In an unprecedented — and totally warranted — act of aggression, I am about to use my current computer to purchase its replacement. We require little in a new system. In addition to the very basics, we’d settle for the following features, none of which our current beast has:
1) A monitor that does not make heavy breathing sounds.
2) Volume control that does not sweep up and down at the computer’s whim.
3) The ability to turn it on more than once a week.
Unfortunately, comparison shopping is tough because none of the above qualities are listed as options. I am hoping that means they are now standard, along with enormous hard drives, high-tech flat-screen monitors, and Vista, none of which we need but it seems we’re going to end up with anyway because all but the lowest-quality computers seem to have them now. (Note to self-appointed Mac missionaries: We are not getting one, so don’t bother suggesting it. Thank you.)
Alas, this means no new couch for us for a while, since that would make for a pretty scary credit card bill, but the Couch of Death affects me most when I’m also suffering from other allergies (way to kick me when I’m down), so things should get better here soon, and I’ll aim for finding a replacement by next spring instead.
And while we’re more or less still on the subject of computers (Ha! How’s that for a segue?), I have broken down and started another blog, because I quite CLEARLY do not have enough to do. See, much as I like to write, I have other hobbies, too. One of them is sleeping in. Another is eating cookies. And yet another is photography. Since the first two do not make for an interesting series of blog posts, I decided to create a photoblog. After all, as anyone who’s ever known a proud grandparent has learned, photos are more fun when you share them with strangers. Not having any grandkids, I’ve had to settle for taking photos of landscapes, flowers, and other elements of nature. As a nod to my inner grandparent, I’ve even indulged in a few cat photos, although I promise not to overwhelm.
I have eight or nine images on there right now, just to get started and give people an idea of what they’ll see, but I’ve scheduled many more; a new one will appear each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which is really a good deal compared to the biweekly updates on here.
If you’re curious, you can check out the blog, Playing with Pixels, at http://caryncaldwell.com/photos. To navigate, just click on the right-hand side of the picture to move through to the end of the album, or use the left and right arrows below. You can even subscribe to the RSS feed or receive email updates, just like for this blog, because I like to get fancy like that.
Caryn,
I’m looking at laptops now and after much searching and comparisons, have narrowed it down to 2 brands. I have no desire to get Vista, especially since I heard Microsoft is working on an enhancement of XP so it’s a waste for me. The only way to get an XP machine right now is to buy ones geared towards small business, which I plan to do.
Good luck in your computer search.
I will take a look at your photoblog later this evening.
Nice photoblog! I just put the occasional photo fit on the regular blog with a photo tag so people can find them if they care.
I particularly like that 10′ tulip.
PS you can get some really nice desktops for far cheaper than laptops. Since you are into photography, go for the best graphics card and RAM (at least 2Gb) as you can.
You sure do have mighty high computer standards. My PC is “Y2K-Compliant”…not so compatible with 2008 though.
Caryn,
I share some of your hobbies, especially eating the cookies, especially if they are chocolate.
I read this entry with a lot of interest as I have an elderly lap top that has lasted longer than anyone had any good reason to expect, so I’m thinking about…while not really wanting to think about it.
And for having another blog–oh my, you go girl!
My kids laptop died last week, so I can relate. We’ll just be replacing the hard drive, though.
Good luck with the computer shopping and the other site is gorgeous!
I’ll concur that your photoblog is wonderful. I’m definitely looking forward to more pictures.
But to more immediate topics. You want your computer to avoid heavy breathing, but to be turned on more than once weekly? I’m afraid, my dear, that you’re in a bit of a contradictory place. My advice? Live with the heavy breathing. Being turned on is much more important, not to mention more fun.
Dru, we have Vista at work, and while it has its benefits, mostly it’s a pain, especially if you don’t have the memory. Also, many of our programs no longer run because they’re not Vista-compatible.
Thanks, Writtenwyrd! I like having a photoblog because then I can make sure that the background is suitable to photos. (I’m picky that way.) Plus, I have so many pictures that I’d be posting them all too often and risk boring everyone. As for the laptop vs. desktop, we’re definitely planning to go with the latter.
UNIVAC, we do indeed! Unfortunately, we’re spoiled.
Conda, cookie-eaters unite! And, yes, I’m sad to give this computer up, too. I should be excited, but I hate just throwing this one away (or giving it away) and getting a new one, when lots of other things on it work just fine.
Bookmom, what a pain! At least it’s only the hard drive. Hope not too much data was lost. And thanks for the compliment on the site. I have lots of fun with the pictures, and I would like for others to enjoy them, too.
Thanks, Jenifer! And your comment cracked me up. I hadn’t even thought about it like that. You do have a point. I guess it might explain the excitability of the volume control, too, hmmm?
LOL
It sounds like items in your house are slowly acting up. You’d better keep an eye out.
First the couch betrayed you…
Is the computer still personal? Perhaps its been networking…
My cousin’s new computer came with Vista which has caused him several problems, though he did not elaborate. I am now looking for a computer, too. A trusted info source is ConsumerReports.org.