It is not the desk top on its way out but the lap top being replaced by the 
smart phone.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Christopher Chaltain" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2011 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] For those requesting it - anyone responding to 
Deborah's question


> There's lot of good information here, but I would just mention two
> things. Although I suppose it's possible, I've never seen a warranty
> invalidated by swapping ram in a laptop. I guess you should keep an eye
> out for that, but to be honest with you, I never would have even thought
> to look for something like that. It's probably moot though, since I
> don't think Deborah will be swapping out ram herself.
>
> I also wouldn't say that desktops are on their way out. It's true that
> laptops are out selling desktops and that tablets are becoming more and
> more popular, but just because there is a smaller market for desktops
> doesn't mean they're on their way out. I'd focus more on what you'll be
> using your system for and buy the system that best meets your needs.
> Desktop systems will be around for quite a while.
>
> On 17/07/11 12:07, Michael D. wrote:
>> Hello List,
>> One item that I haven't seen mentioned is the processor type.  I have 
>> moved
>> up to a Dual Core processor.  One can get a Quad Core, but unless one 
>> needs
>> a very high level processor, it will not be worth the cost.  One other 
>> thing
>> to check on is What is the maximum ram that the motherboard can support. 
>> If
>> the motherboard will only support 4 GB, then it can't be upgraded to 8 
>> GB.
>> Another item is that changing the ram later may VOID the manufacturer
>> Warranty.  Just something to think about.  As is noted below in the email 
>> to
>> Deborah, doing some research on the Web and asking questions until you
>> understand what will be best for you is the biggest cost saving measure 
>> that
>> can be done.  Finding a computer that will do what you need today and 
>> next
>> year is a critical element in the decision.  I can't afford to buy a
>> computer today and then in six months to find out that it doesn't do what 
>> I
>> need, so another computer would be needed.  Foresight is a key
>> consideration.
>>
>> I would definitely go with a laptop.  Desktops are on their way out, as 
>> the
>> laptops have become just as powerful.  There a lot of good brands 
>> available.
>> I have purchased Dell computers for many years.  The VA is using the HP
>> computers, so I will be researching HP the next time I need a computer.
>> Windows 7 is fun to get started with, but there is a setting in JAWS that
>> will bypass the Ribbons so that is not an issue.  I would go with the  64
>> bit version.  It will still run 32 bit programs.  The cost is always a 
>> major
>> factor, but think about what you may need next month, next year.  One key
>> element to really think about is getting a 2 year warranty at minimum.  I
>> would also suggest at least 4 GB ram if not 8 GB.  The most cost saving
>> thing that you can do is go through the websites for the different
>> manufactures and then ask questions until you understand what will be 
>> best
>> for you.  Each of us have different needs and requirements, so what works
>> well for one, may be overkill or very lacking for someone else.
>>
>> You may also want to subscribe to the [log in to unmask] 
>> group.
>> I have also found this one to also be very helpful when dealing with 
>> Windows
>> 7.  It is a little tighter on subject matter as it is limited to just
>> Windows 7 related issues.
>>
>> I will be glad to be of assistance, if I can.  I am not a whiz kid, but I 
>> am
>> a striving protégé. I did months of research before I bought my last
>> computer.  It does take some work, but the return on your time spent will 
>> be
>> well worth it.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
>> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mike Pietruk
>> Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 7:28 AM
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] anyone responding to Deborah's question
>>
>> Personally, my wife and I have had positive experiences from Dell both
>> with pcs and their customer service which is second to none.
>> People are far too concerned with what preloaded software may be on a
>> machine which can be easily ignored or removed if needed.
>> Space on a hd is so huge these days as this hardly matters in my
>> estimation.
>>
>> As for Deborahs asking about laptop vs desktop, I would only note that
>> historically laptops don't seem to have the longevity as a desktop.
>> This may not matter much for the casual user; but if you work hours a day
>> with a pc, I would consider this.
>> Personally, I like having both for different situations.
>>
>> I'd be looking more at things like the types of connectors a pc has, how
>> many, amount of ram, and things like that.
>> I make heavy use of an external drive so for me, at least, a huge hd 
>> isn't
>> a key; but for others, it may understandably be.
>>
>> As for Christopher's point of installing additional ram himself, that
>> might work well for someone like him who is comfortable in doing so.  I 
>> am
>> guessing that Deborah may not want to touch the inside of her pc; and if
>> she goes with a laptop, additional ram may be not so easy to install
>> later.
>>
>> As for a laptop, consider battery life and whether or not an extended 
>> life
>> battery is available.  If it is, it's probably worth the cost in the
>> long-run.
>>
>> There are no right or wrong answers to this whole purchase thing; just
>> opinions.  more than likely, whatever she buys, she will be satisfied
>> along with some post-decision regrets in the process.
>>
>> Perhaps the best route to take is getting the greatest bang for the buck
>> and convenient servicing if needed.
>> An extended warranty, particularly if supplied directly by the
>> manufacturer and including on site service, may be a lifesaver.
>> This may be especially true for a blind person if quick transportation is
>> an issue.
>>
>> And, oh yes, one of the things we liked about Dell customer service is
>> that when once we had an issue, a tech was able to remotely fix it thanks
>> to some of their software.
>>
>> Good luck, and more than likely, you will make a good choice and be
>> satisfied.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> When God does the work, nothing is impossible.
>> Pastor Chuck Smith, Calvary Bible Chahpel, Costa Mesa, CA
>>
>>
>>     VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>>
>>
>>     VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>
>
> -- 
> Christopher (CJ)
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
> Archived on the World Wide Web at
>    http://listserv.icors.org/archives/vicug-l.html
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>    Subscribe: [log in to unmask] 


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