Computers, what to buy?

Koffee_Kosmo · July 2013

on 1374407287:

Whats your budget C-Man, I can do cost for cremas. (margin isnt great so it wont be a huge discount) Another option is an Apple refurb, http://store.apple.com/au/product/FC814/refurbished-imac-27-inch-31ghz-quad-core-intel-core-i5

Oooo I like that one Chris at Barazi has one of those - or one with the largest screen Is that the biggest screen ? KK

UNM · July 2013

on 1374410892:

Is that the biggest screen ? KK

Nope, someone will always promise they can deliver a bigger one. Question is, how much does size matter (beyond a certain level)? And on the topic of computers, a 55" TV makes a perfectly adequate display using HDMI.

C-man · July 2013

I cant see spending more than 1K because nothing lasts here on the beach anyway with the rust.

hiphipharar · July 2013

Most computer parts are made from aluminum, plastic or painted steel, so rust isn't going to be a problem. With a $1K budget, you could get a brand new computer with the almost the same specs as the refurbished iMac and have change. Example (not an endorsement for this product/company. They appear to be Qld-based with a shop in Maroochydore). I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

Jonty · July 2013

on 1374446805:

I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

I've never laughed so hard in my life.... Agree you won't be a mac under 1k but you get what you pay for... An old motto but one that has stood the times!! Wife brought a reconditioned MacAir 13" from apple for 1.2k, brilliant kit and swears it made her Dip Ed degree a piece of cake. Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in.. Good luck with your choice!

hiphipharar · July 2013

on 1374460906:

I've never laughed so hard in my life.... Agree you won't be a mac under 1k but you get what you pay for... An old motto but one that has stood the times!! Wife brought a reconditioned MacAir 13" from apple for 1.2k, brilliant kit and swears it made her Dip Ed degree a piece of cake. Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in. Good luck with your choice!

Spoken like a true phanboi :P . Is the inference here that your wife would not have had as easy a time on a PC I'm willing to bet that $1.2K exceeds C-man's budget but I see that you can get the same computer for less than $1K now.

Jonty · July 2013

Sorry hip.... I had a iMAC, iPad and Apple TV before we brought the macair lappy..... Security & viruses was why I got away from PC dribble... I hate my PC at work but such is the clunky life of windoz :stir Cman, it's like cannon versus Nikon for cameras, & if you have a budget of 1k then PC land it is....

UNM · July 2013

on 1374460906:

Cman, a Mac means no viruses or security crap that is needed for a PC. That was one of my key factors & now my entire house is apple, with Apple TV thrown in..

PCs don't need anti virus software either. Not if you choose the right operating system Still need to be cautious with downloads though as Trojans can affect all operating systems. Love this thread. So many opinions and everyone is convinced their opinion is correct. Obviously that can't be true.

C-man · July 2013

on 1374446805:

Most computer parts are made from aluminum, plastic or painted steel, so rust isn't going to be a problem. With a $1K budget, you could get a brand new computer with the almost the same specs as the refurbished iMac and have change. Example (not an endorsement for this product/company. They appear to be Qld-based with a shop in Maroochydore). I've got nothing against Macs but they don't match Windows-based computers in the value-for-money stakes when you have a limited budget.

The motherboard always rusts here and then the ports stop working, my last PC the one barely working now I had built by my tech friend, he rust proofed the inside of the box and put in a bigger quiet fan But the ports are attached to the motherboard and it has rusted and some ports are no longer working. It has served me well and only coast about $450 to have him build it. U mart has them even cheaper now and I can order extra ram or a bigger processor for just $20 each more. they also sell large screens If budget allowed I would rather have an I Mac. 27" I dislike the idea of resource hungry windows and all the viruses If I do go PC I should look into Linux or other operating systems I asked here on this forum because I know there are lots of computer guys here.

C-man · July 2013

I would really like some help with the picture side of things.. What do I want there? Graphics? HD my understanding is limited. I would really like the best picture within my budget and would be happy to sacrifice some processing power in favor of picture quality if necessary.

C-man · July 2013

this one looks pretty sleek

hiphipharar · July 2013

on 1374469162:

Sorry hip.... I had a iMAC, iPad and Apple TV before we brought the macair lappy..... Security & viruses was why I got away from PC dribble... I hate my PC at work but such is the clunky life of windoz :stir Cman, it's like cannon versus Nikon for cameras, & if you have a budget of 1k then PC land it is....

Yeah, heard it all before. Looking at C-man's brief, he wants a weather proof computer. A quick google suggests that you won't have much luck. The best suggestions were to try at a marine centre eg how do fishing trawlers look after their onboard computers. Another guy working in a swimming centre (humidity + chlorine) said to try for the driest place possible but still expect to have to change your equipment often. Another suggestion which I cannot verify is to leave your equipment on all the time so condensation doesn't form (as much). I'd hate to see a beautiful airbook or iMac have to be tossed out after 6 months Anyway, here's one recent thread: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2116351

hiphipharar · July 2013

on 1374285960:

Laptop vs destop? PC vs Mac? I am lost! I don't need it to do many things just basic stuff.

Laptops are good if you don't have much space and also want portability. Otherwise, desktops are cheaper. It might be more economical to replace your computer with a cheapie every 12 months or so. I replaced a motherboard last year fairly cheaply - perhaps you can't get your mate to do that for you if your computer still does everything you need, corrosion issues aside. Have you asked your neighbours. maybe they've come up with ways to manage the problem?

C-man · July 2013

monitors seem to last much longer, this one was used and still going 6 years later I figure sense the monitor is what we stare at, it should be good. This one sounds like a good one but I don't understand all the specs http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_review.phtml?id=10&bid=2&id2=143&sid=99895

hiphipharar · July 2013

It means its very high resolution so you will get crystal clear pictures at full high definition but you also will need the hardware to drive it to its capability. You would want to ask the UMart guys about that but thge target market won't mind spending big to get the machine with the required oomph and graphics capability. However, as UNM said, if you already have a HD TV, you can plug in your computer to that and get very impressive results. Look, it's you that will have to be satisfied. You can ask 10 people here and get 10 varying opinions; that's already happened. You get a lot of votes for a Mac and it deserves the thumbs up but it's also a fair bit of dosh to risk exposing to your environment. Why not go into Maroochy and speak to the UMart guys? Bargain hard and you could walk out with something that ticks all your boxes.

C-man · July 2013

Thanks guys, even with so many different opinions it has helped me a lot. Unless a very near new I mac pops up at a bargian I will speak with the U mart guys and sort something out as per what is needed to drive a good screen.

Lacehim · July 2013

Sorry C-Man been busy. My 2cents worth. Macs are great, but newer imacs don't have a DVD drive anymore which might effect your movie viewing. Put me off when they want $1500+ just for a basic one! Personally for your budget I would buy a Windoz laptop from http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/ if you want a laptop, it's portable and you can sit on your nice deck sipping a coffee looking at your lovely views or if you want desktop with a big screen, build you own, or ask me nicely. The PC I currently use I build myself about 4 years ago, cost about $600, and is still going strong, and I added a new 22" 1080P monitor and SDD lately. Just as long as you know what you are doing you can save a few $$$ buying parts of umart (cheaper) and putting it together, installed an OEM Windoz and your done. Does take time though. Umart are great! They are the only ones local I will use but could do with using a bit of BO basher or better ventilation, or http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/ have great prices and service too! Got a 3 pack Trendmicro antivirus for -$15. Yep, they paid me $15 to buy it with rebates! Anyway back to aquaponics and fish and kids which is why I've been busy of late!

Ol Grumpy · July 2013

I have a lifeproof case on my iPad... I can and do immerse my iPad in water (cause I can).... And it loves it!!! IPad + Lifeproof case = waterproof/ salt proof/ dust proof computer.... Just Sayin............ C-Man I understand you WANT a desktop, but why do you NEED a desktop... Just Askin?..... As I sit at my local coffee shop lookin like I'm hard at work.... Tappin away at my screen.... Sip.... Aaaaahhh... Btw +1 for Umart.... Good prices on good gear... If you know what you are looking for...

C-man · July 2013

on 1374551635:

I have a lifeproof case on my iPad... I can and do immerse my iPad in water (cause I can).... And it loves it!!! IPad + Lifeproof case = waterproof/ salt proof/ dust proof computer.... Just Sayin............ C-Man I understand you WANT a desktop, but why do you NEED a desktop... Just Askin?..... As I sit at my local coffee shop lookin like I'm hard at work.... Tappin away at my screen.... Sip.... Aaaaahhh... Btw +1 for Umart.... Good prices on good gear... If you know what you are looking for...

A friend of mine has one of those, very nice portable unit, also used as a mobile phone I think? I could use a new mobile too, mine is also stuffed. how much are they? Would the internet be at a different rate? I also have a BOB phone with my PC that lets me call any land line for free, but everyone is mobile these days anyway. just All my pewter time is at my desk, if I am not there I am either surfing or working. Also I need a mouse and keyboard.

C-man · July 2013

talked to U mart guys what I need is; --for movies is an IPS monitor that can be viewed from any angle, IPS used to only be available in expensive professional monitors until recently --graphics card to drive the better monitor he recommended this 27" monitor--- http://www.umart.com.au/newindex2.phtml?bid=6 and this Graphics card---- HD 6450 not expensive either

Ol Grumpy · July 2013

Well, movies will be much better on the 27" screen... Unless you watch them on your TV monitor....and use your hi-fi for sound... The iPad speaker is barely ok, you tube vids are ok or you can plug a speaker in the headphone jack.... This works surprisingly well as I mentioned before. I have an external keyboard for the iPad, but rarely use it... All these posts are typed with the screen keyboard which is better than you expect. I wish the iPad had a mouse for detail work but frankly it is not needed. More often than not you find yourself using 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 fingers tapping, pinching, swiping on the screen. I talk with my hands and it seems mostly the iPad understands my flappy hands. What you can't appreciate, unless you use one, is how entrenched the bloody thing becomes... I used to buy the Sunday Mail for the TV lift out. Now I use the iPad- yes for the tv timetable. All the news I ever want is constantly updated on the iPad. I get a BOM weather map that shows me (out on site) exactly where it is raining around me.... I occasionally use Skype (iPhone) to talk to Chicago. My mail, banking, bill paying, weather, news, music, movies, entertainment, movie tickets, GPS directions in the car- on and off road, books, magazine subscriptions, (I used to buy both Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking and WoodenBoat for that matter at around $14- each magazine and they were often 2-3 months behind) now I subscribe at around 25% of the cost (on iPad) and each magazine is delivered hot off the press and I read it anywhere, anytime.... Kindle Books- millions of em if you want them.. On site- I can instantly download .pdf brochures or catalogues or whatever I need from the web.... , pictures, videos, upload to uTube, it just doesn't end... The best ever fitness workout program YAYOG is on the iPad. I don't go to yoga classes- I do a program, yes on the iPad. Jamie Oliver guides my gastromic adventures... Seriously, this is only maybe 50% of what I use it for... I haven't even got into work and study... IThoughts- my mind map is indispensable ... Evernote for keeping all manner of stuff in order... Good Reader is where I keep all my study notes and .pdf's, etc Cost- well mine cost nothing... I got it through Master Builders on a plan... $60- a month I think for two years... Including $40- data plan (wifi + 3G) that is shared with my other phones in a Group that allows everyone to share credits, etc..... Too easy.... Like I said, if you get one, you will wonder how you ever got along without one... The ONLY thing I cannot do on the iPad that I need my desktop for is advanced linking between excel and word- for my quotes and proposals. I have extensive spreadsheets and word templates that allow complex quotes to be costed very quickly and efficiently with updateable links across to word templates. As good as the iPad Numbers (excel) and Pages (word) are, they do not yet achieve this level of functionality.........

C-man · July 2013

interesting, does it act as a mobile phone too?

conikal · July 2013

on 1374613788:

does it act as a mobile phone too?

Actually, much as i despise Apple for their "manipulation" of the market by controlling the connectivity of their products,... the Ipad has one feature that is a real advantage...Face Time. Basically it is a video call feature ( like skype,..but much better) which links between Apple products,..Ipads, Iphones, Imacs, etc, using Wifi. The video quality is excellent and there is no delay or break up, like skype can often suffer. We use it to keep in touch with family in Europe and it must have saved us a fortune .

Ol Grumpy · July 2013

As Conical said- there is a messaging service that works like SMS or Video call- but it is only between Apple Devices and only when connected to the web... Usually via wifi... You need a phone SIM card in the iPad ONLY if you want to access data via a mobile phone account- but the iPad is not a mobile phone- no- not yet? You can connect to the web via wifi anywhere it is available and you have access. There is no 'need' to have the 3G version unless you want to connect to the web away from wifi- say on site like I am right now ;-) Any smart phone will do this too, but the screen size is much more convenient on the iPad....

Koffee_Kosmo · July 2013

I also love my iPad Ol Grumpy :thumb:

admin · July 2013

hi guys - just a quick Apple vs pc contribution from someone who's used a number of years of both... I've never subscribed to that slightly breathless "ooh mac's, aren't they wonderful" ethos, but because our designer was using macs a number of years ago, we decided to buy a mac [with mac version of Adobe Creative Suite]. My experiences with mac have been mixed - I really don't like the 'connectivity prison' they put you in [the 'manipulation' that C-man was talking about it] and was initially incredibly frustrated by it - eg had an earlier iTunes password but can't transfer it to a new Apple ID etc, etc. However we both ended up getting I-Phones, and to take advantage of their connectivity it made sense to 'go the whole hog' and in the end we decided to embrace it - ended up buying a macbook Pro as well as Mac desktop. My sense is that mac's usually have good [but not great] technology and have to agree that they are overpriced for what you get. I also don't think their wonderful OS is all it's hyped up to be, and there are times when I prefer the ability of the pc to manually do things, rather than use Apple's proprietary solutions. There are certainly a couple of good things: usually their screens are up there - important for me with photography/graphics and if you do weaken ['surrender to the system'] their connectivity is actually great. Add to that, they usually do work pretty well, seem to be less susceptible to viruses and are usually beautifully designed. However, there are still some things that bug me - they do 'planned obsolescence' well, but whenever they do an OS upgrade, you basically have no choice to pay for the upgrade [whereas from memory, MS used to include many more upgrades for free]. The other great con with macs is their AppleCare - it's usually a 3-year support plan, but is ridiculously expensive. Although they have to give you a 1-year hardware guarantee [by law] if you don't take out AppleCare, you've got no way of doing diagnostics to work out if it is a hardware problem, and of course they won't fix it if you haven't done all the diagnostics first - which you can only do if you've purchased the 'extra' support. So you basically have to get AppleCare [also because you usually have more $$ tied up in a mac] yet when you do try and get support, it's often 'hit & miss' in spite of the extra cost. So as you can see it's a bit of a love/hate relationship - I ended up buying into the 'ecosystem' and it does work well, especially with I-phone / I-Pad connectivity, but they're not great value for money, and I'm certainly no mac 'fanboy'. Sorry if it's a bit long! A

Ol Grumpy · July 2013

Ah yes, we'll I've never bought an apple computer- never seen the 'need'. But that did remind me of the 'need' to have some sort of computer that allows the iTunes interface, and that's a very good point. I've found that with the IPhone and iPad, that all these devices need the occasional, actually it's frequent- weekly or monthly at the most, re-connection with the mother ship... Which is to say your software (apps) need constant updating, not to mention the OS itself. Strange, I've been through at least two major OS updates- version 4 to 5 and 5 to 6 and there has never been any charge from Apple. I must say that some of my apps have had paid upgrades (optional) but I've always taken them for the improved functionality. Max cost has been $10- for one app. This upgrade gave me a desktop program which allows direct sync of files, etc to my PC so I thought it was a bargain. (Without going through iTunes) My point is, even with an iPhone or iPad you still need some other computer to hook up to iTunes with. In that respect they are not truly autonomous. I get how some people (many in fact) find this irksome... But I don't fight it and it seems to be no fuss- as long as you do it the Apple way. I am an iPad fan boy, clearly, but certainly not an apple fan boy. I still do resist the temptation to "Apple-up"... But given windoze pathetic efforts of late- it appears resistance is futile.... It's also true many apps update via wifi- but there are still many that you simply must connect to iTunes to 'complete' the upgrade. This constant upgrade is a good thing. My last Sygic Update gave me all the new tunnels, roads, etc around lovely Brisvegas.... And it was free! Can't complain about that.

C-man · July 2013

the sat nav.device would be very handy, I am always lost in any city. I just don't see an I pod on my deck I would have to plug in the flowing things most of the time 1. Large screen IPS with graphic card support 2. keyboard 3 Mouse 4. large A-3 Plan printer 5. Motem and BOB phone 6. digital camera sometimes 7 Speakers 8. headphones that is what all I have plugged in now, now that I write it, it does not seem so much... Could an I-pad power all that?

Ol Grumpy · July 2013

C-man I think you need to 'try' one, for yourself. See if you can borrow an iPad and try it out. Your list describes my desktop computer. An iPad frees you of all that clutter, that's the point of it.... To free you up... Not to clutter it with all that 'baggage' from a by gone era.... I have Telstra cable Internet... It comes in to the standard Motorola 'surfboard' modem and then to a wireless router... ($89- from Umart) The Router provides wifi Internet to the house. At any given time there may be up to a dozen devices connected to the Internet and each other through this router. I have a Brother A3 Duplex colour MFC printer with 100mm bulk ink tanks on every colour.($350- all up incl. bulk ink tanks) and ink costs are super, super cheap. (I never need 'ink cartridges') Every device can print to the printer through the wireless router... The ONLY cable to the printer is the power cable! All the devices you mentioned (bar the screen) connect with wifi or Bluetooth. There are some things an IPad can't do... Photoshop; in a professional way, play Flash (adobe flash) vids, advanced MS Office functionality, and probably lots more... But like I said.... Unless you 'need' to do these things regularly, it is simply amazing what an iPad can do... Like I said, there is an app for everything and another app for everything else....

conikal · July 2013

C Man... unless your A3 printer is wireless,..the Ipad will not connect to it. Also, be very clear that an Ipad also needs a PC/Mac to run Itunes on..and you do need Itunes !

frame

Howdy, Stranger!

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories

In this Discussion

Computers, what to buy?

Comments

foot

Policies

Social

frame

Howdy, Stranger!

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

Categories

In this Discussion

Computers, what to buy?

Comments

foot

Policies

Social