Well it finally happened. My Windows Vista Operating System laptop finally bit the dust. I can’t get remote technical support anymore for my Vostro hard drive issues. And, my hard drive is near death.

Now days, what are opinions about the best types of computers for MS and why? I know I want technical remote access support but that's all I know. I only connect to the internet through usb wireless communication. I use all my data for MS and research. I don’t game, facebook, video, movie watch or youtube. There are so many machines out there I am not sure where to start. TIA

www.salescircular.com

I had your issues a couple of weeks back. I went into Office Depot with the idea of purchasing a new hard drive. I was going to cost me more than a brand new laptop. I also use a remote site for computer issues. I was told to replace the harddrive.

Well I had every intention of doing that. How much could it cost, right? A trip to Office Depot a few days later, I found out I'd basically have to rebuild it from the get go.

I ended up getting a Dell Inspiron 3000, loaded with 8.1. Office Depot didn't have it on display. I bought it with tax for $357.21. It's not perfect, but it will get the job done. This last week it was featured on the website for almost $100 more before taxes/delivery fees.

My remote site was able to set it up so it looks like Win 7. I had them transfer my forever Malware Bytes subscription. We dumped McAfee and set up Avira.

My biggest problem, is keeping my hands away from the touch pad. The cursor does go will nilly. If I can afford it I will probably invest in a separate wifi mouse.

I have 4GB of ram and it's upgradeble to 8GB. The harddrive is 500GB. It has a touchscreen and the processor is AMD A4. The speakers aren't worthwhile.

MSPA through the Abenity program sent some deals on Dell laptops. The lowest priced Dell was one that had a detachable monitor so it could be used as a tablet. That style was what I really wanted.

What I have works. Luckily, my computer people have been very generous with their time helping me set the new one up the way I need it to work.

Hope this helps.

Thanks MA Smith and mrcomputer101. I am going through computer education at warp speed. So far my current hard drive is surviving. I installed free Microsoft Security Essentials and my computer seems protected. I will try to do some computer shops over the holiday break that should help with my education. Hope to get the new putter in January with my Nov/December MS'n fees. My current system is in hospice (i.e. death is imminent). I am hoping it will survive into January.

Hi there, tried to send you a PM. I think it disappeared in the ether.

Get what you want that gets the job done. My understanding from your first post is you don't need gaming, etc, etc, etc.

Find something that has a decent processor, upgradeable ram and at least 500 gig hard drive.
Contact your remote people and make sure they can at least make it look like Win 7 for you. The tiles and touch screen of 8.1 make me say bad words. My remote service is also a beta tester for WIN 10 and it's supposed to be the bomb diggities. There is a rumor, that anyone with 8 will be able to upgrade for a deep discount.


If you haven't worked with a touch pad, consider getting a separate mouse. My touch pad is touchy, but doesn't scroll or click on things very well. I said if I can afford it, I'd get another one for this computer. After yesterday, it's a priority and I'm willing to eat beans and rice for a few months.

I'm very happy with my new machine. I would've liked the one that separates into a tablet. My days run 8-12 hours long on the road. I use my iPad2 when I can find free wifi to get reports started. Even though I have a keyboard for the pad, I can't submit reports because my receipt/picture uploads are never in the proper position. I always have to review and proofread, which is turning out to be a good thing with my scores. I just would love to have less equipment to lug around.

Definitely make sure you get something that is bluetooth enabled. Theoretically anything you look at now will have that feature, but best to make sure.

And if you need a printer, get one that supports eprint. I own a monster HP Officejet Pro, because it was on sale and had another $100 in rebates. It's a beautiful thing. You can print half done reports from the road and proof read when you get home. Helps with the scores.



Pooch5210 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks MA Smith and mrcomputer101. I am going
> through computer education at warp speed. So far
> my current hard drive is surviving. I installed
> free Microsoft Security Essentials and my computer
> seems protected. I will try to do some computer
> shops over the holiday break that should help with
> my education. Hope to get the new putter in
> January with my Nov/December MS'n fees. My current
> system is in hospice (i.e. death is imminent). I
> am hoping it will survive into January.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2014 12:39PM by MA Smith.

If you end up with Windows 8.1, the first thing I'd do is set it to boot up to the desktop and install Classic Shell.

It's a free fully customizable start menu that can be made to look like anything from windows 98, XP, Vista, or Windows 7 or a Frankenstein of pieces of all of them. I recommend this for all Windows users as its much better than the stock start menu for any MS operating system.

[www.classicshell.net]

You will find that unless your using the worthless Microsoft App's, you will fins that the touch screen on Windows is way overrated. I used to advise people to buy a clearance laptop with Windows 7 last year. This is not an option anymore and all the rebuilt systems are gouging you for a touch enabled system that has a decent processor, ram and storage space.

My mac crashed and was a pain with some MSC's anyway so I changed to a notebook. It is limited but for mystery shopping works just fine. Has a really long battery life and is light. You do have to back up in the cloud however and have a cloud enabled printer which was a headache at first but is now running fine. I can remote print so all I really need on the road is my notebook and my android. Has made my life so much easier.

The Microsoft store has a Windows HP Stream 7" tablet that has both front and rear Cameras. Comes with a one year subscription to Office 365, Windows 8.1 RT. Wi-Fi for $99.00 Stream 8" $179.00 + 500Mb T-Mobile for the life of the tablet.

Good thing I didn't get one. I just got a Sprint Samsung 7" tablet that my granddaughter had. Wish I had of done that shop because he told her the tablet was free, but didn't mention the monthly charge for the service. She isn't the sharpest spoork in the drawer.