E: Equipment. Between sending four children to college and buying them computers for their higher education endeavours, I haven't updated my own computer for a long time. I have an old desktop Dell that I retired last week and a really cheap laptop that I've had for over six years. I'm promising myself a new laptop as a retirement gift.
I want a lightweight computer that I can carry with comfort to the coffee shop and bookstore cafe but it also needs to fit all my writing needs. I'm sure I can ask at a computer store for advice on what I need but I'd rather ask the experts. What should I get? I've been leaning toward a MAC but I can probably get more computer for less money if I go with a PC. What should I do? Please give me your opinion as a writer or as a blogger.
24 comments:
I've always bought Dells, but that's just me. Whatever you get, just make sure it has the best video and sound possible. There's nothing worse than trying to watch a youtube video and getting crappy quality because your hardware just isn't up to the challenge.
I always had Dell computers and am agreeing with Kellie! My next one will not be a Dell. My desk top is down, my laptop is down (both are Dell) I have a little netbook. It is small and compact and I can carry it in my bag. I have on occasion carried it with me to the library and coffee shop that serves WIFI with their coffee. :)
I have an Asus computer and I love it. It never gives me problems. A lot of people like Dell, but I have had issues with them in the past.
My significant other is a tech geek, and he loves his Asus. I've been working on an older HP for a while, and have been very happy with it.
I don't know much about them, but if you want small and light, you might want to look at an ultrabook.
I was considering making the move to a Mac as well, but I was afraid it would be too daunting. I've been a pc girl for too long, I'm afraid. I have a gateway, a dell and a Toshiba. The Toshiba is my favorite.
my future son-in-law says the mac will last you longer :)
PC all the way! I've owned nothing but Dells and never had a problem.
I've heard a lot of good things about ASUS, though I have a Samsung laptop which has been excellent, so far.
Following from the A to Z Challenge.
What I know about computers would just about fill a pin head, so I'm going to refer this question to my resident computer expert. He builds computers for people all the time.
Now's the time to buy! I just saw a laptop with a 15 inch screen, i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, and a 3-year all parts all labor warranty that is on site (they come to your home) for less than $700.
That price is frickin' insane I tell ya.
Just to muddy the waters, I want to get a smaller "travel" computer and I can't decide if I want a traditional laptop (many of which have touch screens now) or a tablet with a keyboard attachment.
After coveting my daughter's Mac for several years, I finally switched from PC to Mac a year ago. I'd never go back to PC unless I simply couldn't afford to do otherwise. In the long run, I think that dollar for dollar Macs provide better value for the money, they're marvels of technological ingenuity, and they're intuitive to use.
My best advice is to go to a store where you can play with both and see what you think.
Congratulations on the retirement--hope you have a blast!
I haven't used anything besides a Dell and think they make pretty good computers, though obviously I don't know much (the only other type of computer I've used a few times is a Lenovo ThinkPad--but those are pretty big and bulky and have a price tag to match).
Hi, I just popped over from the A-Z Challenge. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Macbook Air. It's so lightweight and small I can carry it anywhere. I'd recommend it to anyone!
I'm keeping track. Macbook-3, Dell-4, ASUS-2, Samsung-1, Toshiba-1. Hope I get some more input.
The most important thing to look for is a good processor when shopping for a laptop. As far as PC vs. Mac I would think that would be a matter of opinion.
Shawn at Reading Practice
I like my Toshiba and my daughter loves her Mac. One bonus for the Mac is if you self pub, you can upload directly to iTunes rather than go through SW
I haven't ever bought a laptop, but I'm in the PC camp. Asus is usually good. Don't buy toshiba, they fill their computers with crap that slows them down hugely! If you are thinking of going with Windows 8, try it first! It's substantially different to windows 7, and many people are very upset with it. Most companies will still sell you windows 7 if you want. (That's how bad 8 is.)
I use my desktop for most of my writing, but I also have my ipad for writing out and about. I love it, though I don't think it would be suitable for writing an entire novel on.
Rinelle Grey
For my birthday last year, my mom bought me an Acer laptop. It's small and very affordable. All I wanted it for was to write, but it's quite the quick little thing. I find it easy to carry around and it has a decent battery life.
I've had a Mac now for 6 years (the MacBook Pro) and I barely remember how to navigate around on a PC anymore. It's amazing how fast we adapt. As a writer, I still have Microsoft office, so Word works the same. If you get a Time Capsule, it becomes your router, your wireless printer hub and a external backup. Best of luck w/your choice!
Jess / Blogging on the Brink
Mac, all the way. An iMac, if possible, they are amazing machines. And great to deal with viruses and/or hackers with built in software that takes care of that without all the headache caused by PCs.
For what is worth.
Best,
Silvia @ Silvia Writes
Comfortable keyboard is all I look for. If I don't have that, I won't use the machine.
I've just bought my third Sony laptop...good memory and HDD and reliable albeit expensive. Asus are supposed to be good. A lot depends on whether you use it to travel/off-site and how much hard drive you need.
I love my Macbook Pro - I did buy it so that I could use Scrivener - that is now available for Windows but I still love my Mac. Still haven't worked out how to do everything on it (not that I ever did with a PC) but google soon fixes that. Also I have an iPad and iPhone so everything syncs across which does help. Obv have to use a PC at work though so that keeps me in the loop (have to admit to being confused when I tried to use someone's laptop with Windows 8 though!!).
Good luck with the buying whatever you go for.
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