...Talking about all the computer gadgetry ... laptop...
Also next hack will be to my daily driver, Dell said ...
I need to raise a hand and ask for help from you PC wizards...!! I need to change computers.
The Request:
I want to get a desktop to replace my +12-year-old-laptop. It was my wife's computer, and worked great for everything she needed it to do. Meanwhile, I had a series of hotrods for work; they were the darlings of the IS folks, because I used to edit video and create podcast material, plus I'm a Technical Writer and I do all my own illustrating. I use a whole bunch of the Adobe Creative Suite stuff, plus FrameMaker for all my work.
The laptop has been adequate, but lately it's starting to give me the willies: occasionally when restarted, it will report, "No Operating System Detected". Power OFF/ON always fixes it, and it starts normally. I have a full backup in hand, and am ready to put the work into switching machines.
But I need recommendations. You guys are far more spooled-up than I am on PC things, and I need to get some recommendations. Budget is key here, I'm looking at $500 (or less) because I now have no income (see below), but I need to get work done. I can stretch this if needed; especially if you guys think you've found something special.
Currently HAVE:
- External monitor(s) with differing resolutions, although this laptop will only run only one, and not the newest one
- Keyboards/mice for my specific hand-needs (arthritis)
- Good backup & drives
- Dell Inspirion 7110 (+DVD R/W)
- Space for desktop unit to stay out of the way
Needs:
- Something faster on boot (this waiting for five minutes is making me more gray)
- Stay with Dell
- No more dinky laptop display for second monitor
- No more laptop keyboard in the way
- Enough USB ports for camera, mouse/keyboard, backup drive
- Something economical with DVD R/W
- Speakers, if the desktop doesn't have built-in; but I have good headphones for sound work
- A way to transfer all my ...stuff... over to the new machine
Explanation:
My job ended the week before Thanksgiving, and I've had more people than I can count say to me, "So! Are you going to work on your book, now?" And so I've decided to go that direction with my life. I need to concentrate on my writing, and really need help picking out a replacement PC, because I'm in the middle of what I hope is my first book.
All the IS guys I've dealt with over the last 25 years have been big Dell fans, and so I think I'd like to stay with Dell.
Thanks to all who are helping, here.
Mods, if I should start a new thread, please let me know.