SPONSORED LINKS
At 01:27 PM 11/3/97 -0600, Jason Lin wrote: >I have noticed that many people, including some on this list, seem to be >enthralled with buying the newest and unfortunately, most expensive >laptops. Well, apart from being a lot of fun, the most expensive laptops tend to have features that some folks consider "must have". I would love to buy the newest and most powerful ThinkPads available, but really cheap! :-) >For example, is it really worth it to spend $1000 to $2000 more for a >P166MMX machine vs. a P133 machine? I'd say absolutely not. Of course, it kinda depends on how much you value your time. I value mine pretty highly. The thing is, the extra $1-2K typically buys you a lot more than just a few MHz of extra speed. It generally buys (at least) a bigger hard drive, more memory, bigger/better screen, CD-ROM, video capture, etc., stuff like that. >Consequently, it also seems like a >good many people want to upgrade their computer because they are unwilling >to part with their computer which had originally bought at such a high >price which has now greatly depreciated. I've upgraded my TP755CE in two ways. I have upgraded the RAM; first to 24Meg, then to 40Meg. I have upgraded the disk capacity; first to 810Meg, then to 2.1Gig. Oh, yes. I also disabled the Mwave modem and upgraded to a Megahertz PCMCIA dual modem and Ethernet card. Part of the reason I upgraded rather than buying new was the fact that the upgrades I have done cost a small amount, relative to the cost of a whole new computer. Also, with 40Meg and 2.1Gig, I expect this system to be a useful system even after I "replace" it with something better. I'd happily part with this system for a better one. But I haven't seen a ThinkPad come along with a 10.4" TFT display, 2.1Gig of disk, and 40Meg of RAM for under $600. When I replace this puppy, it will be because there is a feature in the new ThinkPad that I "must have". We're getting close, already. I would *really* like an internal CD-ROM and 14" display. But, I am sick to death of being out of IRQs. My next ThinkPad will (I hope) consolidate a bunch of the "slow" devices (keyboard, mouse, serial port, printer port, IrDA port, etc.) onto an internal USB, with USB connectors added to the back "port area". >Why not prevent oneself from falling into the upgrade temptation by buying >a lower end model. I've gone through quite a few computers in the past >couple of years. The process of "going through quite a few computers" takes time. It took me a couple of weeks just to find the time to swap ISA modem cards in my desktop. Although, in some ways, a fun thing to do, it isn't something that I want to do all that often. Back a few years, when I used Multics and UNIX systems, computers were more fun. While still fun at some levels, MS Windows systems are a real pain in the rear. Every time one upgrades anything, no matter how minor, it's a major project. Sometimes, I wonder how people who haven't been doing this as long as I have manage it at all. Don't even get me started on how IE4.0 has screwed up my desktop system and my business partner's desktop *and* laptop systems. (Lucky I didn't install it on my ThinkPad, which is my primary system!) -- Ron.