Far and away the most common question I get asked in my email is “what kind of computer should I buy” — as if I have a hidden recommendation that I only give to people who write in.
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Apple hardware, mostly because of its quality and overwhelmingly good customer care, especially for those who live near an Apple retail store and its “Genius Bar.”
I am less a fan of the Apple operating system (don’t write me). More software is created for Windows, and I find it easier to use. However, if you have the money there’s not much better than an Apple PC.
After that, I am pretty fond of buying computers from Dell’s Outlet store on the Web. (If you “friend” the outlet on Facebook or subscribe to its Twitter feed, you get access to periodic discount coupons, too, or you can get them via email.)
In many years of buying hundreds of PCs there, I have had no problems other than a pretty terrible user interface on its website.
I also like HP desktop PCs, which seem to be getting better lately.
Almost everyone today is buying laptops. Prices have dropped dramatically for them because of increased competition and for PCs because fewer people want them. There is a backlog of inventory. Pressure from tablet PCs such as the iPad also is pushing down prices, which is good news for consumers.
Most of the really poor manufacturers have dropped away, but the old adage — you get what you pay for — probably holds true in the PC world. If a decent PC costs $X and you see one for half that, understand that compromises are being made someplace. No company is in business to lose money.
Whatever type of computer you choose, back up your important data to a second source. I don’t want to hear about missing baby pictures and wedding photos ever again. On a final note, after more than 25 years of filling this weekly space, it is time for me to spend more time with my growing family.
When I started writing my column, the computing world was vastly different and most people needed a lot of handholding.
After the Web exploded, so did computer use (before that it was more of a hobby and less of an everyday tool) and I was grateful to see my mailbox explode, too, with your comments, both pro and con.
Many years ago, when I created one of the first newspaper-based dial-up bulletin board services and saw its usage expand, it became clear that people were aching for instant access to information. That need for immediacy will never stop, for good or not. It has been a sincere pleasure filling this space more than 1,200 times. You are more than welcome to keep in touch at the email address listed below. I wish you safe computing and happy trails.
James Derk owns CyberDads, a computer services firm in Evansville, Ind. Email him at jim@cyberdads.com