Basically, the more RAM, the better. Yet, to a certain degree, lack of RAM can
often be compensated by an SSD, instead of a harddisk. SSD in its very basic
form, is nothing but a huge RAM. And be fore anyone arrests me, I did say in
its basic terms, since there would be a whole article to be written, in order
for dealing with all the details of those choices.
Still, getting a computer with loads of RAM, and a slow harddisk, might turn
out to be just as bad as a computer with somehow less RAM, and an SSD. Guess is
that 12GB RAM with a harddisk, will perform much like an 8GB with SSD.
Now, this only took care of a third of the computer issue, seen from a
technical standpoint. Next comes the CPU speed, the question of whether the
computer has a dedicated Graphics card, which would unload the main CPU from
all that goes to the screen.
As a third issue to be considered, would be the sound. Since you are using it
as a blind person, you do not want to end up with speakers that sounds like
they had been dug out of the trash bin. Not sure how well sounding most
computers are now aday, since I personally prefer to buy second-hand devices, a
year or two old. This lets me often get hold of higher-class devices, for the
same price that I would have to pay for low-end stuff on sale, while it is
brand new. Business class models often has far better components, are built
with stronger materials, and might be less loaded with clutter and silly-ware.
Specially if you are looking for a portable unit, you might want to look into
the mid-classed, that is the beginning of the business class in some cases, to
get hold of a proper system.
I am currently running a Dell Latitude model myself, and have been really well
pleased with the performance. It still runs on its 4GB, and I took the plunge
and installed an SSD a couple of years ago. For differen reasons I did have it
running back on its original Hard disk, last year for a little bit of time. The
performance was afordable, but nothing more than that. The day I re-inserted
the SSD, the speed was like going from 10 to 50 miles an hour, in less than the
twinkle of an eye. That is why I do claim, that an SSD might be a better go,
than the higher RAM.
If you want to play safe, why not go for a system that easily can be upgraded.
Buy it with low RAM and an SSD now, and upgrade it with more RAM, should you
find the need. Just do make sure, as a number of modern computers come fully
loaded already, meaning that if they are sold with 8GB RAM, that is the maximum
of what they can ever take. Again, these are the models that typically ends up
on sale.
Sure, sale is a wonderful way of saving a few bugs. Unfortunately, often the
stuff that goes on the best-price sales, will be the low-end models, which
tends to be non-upgradable. I would be a bit sceptical to buy such models,
unless you are very eager on getting a new computer next time there is a major
upgrade to some software. Smiles. Do you have the money, go one or two steps
up, as it might give you a system that is going to serve you for the next few
many years.
And, don't forget! Please buy from sources that will accept returns. Even if
possible, buy from stores that can answer your questions - beforehand. Many
computers now aday do have silly keyboard layouts. Some models have even
changed the default behavior of the function keys, which is a real pain - not
only for you and I, but even for driven sighted users. You do want the store to
either guarantee you will have the standard function keys, or who are willing
to do the necessary modification in the BIOS, should you go for one of the
affected models.
OK, lot of this info is not fully relevant, if you are looking at desktop
models. They are often more upgradable, and will be less affected by things
like the function key issue.
As I am still hanging on to my Win7, I am not in a position to answer fully
your questions around Office. But I would have thought Office 2007 might still
be valid under Win10. A quick search on the net, might be a good lane to go.
Why not search for something like:
running MSOffice under Win10
, and see what feedback people have on the matter. Even 10-15 minutes of quick
reading, might give you a pretty good feeling on how smoothly people have found
the experience.
As computers now aday are quite varying, if you have the time and chance, going
to a store and get hands-on feeling with a couple of models, might be worth the
trip. Even if you don't intend to buy from the store, do your research, make up
your mind, and then go home and order over the net. Shipping a computer back
and forth because you ended up with a bad product, might likely cost you more
than the trip to the store.
My impression is that HP due tend to show up several issues these days. Dell -
and I hear some users saying Linovo - might be products to look for. But like
you said, it is all a matter of personal choice. Just don't let them fool you
with all the GREAT technical terms, and specs. They do tell little, should the
computer happen to be a bad build.
Lastly, my experience is that half the result you will get, is depending on
what store you get the computer from. Reliable, well-reputed stores might be a
bit more expensive, but often offers you a computer that simply just runs. And
they often tend to have a better customer service program. Don't be fooled to
think your new computer might not have any issues. OK, such could likely happen
to be the case, and lucky you. But poor you, should the computer happen to be a
trouble-maker, and you picked it up just because the store had the best price.
Sad Smiles.
Long answer, and I am afraid it did not exactly take you much closer. Other
listers may have better and more up-to-date feedback on the matter. Just wanted
to share a few of my experiences.
David
On 11/24/2017 3:00 PM, Carol and Roger via Talk wrote:
Hi,
I must get a new PC. I am looking for suggestions for one that will meet the
best use criteria for speech. Is 8g ram enough or should I get 12? Should I
get both SSD and SETA frives? If I neeed SSD, how large should it be?
Generally, which would be the best brand? I know this is a personal choice. I
have had Dells for the last two computers and am wondering if something else
would be better. I have Office 2007. Can I use 2007 on a win10 system or
Should I get 2016? My current PC is almost 8 years old and is beginning to do
some wierd stuff, so I thought I had better take care of getting a new one
before this one gives up.
Finally, does anyone use a hybred and what do they think of it. I know I do
not want a notebook, so it must be either a hybred, a decent laptop or another
desktop. Thanks for any suggestions. Oh yes, I would like to get one on sale
today, grin.
Carol
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