Computers, what to buy?

conikal

galumay wrote:

If you do want a laptop then the build quality in a Mac means they dont have the same problems that the other brands have, sure you will pay a little more but its good value in the end.

That may well be your experience, and they may not have the SAME problems,... but both the MacBooks that have been bought in our household had to be returned within a year due to major faults. At least the Apple service /warranty is hassle free now that Apple stores are local. From a user point of view there is not much in it, but there is a much wider choice of PC/windows based kit, and the prices of Apple gear is always a shock !

hiphipharar

galumay wrote:

Seriously, just get yourself an iMac if you want a desktop, no need for anti-virus software, no cables other than the power cable, no ugly box, just the panel with everything inside. If you do want a laptop then the build quality in a Mac means they dont have the same problems that the other brands have, sure you will pay a little more but its good value in the end. Learning OSX is not an issue at all, ask anyone that has a Mac.

I'm not anti-Mac. I've been using Apples and Macs long before I used MS and Android based computers. I can relate to much of what you write. But in terms of value-for-money, I think a Windows-based computer is better. The days of the beige box have long gone and you can buy some good looking hardware. There are even brands that make an all-in-one machine like the iMac but could be $500 or more cheaper. I've bought two Toshiba and Lenovo since 2005 and they are all still running strong (the oldest now confined to roasting monitor duties) so reliability isn't that much a factor. It is true that you are very unlikely to be affected by malware using a Mac but they are not immune. If the software you intend to run is Windows-based then again Windows is the smart move. Yes, you can buy/obtain software to allow you to run Windows on a Mac (Boot Camp, Parallels, VMWare) but unless there is a compelling reason to want to run OSX, why bother? Suggestion: have a budget in mind and buy the best, most up-to-date computer you can. I believe in buying a little more than what you need now as it will future-proof it. Unless you know something about computers, buy a known brand with a good warranty from a company that will still be around for a couple of years. I'm going to have a crack at building my own computer next time. I changed ny mother board last year and that wasn't hard.

UNM

I'd say if it is for general net usage, the operating system is pretty unimportant. Apple does generally have good quality, but so do most other hardware manufacturers these days. Sure you can buy extended warranty for $150 or so, but since a decent net browsing PC costs no more than $300, why would you? One thing though - windows does tend to have virus problems, plenty free antivirus software, but linux and OSX are MUCH less prone to attacks. I suggest buying something other than newest/fastest/expensive unless you really need it. Even then, you probably don't REALLY need it. Whatever you buy will be outdated in a year or two, but will be way ahead of what you have now. Value for money - a used desktop from a reputable company that sells ex-government PCs completely reloaded with base software. e.g. http://www.reboot-it.com.au/used-dell-optiplex-780-quad-core-q9400-2.66ghz-4gb-160gb-dvdrw-windows-7-computer-cheap.html Although occasionally cash back offers from manufacturers can make new pcs more attractive.

C-man

with a budget of 1K It is either a new desktop with a large screen or a 1yo used I MAC http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mooloolaba/desktops/imac-a1419-27-desktop-december-2012-latest-model-customiz/1024079719 this one is close by

Ol_Grumpy

So how's that C-Man?... Clear as Mud eh? If we weren't on a Coffee Forum I'd say that is about the most contentious question you could possibly ask? It used to be Holden or Ford?, but Ford has packed up it's toy box and gone home... And just for my 2c worth... I love my iPad, love it, love it, love it... It does all of the things you said you wanted your computer to do. I see they come in 128 Gig now.... That's an awful lot of goodness right there.... There is an app for everything and another app for everything else.... I hear you say it won't run MYOB???.... Bulls$&t... Sorry I sneezed... I use an offsite serving company (cloud based) for MYOB and for $50- a month I can access my MYOB from any computer anywhere in the World... IPad included... Safari is your friend and Chrome will be a good mate if you prefer the Alien variety.... With Pandora I have free streamed music.... With google office you have full word pressing, spreadsheet access. My printer is wireless. I press print on my iPad and it prints out up to full colour A3 duplex.... If I get sick of the screen keyboard I have a fullsized Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.... Although the mouse is good for nothing, I still like to have it near.... as my 'security' mouse..... I like to hold it, it feels nice.... Ok, there is a compromise in the screen size, but with the new iPads there is no compromise in the screen quality... It is superb! And the way the so called 'Smart' tv's are going well your iPad can display right on your TV screen.... Big 'G' the man to point you in the right direction there.... Seriously, unless you have a specific reason to have to have a desktop, you really don't 'need' one anymore... Regardless, I would say get an iPad.... No joke, just like a mobile phone, you will wonder how you ever got along without it...

Ol_Grumpy

C-man wrote:

basically All we do is surf the net, read a lot send and receive emails and watch movies.

Seriously, get an iPad! Run the movie through the TV and home Hi-Fi. Nothing you tack on a computer for $100- will compete wit that. I have a little Logitech rechargeable stereo speaker that I literally clip onto the top of the iPad.... The sound is very, very pleasant... Adele bleeds her heart out to me all the time... Get an iPad, I promise you won't regret it.....

Brett_H

galumay wrote:

Seriously, just get yourself an iMac if you want a desktop, no need for anti-virus software, no cables other than the power cable, no ugly box, just the panel with everything inside. If you do want a laptop then the build quality in a Mac means they dont have the same problems that the other brands have, sure you will pay a little more but its good value in the end. Learning OSX is not an issue at all, ask anyone that has a Mac.

Actually.... I have to agree. It hurts me as a wintel user since 1995 but El's Mac purchased from G is the best computer we've ever owned. It's also NOT the most recent :/

C-man

I mac definitely has the look we are after 27" would be sleek would it crazy to get a slightly used one, too risky? Most PCs only live about 4 years at best. also there is the rust issue on the beach here.

UNM

C-man wrote:

I mac definitely has the look we are after 27" would be sleek would it crazy to get a slightly used one, too risky? Most PCs only live about 4 years at best. also there is the rust issue on the beach here.

seriously risky buying private (so should be seriously cheap, but often isn't). Buy used from a reputable company, no problem. Lots of apple units get traded because a lot of apple addicts need the latest on the day it is released or as soon after as funds allow. If lifetime is 4 years, then definitely look at something other than latest and greatest. I see no need at all to pay more than $300 for the PC unless you want apple, in which case double it and add a couple hundy. screen will be another $200-400 for a 27". Hope all these differing opinions are helping. clear as mud yet?

galumay

Whats your budget C-Man, I can do cost for cremas. (margin isnt great so it wont be a huge discount) Another option is an Apple refurb, http://store.apple.com/au/product/FC814/refurbished-imac-27-inch-31ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5

Koffee_Kosmo

galumay wrote:

Whats your budget C-Man, I can do cost for cremas. (margin isnt great so it wont be a huge discount) Another option is an Apple refurb, http://store.apple.com/au/product/FC814/refurbished-imac-27-inch-31ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5

Oooo I like that one Chris at Barazi has one of those - or one with the largest screen Is that the biggest screen ? KK

UNM

Koffee Kosmo wrote:

Is that the biggest screen ? KK

Nope, someone will always promise they can deliver a bigger one. Question is, how much does size matter (beyond a certain level)? And on the topic of computers, a 55" TV makes a perfectly adequate display using HDMI.

C-man

I cant see spending more than 1K because nothing lasts here on the beach anyway with the rust.

hiphipharar

Most computer parts are made from aluminum, plastic or painted steel, so rust isn't going to be a problem. With a $1K budget, you could get a brand new computer with the almost the same specs as the refurbished iMac and have change. Example (not an endorsement for this product/company. They appear to be Qld-based with a shop in Maroochydore). I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

Jonty

hiphipharrar wrote:

I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

I've never laughed so hard in my life.... Agree you won't be a mac under 1k but you get what you pay for... An old motto but one that has stood the times!! Wife brought a reconditioned MacAir 13" from apple for 1.2k, brilliant kit and swears it made her Dip Ed degree a piece of cake. Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in.. Good luck with your choice!

hiphipharar

Jonty wrote:

I've never laughed so hard in my life.... Agree you won't be a mac under 1k but you get what you pay for... An old motto but one that has stood the times!! Wife brought a reconditioned MacAir 13" from apple for 1.2k, brilliant kit and swears it made her Dip Ed degree a piece of cake. Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in. Good luck with your choice!

Spoken like a true phanboi 😛 . Is the inference here that your wife would not have had as easy a time on a PC I'm willing to bet that $1.2K exceeds C-man's budget but I see that you can get the same computer for less than $1K now.

Jonty

Sorry hip.... I had a iMAC, iPad and Apple TV before we brought the macair lappy..... Security & viruses was why I got away from PC dribble... I hate my PC at work but such is the clunky life of windoz :stir Cman, it's like cannon versus Nikon for cameras, & if you have a budget of 1k then PC land it is....

UNM

Jonty wrote:

Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in..

PCs don't need anti virus software either. Not if you choose the right operating system Still need to be cautious with downloads though as Trojans can affect all operating systems. Love this thread. So many opinions and everyone is convinced their opinion is correct. Obviously that can't be true.

C-man

hiphipharrar wrote:

Most computer parts are made from aluminum, plastic or painted steel, so rust isn't going to be a problem. With a $1K budget, you could get a brand new computer with the almost the same specs as the refurbished iMac and have change. Example (not an endorsement for this product/company. They appear to be Qld-based with a shop in Maroochydore). I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

The motherboard always rusts here and then the ports stop working, my last PC the one barely working now I had built by my tech friend, he rust proofed the inside of the box and put in a bigger quiet fan But the ports are attached to the motherboard and it has rusted and some ports are no longer working. It has served me well and only coast about $450 to have him build it. U mart has them even cheaper now and I can order extra ram or a bigger processor for just $20 each more. they also sell large screens If budget allowed I would rather have an I Mac. 27" I dislike the idea of resource hungry windows and all the viruses If I do go PC I should look into Linux or other operating systems I asked here on this forum because I know there are lots of computer guys here.

C-man

I would really like some help with the picture side of things.. What do I want there? Graphics? HD my understanding is limited. I would really like the best picture within my budget and would be happy to sacrifice some processing power in favor of picture quality if necessary.

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