Let's all don our flame-retardant lab coats.
In article <9302270517.AA04570 at net.bio.net> preissj at CLVAX1.CL.MSU.EDU ("J Preiss--Seq Anal") writes:
>My $0.02 on buying a computer that is reliable.
>>1. Buy from a big name company. Right now, I see 2, IBM and INTEL. If
>you get an IBM or any INTEL machine, you can be pretty sure to get help,
>parts, service, etc., for some time to come, anywhere in the world. Also,
>you know you will have no compatibility problems with peripherals and
>software. You cannot say the same for the up-starts like Del, Compaq,
>Compuadd, etc.
INTEL makes chips, not systems.
In my experience with IBM (a few years ago--I hope they have changed), the
last thing you could expect from the was help.
Upstarts? Dell and Compaq are both Fortune 500 companies.
I think your point is "buy a name-brand, not from some guy who assembles them
in his basement" Good advice.
>>2. Buy local. You may save $50 or $100 by shopping mail order, but most
>machines do need warrenty service in the first year. If you buy local, you
>can get immediate help at no cost. If you buy mail order, you will have to
>ship out your computer by UPS. This leaves you without a computer and costs
>money. Probably more than the $50- you thaught you saved by going mail order.
Some of the mail-order companies include free on-site service, but having
a local dealer is helpful, especially if you are a computer novice.
>>3. Don't even think about wasting your money on an SX, or SLC, or a doubled
>chip. You will regret in the long run. You will be better off getting a
>beefed up 386DX than a whimpy 486SX, and a 486DX50 will do you better than
>a 486DX2-60 (really just a 486DX30 that runs too hot for its own good).
A 486SX isn't wimpy. It just doesn't have a math coprocessor (neither does
the 386DX).
I think you mean 486DX2-66, which works just fine, and is a little faster
than the 485DX50.
>>4. Spring for a 256 color SVGA monitor with a monstor controler board. If
>you pay for 486 power, don't let a cheap monitor become the slow link or
>you might as well get a cheaper computer. Besides, much new software
>requires the SVGA.
Very good advice. Also make sure the dot pitch of the monitor is good. For
me that means <= 0.28 mm. Your mileage may vary.
Also be sure the video controller comes with SVGA drivers for the software
you plan to use, eg. MS Windows, Lotus 1-2-3, Word Perfect, etc.
>>I suppose that's enough for one note. Good luck.
>> Dr. Leonard N. Bloksberg
>PreissJ at clvax1.cl.msu.edu> Dept. of Biochemistry
> Michigan State University
>>-Steve
--
Steve Oberste Internet: oberste at ncifcrf.gov
LCMS, PRI, NCI-FCRDC
PO Box B "Never put off until tomorrow that which
Frederick, MD 21702-1201 you can do the day after tomorrow"
