Hi, I bought a new computer last August, a Hulett Packard or HP
Pavilion desk top, but it has a quad core processor and 8 gegs of ram
and 750 gegs of hard drive.. It has an internal audio/video card, not
a soundblaster though but I run Jaws 10 version on this one, it is a
pretty powerful computer, some people use these for g ames such as
Everquest and STar WArs, etc.. It has the capabilities to burn
CDS/DVDs and also play both of those and even a movie maker capability
program in it with some type of cable to hook up to make home movies
on it.. It has Vista Home Premium which I am not impressed with so far
but am also not impressed with upgrading to Windows 7 either.. I have
heard it is more stable than Vista but also have heard that it is
difficult to use with Jaws screenreaders, not sure how true that is
though butheard this from someone who tests bata versins of software
programs all the time and also operating systems, too.. I have heard
that Vista has a lot of bugs in it and do know that it is giving me
problems with my speech cutting off from time to time on this computer
and it did not do tht with XP, if it idd, it was once in several
months, this one here it does it every so often and have to restart to
get my speech back.. FS said I might have to talk to Microsoft about
this problem with Vista.. I just haven't had the time as of yet.. I do
know this computer is pretty good for what I use it for though and got
it for a reasonable price, you might go into HPs website and check
around, this one is a desktop, Pavilion model and I think there are
two models of this particular computer, mine is the most powerful one
witht he quad core processor and it is not an Intel it is an ADM
processor which I was told is layered for programs and should work
with all types of programs.. Hope this info helps in some way. Pat
----- Original Message -----
From: "Loy" <loyrg2845@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 12:00 PM
Subject: [accesscomp] Re: Advice about new computer.
A dual core should last you for years. I'm still using an eight year
old Dell 1.7 GH with 1 GB memory, and it still does everything I need
and I use a lot of adaptive software.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nicole Kahn" <n.kahn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 12:43 PM
Subject: [accesscomp] Re: Advice about new computer.
Thank you, Gene. I figured a desktop would still be better but thought
I'd
get some opinions of others who might know more than myself. My one
concern
with getting a desktop that's on the lower price end is the issue of
the
processor. A computer teacher friend who works with blind students and
does
quite a bit with adaptive software told me that I should make sure to
get a
quad core. I think that's what he said. He thought that would be
better if I
want the computer to last a good while since that's the way things are
headed in the tech world. Any thoughts? That might be too expensive
for me
so I'm curious to see what you all think.
Also, have you heard of the Ubuntu operating system? Sorry, I don't
know how
to spell that. I think it's somehow related to lynyx but I'm not sure.
This
same friend I mentioned told me that it's much more reasonable in
price than
Windows 7 and that it's less prone to virus attacks right now. Still,
he
didn't know if it would work with Jaws. Again, just looking for advice
so I
make an educated purchase. Thank you for all your help.
Nicole
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gene" <gsasner@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 10:32 AM
Subject: [accesscomp] Re: Advice about new computer.
Unless you want or need portability, a desktop is a much better
option.
Desktops last longer and perform faster than laptops anywhere near
the
same price. Lots of people spend more money than they need to on
computers. They don't know how to assess their needs and buy far more
powerful computers than they need. You haven't stipulated anything
that
requires much computer power, by today's standards. Your needs will
probably be met by purchasing a low price computer. If you can do
this,
probably the best way to proceed would be to purchase a computer from
a
physical store near you with a good return policy, like Best Buy.
Look
for sales or just buy a good inexpensive machine. I haven't priced
computers for a long time but I expect you can get a desktop that
would be
very adequate for your needs for between roughly three hundred and
four
hundred dollars, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. Get a
computer
with either an Intel or an AMD chip. I can't discuss this from
personal
experience, but Kim Komando recommends against budget chips because
they
may not be as fast as you would want. If you purchase a machine from
a
physical store you can conveniently get to, you will be able to
exchange
the machine for another if you are dissatisfied quickly and easily.
Most machines today come with 64 bit Windows. I don't know how many
old
peripherals will run under 64 bit Windows. You will want to find out
whether your peripherals will run, unless you want to get new ones at
the
same time as you get a new computer. You may find a good deal that
bundles a computer with peripherals you want.
Also, there are a number of different versions of Windows 7. I can't
advise you on what version you might want. I know little about the
differences. I'm just telling you that there are a number of
different
versions so you can inquire about differences.
Gene
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nicole Kahn" <n.kahn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Access Comp" <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 12:17 AM
Subject: [accesscomp] Advice about new computer.
Hi everyone. I'm not entirely sure yet but I may be looking at
purchasing
a new computer soon. I do some work out of my home and currently have
a
Dell Dimension desktop that's approximately 7-8 years old running
Windows
XP Home Edition. This one has lasted me because I've added more
memory and
tried to do everything I can to keep her running well while changing
with
the times as much as possible. Now, she may be on her last legs in
terms
of keeping up with the newer systems, programs and graphics. I'm not
in
love with Dell and was wondering if anyone out there has advice
and/or
tips on what I should possibly look into if I decide to buy a new
machine.
I would need it for some business related things and also may use it
for
some media applications like downloading, ripping and burning music.
I've heard fairly good things about HP computers and was wondering
whether
to go that route. Should I stick with a desktop model or try a
laptop? I'm
totally blind and use Jaws for Windows right now. Also, someone
mentioned
that they like the Ubuntu (don't know how to spell that) operating
system
over Windows. Anyone heard of that and know if it works with adaptive
software like Jaws? Any thoughts?
Basically, I'm trying to feel people out on finding a fairly
affordable
new computer that might work for my needs. I don't have lots of money
so
need something that wouldn't break the bank. If possible, I'd like
something that could last me a while and have some capability of
growing
as technology changes such as having sockets for more memory or a
processor that's powerful enough to keep from being blown out of the
water
by the next one as soon as I turn around. Also, I'd say that my
technical
knowledge and skills are kind of middle of the road. I'm not starting
at
square one by any means but there is still plenty of advanced
technical
info that I only kind of understand or know how to apply.
Hope this helps as an overview. I'm interested in any recommendations
you
all may have. Thank you and hope everyone is doing well.
Nicole
