Expert: Bobbert - 12/30/2009

Question
Hello...first, thank you for your time.
My issue is..my Dell laptop died..no detectable hard drive.
In the past 5 years..I have inherited my husband's used PCs as
he has needed to upgrade...this is the 3rd time I've been through a "death" and although backed up, still a pain.
I am thinking I'd like to go MAC..as my friends with MACs swear by them and haven't had the crashes I've had. My husband is suggesting a new small laptop for around $300 - $500.
What I use the computer for is internet, email, script reading, word docs and our book keeping (both on Quick Books and Simply Accounting..with a total of 4 checking accounts to balance, etc..each month). So I'm assuming I'd need to purchase a windows adaptation if I go MAC.
I'd appreciate your advice. I certainly don't want to spend more $ than necessary in this economy...but at the same time want some life out of this next purchase.
Cindy


Answer
Honestly the life-cycle you're getting from these systems is relatively normal, although I'm somewhat skeptical that your current system is actually "dead". If you're up to it, you may just try replacing the hard-drive (a relatively simple procedure, all you'll need is a screwdriver and a few minutes), although if you'd like a new computer there is nothing wrong with that either. There is no advantage to Apple hardware over another manufacturer (such as Dell), as they all more or less use the same components (same processors, I/O controllers, storage devices, memory, and so on, and in most cases they're even manufactured at the same factory on different production lines), so I'd take most of the "Apple Evangelism" you're likely to hear with a grain of salt.

A $300-$500 system purchased new today will easily handle your tasks, I would probably suggest Dell and an extended warranty if that fits your budget, Asus and Hewlett-Packard also provide good customer service and have respectable prices.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

-bob