In an unprecedented — and totally warranted — act of aggression, I am about to use my current computer to purchase its replacement. We require little in a new system. In addition to the very basics, we’d settle for the following features, none of which our current beast has:
1) A monitor that does not make heavy breathing sounds.
2) Volume control that does not sweep up and down at the computer’s whim.
3) The ability to turn it on more than once a week.
Unfortunately, comparison shopping is tough because none of the above qualities are listed as options. I am hoping that means they are now standard, along with enormous hard drives, high-tech flat-screen monitors, and Vista, none of which we need but it seems we’re going to end up with anyway because all but the lowest-quality computers seem to have them now. (Note to self-appointed Mac missionaries: We are not getting one, so don’t bother suggesting it. Thank you.)
Alas, this means no new couch for us for a while, since that would make for a pretty scary credit card bill, but the Couch of Death affects me most when I’m also suffering from other allergies (way to kick me when I’m down), so things should get better here soon, and I’ll aim for finding a replacement by next spring instead.
And while we’re more or less still on the subject of computers (Ha! How’s that for a segue?), I have broken down and started another blog, because I quite CLEARLY do not have enough to do. See, much as I like to write, I have other hobbies, too. One of them is sleeping in. Another is eating cookies. And yet another is photography. Since the first two do not make for an interesting series of blog posts, I decided to create a photoblog. After all, as anyone who’s ever known a proud grandparent has learned, photos are more fun when you share them with strangers. Not having any grandkids, I’ve had to settle for taking photos of landscapes, flowers, and other elements of nature. As a nod to my inner grandparent, I’ve even indulged in a few cat photos, although I promise not to overwhelm.
I have eight or nine images on there right now, just to get started and give people an idea of what they’ll see, but I’ve scheduled many more; a new one will appear each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which is really a good deal compared to the biweekly updates on here.
If you’re curious, you can check out the blog, Playing with Pixels, at http://caryncaldwell.com/photos. To navigate, just click on the right-hand side of the picture to move through to the end of the album, or use the left and right arrows below. You can even subscribe to the RSS feed or receive email updates, just like for this blog, because I like to get fancy like that.
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Dru said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Caryn,
I’m looking at laptops now and after much searching and comparisons, have narrowed it down to 2 brands. I have no desire to get Vista, especially since I heard Microsoft is working on an enhancement of XP so it’s a waste for me. The only way to get an XP machine right now is to buy ones geared towards small business, which I plan to do.
Good luck in your computer search.
I will take a look at your photoblog later this evening.
writtenwyrdd said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Nice photoblog! I just put the occasional photo fit on the regular blog with a photo tag so people can find them if they care.
I particularly like that 10′ tulip.
writtenwyrdd said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:16 pm
PS you can get some really nice desktops for far cheaper than laptops. Since you are into photography, go for the best graphics card and RAM (at least 2Gb) as you can.
UNIVAC said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:48 pm
You sure do have mighty high computer standards. My PC is “Y2K-Compliant”…not so compatible with 2008 though.
Conda V. Douglas said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Caryn,
I share some of your hobbies, especially eating the cookies, especially if they are chocolate.
I read this entry with a lot of interest as I have an elderly lap top that has lasted longer than anyone had any good reason to expect, so I’m thinking about…while not really wanting to think about it.
And for having another blog–oh my, you go girl!
bookmom said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 6:49 pm
My kids laptop died last week, so I can relate. We’ll just be replacing the hard drive, though.
Good luck with the computer shopping and the other site is gorgeous!
jenifer said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I’ll concur that your photoblog is wonderful. I’m definitely looking forward to more pictures.
But to more immediate topics. You want your computer to avoid heavy breathing, but to be turned on more than once weekly? I’m afraid, my dear, that you’re in a bit of a contradictory place. My advice? Live with the heavy breathing. Being turned on is much more important, not to mention more fun.
Caryn said,
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Dru, we have Vista at work, and while it has its benefits, mostly it’s a pain, especially if you don’t have the memory. Also, many of our programs no longer run because they’re not Vista-compatible.
Thanks, Writtenwyrd! I like having a photoblog because then I can make sure that the background is suitable to photos. (I’m picky that way.) Plus, I have so many pictures that I’d be posting them all too often and risk boring everyone. As for the laptop vs. desktop, we’re definitely planning to go with the latter.
UNIVAC, we do indeed! Unfortunately, we’re spoiled.
Conda, cookie-eaters unite! And, yes, I’m sad to give this computer up, too. I should be excited, but I hate just throwing this one away (or giving it away) and getting a new one, when lots of other things on it work just fine.
Bookmom, what a pain! At least it’s only the hard drive. Hope not too much data was lost. And thanks for the compliment on the site. I have lots of fun with the pictures, and I would like for others to enjoy them, too.
Thanks, Jenifer! And your comment cracked me up. I hadn’t even thought about it like that. You do have a point. I guess it might explain the excitability of the volume control, too, hmmm?
Ilana said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 4:54 am
LOL
It sounds like items in your house are slowly acting up. You’d better keep an eye out.
First the couch betrayed you…
Is the computer still personal? Perhaps its been networking…
David Rice said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 7:58 am
My cousin’s new computer came with Vista which has caused him several problems, though he did not elaborate. I am now looking for a computer, too. A trusted info source is ConsumerReports.org.
emily said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 9:38 am
i must be in the minority, have had no problems with vista and actually have enjoyed it ::ducking::….
and i love your photoblog, sooooo glad you brought it back!!
Pam said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 10:00 am
I adore my Mac–great programs, no viruses, and such simplified ways of doing things. (And I’m not suggesting, so no blog-slapping me. I’m just sharing how happy I am with mine.
)
And I would totally visit a blog all about cookies and the eating of them. Ooh–maybe you could take pictures of your cookies and post them on your new (fabulously creative and gorgeous) blog. It’s the best of both worlds!
Good luck on your computer shopping and with your new blog. It’s like you decided with spring everything would be new–couches, computers and blogs. Ah, the fresh breeze of brand new.
Absolute Vanilla (and Atyllah) said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 12:37 pm
You have a heavy breathing monitor. That is deeply disturbing!
A note to the unwise, try to avoid Vista if you can – too many bugs and security leaks, try to stick with XP if possible and wait for the next version of Windows to appear.
Off to check out the photoblog.
Robin said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Love your new photo blog! You really captured much more than just the subjects in the pictures. And good luck with getting a new computer!
Caryn said,
Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 7:00 pm
LOL, Ilana! An excellent point. I just hope our cutlery isn’t next, or I could be in some serious trouble!
David, even if I hadn’t heard of a number of problems associated with Vista, I never like to buy a new operating system shortly after its release.
Emily, you’re lucky! Glad you haven’t had any problems. And please stop by the photoblog and visit often. It’s nice to know that at least one person might be looking at the pictures.
Pam, the thing is that everyone I know who has a Mac loves it, but many of my go-to programs are PC-only, so unless I want to replace almost everything, I’m kind of stuck. As for the cookies, that would be fun. It would give me an excuse to try a bunch of different types! My taste buds would love that, but my hips would not. And you’re right — maybe it’s a spring thing. Although a new computer means no new couch for us for a long time. It’s an either-or thing, unfortunately.
Absolute, Vista is a big reason why I’ve been putting off buying a new computer as long as I have. I just don’t want to have to use it.
Thanks, Robin! Please stop back there and visit often. Blogging’s more fun with an audience.
And here’s hoping that your good-luck wishes stick when it comes to the new computer.
Katie Reus said,
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hmmm, what a coincidence, eating cookies is one of my hobbies too
Anyway, I really like your photoblog. The tulip is my favorite and it’s such a cool angle, but I’m biased b/c it’s my favorite flower
Katie said,
Monday, May 12, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Yea! We can listen to music again without wondering if it’s going to keep playing!
J.L. Krueger said,
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 5:12 am
Caryn,
Eldest daughter was disappointed when “the other dad” (my wife’s ex) bought her a laptop with Vista…she wanted XP. Although Vista has some cool features, she complains about the speed and the annoying messages.
I’m trying to hold out for the next generation operating system. I did it once before, skipped over Windows95 to Windows98. Sometimes they just don’t get it right.
Loved the photo blog!
Marilyn Brant said,
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:55 am
Caryn~I had to computer shop for a desktop this year after having spent 7 years (yes, you read correctly) with my darling laptop. I had, you might say, “attachment issues,” and found it really difficult to switch to Vista and Office ‘07… Truth is, it took about a month, but I got used to both and I’m actually happy with this thing now (HP Pavilion a6345x
. So, I’d recommend it.
P.S. Great photoblog!
Caryn said,
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Always nice to find other people who share my hobbies, Katie R.!
And thanks for your comment on the photoblog. I had a lot of fun putting it together, so I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Katie, it’ll be wonderful! Although ever since I wrote this post it hasn’t had that problem once, nor has it not started up. It also hasn’t made its typical wheezing sounds. I’m beginning to wonder if it understood what I was writing! So now I’m reluctant to spend the money to replace it after all…
J.L., the speed (or lack thereof) is one of the biggest complaints I’ve seen. That, and the difficulty with making other programs work with it. We have it at work, and some of our programs were suddenly rendered obsolete when we got Vista.
Marilyn, no one can accuse you of being disloyal! And it’s good to know that you’re happy with your Vista machine. I have the updated Office at work, and I have to say that after I got used to it (which only took a few days) I like almost everything about it better than the older Office.
virginia said,
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 2:45 pm
not that fond of vista either. unfortunately it came on my new laptop. good luck in your new computer quest–hopefully your current one won’t take it so personally!
Melissa said,
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Ahh, computer searching… might be easier to just get a new couch.
Good luck.
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