David, thank you for such a thorough article.
Janet
-----Original Message-----
From: David via Talk
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2017 10:21 AM
To: Window-Eyes Discussion List
Cc: David
Subject: Re: need new PC recommendations
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
_______________________________________________
Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author
and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
For membership options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/trailerdavid%40hotmail.com.
For subscription options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
List archives can be found at
http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
.
_______________________________________________
Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author
and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
For membership options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/jbrandly%40shaw.ca.
For subscription options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
List archives can be found at
http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
_______________________________________________
Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the author
and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
For membership options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/archive%40mail-archive.com.
For subscription options, visit
http://lists.window-eyes.com/listinfo.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
List archives can be found at
http://lists.window-eyes.com/private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
