Next message: David G. Story: "[WinMac] Re: Monitor Problems"
At 2:20 PM -0600 3/14/00, Will Porter wrote:
>Here are my requirements.
My two cents...
First and foremost, as a "newbie" on the Wintel side, do
yourself a REALLY BIG FAVOR and buy a brand name with a nice support
contract (either from the manufacturer or the dealer). The extra $$
is worth any/all headaches you might find from a "build it yourself".
>2. The machine must run Windows NT. I'm doing work now in 4D, and the 4D
>compiler needs to be run under NT. Are there machines that COME with NT
>installed?
Yes, but most of them are server type configurations - so
you're talking more $$. Most of the big names have NT-based configs
(Dell, IBM, Compaq, etc.)
>3. In spite of the need to run NT, the networkability of this machine is not
>a critical issue for me. If it were possible for me to put it on my ethernet
>network and get web access at work, that would be great, but it's not
>critical.
Good, because ethernet is not usually standard equipment.
>4. I will naturally need a CD-ROM drive and probably a Zip drive as well.
Don't look too hard for a ZIP, it's not very common. Figure
on getting an external (USB).
>5. Other things being equal, I would prefer a laptop to a desktop box.
>Portability is important. I've noticed that there are IBM Thinkpads for
>under $1300. But it's more important that I get the right machine than that
>it be portable. Can I really get a lot more machine for the money if I buy a
>desktop box and a monitor than if I buy a laptop?
You can always get more power/features/etc. in a desktop than
a laptop for the same $$. Depends on where your priorities are.
>6. I use a Mac PowerBook G3 as my primary machine presently. (I have bunches
>of other Macs as well, servers, backup machines, etc., but the PowerBook is
>my main tool.) The PowerBook uses a trackpad/touchpad. If I were to get a PC
>notebook, I think I might prefer to use a trackpad on it as well, since I'm
>familiar with it. But obviously this is also not critical.
I ALWAYS tell people looking at laptops that you MUST try
them - the feel of the keyboard, the pointing device, etc. can vary
widely, If you can find a local dealer with a bunch of machines to
try out - do it!
>7. I have no idea about the difference between Pentium and Celeron
>processors and would be grateful if someone could steer me in the direction
>of info about them. I get the impression that Celeron is a "consumer"
>processor and Pentium is "for business," but to be honest, I don't find that
>distinction particularly meaningful.
That's a good non-tech description!
>8. I would like to get a machine that comes with some software on it,
>particularly Microsoft Office. Is this wishful thinking? This is the least
>important thing of all.
Most Wintel boxes include either the full Office, or at least
Word and then something like Works to address the rest of the pieces.
Leonard
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: Tue Mar 14 2000 - 15:50:22 PST