hook MINIclo to the net! Thanks in advance, all!
Cheers!
Clover
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Clover,
In a word - Switch! Get an Apple iBook for $999. (the distant roll of thunder starts to fill the air, he knows he's just raised the ire of the Wintel Horde!)
Honestly, I used an IBM ThinkPad for 8 years (very good machine), I also have 2 Linux machines, 2 Sun machines, 1 Windows XP, 1 Win2000, and 3 Macs (PowerBook, G4, and iMac) - so I'm pretty familiar with the pros & cons of each platform. I just got my first Mac last year. I will never buy another Windows/Intel machine for personal use. Truly a great joy to use!
Worth consideration at the very least!
Bill
In a word - Switch! Get an Apple iBook for $999. (the distant roll of thunder starts to fill the air, he knows he's just raised the ire of the Wintel Horde!)
Honestly, I used an IBM ThinkPad for 8 years (very good machine), I also have 2 Linux machines, 2 Sun machines, 1 Windows XP, 1 Win2000, and 3 Macs (PowerBook, G4, and iMac) - so I'm pretty familiar with the pros & cons of each platform. I just got my first Mac last year. I will never buy another Windows/Intel machine for personal use. Truly a great joy to use!
Worth consideration at the very least!
Bill
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 689
Likes: 0
From: Cardiff CA
Clover, I do software development for Wintel machines on my Apple Powerbook. The iBook is great at $999, but so is the new 12" Powerbook - read AND write DVD's.
On the road I usually use dialup - unless someone happens to have a cable or DSL setup. I have surprised a lot of people by connecting my Mac to a Wintel net and having full access to the internet as well as access to some of the net resources (printers) with no system admin configuration.
The Macs also have "Airport" or WiFi or 802.11b wireless network capability built in. This will work in many Starbucks shops, other coffee shops, airports etc.
So... dialup from a friendly phone, wireless ethernet at Starbucks, wired ethernet at a company or home with DSL or if needed, cell phone.
On the road I usually use dialup - unless someone happens to have a cable or DSL setup. I have surprised a lot of people by connecting my Mac to a Wintel net and having full access to the internet as well as access to some of the net resources (printers) with no system admin configuration.
The Macs also have "Airport" or WiFi or 802.11b wireless network capability built in. This will work in many Starbucks shops, other coffee shops, airports etc.
So... dialup from a friendly phone, wireless ethernet at Starbucks, wired ethernet at a company or home with DSL or if needed, cell phone.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Clover,
Depends on your phone service and your phone. I used to connect wirelessly with Sprint PCS at a whopping 19.2kbps. Not fun. My new carrier is T-Mobile and with my Sony Ericsson T68i phone I could in theory get closer to 64kbps. As to options for ceonnecting with your laptop. My setup gives me two choices:
(1) A cable connecting my laptop to my cell phone, then out to the Internet.
(2) Bluetooth, no cables required. But laptop and phone must both have Bluetooth capabilities.
When I worked for Arthur Andersen (past tense for obvious reasons), I connected via phone line on the road, and through the hotel's network if they had in-room access. When in airport terminals, I was wireless with my PDA (a Compaq iPAQ) at the aforementioned 19.2k.
If you're looking for access while motoring (not actually driving hopefully!), I would shoot for the Bluetooth method. My phone could be up to 10m away from my laptop and I could still get access - assuming of course my phone is getting good reception.
This solution would work on Wintel or Apple machines but my only actual experience is with my Powerbook.
In regards to compatability, I actually run Windows XP on my Powerbook so can run even custom Windows apps that my clients make me run. For Office documents (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). I run the Mac version and trade files seamlessly with my co-workers and clients...no issues.
Bill
Depends on your phone service and your phone. I used to connect wirelessly with Sprint PCS at a whopping 19.2kbps. Not fun. My new carrier is T-Mobile and with my Sony Ericsson T68i phone I could in theory get closer to 64kbps. As to options for ceonnecting with your laptop. My setup gives me two choices:
(1) A cable connecting my laptop to my cell phone, then out to the Internet.
(2) Bluetooth, no cables required. But laptop and phone must both have Bluetooth capabilities.
When I worked for Arthur Andersen (past tense for obvious reasons), I connected via phone line on the road, and through the hotel's network if they had in-room access. When in airport terminals, I was wireless with my PDA (a Compaq iPAQ) at the aforementioned 19.2k.
If you're looking for access while motoring (not actually driving hopefully!), I would shoot for the Bluetooth method. My phone could be up to 10m away from my laptop and I could still get access - assuming of course my phone is getting good reception.
This solution would work on Wintel or Apple machines but my only actual experience is with my Powerbook.
In regards to compatability, I actually run Windows XP on my Powerbook so can run even custom Windows apps that my clients make me run. For Office documents (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). I run the Mac version and trade files seamlessly with my co-workers and clients...no issues.
Bill
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
:smile:
Thanks, Bill!
That's JUST the kind of info I'm seeking! What is Bluetooth? Is it a special card or something? Oh, and welcome to MCO...I see you're rather new!
Cheers!
Clover
Thanks, Bill!
That's JUST the kind of info I'm seeking! What is Bluetooth? Is it a special card or something? Oh, and welcome to MCO...I see you're rather new!
Cheers!
Clover
Trending Topics
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
Clover,
>>That's JUST the kind of info I'm seeking! What is Bluetooth? Is it a special card or something?
Bluetooth is, for lack of a better term, a Personal Area Network device. It's essentially a radio signal with a range of around 30ft that allows you to connect PDAs, phones, laptops, etc. For example, I have a Bluetooth capable phone. If I decide to purchase a Bluetooth capable headset, I can keep my phone in my laptop bag in the trunk (soon to be boot) and still make and receive calls. I can copy files from PC to PC without having to setup any elaborate networking architecture, or as you want to do, use my cell phone as a wireless modem.
How you implement it on your PC depends. I have a little USB block (about the size of a standard Lego block) that sticks into the back of my laptop. My phone has the Bluetooth module built into it although some phones have little plug in modules (extensions that plug into the bottom of the phone). Either way the effect is the same.
The utopian view (or Orwellian depeninding on your point-of-view) of this technology is for you to be walking down the street, and your phone starts telling you about the items on sale, wait-times for restaurant seating, etc. for the particular shop you happen to be in front of.
>> Oh, and welcome to MCO...I see you're rather new!
Thanks! I placed my order on 01/06, and I'm scheduled for a 02/17 production date. My job and homelife, I fear, will suffer until early-mid March!
If you have any questions, just let me know!
Bill
>>That's JUST the kind of info I'm seeking! What is Bluetooth? Is it a special card or something?
Bluetooth is, for lack of a better term, a Personal Area Network device. It's essentially a radio signal with a range of around 30ft that allows you to connect PDAs, phones, laptops, etc. For example, I have a Bluetooth capable phone. If I decide to purchase a Bluetooth capable headset, I can keep my phone in my laptop bag in the trunk (soon to be boot) and still make and receive calls. I can copy files from PC to PC without having to setup any elaborate networking architecture, or as you want to do, use my cell phone as a wireless modem.
How you implement it on your PC depends. I have a little USB block (about the size of a standard Lego block) that sticks into the back of my laptop. My phone has the Bluetooth module built into it although some phones have little plug in modules (extensions that plug into the bottom of the phone). Either way the effect is the same.
The utopian view (or Orwellian depeninding on your point-of-view) of this technology is for you to be walking down the street, and your phone starts telling you about the items on sale, wait-times for restaurant seating, etc. for the particular shop you happen to be in front of.
>> Oh, and welcome to MCO...I see you're rather new!
Thanks! I placed my order on 01/06, and I'm scheduled for a 02/17 production date. My job and homelife, I fear, will suffer until early-mid March!
If you have any questions, just let me know!
Bill
>>
>>Thanks for your comments. While I haven't ruled out the Apple IBook completely, I was wanting to be able to have something compatible with my desktop (Sony VAIO).
>>
If you ask me
>>Thanks for your comments. While I haven't ruled out the Apple IBook completely, I was wanting to be able to have something compatible with my desktop (Sony VAIO).
>>
If you ask me
well, if you want to judge by price alone...
dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed, both machines are almost identical.
Just doing my part
dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed, both machines are almost identical.
Just doing my part
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Before I get into this, know that this is all IMO. I'm not trying to start anything bad. I have nothing against Apple. But...
1) I find it very funny that people completely rave about Apple. While they make a solid product, remember that it is proprietary. This means that you must order any replacement or extra parts from Apple usually. There are a few companies that sell a few things for them, but Apple has made it very dificult for anyone to clone their hardware. Niel Stephenson wrote it best in "In The Beginning... Was The Command Line", when he wrote that generally Apple users feel oppressed, therefor they get very defensive, even offensive, about their Apple computers. Don't be fooled by people stating that Apple makes a superior system. They don't. They make a great product, it just has some shortcommings, all IMO.
2) I wouldn't try to learn a new hardware or software platform on the road. That wouldn't be wise. What if something went wrong. You wouldn't haave a clue how to fix it.
3) I would recomend something that you are familiar with. If you like the Sony Vaio, get that. Do some shopping, look around. A good computer store will let you test out their systems. They sould be able to tell you about the entire system. If they sound ify than go somewhere else. This is a big investment, get what you want.
4) I purchased an HP z4145. It's been a great system. A lot of people say that Im crazy for buying an HP but I swear by it. Sony people swear by thier products and so do all other brands...especially Apple...refer to part 1 of my post.
5) All I can give is advice to look around, do your shopping. Read reviews at www.cnet.com. That should give you some insight to these systems by people that test out these systems constantly.
Remember, this is all IMO.
Good luck,
Frank :smile:
_________________
<A HREF="http://www.shaskan.com/initials.htm" TARGET="_blank">
</A>
1) I find it very funny that people completely rave about Apple. While they make a solid product, remember that it is proprietary. This means that you must order any replacement or extra parts from Apple usually. There are a few companies that sell a few things for them, but Apple has made it very dificult for anyone to clone their hardware. Niel Stephenson wrote it best in "In The Beginning... Was The Command Line", when he wrote that generally Apple users feel oppressed, therefor they get very defensive, even offensive, about their Apple computers. Don't be fooled by people stating that Apple makes a superior system. They don't. They make a great product, it just has some shortcommings, all IMO.
2) I wouldn't try to learn a new hardware or software platform on the road. That wouldn't be wise. What if something went wrong. You wouldn't haave a clue how to fix it.
3) I would recomend something that you are familiar with. If you like the Sony Vaio, get that. Do some shopping, look around. A good computer store will let you test out their systems. They sould be able to tell you about the entire system. If they sound ify than go somewhere else. This is a big investment, get what you want.
4) I purchased an HP z4145. It's been a great system. A lot of people say that Im crazy for buying an HP but I swear by it. Sony people swear by thier products and so do all other brands...especially Apple...refer to part 1 of my post.
5) All I can give is advice to look around, do your shopping. Read reviews at www.cnet.com. That should give you some insight to these systems by people that test out these systems constantly.
Remember, this is all IMO.
Good luck,
Frank :smile:
_________________
<A HREF="http://www.shaskan.com/initials.htm" TARGET="_blank">
</A>
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
:smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:
Frank,
Thanks for your very thoughtful post. I will do lots of homework, figure out all the features I need, and get what fits my budget. I'm not hung up on getting another VAIO...it's just the desktop system that we have right now. :smile:
I'm keeping an open mind and appreciate everyone's input! Thanks!
Cheers!
Clover
Frank,
Thanks for your very thoughtful post. I will do lots of homework, figure out all the features I need, and get what fits my budget. I'm not hung up on getting another VAIO...it's just the desktop system that we have right now. :smile:
I'm keeping an open mind and appreciate everyone's input! Thanks!
Cheers!
Clover
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
dbwilldo wrote:
>>well, if you want to judge by price alone...
>>
>>dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
>>
>>Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
>>Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
>>
>>The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed, both machines are almost identical.
>>
>>Just doing my part<<
:smile: Wow, what a cost spread!
>>well, if you want to judge by price alone...
>>
>>dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
>>
>>Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
>>Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
>>
>>The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed, both machines are almost identical.
>>
>>Just doing my part<<
:smile: Wow, what a cost spread!
Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
Likes: 0
From: In the Tube
MINIclo,
Let me understand exactly what you are looking for and want to do.
You want a laptop around $1000. You want it to be mobile. You want to be able to connect to a cell phone so you can access the web from inside your car as you travel, as if you are at a rest stop on the highway and want to get driving directions off the web from point A to point B. Also to be able to plug into a network from a hotel you may be staying at.
Am I getting warm?
Also how much do you know about computers and configuration. Are you looking for something that is very reliable and maintenance free so to speak. Something you don't need to reconfigure every time you get to a new connection source.
Let me understand exactly what you are looking for and want to do.
You want a laptop around $1000. You want it to be mobile. You want to be able to connect to a cell phone so you can access the web from inside your car as you travel, as if you are at a rest stop on the highway and want to get driving directions off the web from point A to point B. Also to be able to plug into a network from a hotel you may be staying at.
Am I getting warm?
Also how much do you know about computers and configuration. Are you looking for something that is very reliable and maintenance free so to speak. Something you don't need to reconfigure every time you get to a new connection source.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
>>dbwilldo wrote:
>>
>>>>well, if you want to judge by price alone...
>>>>
>>>>dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
>>>>
>>>>Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
>>>>Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
>>>>
>>>>The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed,
>>>>both machines are almost identical.
Oooooh, do be careful with this. You can't directly compare processor speeds as Intel machines are CISC processors and Apple's are RISC. The difference is that an Intel machine may have to do twice as many instructions to do the same operation as the Apple. Put into terms of clock speed, a 1Ghz machine from Apple could be argued to be as fast as a 2Ghz Intel based machine.
The applications that you need to run is also a consideration. What types of applications do you want to do on the road? Is it Office-type, multimedia (sound recording, digital photography, other graphics, etc)? The answers to these questions dictate the direction you should go.
Multimedia on Windows, for me at least, was always a pain for me, and my wife (which means it's a double pain for me!). On a Mac, it just works. No cumbersome drivers, or extra software to buy....it's built-in.
As for the proprietary nature of the hardware, that's not necessarily a bad thing. In the Windows world (which BTW, is proprietary in it's own right -- but we'll leave open source out of this :smile
- there are huge considerations with component compatability. This digital camera, with that video card, plus that sound card = constant headaches. In the Apple world, less overall choices? Yes. But everything is certified to work together. It's a more controlled environment, thus something easier for the end user to deal with (which I think was sndwave's point).
If you could tell us what you will be doing on the road, we may be able to add more confusion and indecision!
Thanks,
Bill
>>
>>>>well, if you want to judge by price alone...
>>>>
>>>>dvd/cdrw, 40gb hard drive, 256MB ram, 14"+ screen
>>>>
>>>>Powerbook G4 series at $2100+
>>>>Dell Inspiron 2650 at $1,163
>>>>
>>>>The dell has a faster processor (granted, needed for Windows XP), but other than processor speed,
>>>>both machines are almost identical.
Oooooh, do be careful with this. You can't directly compare processor speeds as Intel machines are CISC processors and Apple's are RISC. The difference is that an Intel machine may have to do twice as many instructions to do the same operation as the Apple. Put into terms of clock speed, a 1Ghz machine from Apple could be argued to be as fast as a 2Ghz Intel based machine.
The applications that you need to run is also a consideration. What types of applications do you want to do on the road? Is it Office-type, multimedia (sound recording, digital photography, other graphics, etc)? The answers to these questions dictate the direction you should go.
Multimedia on Windows, for me at least, was always a pain for me, and my wife (which means it's a double pain for me!). On a Mac, it just works. No cumbersome drivers, or extra software to buy....it's built-in.
As for the proprietary nature of the hardware, that's not necessarily a bad thing. In the Windows world (which BTW, is proprietary in it's own right -- but we'll leave open source out of this :smile
- there are huge considerations with component compatability. This digital camera, with that video card, plus that sound card = constant headaches. In the Apple world, less overall choices? Yes. But everything is certified to work together. It's a more controlled environment, thus something easier for the end user to deal with (which I think was sndwave's point). If you could tell us what you will be doing on the road, we may be able to add more confusion and indecision!
Thanks,
Bill
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Hi Clover
I have used Compaqs, Toshiba, Dell and HP. The one I like the best is my HPxf328 purchased from Costco for just over 1,000. It is a fantastic machine. All the bells and whistles (1.4 gig processor, 30 gig hard drive, dvd player/cd recorder/256K memory/15" Enhanced TFT display/modem/speakers, WinXP, lots of software loaded,etc..
I use iton a wireless network and have had no problems at all. I have attached printers, scanners, cameras, external hard drives all with no problem as well
The great thing about purchasing at Costco is they have a "forever" return policy. If at anytime you feel dissatisfied with a product purchased there, they will refund your money, no questions asked!! I returned a compaq laptop after 5 years as Compaq could never fix a problem. I didn't have a receipt, so they gave me a store credit for the last price they sold it for. More than fair and super easy.
JB
I have used Compaqs, Toshiba, Dell and HP. The one I like the best is my HPxf328 purchased from Costco for just over 1,000. It is a fantastic machine. All the bells and whistles (1.4 gig processor, 30 gig hard drive, dvd player/cd recorder/256K memory/15" Enhanced TFT display/modem/speakers, WinXP, lots of software loaded,etc..
I use iton a wireless network and have had no problems at all. I have attached printers, scanners, cameras, external hard drives all with no problem as well
The great thing about purchasing at Costco is they have a "forever" return policy. If at anytime you feel dissatisfied with a product purchased there, they will refund your money, no questions asked!! I returned a compaq laptop after 5 years as Compaq could never fix a problem. I didn't have a receipt, so they gave me a store credit for the last price they sold it for. More than fair and super easy.
JB
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
>>Hi Clover
>>I have used Compaqs, Toshiba, Dell and HP. The one I like the best is my HPxf328 purchased from Costco for just over 1,000. It is a fantastic machine. All the bells and whistles (1.4 gig processor, 30 gig hard drive, dvd player/cd recorder/256K memory/15" Enhanced TFT display/modem/speakers, WinXP, lots of software loaded,etc..
>>I use iton a wireless network and have had no problems at all. I have attached printers, scanners, cameras, external hard drives all with no problem as well
>>
>>The great thing about purchasing at Costco is they have a "forever" return policy. If at anytime you feel dissatisfied with a product purchased there, they will refund your money, no questions asked!! I returned a compaq laptop after 5 years as Compaq could never fix a problem. I didn't have a receipt, so they gave me a store credit for the last price they sold it for. More than fair and super easy.
>>
>>JB
Cheers!
Clover
>>I have used Compaqs, Toshiba, Dell and HP. The one I like the best is my HPxf328 purchased from Costco for just over 1,000. It is a fantastic machine. All the bells and whistles (1.4 gig processor, 30 gig hard drive, dvd player/cd recorder/256K memory/15" Enhanced TFT display/modem/speakers, WinXP, lots of software loaded,etc..
>>I use iton a wireless network and have had no problems at all. I have attached printers, scanners, cameras, external hard drives all with no problem as well
>>
>>The great thing about purchasing at Costco is they have a "forever" return policy. If at anytime you feel dissatisfied with a product purchased there, they will refund your money, no questions asked!! I returned a compaq laptop after 5 years as Compaq could never fix a problem. I didn't have a receipt, so they gave me a store credit for the last price they sold it for. More than fair and super easy.
>>
>>JB
Cheers!
Clover
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
sndwave wrote:
>>MINIclo,
>>Let me understand exactly what you are looking for and want to do.
>>
>>You want a laptop around $1000. You want it to be mobile. You want to be able to connect to a cell phone so you can access the web from inside your car as you travel, as if you are at a rest stop on the highway and want to get driving directions off the web from point A to point B. Also to be able to plug into a network from a hotel you may be staying at.
>>
>>Am I getting warm?
>>
>> Also how much do you know about computers and configuration. Are you looking for something that is very reliable and maintenance free so to speak. Something you don't need to reconfigure every time you get to a new connection source.
>>
:smile:
Cheers!
Clover
>>MINIclo,
>>Let me understand exactly what you are looking for and want to do.
>>
>>You want a laptop around $1000. You want it to be mobile. You want to be able to connect to a cell phone so you can access the web from inside your car as you travel, as if you are at a rest stop on the highway and want to get driving directions off the web from point A to point B. Also to be able to plug into a network from a hotel you may be staying at.
>>
>>Am I getting warm?
>>
>> Also how much do you know about computers and configuration. Are you looking for something that is very reliable and maintenance free so to speak. Something you don't need to reconfigure every time you get to a new connection source.
>>
:smile:
Cheers!
Clover
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, OH
>> Also, are Apples compatible with most internet servers? I currently use Netzero, and they are NOT able
>> to connect Apples to the net. (My mother-in-law wanted to use them for her IMac, but found out
>> they're incompatible!)
Clover,
Never had any problems while traveling myself. Don't know why NetZero would have any issues with a Mac unless they are trying to force you to use their own software for you to connect (so they can push ads to you to subsidize their low prices?).
I just select "Home" when I'm at home, "Work" when at work, "Client" when I'm there....no worries!
Bill
>>I want to be able to take my digipix and burn them onto a cd every few days. I want something easy to use that is reliable and travels well, giving me the same functionality as my desktop at home.
>>
This statement alone limits your choice to Windows/Intel based machine. Windows XP does a good job at manipulating digital pictures and getting them to CD, without any extra software.
>>Also, are Apples compatible with most internet servers? I currently use Netzero, and they are NOT able to connect Apples to the net. (My mother-in-law wanted to use them for her IMac, but found out they're incompatible!)
>>
as wjklos said, this is probably due to thier proprietary software. There might be a workaround for this, but I'm not sure. If you are dead set on keeping your service with Netzero and not changing to Earthlink/MSN/Anyone else, then this would also limit your choices to WinTel machines.
IMO, unless you are going to be using Photoshop to digitally enhance your photo's or make a video diary, I'd stick with an Intel based machine. Any that have been listed so far would do quite nicely for what you want it to do, and you will save at least $1K in the process. but, like I said, that's just my opinion, and I'm all about saving a few bucks here and there! If money weren't an object, and I didn't have to support Windows based machines, or do work on Windows ONLY software, I would have been using a Mac at least 10 years ago.
>>
This statement alone limits your choice to Windows/Intel based machine. Windows XP does a good job at manipulating digital pictures and getting them to CD, without any extra software.
>>Also, are Apples compatible with most internet servers? I currently use Netzero, and they are NOT able to connect Apples to the net. (My mother-in-law wanted to use them for her IMac, but found out they're incompatible!)
>>
as wjklos said, this is probably due to thier proprietary software. There might be a workaround for this, but I'm not sure. If you are dead set on keeping your service with Netzero and not changing to Earthlink/MSN/Anyone else, then this would also limit your choices to WinTel machines.
IMO, unless you are going to be using Photoshop to digitally enhance your photo's or make a video diary, I'd stick with an Intel based machine. Any that have been listed so far would do quite nicely for what you want it to do, and you will save at least $1K in the process. but, like I said, that's just my opinion, and I'm all about saving a few bucks here and there! If money weren't an object, and I didn't have to support Windows based machines, or do work on Windows ONLY software, I would have been using a Mac at least 10 years ago.
Thread Starter
|
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Thanks, db!
Soooo...um...what's the difference between Intel's Pentium chip and AMD's Athlon? I know that the Pentium is pricier, but is it really better? Please discuss!
Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
Likes: 0
From: In the Tube
>>I want to be able to take my digipix and burn them onto a cd every few days. I want something easy to use that is reliable and travels well, giving me the same functionality as my desktop at home. I do NOT want to have to reconfigure every time I get to a new connection source!
>>
>>AND, I most certainly want to be able to pull into a rest stop, log on, and find directions to my next destination & to check my email...that is of vital importance to me!
>>
>>Also, are Apples compatible with most internet servers? I currently use Netzero, and they are NOT able to connect Apples to the net. (My mother-in-law wanted to use them for her IMac, but found out they're incompatible!)
>>
>>Thanks for your help, sndwave! You've brought up important issues for me to consider. :smile:
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
First, we need to give Clover a big hand for her up coming road trip.
Second, we need to give her facts she can use. Don't be a salesman, be an information source. I don't think she needs to be over loaded with which is the faster processor or which one has the faster front side bus.
I don't have any real knowledge about laptops or mobile computing, but I'm sure lots of you out there do.
The information she needs is basic connectivity for mobile use, low price, and ease of use at any place she may be, on or off the road.
At least that's the way I read her plea for help.
Hey this is a Sixth Gear Club member at MCO - lets give her a hand with simple facts.