Readers to the Rescue: Time for a New Computer
I need your help. My dear old computer, age 6, has begun acting up. Truth be told, it started acting up about a year ago and I have been quietly coaxing it back into good behavior with encouraging phrases like “You can do it!” and “Don’t give up now!” as well as a lot of fiddling around with it’s innards. In fact, I’m writing this post on it now, but will probably have to restart several times in order to finish. It’s frustrating!
All this anguish has really ignited the “I want a new one” fire inside me. I almost bought a brand new iMac at work the other day, getting all the way to the order confirmation page before slapping myself across the face and remembering that I should probably put some thought and planning into such a decision before getting all trigger-happy. Buying a new computer can be a real financial burden and drain on the environment. Maybe I just need to follow some of my own advice?
That’s when I remembered that I no longer have to make decisions like this on my own. Since starting Frugally Green, I have gotten some really thought provoking feedback from the amazing people that have found their way here. So today, I pose my question to you, friends: What do you think is the best frugally green solution to my dilemma?
Here’s what I’ve considered already:
Repair my existing PC
Right off the bat, this seems like the least expensive and most environmentally friendly option. I’ve exhausted my own repair knowledge, so I’d have to take it to a professional and likely be without a machine for awhile (though I could use my work laptop if I had to). I’m hesitant to go this route, though, because a lot of the software I run is quite sluggish on this computer. I’m afraid that if I repair it, I’ll just end up needing to buy a new one anyway before long.
Buy a cheap new PC
This is another option – just bite the bullet and pick up something new that I know won’t give me any trouble and, if it does, I’ll be all over that warranty. My old machine will be dropped off at Free Geek, allowing me all sorts of warm, fuzzy feelings when they Frankenstein it into something useful again that someone less fortunate can get some value out of. It will also better ensure that very few, if any, bits and pieces end up in a land fill.
In this case, I’d probably make the new machine a fairly barebones system and add hardware to it as I saw necessary. This would require little cash up front and allow me to add things that I think are important as I go. To be honest, though, I’ve recently had my eye on some Apple products, which leads me to my third option:
Buy a new (or gently used) iMac
This would bestow upon me the ultimate consumerist happiness. I’m no drooling Mac fanatic, but I did use them throughout college and enjoyed the operating system as well as a lot of the software (except iTunes! I hate iTunes!). I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here before, but in my spare time, I’m a home recording enthusiast. The software I use and am very happy with is Mac only. This wasn’t a problem before as my roommate had a Mac that I used for recording, but now he’s moving out.
I feel like buying one of these would allow me the most versatile use, but would also be the most expensive option. I’m keeping an open mind because I know that sometimes you have to spend upfront to save down the road and used Macs seem to hold their value better than PCs. At the same time, I’m afraid I’m being influenced by aesthetics. Apple makes pretty computers and I don’t want to spend extra money just to look at something attractive (I get my fill of that from Jessie for a much better bargain). A computer is a tool to me, not an accessory.
So I’d like your help! I’ve thought this through myself, but I want to know how you would approach the situation. What criteria would you use to make sure you got the most for your money, everything you wanted, and were being environmentally conscious about a major electronic purchase? I really value your opinion and want to know what you think.
~~~~~~
If you enjoyed this post, please share it using the button below or leave a comment and consider subscribing to the RSS Feed.
Related posts:
Green Bean Said,
August 29, 2009 @ 7:04 am
We went through this same decision making process earlier this summer. At some point, repairing your PC won’t cut it. Ours was at that point. I didn’t want to buy a cheap PC because, well, you just KNOW that puppy ain’t going to last more than two years. We opted for the Mac. I have to say, though, unlike you, I hate my Mac. Its been two months and I’m still not used to it. I cannot figure out how to do the simplest things on it and am forever researching online how to do X or how to do Y. Many of the instructions I come across are from enthusiastic Mac lovers who, while telling you how to fix said problem, gleefully revel in how easy their Macs are to use. Of course, at least half the time, the instructions they give don’t work on my Mac. My sister who switched over a few months before me feels similarly. But, I’m getting off tangent. If you are comfortable already with the operating system, then I’d go with something you think will last you a long long time. In your case, it sounds like it would be a Mac.
Tyler Said,
August 29, 2009 @ 7:17 am
Thanks Green Bean. I think my train of thought is pretty inline with yours: current computer too old to be useful to me after repair, cheap new PC won’t last or hold value as long.
Anyone else have another perspective?
Craig Said,
August 29, 2009 @ 8:04 am
From the green side of things, I guess you need to consider materials and power consumption. Apple claims to be pretty green on the materials side these days, and I think the power consumption is OK, but you could of course get a PC with similar power consumption. Not sure about the ‘greenness’ of most PC parts. A new machine (Apple or not) would most likely chew less power than your old one, unless you got a beast, or your old system happened to be fairly low spec and efficient (wouldn’t bet on it). I’m not real familiar with details of the environmental impact of a typical PC vs a typical Mac, so if you were real worried about it from that angle, I imagine you would need to sit down for a while and do some research.
I think that you should be looking at option 2 or 3, and since you have indicated both a desire and a functional reason for getting the Apple machine, whether or not you go the more expensive route should probably simply come down to whether or not you feel the extra (potential) pleasure/utility/longevity etc or the Apple is worth the extra dollars in your mind.
Sounds like you wont regret the Mac as long as you really think it’s worth it.
The above probably doesn’t help much, but that’s my two cents
.
a.b. Said,
August 29, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
As you already know (twitter as it is) that I would go with the gently used Mac. Especially now that they are running the intel processors you can have them set up to dual-boot both Windows and Mac operating systems. Hence, you will lose little if any of the programs you’re already running.
Macs are actually a bit more user friendly than a lot of people encounter. Just plan on substituting the command key (the one that looks like a four prong infinity) for the ctrl key.
Tyler Said,
August 29, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Craig (#3),
After a little research, it looks like there are a number of Energy Star rated computers out there, but it appears that Apple sort of leads the pack in implementing environmentally friendly practices.
As far as overall usability and longevity, I think we’re on the same page and I’m leaning towards option #3. Thanks for your $0.02!
a.b. (#4),
You’re right. I have a copy of Windows XP. Being able to run both operating systems will be very useful for me, especially when I need to do a little work (for the day job) at home.
I’m still open to any other opinions if someone wants to chime in. I’m secretly waiting for someone to tell me off for not wanting to repair!
Smiherines Said,
August 30, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
Buy want you know you want to my dear. You’ve done your homework-let it be your reward.
Remember my Sunbeam mixer? That was cheap and sturdy but in the end not the best quality and took longer to produce and do what I wanted it to. When I had worked hard enough to be able to afford what was one of the best and most efficient, I went right out and got the f—in’ thing…and haven’t regretted it one bit. End if story.
Chris Said,
August 31, 2009 @ 8:33 am
In my opinion, the most “green & frugal” option would be replace the components of your existing computer(keeping the power supply (depending on the wattage), tower, fans & cabling).
I’m not sure this is the answer you’re looking for. It would definately require the most effort (lots of research & elbow grease).
The easiest option would be option C. It sounds like it has everything you need/want.
It doesn’t sound like it would meet your needs, but this website
http://laptop.org/en/index.shtml
is a cool concept. I haven’t done much research on it – maybe something for a future Frugally Green post?
Neal Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 11:29 am
If frugally green is the key option #1 is the answer by a long shot. Here is my list of pro’s and con’s for option #1:
Pro’s:
-Replacing computer components is really quite simple. Just find a similar part on newegg.com, order it up and put it in. Its easier than legos, honestly.
- If you have a tower and power supply that currently work, you can replace everything in it for about $150 and make it much faster at the same time.
- Formatting your hard drive and re-installing your operating system will speed up your computer TREMENDOUSLY. Most people don’t realize that it is recommended to do a fresh operating system (OS) install every 1-2 years. Plus, Windows 7 is currently FREE. A pretty good price if you ask me and it definately is giving even the new snow leapard MAC OS 10.7 a run for its money as far as usability goes
- BONUS: Windows 7 is the most revolutionary OS out on the market when it comes to saving power. It slows down your processor (the main power eating part of the machine) when it is not being used. Did I mention its FREE? Most righteously frugal and green.
- If you still want that good ole’ MAC experience but without all of the glam check out the website below to find out how you can run MAC OS on a PC. http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
- Want an LCD screen? Just check out slickdeals.net and wait for a cheap one to hit the front page.
- Perhaps the most convincing argument of all; if you take the time to figure out how to fix this one, you will never have to pay another computer repair bill in your life. Many people are afraid of computer guts but they are really simple. There are bountiful resources online that can walk you through installing new computer parts and all it takes is a phillips screwdriver, a little patience and the better part of a Saturday morning to get it done.
Cons:
- This option takes the most effort and time.
- An iMAC looks way cooler than a six year old crappy case sitting on your desk.
- Buying an iMAC gets you way more frequent flyer miles than option #1, by far.
Anyways, just my humble opinion on the whole matter. In the words of the great scholar Kip “Follow your heart Napolean, that’s what I do.”
Tyler Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 5:53 pm
Neal,
You are an animal! Thanks for taking the time to put that list together. The wiki site on installing OSX on a PC appears to be a bit over my head, but I’m willing to learn!
I think it’s pretty clear that the ‘ultimate’ frugally green option is #1.
I’ve thrown another variable into the mix, though. After really evaluating how I want to utilize my computer going forward, I’ve realized that a mobile set-up is probably what is best suited for me.
Looks like I might get down and dirty repairing the current desktop and adding a laptop to the mix. Best of both worlds?
Tyler Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You guys are awesome.
Neal Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
In that case I would check out the netbooks that dell has. They are super light and very affordable and the best part is, they run the Mac OS flawlessly. I am about to convert my 9″ mini netbook into a Mac book. Plus I got mine for like 200 bucks. Not bad for a mini macbook. This probably isn’t the best option if you plan on doing any serious video editing on your laptop though. That is better suited for a desktop, or a $1500 macbook pro.
Check out mydellmini.com for tons of guides and info on how to set it all up.
Colin Said,
September 7, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
I too am a Mac user, a MacBook Pro. I came over, so to speak, a couple of years ago after living with the PC and Microsoft since 1982.
Now I see the elegant simplicity of the Mac OS and the quality of the instrument itself, I could not envision a return to a PC under any circumstances.
You too have been spoiled and while I appreciate your motive of asking advice from others, and your interest in ‘green possibilities’ if I were you I would give in to your appreciation for your Mac and either fix it (could be expensive) or replace it.
Were I you, I would replace it and get maximum pleasure from the buying experience from Apple.