I don't know how good friends you are with this person but I would never rely on him/her for technical specifications. Contrary to popular misconceptions, and some adaptive technology instructors have them as well, screen-readers do not take much memory nor computer power. Lots of people are running screen-readers on netbooks with no problems. If a netbook can run a screen-reader well, certainly a desktop, even at the low end of the price range, can run one. I am running JAWS 11 on a computer that is about five years old, with a single core processor. It is very adequate for running XP but it is not powerful if you compare it to the kind of machine you are discussing. JAWS runs flawlessly on this machine with plenty of speed and responsiveness. Do not rely on adaptive advisors just because they are adaptive advisors. Ask users, as you are here or contact screen-reader companies. there are far too many adaptive technology trainers who don't have the level of knowledge they should have.
Gene----- Original Message ----- From: "Nicole Kahn" <n.kahn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <accesscomp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 11:43 AM 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