[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by Virtual Geezer

You can figure 3 years for a lap top and 4 for a desktop. This is what the company that I worked for used as a refresh period for over 1500 lap tops and over 2000 desktops. Now the lap tops will also depend a lot on the usage. Using an external keyboard will add life. Things like how often the unit is opened and closed will also have an impact. Parts for lap tops start to get harder to find even from the manufacturer at about the 3 year mark. The technology changes and the companies want you to buy new.

Also with Windows 8 if you want touch screen you are looking at about $200.00 added to the cost but that is starting to come down.

Another thing to ask yourself is do you really need a lap top? Do you travel and take the computer with you? Lap tops have their place but in my opinion will never totally replace the desktop. Also with a desktop you can get a much larger screen or even two or more screens.

What people do with computers today is far different from just a few years ago. Many people just surf the net and do some e-mails and a tablet will suite them just fine. Gone are the days when everyone had to have a word processing program, spreadsheet program etc.

VG

Virtual Geezer is correct about the replacement time for work laptops and desktops. In the company I work for, if it is time to replace your computer, you are automatically given a laptop unless you specifically request a desktop computer. I received a laptop last year at work, so assuming I still am employed by this company in 2015, I am due for a new laptop then. But of course I am on my work laptop close to 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, so it gets heavier usage than my personal laptop at home. We have Lenovo laptops at work; the battery life is not great on the Lenovos (2 hours max.) unless you get an extended life battery. The battery on my personal Toshiba laptop lasts close to 5 hours.

[jebartle]

TOTV members are the best!

[TrudyM]

I would make a must have and don't like list before I go shopping. It really is different strokes for different folks.

I love my Dell laptop but the battery life is not great I have it plugged in most of the time.
However I had an odd thing on my I want list which is why I got it I like a large screen because I am a big user of spreadsheets, I also watch movies with it and have a lot of movies stored on it because it has a large memory. And I also wanted a lot of ports so I could plug in extra thumb drives, my mouse (I can't stand that little pad on the laptop or touch navigating) etc.

If you already use HDMI cables to attach a device to a tv be advised a lot of new computers etc are using micro hdmi ports you may need an adapter or new cable.
A tablet like an Ipad or Surface has very little storage and I really didn't like the Ipad tried a friends and no place to plug a usb. We now also have a surface (Microsoft pad) which has a usb port, but I still could not deal without the ability to run the programs I want and I like it to run fast so I still drag my big laptop around.

[Mimivillager]

John Chumbler is a computer expert who lives in The Villages. He comes to the house and helps you set up the new computer. He recommended Acer and we have been extremely happy with it. We purchased it at Staples.
We have called John several times for assistance with issues we did not understand. If you want, I can give you his phone number.

[Regor]

Originally Posted by memason

If you have a Mac, it's nice to not ever worry about a virus or any sort of malware...just doesn't exist.

If you believe that, you my in for a VERY rude awakening someday. Lots of Mac related viruses and trojan horses..

[memason]

Originally Posted by Regor

If you believe that, you my in for a VERY rude awakening someday. Lots of Mac related viruses and trojan horses..

Of course, you could be right "someday", but as I sit here writing this post, there is no known animal in existence. There simply are no active viruses or malware for the Apple...

[Blackie]

Originally Posted by memason

Of course, you could be right "someday", but as I sit here writing this post, there is no known animal in existence. There simply are no active viruses or malware for the Apple...

Perhaps reading this article will help with the misconception regarding OSX.

5 More Mac Malware Myths and Misconceptions | The Mac Security Blog

[memason]

Originally Posted by Blackie

Perhaps reading this article will help with the misconception regarding OSX.

5 More Mac Malware Myths and Misconceptions | The Mac Security Blog

Seriously???? You cite an article written by a company SELLING virus software for the Mac?

[Blackie]

Originally Posted by memason

Seriously???? You cite an article written by a company SELLING virus software for the Mac?

Yes - the facts are true and are confirmed by many researchers. Research Charlie Miller he has written a lot regarding malware on OSX.

Apple is good stuff, expensive but good. I love my iPad and use it exclusively but the more popular OSX gets then the more malware and virus's will appear.

[Jazzper]

Lots of interesting articles on TheSafeMac website. Might want to check out this one specifically:

The Safe Mac » “There are no Mac viruses”

I don't believe they're selling anything.

[JP]

Apple is the best. There IOS is top notch and I have never had any virus issues with any Apple product I have owned. I recently had to by a Windows based system for work and it is OK but it ain't an Apple.

[ssmith]

I am a simple girl and my computer needs are simple too.

I bought a Toshiba laptop last year. We replaced our desktop. Would not go back to a desk top. I use it everywhere. Very happy with my choice.

Now having said that all my kids have at least one I-pad and love them. It is more cost and more technology than I need. For example, I don't have a smart phone either too much technology for me.

I guess I am saying this cause one must know who they are and what their needs/wants are. Definitley the I-pad is the standard that is changing the industry.

[Schaumburger]

Tablets are definitely changing the face of the computer world. Google now is heavily promoting the Nexus 7 16GB for $229, and it has gotten several good reviews. Everyone in my immediate family (except for my dad ) now has a tablet of one kind (iPad, iPad mini, or Samsung) in addition to their laptops. I would not discard my laptop for anything, but I do enjoy using my first generation iPad.

[duffysmom]

If I purchase a mac book pro can I transfer my photos, files, etc., to the mac book? I have a a lenovo T500 with windows 7. Thank you, it's all a mystery to me.

[Avista]

Originally Posted by duffysmom

If I purchase a mac book pro can I transfer my photos, files, etc., to the mac book? I have a a lenovo T500 with windows 7. Thank you, it's all a mystery to me.

Thanks for posting. Tat's what is holding me back too. Will my quicken and picture files transfer over from Windows 7?