Help amigos...my old computer who has been nursed back to health too many times is on it's way to PC heaven after years of loyal service. Now all you
nerds out there...I need some advice here...I'm "peso strapped" at the moment and would like some suggestions of how and what computer to look
for....is used OK...I do alot of photo work and need space and some speed would be nice too. Anyone out there have a used model I could buy that would
serve our needs? thanks nomads...
Cheap Computers ?
MrBillM - 2-11-2008 at 09:54 AM
IF you're interested in the BEST Buy and can order from U.S. sources, www.tigerdirect.com, my personal favorite for years, has both Desktop and Laptop Factory Refurbished computers with XP Pro Operating Systems
starting at below $200 w/o monitor.
Over the years, I've bought numerous Refurbs from them with no problems. The last two being an IBM Netvista Desktop for $199 and an HP D530 for the
same price. The HP seems to be the better deal of the two. Both are in service and working well.
Coincidentally, the latest issue of either PC World or PC Magazine (I take both) has an article rating Tigerdirect.com and NewEgg.com as the two BEST
computer vendors and resellers.
They have great deals on New Computers, too, starting around $300 w/o monitor. Win XP still available. You can avoid Vista. That's another bonus.Hook - 2-11-2008 at 10:05 AM
I doubt I'll ever buy another computer that isn't a laptop. Too versatile with almost none of the drawbacks that laptops used to have (lack of
storage, slower CPU speed, lack of interfacing connectors). Of course, I dont mind lugging around a 17inch one around; some may. So, monitor size isnt
a problem for me.
Tigerdirect is a great source. Avoiding Vista is also good advice.fdt - 2-11-2008 at 10:10 AM
shari, you need to do what we did as we are also peso straped, get a computer from Telmex, $0.00 pesos down and monthly payments on your phone bill.
There is really a huge selection and we also found that that way you get the top of the line.
I would recomend this one for you and its only $200 pesos per month, at todays rate you are looking at about $18 dollars.
It comes complete with everything you might need and a lot more.
Procesador Intel® Celeron® 215
Disco duro de 80 GB y 1 GB de RAM
Quemador de CD
Windows Vista Starter
Monitor CRT de 17”
1 año de garantía
Con cargo en tu Recibo TELMEX:
13 mensualidades de $ 528
24 mensualidades de $ 299
36 mensualidades de $ 211Roberto - 2-11-2008 at 10:17 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Tigerdirect is a great source. Avoiding Vista is also good advice.
Why is that?shari - 2-11-2008 at 10:30 AM
Mr.Bill...you may be right on that...why have all the clutter of a big computer...do others agree that a laptop is the way to go? What are the
drawbacks...can you get those on that tiger site too? hmmm...thanks all for the advise...in informed decision is a good thing!bajabound2005 - 2-11-2008 at 10:48 AM
We have a Dell "desktop replacement" with 17" monitior, Inspiron model. It's fantastic. We travel with it and use it to watch DVDs; heck you can
even hook up cable to it for TV. Lots of storage space, too. But, it ain't cheap...might be some refurbs out there, though.
[Edited on 2-11-2008 by bajabound2005]
Laptops
capitolkat - 2-11-2008 at 11:25 AM
The last two of my computers have been laptops after HP desktops, Dell desktops, and I'm about to get a new sony varios with biometric security
system. I'l never buy another desktop as the newer laptops have all the storage capacity you could need and the speed with 3 plus gigs is great- carry
it everywhere-
Like Dell, but am willing to try Sony due to lots of support from associates who think they are the best ever and they all had Dell before sony.
Can't help on the refurbished question-fdt - 2-11-2008 at 11:26 AM
telmex has a wide selection of laptops also if that is what you decide on.baja-spirit - 2-11-2008 at 12:12 PM
I have a new dell laptop and I like the laptop aspect but I hate Vista.
I really think you would be happier with a computer that doesn't run Vista.
That's just my opinion or should I say my 2 cents...Barry A. - 2-11-2008 at 12:29 PM
Opinion from my computer Guru son--------
"Vista - don't like it myself, wish they never put it out, but they did. To shy away from it is a mistake though. XP wont be supported by Microsoft
(it's only supported now in terms of patching security holes) and you will be out of date and dealing with having to upgrade to Vista within a year."
barryHook - 2-11-2008 at 12:35 PM
The three major drawbacks are:
1-not as secure from theft as most desktops. You will eventually be forced to leave it in your car at some point. Make allowances for this in your
vehicle.
2-not very user friendly for upgrading or replacing a specific device that might fail.
3-still a slight premium in price over similar capabilites in a desktop. But the difference has come way down.
Roberto, I assume you mean the "avoiding Vista" part. No first hand experience. It's just what the Windows savvy people I know have told me. I have
always liked XP, anyway.meme - 2-11-2008 at 12:39 PM
Shari,
I have a new HP laptop on it's`way (with my daughter) as we speak. She already has one just like this one & says she dont find dealing with Vista
such a Big problem but it is different than we are all used to. I will keep you posted on my experiences with it as it goes. Have some friends that
have Vista & say it just takes getting used to it. Others say "No WAy" so order a Dell with XP as they don't like what they hear about Vista.
So guess it's a "to each his own" issue?
memegibson - 2-11-2008 at 12:43 PM
laptop for all reasons stated above
Toshiba ... the 'toyota' of laptops
vista is fine for your application (as long as you have at least 1GB RAM)
avoid DELL imo
enjoy & salutAcuity - 2-11-2008 at 01:10 PM
Is it still the case that you can bring laptops into Mexico without problems at customs, but not desktops?baja-spirit - 2-11-2008 at 01:14 PM
Acuity, we have hauling our PC's down to Baja for the last 10yrs or so. Never had a problem. They would be in the cab right behind the driver seat.
I now have a laptop we take but hubby still hauls his PC down each time. No problemo...Sharksbaja - 2-11-2008 at 01:28 PM
I think you will be lucky if you can find any recently refurbished units running XP.
Like Mr Bill said, Vista has problems.
I love owning a laptop with all the groovey stuff you can do with it. I have a big HP unit and despite it's thickness and weight it has performed
pretty well. I regularly "Baja test" it.
The downside is the inability to upgrade internal hardware features. You can't just pop in more ram or a bigger HD. That means if you need more
memory storage you need external sticks or hardware. That's no problem if you don't mind stuff hanging off the sides of your unit.
Oh yeah, when you get a new unit, make sure it's got DVD "burn" capability, not just "read" capability. DVDs hold much more data than CDs.Bajamatic - 2-11-2008 at 02:18 PM
Do yourself the biggest favor you possibly can with regards to a personal computer and get a Mac - you will never go back - I promise. Even my old
man (a corporate financial VP) has made the switch and can't believe its as good and/or easy as it is. Since the release of the ultra thin model, you
will be able to buy powerbooks and substantial discounts online - I suggest a used or refurbished one from Ebay.Iflyfish - 2-11-2008 at 02:48 PM
I have both PC and Laptop. Mrsfish is Apple.
In your situation I would recommend staying away from Apple. They often change their systems and do not support old applications.
I have seen and used your current PC.
There are advantages to having a work station as you do: Think about your use. Do you want to change your use? Laptops are very handy and do not take
up as much space. New ones have good screen size and excellent resolution. 1 gig Ram is essential for speedy processing of images. Vista is ok for
your use, I have it, experience a bit more lockups but not a lot more than with XP. I like XP but most new puters are bundled with Vista. Laptops are
easier to drop, misplace, spill on, get lost or stolen.
Computers like yours are relatively easy to upgrade and add hardware. I am not suggesting that you upgrade your current PC as it is old and really
outdated. However the sort of PC that you have now is easy to add parts to, much easier than a laptop. You can get more computer for your money going
with a PC as you are not paying for the portability.
Parts are not very expensive for a land unit and the Tiger Direct resource is excellent. You always run the risk of damage to a laptop in remote,
dusty, salty enviorments and you might want to consider that as part of your mix.
The advantages of a laptop are of course it's portability. There are however batteries that need to be charged and replaced over time and it is hard
to "upgrade" the hardware.
I have a Toshiba Satellite for the road, it's my second and it is relatively bullit proof. The new Toshiba Satellites come with Vista, which I too
have problems with but not insurmountable. I doubt that with your use that it would be a big problem for you. The Satellite also comes with a dual
core processor and does really well finding and hooking up to wifi hotspots. This is a wonderful feature on the road.
We use our laptop as a DVD player on the road with powered external speakers and really like it. The resolution of the DVD is finer on a computer as
the reader processes data faster than a DVD/TV set up.
Power. Computers are sensitive to power shifts and it is important to have a good surge protector for either a laptop or PC. If you have a PC it would
just stay attached to your computer. Clean your PC fans, filters etc often, you are in a dusty enviorment with pets. Heat is the enemy of computers.
You are in a dusty and salty enviorment with pets and it is very important to "blow out" dust and detritis that accumulates on fans, filters etc and
this is particularly true of computers that are stored on the ground. Heat and dust enemies of computers.
Ultimately you will probably want both a laptop and PC. Being on the road for 4-6 months of the year I have started to use my laptop as my sole
computer.
Sharks is right about burn capacity and storeage. I have purchased and now religiously use an external HD, about $100, to back up my laptop. I had the
horrible experience of my first toshiba burning itself up in Arizona and had to hire a guru to save what he could off my HD. Make it a habit of
backing up your PC and Laptop on an external hard drive. You might want to purchase a high capacity external hard drive now in order to insure that
your current files etc. will not be lost in the transition.
Programs:
I use Windows Live OneCare to automaticaly download fixes and upgrades to my computer. Easy to use and takes care of many maintenance issues
automatically, reminds me to periodicaly download files to external HD. It comes automatically on a trial basis with a new Toshiba Satellite. I
researched laptops before buying and the characterization of the Toshiba Satellite as a Toyota is a good one. There are laptops with more bells and
whistles, but the Toshiba is a reliable workhorse.
I also use a good spyware (Webroot Spy Sweeper)and seperate virus program (Windows LIve OneCare) to protect from unwanted guests.
Knowing you and your use I would suggest that you bite the bullit and get the best you can get as you will tend to have this for a long time. Get as
much HD space as you can with as much RAM as you can afford. You will be amazed at the amount of HD you will use over time. And don't forget to invest
in a high capacity external hard drive to keep your files secure off you computer. At some time you will need this and will kick yourself heartily if
you have not backed up your files. We are all one spilled cup of coffee or drop of our laptop away from wiping out our hard drives.
Hope this helps.
IflyfishIflyfish - 2-11-2008 at 02:57 PM
In regards to Bajamatic's comments about Apple. Mrsfish loves her Apple and when it comes to image processing, there is no better. I do however watch
her needing to buy new computers frequently, three now, when Apple moves to a new operating system and no longer supports prior releases.
I have found on the road that I have fewer problems connecting to the internet with my Toshiba Satellite than Mrsfish does with her Apple.
I don't want to rekindle the Apple/PC wars here and those who have Apples seem to love them, Mrsfish and her buddies sure love theirs. I can tell you
that traveling accross the country with Mrsfish and her Apple that it was difficult to find locations for service, support etc. Here in the Beaverton
area we have three Mac Stores readily available, not so around the country. Mexico?????
IflyfishBajamatic - 2-11-2008 at 03:27 PM
to be fair, mac's support of old software is very much the same as pc's - my old os 9 apps still work if I want them too - much the way vista can
still riun windows apps. but this is an LONG debate so make your own call here.fdt - 2-11-2008 at 03:38 PM
In the middle of nowere, when hot and thirsty Coke or Pepsi?
Here (México) I have Vista, both telnor and telmex offer Vista and as Roberto says it has no problems, the anticuated programs we might be using are
the ones with problems and should and will update.
Now if any of you have a better alternative for shari than what I suggested, $0.00 down and low monthly payments on your (mexican) phone bill, in
pesos, specialy for her that is running a business and uses the computer to promote her business and according to law (here in México)can be tax
deductible and that brand new computer can be paid for by just a fraction of what she charges on a nightly rental.
But I guess the choice is hers or yours if you decide to sell her one. And as for a mac, I'd love to see who is going to help her in Asuncion if she
has problems with it.
Back on track
Roberto - 2-11-2008 at 03:41 PM
... after the hijack, but some things cannot be helped.
PC vs Mac - Macs are good machines. More expensive than PCs though, I think it would be hard to argue otherwise. Also, laptops are wonderfully
flexible and transportable, but more expensive, by and large, than desktop computers. More difficult to upgrade, as someone else said. Memory and Disk
Drives are not a problem, but graphics cards can be an issue, for example. As far as external connectivity USB/Firewire has pretty much solved the
problem.
If you are looking for maximum bang for the buck, a desktop PC will be your best bet. But, we're still talking somewhere around $500. The refurbished
option from Tiger or elsewhere sounds good, but a little less appealing in Bahia Asuncion than in the U.S. - due to service availability. The Telnor
option Fernando suggests makes a lot of sense - you can get a quality machine, and distribute the cost.
My two cents - backed up by 25 years of "Expertness"
[Edited on 2-11-2008 by Roberto]DENNIS - 2-11-2008 at 03:49 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by fdt
13 mensualidades de $ 528
24 mensualidades de $ 299
36 mensualidades de $ 211
Carlos Slim won't be doing this out of the kindness of his little black heart. What does all this credit cost?Russ - 2-11-2008 at 04:19 PM
Shari, Hope your proud of your self! Ya got a lot all these great and wise Nomads all worked up. Some have been upgrading to new PC's ... or Macs but
haven't seen an offer of a used one to you.
I guess the old adage, "Don't pass junk on to loved ones" fits here. Good luck, RussHook - 2-11-2008 at 04:26 PM
Roberto, I forgot to mention a HUGE reason I wanted to stay with XP. So much of the software that I own for video and image editing would not work
under Vista. It would have necessitated a major expense to upgrade the versions of Adobe and Boris software that I use........when they came out.Barry A. - 2-11-2008 at 04:40 PM
Mr. BillM-------
My son never claimed to be an "expert", and I only represented him as a "guru", which in your mind apparently meant "expert". He is paid 6 figures
by a large corp. to advise them on computer matters, but that does not necessarily make him "an expert", I suppose. In fact I cut and pasted your
remarks in an e-mail to him and he came back saying that he 100% agreed with your comments, and he was really happy to hear that Microsoft was
extending the tech support on XP---he was not aware of this until now. He said you really knew what you were talking about, and thanks for the info.
To me it is a shame that your "hair-trigger" attack-dog responses are so caustic-------it is just not necessary to be so hostile------but thanks for
the info anyway, and my son thanks you also.
Barry A.Sharksbaja - 2-11-2008 at 04:41 PM
I setup a network between my laptop and PC. It is very convenient to connect via wireless connection. It took a little effort to get it up and running
but now I can upload/download back and forth. I use the laptop for GPS uploading and I can make the tracks, paths etc. at my PC workstation then
upload them to my truck GPS via laptop in the driveway. Works great. The other cool way to network is to set up a secure internet file sharing
connection between your laptop and your pc. I think I heard Vista has that kind of program. Any you Gurus experts know?
Anyhoo, I agree about the need to own both. Laptops on trips are great. Prices are low for PCs. Occasional probs with both.fdt - 2-11-2008 at 06:06 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by morgaine7
Here's a link to the Telmex deals, which seem pretty decent to me.
Kate
[Edited on 2-12-2008 by morgaine7]
Interesting to see how all the ones offered on the telmex link come with some sort of Vista; Pro, Home Basic or Starter. If mexicans would only wise
up and read All My Children Bajanomad the telmex or telnor tiendas would have to close theire doors.Russ - 2-11-2008 at 06:21 PM
Quote:
So, where's your offer, Russ? I mean, I would imagine someone who can afford a house at Punta Chivato, should be able to find a used computer - or am
I wrong?
[Edited on 2-11-2008 by Roberto]
I'm looking. Not everyone here can afford a house. I've been here 17 years and things have changed some. Since you asked.jorgie - 2-11-2008 at 07:39 PM
the telmex deals sound the best for the applicationcomitan - 2-11-2008 at 07:52 PM
It was my experience of buying a computer in Mexico you get XP-Vista in Spanish and you have to know someone to get them in English. (Pirated) I know
some of you will question this, but the Computer was Bought at Microsystems here in La Paz a large reputable dealer they could do nothing.Iflyfish - 2-11-2008 at 10:24 PM
Mrsfish just got the new mega screen Mac with computer built in, arrived the other day. Came with Spanish instruction book and Spanish Key
Board......go figure....they are however very responsive to the problem....have to give them that, and the graphics, amazing.
I'm sure your Spanish is sufficient to use a Spanish computer and those deals look very appealing.
Iflyfishbajadogs - 2-11-2008 at 11:24 PM
I'm a Mac guy,
No problems, viruses, trojan horse problems etc. Out of the box it does so much and system upgrades are painless compared to Windows. I understand the
lack of Mac support in Baja deters Nomads from the big switch. The problem may be that Macs don't require the support. Windows help is everywhere,
because it's needed everywhere.
I'll tell you what Shari, if a little plot of land can be set aside at a reasonable sacrifice, I'd be more than happy to become the Baja Apple tech
guy. Apple Store, Asuncion, BC.
Oh, and if you MUST run windows, all current Macs can run any version of Windows ever bit as good as any PC - not a selling point for me.
I'm just defending Mac. You can get by for a lot less $$$ as long as you have the support nearby.
Peace and Good Luck!
Dogsjorgie - 2-12-2008 at 07:35 AM
fdt has it right.....telmex. it doesn't matter to Shari , english or spanish will work and the cost/payment structure is right for Shari and Juan.
Lets not forget that Juan is also a techi and knows the experts etc.shari - 2-12-2008 at 11:33 AM
ooohhhh, this IS good!!! I learned tons in this thread...I'm tempted to try Mac as many of my guru/experts have recommended it to me...now...Bajadogs,
I will rise to your challenge...we have a few little chunks of sand where you can squat...IF..you bring me down a desktop or whatever you can find
that will get me out the PC intensive care ward. It doesn't sound like you'd have alot of work though!! I shy away from the Telmex deal as you don't
own the equipment and what if something happens to it? It's also expensive in the long run and sounds like I don't want Vista, whatever the heck that
is. Iflyfish is right about our salty, dusty environment and perhaps a desktop would be better, but I sure wouldn't kick a laptop out of bed!!!!So
ummm, seems like lots of people have upgraded...anyone want to sell me their old but decent PC? Trade...barter????fdt - 2-12-2008 at 12:33 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by shari
I shy away from the Telmex deal as you don't own the equipment and what if something happens to it?
Were did you get this info? Not from Telmex, when you buy from them, you own the equipment, of course if you don't make payments to your phone bill
you will also get disconnected or anything we don't make payments on. Oh well.shari - 2-21-2008 at 08:40 AM
