<p>I have a slight economical quandary. I am currently in 11th grade and am in dire need of a new computer. My plan was to buy a laptop for college right after or late 12th grade. However, my current computer is practically worn out. It has lasted 6 years and does not cut it anymore. Should I survive 1 year using another computer or should I just invest in that laptop a little early? My ideal plan was as follows:</p>
<p>Late or end of 12th grade - Buy nice $1100+ Dell Laptop and retire current desktop. Goto college and laptop lasts for all 4 years. </p>
<p>Anyone understand my situation? Is it economical to buy my laptop now even though I want it to last a long time? Should I manage with my friend's computer or the librarys and buy my laptop before college so I can get the best bang for my buck? </p>
<p>All responses welcomed. ANy questions. PLease reply. Thanks for any help!</p>
<p>What do you mean your current computer does not "cut it" anymore? Is is just too slow, too obsolete, or what?</p>
<p>If MS word/the internet work, I'd suggest just making do for the time being. Otherwise, I'd suggest getting a new one now, it'll still be relatively up to date when you go to college. It should last you the 4 years at college too, providing you take good care of it :p.</p>
<p>I'd suggest not getting a Dell. I just bought myself a new laptop because I was tired of all the hassles I had with my Dell. I sent in the laptop 3 times to get fixed because the keyboard didn't type random letters (in all of my papers I'd have to read through my paper and check which letter I pressed, that it didn't feel like typing). There were also two recalls on it, it burned me if I ever used it over 1/2 hour and it was extremely heavy! </p>
<p>However, I think it would be fine to buy your laptop now if you really need to. Technology is always changing and some companies are getting better at improving the quality of their laptops. I have heard IBM's are a good brand and also Apples of course!</p>
<p>The internet wont install! My computer won't recognize the drivers for my 2Wire PC Port after I formatted the computer.</p>
<p>What type of port is the 2Wire?</p>
<p>Before anyone can give you some advice, we need to know exactly what kind of computer you have: operating system, memory amount, drives, video, etc.</p>
<p>Is your 2wire pc port a phone/network adaptor? And your computer is six years old. I'm guessing that you're running Windows 98? It's likely that your machine is a PII/III running @ 300 or more megahertz. Not much memory... Is your monitor the same age as your computer? If so, even if you purchased a used but more current desktop machine, your monitor might have to be replaced as well. Older VGA type color monitors don't have the bandwith to handle even Intell's Intergrated video.</p>
<p>You have two realistic choices:</p>
<p>Buy a used/refurbished desktop computer and hope your monitor will work. New Celeron based machines can be bought for $500-600. Basic computing, but they will do the job until you get to college. </p>
<p>Buy a laptop now. </p>
<p>Frankly, it looks like you'd be entering college in Fall 2006. That's 17/18 months away. Computers change pretty fast (like dog years). I'd hold off buying a new laptop given the lag time. A used laptop maybe a possiblity.</p>
<p>My 2Wire PC Port is a network adapter</p>
<p>I have Windows 98SE, 900Mhz @ 128 MB. This also sucks cause I can't get an IPOD until I get XP.</p>
<p>ah, SE. the good old days =)
900 mhz? thats not too bad. you must have gotten this computer while it was at its prime (that is, if you got this more than 5 years ago). </p>
<p>i would stick with your computer for now. either reformat, buy windows XP, or use a computer at another source. trust me, you want to wait as long as possible until you buy a new computer.</p>
<p>"My 2Wire PC Port is a network adapter"</p>
<p>Does it connect via ethernet or USB? If USB, you should keep in mind that Windows 98 does not fully support USB.</p>
<p>To run XP effectively, you'll need 512 MB.</p>
<p>Was there a reason for using a 2Wire PC Port rather than a cheap $20 network card? What size hard drive do you have? A separate video card or intergrated graphics off the motherboard?</p>
<p>With a memory upgrade, you'll have a functional PC until you start college next year. It may not be pretty, but it will allow you to do basic stuff...</p>
<p>I suggest NOT a Dell.</p>
<p>In fact, I know that for most tech-savvy high schoolers, Macs aren't kosher, but when you get to college, a good iBook or PowerBook are the sexiest things around. Sure, you won't be able to play as many games, but that's a habit you want to kick when you get to college anyways.</p>