Re: Laptops -- A Significantly Cheaper Alternative

On Sat, 3 Mar 2007 10:08:12 -0500, "Steve Wolf" <news@xxxxxxxx> wrote:

Allow me to offer a cheaper alternative. I run a number of Toshiba Sat Pro
6100s. Off eBay, I purchased a number of hulks and working models for
pennies on the dollar. I now have a milk crate full of 6100s and parts, all
in working order.

I really want to get a new laptop. New laptops are fun. But why? My
four-plus year old 6100 is working great. If it burps, I swap out what
burped and I'm back in service.

You can do this if, when you purchase new, you buy a powerful machine, one
that will have the horsepower for future programs and tasks. You have be
more than a consumer although not much more. Most laptops have detailed
websites documenting their problems and repairs.

Since I have no interest in running a computer bone yard but am too
cheap to pay new, I take a slightly different approach. I try to
identify the most powerful commonly available computer available last
year and then look for a one year old used one. Many salesmen and
others who put status above pay get new laptops every year even though
they do little more than run a spreadsheet and email. IOW, in perfect
condition.

This Dell I'm tying on is the last new computer I (will ever) bought.
AT the time I needed the service plan (and it paid for itself many
times over) but things are different now. My backup computer and my
mom's was acquired just like I describe.

For the truck, I'm now on the prowl for a good year old ToughBook. The
rough ride of this semi has taught me to go around the Dell about once
a week and tighten up all the external screws. No telling what is
vibrating loose inside. The little extra cost of the Toughbook should
be worth it.

---
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.neon-john.com
Cleveland, Occupied TN
Don't let your schooling interfere with your education-Mark Twain
.

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