Comments on: Readers to the Rescue: Time for a New Computer http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/ Saving Earth one dollar at a time Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:40:32 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Colin http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-374 Colin Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:22:32 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-374 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. 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.

]]> By: Neal http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-373 Neal Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:22:25 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-373 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. 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.

]]> By: Tyler http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-372 Tyler Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:58:02 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-372 Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the feedback everyone. You guys are awesome.

]]> By: Tyler http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-371 Tyler Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:53:12 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-371 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? 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?

]]> By: Neal http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-370 Neal Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:29:56 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-370 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." 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.”

]]> By: Chris http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-278 Chris Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:33:59 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-278 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? 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?

]]> By: Smiherines http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-272 Smiherines Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:18:55 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-272 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. 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.

]]> By: Tyler http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-271 Tyler Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:06:10 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-271 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! 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!

]]> By: a.b. http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-269 a.b. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:04:49 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-269 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. 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.

]]> By: Craig http://frugallygreen.org/readers-to-the-rescue-time-for-a-new-computer/#comment-268 Craig Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:04:23 +0000 http://frugallygreen.org/?p=639#comment-268 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 :). 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 :) .

]]>