I need to purchase a new computer - mine just crashed on my job yesterday.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

When something stops working the way it's supposed to more than once, time for a new computer.

There was one reporter here that posted the link to a Dell laptop with all the bells and whistles she just bought.  I can't find that discussion now.  I wanted to buy what she bought but now can't find where that discussion is.  Anyone have any idea what I'm talking about?

Were were talking about getting great audio with computers and what works best.

[Janet]

 

I was looking at computers in Best Buy today.  I can't figure out why the ultrabooks are so expensive.  Yes, they're thin and light, but you get way less memory and a much smaller hard drive, no CD/DVD drive.  They're close to $1,000 and they're more like a netbook.  The loaded laptops are $350 to $700. 

[Quyen]

The ultrabooks are more expensive 'cause they're the new "it" girl in town: super thin, very lightweight and very sleek/sexy-looking.  :D

Also, they have solid-state hard drives, which make for much faster boot/wakeup time and no hard-drive noise, which make them very quiet.

A lot of them don't have separate mic/headphone jacks, though, which I don't really like.  I imagine we'd have to spend some time finding a good USB mic for them if the internal mic is not so good, which seems most laptops are the not-so-good variety.

I've been wanting one myself.  Just waiting for them to get a little cheaper.

[Janet]

 

Okay, they are pretty and sexy.  :)

 

I can't justify paying that much when computers have come down so much.  I think I'll stick with the older, dependable, heavier girl for now.   I can't imagine they'll stay at those prices long. 

[Quyen]

Lol @ older, heavier girl!  :D

You think $1K+ is a lot to pay for a laptop? Nowadays, yes, definitely. Well, when I was in CR school, I bagged the newest, hottest, biggest, baddest Dell girl in town . . . for a mere $4K+!!! :O

Give it another six months to a year; the prices will definitely come down.

[Janet]

 

$4,000 is nothing compared to the Baron Oz dinosaur I bought when they first came out with CAT systems.  It was worthless at the end.

[Quyen]

If you're a victim of instant gratification, as I sometimes am, you could pick up the HP ultrabook for about $850 at Costco online. It has gotten pretty good reviews, better than the Dell ultrabook.  I really love the backlit keyboard features, something that's been on my wish list for years.

[Alice Clark]

I think my Baron Data system was $16,000, which included the $3000 or so for the humongous printer.  So that was the computer and the printer and the TX writer, I think.  How crazy was that?

[Janet]

 

I think the system I had was $32,000.  It was a four-person Oz that I bought with another reporter.  I remember the screaming, loud printer, Alice, and the burster and decollator.  Wow, have things come a long way!  I complain if the fan on my computer is too loud now.

[Quyen]

Omg, you guys!  Those are insanely expensive!  I don't know how you managed to afford them in the first place.  My head is spinning!

[Deborah M.]

Janet and Quyen, I have that same hub.  I tried to use it without plugging it in, but after a few minutes my Eclipse key wasn't being recognized.  I have four things plugged into it -- Andrea USB mic, Eclipse key, mini external keyboard, and flash drive for backing up when I'm done.  It works great as long as it's plugged in. Oh, and sometimes I plug in my phone charger cord (iPhone).  Scored points the other day when atty's phone died and I offered my charger.  She was so impressed (not sure why, but I"ll take it!)

[Quyen]

It has always recognized my key.  Only when I've had my writer plugged into the hub that I've had it stop recognizing the writer.  So weird.

[Kathrynne Campos-Gil]

Curious. Why not an IBM? IBMs last a long time. Why purchase a laptop that will only last a couple of years? I want to buy another laptop this weekend. You have me second guessing my original choice.