First, I got a laptop. This will be SO different from the one we already have, as it will actually be able to DO things! The laptop we have was a purchase that we didn't think hard enough about. While we knew we wanted a laptop, we took an offer and it turned out to not be as good as we thought. Live and learn, I guess. But it definitely made me realize that I would have a hard time NOT having a laptop OR two computers in the house. And here is the new computer:
It's a Dell Studio 15 and I think I should be well pleased. It's got Windows 7, 3GB of memory, and a 250GB hard drive. It also comes with the rest of the usual things: DVD+/-RW drive, a wireless card, and Microsoft Works. I also got it Bluetooth enabled so that it will work with my cell phone. I didn't realize till after that it comes with a built-in webcam (don't know if I EVER will use THAT). I'm supposed to get it on 20 January.
I also ordered our new desktop--a Dell Studio desktop. I SHOULD see a great change in how fast things happen on this new machine. After all, it will have an Intel Core 2 Quad processor, so it should be FAST. It, too, will have Windows 7 and 6GB memory, a 640GB hard drive, DVD+/-RW drive,and a 21.5" full HD widescreen monitor. I should get THIS on 27 January.
The other night I FINALLY backed up my present computer in anticipation of this purchase. After having the external hard drive for a only couple of years. (No one ever said I rush to get things done.) Before the new machines get here, I really need to clean up and organize my music and pictures. Whether I ACTUALLY do it, is up for debate. ;)
I don't anticipate everything being up and running right until the beginning of February. With the laptop coming in first, I won't be connecting to our network until after the new desktop is here. I want to set up the network for both machines at the same time, so I will just be using the laptop to learn Windows 7 for the first week. I think there will be a bit of a learning curve, as I haven't even used Vista. I'm sure it will take a bit of time, but I WILL master it eventually. Oh, the excitement.
I am BESIDE myself with JOY for you! Ooooooh! You are soooooo gunna LOVE it. Love. It. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!
ReplyDeleteThankfully I have a guy I work with that builds computers... Last year he built me a smoking-hot desktop for $900... One that I'd have paid double for at Dell...
ReplyDeleteI haven't used Vista and I've heard so many negative things about it from friends who've had it...
Good luck with it, and I know you're a techie so let us know how it goes!
new toys are always fun!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to chuck all mine but unless we get something other than dial-up no point.
ReplyDeletemeleah: I KNOW!!! It is so damn exciting!
ReplyDeleteTom: I keep thinking I will build my own, but I always stop myself. I know I could do it, it's just that most home-grown computers don't start up the first time they're turned on--a very easy and common problem that can be fixed quickly. But with MY temperament, I would drop-kick the thing out the front window WITHOUT trying to fix the problem if it didn't start. Besides, ordering helps keep my costs WAY down. If I built my own, I'd be looking at $2000 or more--I LOVE power and would buy the best and brightest components I could get my hands on! :D
As for Vista: from all I have read, it is MUCH more stable after the service packs came out. It was problematic at first, mostly because the makers of other products weren't fast enough with updating their drivers, etc. Anyway, Windows 7 HAS been called an upgrade of Vista by some of the computer geeks--and they say that is why THIS OS is stable. I went through the ME fiasco--with a very, very expensive machine, by the way--and I did A LOT of research on Windows 7. As I said, it seems to be stable and the geeks aren't hating on it too much more than usual with a Windows OS. :) And, who knows, if this is too much of a problem, there's ALWAYS Linux--which I keep threatening to learn how to use. (After all, a Finn invented it, so it must be good. ;))
janet: Isn't that the truth! But the novelty wears off WAY too fast. :(
leazwell: I am such a snob when it comes to the interwebs sometime--I forget there are people who have dial-up. We have friends in the same place: they canNOT get cable service. But, I'm not sure they would pay for it if they could. ;)