"Everything is only for a day, both that which remembers and that which remembered." --Marcus Aurelius
My first computer, I purchased from Sam's Club, an affiliate of Wal-mart. I was lucky to have lived in an area where computer minded help was only a neighbor away. Since that time, I have moved into a less compu-savvy area. Computers and Software
By no means do I consider myself, knowledgeable enough! From past experience, I don't trust anyone who says they do. Soon, I will be able to buy my next computer. I am hoping that it will give me
as great or better service than the Digital Starion 500 that I've enjoyed.In 1995, I stayed with WIN311 and DOS 6.22. Sure, I've used WINDOWS 95 and didn't like the way it crammed my 540-harddrive. When I tried to load my favorite games: DOOM, KINGSQUEST, HEXEN, DUKE-3D, and 11th HOUR (I beat Stauf so bad! *G*), WINDOWS 95 crashed over and over and over. Recently, I've played on my sister's latest greatest equipped with WINDOWS 98. The computer PC is a charmer, over 100 mg of ram with suped up graphic video and a whole lot of bundled ware. I thought the company that I recommended to her would be the end all of where I would get my next computer. I was wrong.
My sister went to her boyfriend...let us call him Mike...who needed something to bring him out of the Macintosh world-early 1980s. *L* Mike purchased the same computer she got. Only he got a different salesperson. Sometimes, Mike is a little too understanding. He didn't get the same deal, the same service, or the same software package. He got less for more. When his computer arrived, the side panel was open. He tried to call the company and couldn't get through. Then, he tried the computer-- would not boot-up to WINDOWS 98.
Mike referred to his paperwork and kept dialing for customer service support. For 3 hours, he was on the phone, listening to a voice repeating," Stay on the line, Stay on the line." He called me, I couldn't help him. With all the upgrade to Win-98, I had no idea whether it was a software glitch or if a peripheral was attached wrong, or if his computer was damaged in transit.
It was Thursday night. Friday morning, Mike still couldn't get through. Then, he called sales numbers and schwing...there was a voice to be heard. He was told by a company employee that tech support was busy. Then, Mike was switched on hold to await further lack-of-support. It was a four day ordeal, before some yutz finally took his call. Mike had to reconnect the SCSI-cable that came loose from the inside. Mike can't even program his toaster! But the story doesn't end here.
You see, Mike has an adopted daughter who went with the ex-wife. He purchased the computer for her, first. He always puts himself second. Not even testing it on his own, Mike carried that computer to her home, thinking he would have the same experience as my sister: pop it open, flip the switch, presto a game is ready to go. He didn't have that, and his ex-wife made sure he knew that in no uncertain terms.
After Tech Support helped with the cable, Mike was given a direct number to make things easier. During the day (school was out for parent-teacher thingy) the adopted daughter was playing a game and it crashed. She called the number and they refused to take her call since she was 15 and not the purchaser of the computer. This was not what Mike was assured by the first salesman who knew the machine was for a teenager. All she needed to do was reboot, folks! So, I do not endorse TigerDirect anymore. I tried to access their web pages as an emergency appeal. To this date, that site consistently crashes my computer. How is that for a selling feature?
My next computer needs to accommodate my needs now and through the first few years of 2000. I'm not Wall street - - several thousand dollars is a valued investment. What do I do? Books and online retail. First, I needed to discern what I needed from all that I craved. Then, as a firm believer in arming myself with the latest credible information, I got to reading the technical what-have-you. With all the hype out there, I strongly suggest that you do, too:
Consumer Reports 1999 Buying guide is published yearly and gives a lot of helpful details. As yet, the 2000 has not arrived.
Computer Buying Guide 1999 Editors of Consumer Guide.
Presenting the best computers, peripherals, and software currently available for the home, office, or school through clearly written reviews, detailed specifications, and approximate low prices for personal computer needs, this guide covers both Macintosh and IBM compatible computers, and a wide range of software from professional level to home packages including database, word processing, and financial programs. Also includes sections on product ratings and online services.Buying a Computer for dummies Dan Gookin's book. This author makes difficult material easier to absorb with a 'tad' touch of sarcasm aimed at computer corporations. An ideal reference for first-time computer buyers, upgraders, and readers looking to buy a second or third computer, this book includes tips and guidelines for deciding which system is best for readers, including desktops, laptops, handhelds, palmtops, WebTV, peripherals, and even Macintosh systems. "
Next, I went to the Internet for resources. I understood vaguely that I wanted a computer that geared more toward graphic design with some elements of wordprocessing. You need to know that if you have the opportunity to select a descent software bundle. Plus, you need to know how much memory your new computer will need. The NEED for a harddrive size is now graded to be 4 Gig at minimum. Out the gate, I went to
CNET. This is a great place to gather "now" information in simple to understand terms. If you visit, sign-in for their free e-mail. They give you updates from anti-viruses to the latest Internet Wow.
WHERE AM I GETTING MY NEXT COMPUTER?
There are a lot of name-brand computers that come with enough hoopla to make computing worthwhile. Contact their tech support with your treasure-trove of particular questions. How long before you hear back? If 24-hours, by e-mail. Good sign! If you can't get through by phone---are you that great at reassembling a computer?
I have a knack for finding the pesky glitches. Some folks buy for excellent service, alone. Yet, the affordable costs for a new computer narrows the focus for me. I'll keep watching for the latest at
What about a freebie? I don't buy into the bunk about the FREE COMPUTER. If you read the fine print, it says you sign your life away with some Internet hype for 3 or 4 years. Is the service for FULL Internet access and UNLIMITED Internet time? If not, you could be kissing away some of your favorites sites and newsgroups. Or, you could be only surfing for 20 hours a month and then be paying $1 an hour for extra service. Who needs that? What if do now, then later change the condition of your Internet service? I have swapped Internet providers three times in the last two years. When Internet Service Providers change their rates or want to charge by the hour, it is time to move on! According to these freebie deals, if you withdraw, they want $400, now. Do you have $400 ready to go out of your back pocket? Not me. Hm- does that mean that I can't afford their freebie? *G*
If you are still hungry for information on computer purchases, try the valuable links below. Yahoo went wild with covering as much as they could. Though for me, I prefer
