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How Old Is Your Computer? ..."In Computer years"

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

Is it time for a new computer? Are you sure? When did you buy your current computer, or when was the last time you did any upgrades? Do you constantly find yourself waiting on the computer instead of it waiting on you?
Have you calculated (like dog years) how old your computer really is? (5 years to 1)
Laptop
These are the questions I found myself asking, as I was patronizing the computer department at a local Best Buy store. Once I took a good look at some of the systems that are now available, I was no longer there to just get milk and eggs. (ha ha) But, there are so many choices and decisions that need to be made (I thought), when buying a new computer. Things like Network Capabilities, Speed and Memory, Gigabytes and Kilobytes etc. Just the thought of trying to understand 1/4 of the technobabble these days, could really make someone nauseous and cause them (like me) to procrastinate! Really, you just need to be honest with yourself, and decide what you'll need your computer to do. The AR network is here to help you too!

Broken ComputerA new computer is somewhat like a new car, It smells good, it's faster than the old one, the paint and appearance is much better, it's clean, no scratches, doesn't leak, and makes you proud, as it gets you to where you are going. Alot of similarities between a new car and and new computer. However, just like a car, we don't need to understand all the mechanics of it, we just want it to do, what it was meant to do. The technology in a new car has definitely changed over 20 years! I'd have to say the same for a new computer. Old Mac Donald

If it has been 2-3 years or more since your last purchase, I'd say it's time to go to your local computer store (or on-line), and really see what has changed in the past few years with technology and software. Are you running applications like I was, that for example, were created for Windows 98? Or maybe, you have software like I do that is up to 6.0, and you thought you were running the best, only to find that the developer's have changed hands, and they're now up to version 12.0? You will be SHOCKED at what's on the market right now. 
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (OLD MAC DONALD)
                                                                                                                                  
All that to say this, I broke down and bought a new computer after 5 years of living with mediocrity. I am really loving this new computer. It's so fast! I just picked up the HP m7760n, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, with 500GB HD, 2GB RAM, the new Intel Viiv Technology, Lightscribe CD/DVD burner, the Accelerator 950 gra(OLphics card, and Windows Vista. (and I haven't even opened the trunk on this baby yet)                          

brads fast red car
This new computer screams! It was half the price for what I paid for my old system over 5 years ago.  It's nice to have a computer that once again, waits on me instead of the other way around. What more could a blogger ask for? The new computers now days, have so much more "NEW" technology, power, speed, capabilities, and are much easier to use. (referring to new software too) I'm glad I didn't just upgrade, I'm glad I bought brand new! Some words of advice if you do buy a new car...I mean a new computer...Better fasten your seatbelt, hang-on, cause you're going for a ride! Go buy one today, life is too short, technology is too fast, just do it, you deserve it!

Comments (47)

Sharon Leigh
Sharon's Graphic Reality - Port Saint John, FL
(Graphic Reality) Got PhotoLogo? CandelLife@Gmail.

The average time on new technology for computers is every 2 years. If it's been more than 2 years since your last purchase and you do a comparison check of systems similar to your own, you will find the prices going lower and the speed and space going higher. Graphic technology is one area that seems to change by leaps and bounds. If you don't have the newest graphic card you may be limited in what you can do, depending on the age of your pc. Many times you can simply upgrade your own computer rather than sinking money into buying a new one. Memory is the best place to put the money first to make your computer run faster other than a good spring cleaning.

For internet technology, I can't stress the benefits of wireless broadband enough. I have 4 pc's and a lappie running off one router box in my house without the use of wires everywhere. Networking them together means you can use just one printer for all.

Brad, did it feel like walking through a toy store? LOL... 

Mar 15, 2007 12:41 AM
Robert Schwabe
Herron Real Estate - Orange Park, FL
Orange Park Real Estate
Well, after commenting on the blog yesterday. I start up my desktop at home and started surfing the web all of a sudden blue screen of death pops up. I tried everything to get my computer working again but nothing I think it is done. The bad thing it have alot of my flyer templates and letter templates on it. Usually I'm really good on backing things up but I got lazy and have not backed up anything in about 4 months. Now I'm all stressed out thinking about everything I'm going to lose. I guess this  is a sign to upgrade to a new computer. Until I upgrade I will be working real hard to figure a way out to retreive the data I might have lost. With external hard drives so cheap I will be getting one right away.   
Mar 15, 2007 03:48 AM
Tom Giansante
The Title Company of Jersey - Wildwood, NJ

Brad,   Good stuff here. 

Regarding Vista...There are integration issues with Some MLS/Paragon systems and Vista.  Anytime new operating systems or major upgrades are initiated, you can expect configuration problems and glitches!!

For those of you who want to upgrade your 1 year old laptop.....that is a waste of resources.  Stay with what you have, which is all you really need.  Wait at least one more year, and get today's top of the line at rock bottom prices..

 

"Grapefruit" (Wow, that's the first time I got a grapefruit!)

Mar 15, 2007 11:43 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
Wow, I have never seeh grapefruit either, I get alot of Pomegranate! (LOL)
Mar 16, 2007 08:49 AM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY
Brad - I am looking to get a new computer also.  I'm  Thinking of switching to MAC but I'm afraid...  - have any advice?
Mar 20, 2007 08:28 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
Maureen, don't be afraid. It is preference that counts. Both computers do great things, you want to be sure it will do those things you need in your business. Mac actually has an application that will run and make your computer like a PC running windows. There are great features and benefits to both. I would start by making a list of all the things you want to ba able to do with your computer. Then make sure there are no compatability issues, then do some research on pricing, and then just go buy it. You work hard, you need the tool, and you deserve it!! You decide what you like best and then just be good to yourself. If I can help you any further, please let me know. There are thousands here on AR that I am sure would do the same. Best of luck to you, either way, it'll be the right choice. DON'T BE AFRAID!!!
Mar 20, 2007 09:13 AM
Maureen Maureen
Orangeburg, NY
Brad - I think you are right.  I am just going to have to go for it.  I am currently blogging about making the switch - here is the post: Thinking of switching to MAC but I'm afraid...  The response has been underwhelming at best.  If you have any other thoughts I'd love to hear them.
Mar 20, 2007 09:25 AM
Leon Austin
Mobile Notary Services - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Mobile Notary
I recently bought an IBM ThinkPad, so I can relate to how much nicer it is to computer when you have more speed and memory. Things that used to take forever on my old computer can be done in a snap on my laptop.
Apr 08, 2007 03:03 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
Leon - Congrats on your new laptop, I hear those new thinkpads are pretty nice. Enjoy!!
Apr 08, 2007 04:05 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Nice Rob - couple more years and it will be "uncle bob" cause it will be "bobbing" down the river...LOL.
If the wheel ain't broke, why fix it?

Apr 11, 2007 02:39 AM
David A. McCloskey
Pacific Home Brokers, DRE License# 01776597 - Temecula, CA
Let's Make It Happen..NOW

Hi Brad,

I actually work on computers (troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, train, network, etc.) so I can appreciate each and every comment here. 

Yeah, a lot of people still hang on to their old Windows 98 operating system computer for whatever reason, instead of at least upgrading to Windows XP or now, Windows Vista.  Upgrading can be like taking baby steps, pretty scary.

Computers are definitely a love / hate or shall I say, dislike, relationship, which we have come to depend on more so these days.

Happy computing everyone!

David A. McCloskey

http://davidmccloskey.tarbell.com

 

Feb 02, 2008 12:11 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876
David, it's good to know that you do surgery on these buggahs!  Now I know who to call so my relationship with my computers can remain more on the love side!!  LOL!~  enjoy the week ahead!  :-)
Feb 04, 2008 01:30 AM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
I am probably getting a new computer built but really do not want Vista - have XP now- my guy can do that but am I missing out on something great? What is the Vista vote?
Feb 04, 2008 05:31 AM
David A. McCloskey
Pacific Home Brokers, DRE License# 01776597 - Temecula, CA
Let's Make It Happen..NOW

Hi Brad, yeah, I do surgery on computers from time to time, sometimes open heart surgery.......sometimes you just have to open it up and take things out or replace them.  Then the fun begins...putting all the parts back together, like creating a Frankenstein.....fun stuff though.

Take care Brad.

http://davidmccloskey.tarbell.com

 

Feb 04, 2008 07:18 AM
David A. McCloskey
Pacific Home Brokers, DRE License# 01776597 - Temecula, CA
Let's Make It Happen..NOW

Good afternoon Kathleen, 

You won't be missing out if you don't get Vista.  It might even make life easier.......A good portion of people don't like it and a good portion do.  It's a preference issue. Vista does have bugs, quirks, annoying screen popups, etc.  There are also issues with compatibility on hardware and software (printers, scanners, cameras).  Let a year go by so the dust can settle, then consider Vista. If you have the choice, stay with Windows XP. 

Hope this helps!

http://davidmccloskey.tarbell.com

 

Feb 04, 2008 07:31 AM
Bill Somerset
Re/Max Realty Group - Dover, NH
ABR, e-PRO - Realtor - NH Real Estate Agent
It's crazy how we need to keep up with our computers now.  My first computer I got for free from a former employer, did all of the repairs and upgrades myself.  Then I bought my new one almost 1 year ago or so, I love it, no more waiting, no more frustration, etc...  Until the next big, new thing comes around!
Feb 05, 2008 02:42 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

I am probably getting a new computer built but really do not want Vista - have XP now- my guy can do that but am I missing out on something great? What is the Vista vote?

Kathleen - It's just the next MS Op system.  They're always trying to improve!  It's preference in my opinion.  Being a techie kinda guy, I always want the newest and latest and greatest to be able to help my friends and clients.  However, that does not mean that it is the right operating system for you.  There are bugs that I've heard about, but I have not yet experienced any of them.  I have all new hardware and up to date software that is setup for windows Vista.  You might want to wait a bit, check with others who have Vista, play on their computers for a bit, then decide if it's right for you.  You can also go into any computer store to see how Windows Vista looks and feels, I know they let people play on it before they buy!  :-) 

Feb 06, 2008 12:44 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

David - a Frankenstein???  LOL!~ I have built a few of those myself....like my kids bicycle's and there are always parts laying around when I'm done.  Can't help wonder what the heck I missed, but it seems to still work just fine! (Big Smile)  Have a great week....DOC!!  :-)


Feb 06, 2008 12:50 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

It's crazy how we need to keep up with our computers now.  My first computer I got for free from a former employer, did all of the repairs and upgrades myself.  Then I bought my new one almost 1 year ago or so, I love it, no more waiting, no more frustration, etc...  Until the next big, new thing comes around!

Bill - it is crazy!!!  Seems like every year the "Old" computers become fishing weights!  Hard to keep up with all the new technology and systems but it sure is fun trying!!!  :-) 

Feb 06, 2008 12:53 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

BTW - I think this was my first ever "Featured Post" on Active Rain.  I wrote this the first week or two when I first joined.  I Can't believe I'm still getting comments and commenting back on this one...who da thunk! LOL!~~~

Thanks for keeping this one alive!!  (Big Smile)


Feb 06, 2008 12:58 AM