There is a new article on Yahoo! Tech this month titled When Is It Time To Get a New PC? The author lists 5 reasons you might consider buying a new computer. Here’s a quick paraphrase, followed by my own tips for determining when its time to ditch the dinosaur and splurge on a new machine…
The Working Guy says you should buy a new computer when:
- Something dies, and its more expensive to replace/repair than to just buy a new computer - or at least a new tower.
- The software and/or Operating System you want to run isnt compatible with your older system.
- You have already tweaked your hardware and software to the max, and still cant get your system to run fast enough to suit you.
- The hardware or peripherals you really want arent compatible with your computer.
- You’re a gamer. Enough said - if you are a gamer its always time for a newer, faster computer.
I’ll add to that list with my own 3 reasons to seriously considering buying a new computer for the home office…
- You have a nagging gut feeling that its time. This sensation often turns into a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach called REGRET if you dont pay attention to it.
- You want a new computer. Hey - what better reason to buy one?!
- The year is coming to an end, and running a home-based business with very low overhead… you realize that you could really use the tax deductions
Years ago I owned an electronics shop and would do ‘custom builds’, mainly for gamers (I was into network gaming myself at the time). But these days I have no desire to take a screwdriver to my computer, and have gotten in the habit of ordering complete systems from Dell.com.
In fact, I just bought 2 a couple of weeks ago. My son is a gamer, and not just a player but also into game development. And my own system is still running great, but I was getting that nagging gut feeling.
I had just recently ordered a new laptop from Dell, because they ran an incredible one-day special for $499 that was just too good to pass up. However, it came with Windows Vista. And while I am slowly getting used to it… I just dont get excited about having to make that switch across the board.
So when Zack and I decided to ‘go computer shopping’, we hopped on Dell.com with high hopes that perhaps we could get refurbished systems that still had XP. We got even luckier, and found a link on their site where they were still selling brand new computer systems with the XP operating system - Sold!
If you have been holding off on a new computer because you didnt want Windows Vista, be sure to do a search on Dell.com for “xp system” and check out the deals they have there.
I imagine you can get on their mailing list at the website. I am on their mailing list from past purchases, but if you can sign up at the site I would highly recommend it. You’ll get notice of one-day specials (like the new laptop for $499) as well as coupon codes and other special offers.
If you are in the market for a new computer right now, you might want to wait a few weeks and do your shopping on Black Friday. In fact, that’s a great time to buy ANY electronics you are considering. Last year I got an incredible deal on my dual monitors. This year I am planning to buy a new television. If you can stand to wait a few weeks, you could save hundreds
Best,
Tags: dell, coupon codes, windows xp, windows vista
19 responses so far ↓
Stephanie // Oct 27, 2007 at 11:00 am
It’s amazing how accurate the nagging feeling can be. I’ve had that nagging urge to do a good backup of a computer many times before it crashed.
Lynn Terry // Oct 27, 2007 at 12:09 pm
I know what you mean. As I mentioned, that’s the reason I went ahead and bought that one 2 weeks ago… and I didnt have it set up yet, but was glad I had it when my current system went on the blink this week! (whew!)
Stefani // Oct 27, 2007 at 3:07 pm
I just had to buy myself a new laptop a few months ago. It does have Vista though, so far not really any problems with learning the new OS.
Lynn Terry // Oct 27, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Me either really. Its a little different, but not too bad…
Tsoniki // Oct 27, 2007 at 11:46 pm
I bought a laptop this past spring - I did a full backup of my desktop and started using the laptop more. Six weeks later the desktop completely died - BUT I had all of my files and such. The new one does have vista but I don’t mind it too much.
Fione - eOneNet // Oct 28, 2007 at 2:41 am
I’m quite lazy so i leave my laptops in the different offices and here are what i currently own as laptops:-
a) Apple iBook
- fun for photos and hardly any viruses
b) Sony Vaio
- sleek but expensive replacement parts as i just had to change its motherboard (after it died in front of 200 guests at an event) for US$600 or so
c) Asus
- latest one just purchased 1 month ago, and very very light using a Vista function but even after the upgrade it’s still really slow (expensive, about US$2,500)
And as long as you remember to back up the files in a hard disk then a simple laptop is good enough.
Rgds Fione
http://www.eOneNet.com
Chris Jacobson // Oct 28, 2007 at 10:00 pm
My current system is one I bought in 2004. It’s a 3.0 GHz with 1 GB of RAM. It was working great up until July when the motherboard caught fire and also fried the video card. I took it to a local place I know of and they were able to put in a new motherboard and video card for $400. I’ve since installed Vista Ultimate and everything seems to be running fine. Except for the fact that the fan is super loud and constantly running at full speed. I’ll get a new system soon I’m hoping - possibly after Christmas.
Tishia Lee // Oct 28, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I was having major computer issues (freezing up on me) for several months straight but I just didn’t have it in my budget to get a new computer. Then it started freezing up anywhere from 2-3 times a day on me and finally had to bite the bullet and get a new one (I am so happy with it & wish I would of bought it sooner….LOL). I got one from Dell.com and purchased it through their outlet department and it was a ’scratch & ding’ one but am happy to say that there were no scratches or dings when I received it and most of all - it did not have Vista on it
David // Oct 29, 2007 at 2:54 am
I’m a PC guy myself…from way back. My first computer was an X86, IBM’s first personal computer with a whopping 30 MB hard drive. Who would ever need more, right? I’ve had many PC’s since then, all running windows. And yes, I have one with Vista.
However….I finally had it. I was done with the blue screens, lost data, reboots 3 or 4 times a day and all the stress of such a clunky OS.
I gave in and just went to the other side and bought myself a Mac. I was instantly hooked.
My only question for myself has been, why the heck did I wait so long?? I have no plans to ever buy a PC again. It’s Mac for me going forward. It’s an amazing computing experience that if you haven’t already give it a try, you must.
Now, with the release of Leopard OSX, there is nothing out there that comes close to what this OS can do. Windows Vista is generations behind already.
All this from a die-hard PC guy (who now uses them as doorstops!)
Lynn Terry // Oct 29, 2007 at 5:28 am
I’ve heard that from other people too, David - I’m absolutely going to have to give it a try myself one day soon!
Robert Nelson // Oct 29, 2007 at 2:17 pm
David, my question is how do you justify the price?
Or put another way is it really that much better?
Wouldn’t the right version of Linux do much the same?(At considerably less cost).Please do not misunderstand I’m not anti-mac(and in point of fact my brother loves his mac)just asking questions
Best Internet Affiliate Program - Making-You-Richer // Oct 29, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Lynn,
Right now, I need a new PC. My reason is that 1) My PC old and slower to handle current workload. 2) Even right now, the power pack got blown about 3 hours ago.
It must be changed. Any has similar reason as mine?
Lynn Terry // Oct 29, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Plenty of times over the last 10+ years
lol
Once my power supply blew during an unexpected storm, and it was late Friday evening. I lived in a cabin hours away from the city (and any computer stores) and nobody would be open until Monday anyway.
I performed the surgery myself… and from that point forward the box was named Frankenstein lol.
Robert // Oct 29, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Just so I understand, you actually opened up and repaired a power supply? Kudos to you. I have replaced power supplies, but the need to actually work on a blown one hasn’t happened and while the voltages inside aren’t as bad as say the Corona Power supply used in Photocopiers you could still get a good jolt prehaps even a lethal one
Lynn Terry // Oct 29, 2007 at 7:37 pm
Oh no no - I swapped out power supplies. I have a funny story about that posted on Mike’s forum if you want a good laugh:
http://www.im4newbies.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=25470
Maher Dosoqi // Oct 29, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Myself, I never like to buy any Branded Computer.. unless it’s a Laptop, ofcourse
Since 1994, I have been “Assembling My Own Customized PCs”.. yes, I know every single peice of hardware in my computer.
I usually do this every couple a years or when my Mainboard burns out
Not much into games, but love the High Performance Systems that always load my Photoshop & Other Development Tools in few seconds.
Having a High Capacity Memory Module is more important than the Processor Itself.. for me!.. but I usually upgrade both of them at the same time.
Concerning my Hard Disks, Old one becomes a Secondary Backup Device!
Lynn Terry // Oct 29, 2007 at 9:41 pm
I used to do the same, Maher. I just lost interest in it when I closed the shop… and even more so when prices dropped out the bottom on Dells. I have been very pleased with their systems, by the way - easy to do custom upgrades, such as new video cards for dual monitors, etc.
johnny // Dec 10, 2007 at 10:18 am
Thank you very much for the Tips. I actually under the assumption that it will cost me more to start of my own home based business. Now I feel little relaxing. When I happen to check those sites which are really informative on Home Based Business, I came across a web site which gives Tips on Home Based Business just like your Blog. I think today is my Lucky day as I have got what I want.
JH Saw // Mar 11, 2008 at 8:26 am
Just bought a laptop last week… Toshiba, nice, recommended for those who is looking for a laptop…
Regards,
Mr JH Saw
http://www.blastsg.com
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