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Main Area and Open Discussion => Living Room => Topic started by: zridling on May 18, 2012, 04:53 PM

Title: What will be your next computer?
Post by: zridling on May 18, 2012, 04:53 PM
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] (http://eee.asus.com/eeepad/transformer-infinity/features/)

Built my last desktop a couple of months ago and figure it will last until desktops no longer exist (or are outlawed by "The Corporation"). Given the many OS and platform choices available, and the steady trudge toward appliance computing, I won't be spending big money -- i.e., more than I can afford -- for components ever again. Bought an ASUS tablet (T201/android) like the one above earlier in the year and was pleasantly surprised at how useful the device really was. I figured I'd use it rarely, but its utility has been unexpected, especially in the workplace when traveling. The first 25 years of my computing life was spent performing productive tasks and downloading terabytes of movies, porn, music, most of which I couldn't find on those discs if I had a month to do so. Now I barely save anything; all I do is read, research, and various social communications.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Stoic Joker on May 18, 2012, 05:08 PM
I'm going to vote Tablet as I'm hoping (albeit pessimistically) that the new batch of Win8 devices with finally kill the iPad's inane dominance of the tablet market.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Deozaan on May 18, 2012, 05:16 PM
I just bought a new desktop late last summer, it's still quite up to task. (c:

So my next computer will likely be some sort of Android tablet device, perhaps even an ASUS Transformer like the one pictured above.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 4wd on May 18, 2012, 07:30 PM
It'll be a part upgrade to my current desktop, (I never buy a whole computer unless it's a laptop), because a portable device will never get near the grunt I want for video work/encode or gaming.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on May 18, 2012, 07:39 PM
Ive only had this PC for around 3 months now - But it was an 'off-the-shelf' model - the only thing ive done is put in a better gfx card and and extra 2GB RAM

My next machine is going to be something that will last...

Maybe something with Dual 8 core CPU's - 32/64GB RAM, Dual GFX Cards...That should be the last one I have to build for quite some time I imagine.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on May 18, 2012, 08:21 PM
I plan on running my current desktop until I am forced to get a new one, but I think I may buy a server and get away from consumer hardware entirely.

I don't see my need for a new tablet anytime soon. What I have will last. I use it for reading, and not much more.

My laptop, I rarely use. And I don't like to use it. I only use it for when I travel and can't use my desktop.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on May 18, 2012, 08:23 PM
I plan on running my current desktop until I am forced to get a new one, but I think I may buy a server and get away from consumer hardware entirely.

I don't see my need for a new tablet anytime soon. What I have will last. I use it for reading, and not much more.

My laptop, I rarely use. And I don't like to use it. I only use it for when I travel and can't use my desktop.
-Renegade (May 18, 2012, 08:21 PM)

Yeah a server is possibly the best way forward...With the opportunity of running 4CPUs and up to like 512GB RAM...Plenty of room for expansion...and even if you didn't wanna move to linux, that would make a pretty sweet Windows 7 machine  ;D
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on May 18, 2012, 08:25 PM
I plan on running my current desktop until I am forced to get a new one, but I think I may buy a server and get away from consumer hardware entirely.

I don't see my need for a new tablet anytime soon. What I have will last. I use it for reading, and not much more.

My laptop, I rarely use. And I don't like to use it. I only use it for when I travel and can't use my desktop.
-Renegade (May 18, 2012, 08:21 PM)

Yeah a server is possibly the best way forward...With the opportunity of running 4CPUs and up to like 512GB RAM...Plenty of room for expansion...and even if you didn't wanna move to linux, that would make a pretty sweet Windows 7 machine  ;D
-Stephen66515 (May 18, 2012, 08:23 PM)

It will most likely run Linux. I hope to extricate myself from reliance on MS by then.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on May 18, 2012, 08:29 PM
I plan on running my current desktop until I am forced to get a new one, but I think I may buy a server and get away from consumer hardware entirely.

I don't see my need for a new tablet anytime soon. What I have will last. I use it for reading, and not much more.

My laptop, I rarely use. And I don't like to use it. I only use it for when I travel and can't use my desktop.
-Renegade (May 18, 2012, 08:21 PM)

Yeah a server is possibly the best way forward...With the opportunity of running 4CPUs and up to like 512GB RAM...Plenty of room for expansion...and even if you didn't wanna move to linux, that would make a pretty sweet Windows 7 machine  ;D
-Stephen66515 (May 18, 2012, 08:23 PM)

It will most likely run Linux. I hope to extricate myself from reliance on MS by then.
-Renegade (May 18, 2012, 08:25 PM)

Run Android on it just for the laugh haha
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 4wd on May 18, 2012, 08:37 PM
...I never buy a whole computer...
-4wd (May 18, 2012, 07:30 PM)

How soon we forget  :-[

Stupid me, I just bought a Microserver, (it's obviously too quiet) - my excuse is it was a bargain :D
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: TaoPhoenix on May 18, 2012, 09:54 PM
"Built my last desktop  (((Edit))) with XP Six years (((/Edit))) ago and figure it will last until desktops no longer exist (or are outlawed by "The Corporation").

I designed this entire strategy in 2006 and named my desktop "Twilight" (in the Asimovian sense, not the teen vampire sense!).

Its purpose in 2006 was a review of the Vista debacle, and I spent a fair extra bit of funds including a couple custom chips on quality to get past both what is now Windows 7 (Vista Repaired), and what I intuited but could not possibly have had the vocab for, Windows 8 Metro.

In other words, I desperately need context past Windows 8 Metro, *past the marketing blitz*, to get past what might be a lot more like the Zune rather than Vista 2.

Either way, I have to hold on tight, hoping my hardware doesn't crash, and see what the state of computing is in 2015. That's a lot to ask of my dear ol' workhorse comp, but it's 50 50 odds at least, so I'll try.

You don't hear a lot about Microsoft in the music space lately - after the double crush of both PlaysForSure then Zune, they're hosed. Someone discovered that phones play music, and that was that.

(Never mind my iPhone can't keep a charge on "off" for more than 36 hours, but bleh)
If nothing else, all this Metro crap feels so much like Zune 2. So by 2015 Windows 7 will be right where XP is now, a fading glory. Then MS has to quit "experimenting" (and this time pissing off their core user base?) and decide what Windows 9 means - Return of the Desktop or Metro-or-Die.

THAT is when I will get my next computer.

And if we're not careful, the Chinese have been remarkably lazy, but they could pull a Dark Horse and create a Linux Distro that sinks uBuntu and becomes The Third OS In The Ring.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: rgdot on May 18, 2012, 10:21 PM
A middle of the road desktop. Don't have need for the top of the line stuff. Not a gamer, etc.
Then, if my current desktop is not completely dead I will put one of the (small) Linux distros on it, just for the fun of it.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: cranioscopical on May 19, 2012, 09:57 AM
From what's on offer today, another desktop. Nothing can beat them for horsepower and screen real estate, and using either my tablet or my phone (both clever devices) for the work that I do is just a joke.

If/when something comes along at the consumer level with some kind of eyeball display, obviating the need for a screen, then I'll  reconsider.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on May 19, 2012, 10:06 AM
From what's on offer today, another desktop. Nothing can beat them for horsepower and screen real estate, and using either my tablet or my phone (both clever devices) for the work that I do is just a joke.

If/when something comes along at the consumer level with some kind of eyeball display, obviating the need for a screen, then I'll  reconsider.
-cranioscopical (May 19, 2012, 09:57 AM)

OH GOD~!

+1,000,000~!

Laptops are poor substitutes for a computer. A real one.

What I REALLY REALLY DESPERATELY want is a portable desktop that I can just plug into a dock that has the monitors, keyboard, and mouse all connected already.

Imagine a tablet that has the power of a desktop, and you just take that with you, plug it in wherever, and you're up and running WITH YOUR COMPUTER THAT RUNS SANELY!

My tablet is for reading.

My phone is for, well, nothing. I don't really use it.

My laptop sits there doing jack all.

My desktop is where it's at. Power. UNLIMITED POWER~!



;D :P

Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: nosh on May 19, 2012, 11:43 AM
I don't really need a laptop but I've decided to get one the next time my PC conks off. I intend to use it as a backup machine to carry me through the down time. My ASUS mobo had conked off a few years back and they took three weeks to replace it. If that happened today, I'd just buy a new mobo on the spot and eventually get stuck with a spare. Makes more sense to buy a backup machine.

The only catch: the laptop's going to gather dust once the desktop is operational. I'll probably start it up once a week or so for backup and maintenance.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on May 19, 2012, 11:49 AM
The only catch: the laptop's going to gather dust once the desktop is operational. I'll probably start it up once a week or so for backup and maintenance.
-nosh (May 19, 2012, 11:43 AM)

It's a real b**ch to do, especially if you run Outlook. You end up hosed for all that time that the laptop is updating as your email server is locked until the laptop has finally finished updating Outlook.

Weekly is probably OK, but you still need to schedule it, depending on how much email you have, in terms of MB of data to download.

I plan a few days ahead for that when I travel. It sucks. :(
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: mouser on May 19, 2012, 12:30 PM
It will be a new Windows desktop for me when the time comes.  My current PC has served me very well and I'm not a fan of the new UAC user access control stuff in recent versions of windows, but my current PC is probably 5-6 years old and though it runs ok, it's definitely getting a bit cranky, and windows XP x64 is not the best supported OS at this point.

The only thing I'm considering doing differently is with regard to hard drives.. I think i'll give some serious thought to using a RAID setup on the new machine, as HD crashes are the only thing that really scare me.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: SKA on May 21, 2012, 03:10 AM
Mouser

Instead of cloud backup or RAID in any form what you need is Drobo S with Beyond Raid:
http://www.drobo.com/products/professionals/drobo-s/

Rgds
Ska

Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: lothark on July 12, 2012, 05:36 AM
An 11" Ivy Bridge Ultrabook for me, which I would use mainly whilst traveling with my wife. In the past I've used 7" and 9" Asus Eee netbooks, but the keyboard is a pain to use. After upgrading my DLSR recently I discovered that the Eee is now just too slow for handling the now-larger images. This is important as I take over 10,000 photos each trip.

My concern now is being able to get one before our next trip, as they (Asus UX21A) are not currently available in Australia. I briefly flirted with the idea of getting the corresponding Macbook Air, but the thought of having to master a substantial learning curve at short notice made me abandon that idea.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 40hz on July 12, 2012, 05:56 AM
I need three. Which I get first will probably depend on what I can afford when I decide to buy one.

1. A mini-PC running Linux as my main go-to machine

2. A small 'nothing fancy' laptop running Windows 7 for onsite use when dealing with clients

3. An easily transportable not laptop for use with music apps. Since I'm starting to veer towards ProTools there's a good chance that (much as I hate to say it) I may opt for a MacMini - assuming Apple is still making them by the time I get around to it.

I'm also waiting for the Raspberry Pi I ordered. That's the one that has me totally 'juiced' right now. ;D

Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Curt on July 12, 2012, 08:51 AM
youtube com/watch?v=NUrNu8lItu0 <= removed

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

-Renegade (May 19, 2012, 10:06 AM)

------------

I don't like to work with a laptop, so my next two computers will probably be first a ("unlimited power") desktop, to create the audio-visual effects I need to accompany my lecture, and then a laptop to actually run them (in various auditoriums). What I really want (instead of the laptop) is a very powerful and huge iPad, but they are not yet anyway near what I need.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on July 12, 2012, 10:40 AM
Well, I must admit, that my next computer will be 2 Raspberry Pis. But I'm not sure if that really qualifies as it's not in the voting there, and I really only want them for development, and they're not really "traditional" computers. Kind of an odd situation.

And too bad for Emperor Palpatine disappearing there... It was a cool clip. :)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Tinman57 on July 12, 2012, 08:19 PM
  I've got a beefed up 2.8 gz desktop, and whenever microsoft stops supporting XP updates, I'll be intalling Linux on this same computer with a XP dual-boot.  I'm not downgrading to win8.  I've done got really tired of all of microsofts shenanigans, especially with win8, and Apple isn't much better.  So far I think I'll be using Ubuntu as the front-end....
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: sazzen on July 13, 2012, 03:35 PM
I am so happy with my XP desktop.  I don't want another computer. But, in self-defense, I'm saving pennies for another desktop, with Win7 installed, just before the market is flooded with Windows 8 monsters.  It will probably sit in the corner, doing nothing until my current computer dies. Then I'll fix it up to dual-boot so I can still use XP.

To me, a computer isn't a toy, or an entertainment center, or a social event. I work with it. I need to see what I'm doing and I need upmteen apps open at the same time - in various sizes - so I can see them all at once.

When MS stops supporting the OSs of my choice, I'll use something else to dig around online, but with all the changes, cloud computing, Windows 8, there is less and less that that interests me. All the great software will die out (for those of us that are sticking to XP and 7) so that leaves only research to keep me online.

Windows 8? I'm not going there. Ever.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 40hz on July 13, 2012, 03:50 PM

To me, a computer isn't a toy, or an entertainment center, or a social event. I work with it. I need to see what I'm doing and I need upmteen apps open at the same time - in various sizes - so I can see them all at once.

When MS stops supporting the OSs of my choice, I'll use something else to dig around online, but with all the changes, cloud computing, Windows 8, there is less and less that that interests me. All the great software will die out (for those of us that are sticking to XP and 7) so that leaves only research to keep me online.

Windows 8? I'm not going there. Ever.
-sazzen (July 13, 2012, 03:35 PM)

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
    8) ;) :Thmbsup:



Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: mouser on July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: TaoPhoenix on July 14, 2012, 07:54 AM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
-mouser (July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM)

The official DC review of Metro will be something to behold!
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on July 14, 2012, 08:14 AM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
-mouser (July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM)

The official DC review of Metro will be something to behold!
-TaoPhoenix (July 14, 2012, 07:54 AM)


Basic Info

App NameWindows 8 Metro


Intro:

Metro Desktop ( Windows 8 ) is Horrible


(http://img-us2.generation-nt.com/windows-8-metro_090258015100954901.jpg)


Who is this app designed for:

People who hate themselves


The Good


It will eventually die


The needs improvement section


The entire thing


Why I think you should use this product


Because I hate you


How does it compare to similar apps

I hope to god there's nothing similar


Conclusions

It's crap
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Tuxman on July 14, 2012, 08:21 AM
I'll buy some Macbook just to say "man I hate this Macbook".

Also, I think I'll get some HP 635 for PC-BSD.
My Windows machine works, no need to buy a new one yet.

 8)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: mouser on July 15, 2012, 07:24 AM
I plan on using Windows 8 but I have no intention of using that Metro touch-screen-centric user interface.  Job one will be making the desktop look and feel just like windows 2000, and installing Find and Run Robot (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/findrun/index.html) and LaunchBar Commander (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/LaunchBarCommander/index.html) and use those to handle desktop like I do now.

I have no desktop icons on my desktop, it's completely 100% blank.  Not even a background image.  Just my system tray of icons.  The actual desktop is a completely clean blue blank space.  And that's how I like it.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on July 15, 2012, 08:25 AM
I plan on using Windows 8 but I have no intention of using that Metro touch-screen-centric user interface.  Job one will be making the desktop look and feel just like windows 2000, and installing Find and Run Robot (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/findrun/index.html) and LaunchBar Commander (https://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Mouser/LaunchBarCommander/index.html) and use those to handle desktop like I do now.

I have no desktop icons on my desktop, it's completely 100% blank.  Not even a background image.  Just my system tray of icons.  The actual desktop is a completely clean blue blank space.  And that's how I like it.
-mouser (July 15, 2012, 07:24 AM)

You plan on using Windows 8?  Dude...You don't even use Windows 7...Your still on XP  ;D
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Tuxman on July 15, 2012, 08:33 AM
* you're  8)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on July 15, 2012, 08:34 AM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
-mouser (July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM)

The official DC review of Metro will be something to behold!
-TaoPhoenix (July 14, 2012, 07:54 AM)


Basic Info

App NameWindows 8 Metro


Intro:

Metro Desktop ( Windows 8 ) is Horrible


(http://img-us2.generation-nt.com/windows-8-metro_090258015100954901.jpg)


Who is this app designed for:

People who hate themselves


The Good


It will eventually die


The needs improvement section


The entire thing


Why I think you should use this product


Because I hate you


How does it compare to similar apps

I hope to god there's nothing similar


Conclusions

It's crap

-Stephen66515 (July 14, 2012, 08:14 AM)

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA~!

"Because I hate you" - HAHAHAHAHAHAH~! ;D
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on July 15, 2012, 08:34 AM
* you're  8)
-Tuxman (July 15, 2012, 08:33 AM)

(http://turnerwatson.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/grammar-nazi2.jpg)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Tuxman on July 15, 2012, 08:36 AM
I'd vote B.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Ath on July 15, 2012, 01:41 PM
I'm alternating between A and C :tellme:
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: rgdot on July 15, 2012, 01:57 PM
The question is not valid
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 4wd on July 15, 2012, 09:13 PM
Can I ask the audience?
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on July 17, 2012, 02:43 AM
I'm alternating between A and C :tellme:
-Ath (July 15, 2012, 01:41 PM)

I don't know whether to alternate between A/C or D/C...  :P
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: cranioscopical on July 17, 2012, 08:52 AM
I don't know whether to alternate between A/C or D/C...
-Renegade (July 17, 2012, 02:43 AM)
Watt's the problem?
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Stoic Joker on July 17, 2012, 10:19 AM
I don't know whether to alternate between A/C or D/C...
-Renegade (July 17, 2012, 02:43 AM)
Watt's the problem?
-cranioscopical (July 17, 2012, 08:52 AM)

Being to amp'd to pick one, he tried alternating DC and just ended up going back and forth.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 40hz on July 17, 2012, 12:44 PM
Actually, this (http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2055) box looks pretty good as a general purpose home or office PC. (If you like Linux.)

Hmm...decisions, decisions...
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Arizona Hot on July 18, 2012, 03:43 PM
Why not shop the United Federation of Planets in 2373 and get something that you may have problems providing power to but won't need to be replaced for a loooooong time. Any reputable dealer(i.e. not Ferengi) will be able to supply you with something that won't start World War III. If you can't do that, get an app that allows you to update your software to your choice of a future version so you don't have to do an update so often. Avoid programs that do this using the Skynet network.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: KynloStephen66515 on July 18, 2012, 04:00 PM
http://www.ebuyer.com/341528-hp-proliant-dl585-g7-6276-2-30ghz-16-core-4p-128gb-r-hot-plug-sff-653746-421

Looks like it would last me awhile before needing to upgrade ^_^

AMD Opteron™ Model 6276 (16 core, 2.3 GHz, 16MB L3, 115W)
 Number of processors
 4
 Processor core available
 16
 Memory, standard
 128GB
 Memory slots
 48 DIMM slots
 Maximum memory
 1TB
 Memory type
 PC3-10600R DDR3
 Expansion slots
 2 PCI-E 2.0x16 and 3 PCI-E 2.0 x8 slots standard
 Network controller
 (1) 1GbE NC375i Multifunction 4 Ports
 Power supply type
 (4) 1200 Watt Hot plug redundant
 Storage controller
 (1) Smart Array P410i/1GB FBWC
 Management software
 HP Insight Control software, including 1 year of 24x7 technical support and updates
 Optical drive type
 None ship standard
 Form factor (fully configured)
 4U
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: mahesh2k on July 18, 2012, 05:05 PM
I need something portable this time. Mac Mini with linux ? I'll see if there is any similar box for linux.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: MilesAhead on July 18, 2012, 06:22 PM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
-mouser (July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM)

I'd get Win7.  Even a lot of the regulars on Windows Seven forum who count the days to beta leaks and releases are taking a pass on 8. It's just a stop gap so MS doesn't miss out on the finger drag market. For a desktop machine W7 is better.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: 40hz on July 18, 2012, 06:27 PM
I need something portable this time. Mac Mini with linux ? I'll see if there is any similar box for linux.
-mahesh2k (July 18, 2012, 05:05 PM)

See my post above. 8)

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The MintBox. Article here (http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2055).

It's made by CompuLab. If you're not interested in this particular Linux Mint configuration, there are also 'bare metal' PCs on their website (http://compulab.co.il/products/). They make the popular fit-PC series (http://www.fit-pc.com/web/) that the MintBox is based on. Grab one of those and install whatever distro you like best. 8)

Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: AndyM on July 19, 2012, 09:11 AM
I have skipped vista and win7 but I think my new PC will be a win8.
-mouser (July 13, 2012, 05:22 PM)
I'm still running XP on a laptop that stays connected to a 24" monitor and external keyboard/mouse (I used to move the laptop between 2 offices, each w/ the same monitor/kbd/mouse).

Sometimes it's nice to use my wife's iPad if I'm not in my office (it's never worth moving the laptop), but it would make no sense at all to get another iPad.

Like Mouser, I'm thinking of jumping from XP to Windows 8 (I'm a slow os adopter, moved from OS/2 to XP in 2003).  I'm also going to have to bite the bullet and upgrade Word & Excel 2002, so I might as well think of a big jump there too.

So I'm thinking of getting a Surface tablet, using it as a tablet on the porch and plugging it into my current office setup to learn Windows 8 and Office 201n. 

Someone offered to buy me an iPad, but I declined since it would have been a waste of money.  But I imagine the offer would extend to a Surface Pro.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: jadinolf on July 19, 2012, 05:36 PM
I ordered the parts for my latest and maybe last computer on May 21, 2012.

i5, SSD, 1G video card, 8G Corsair memory Win 7 Pro 64 bit.

Bought all the parts and OS from Newegg and it cost a bundle.

That's gonna be it for a while.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: mahesh2k on July 20, 2012, 04:17 AM
I need something portable this time. Mac Mini with linux ? I'll see if there is any similar box for linux.
-mahesh2k (July 18, 2012, 05:05 PM)

See my post above. 8)
 (see attachment in previous post (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=31059.msg294219#msg294219))The MintBox. Article here (http://blog.linuxmint.com/?p=2055).
It's made by CompuLab. If you're not interested in this particular Linux Mint configuration, there are also 'bare metal' PCs on their website (http://compulab.co.il/products/). They make the popular fit-PC series (http://www.fit-pc.com/web/) that the MintBox is based on. Grab one of those and install whatever distro you like best. 8)

-40hz (July 18, 2012, 06:27 PM)

looks cool to me. I checked system76s box which is not yet updated for new hardware- it has Dual core atom processor I know old one. costs at 399, nice config. thinking about that for now.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: JimboNWUK on October 19, 2012, 04:21 PM
Home 'puter is a local shop homebrew based on an ASUS P5 mobo that has served admirably for several years and is not yet creaking at the seams so it's fine...
I have a Samsung Galaxy II phone up at Android 4 so that is fine too
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab which is also at Android 4 and also fine (I got the tablet because reading pdf's on an ebook reader or smartphone is totally unfeasible in grey-scale and small screen)
I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop (upon which I am typing this) for travel (I work away from home on contract jobs) and so far it is perfect even though it's a couple of years old.
I suspect that Windoze 8 is going to be a massive shot in the foot for M$ as I do not need or want the ability to prod my finger at a screen on my desktop machine... I prefer my main screen to be clear of greasy fingerprints!
The only reason I stay with M$ is because of my collection of much-loved open-source software that it runs (7-zip, FreeClip, FreeFileSync, the truly fantabulous Sketchup from Google...the list is HUGE!). Also I DO actually have paid-for software I quite like (I have been a Serif PagePlus user since version 1.0!)
I would have no qualms about moving to "the Ultimate" which is a port of Ubuntu angled towards user-friendliness though if I could find enough stuff to do what I can do in Windoze without too huge a learning curve.

At the end of the day, my PC is a Swiss penknife electronic tool that helps me do stuff on a daily basis but if I can get a bootleg one made in Japan that does the same then I will go for it!
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: ewemoa on October 19, 2012, 05:29 PM
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab which is also at Android 4 and also fine (I got the tablet because reading pdf's on an ebook reader or smartphone is totally unfeasible in grey-scale and small screen)
-JimboNWUK (October 19, 2012, 04:21 PM)

Have also had reading PDFs (and other docs) on a tablet working out well here :up:

Specifically the SGT 10.1 with its slimness (thanks lrs ;) ) is much appreciated for easily picking the device up as well as sliding it into a bag.  Some of the currently available tablets have crossed below a hindrance / encumberance threshold -- the brain isn't complaining very much about the thought of moving / carrying an appropriate tablet...certainly nowhere near the same levels as most notebook pcs I've tried.

Really miss all of the applications and programs I'm used to using on Windows and *NIX though.  AFAIU, Windows 8 tablets that use an Intel (not ARM) chip should be able to run (most?) existing Windows apps.  It seems like an interesting possibility.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on October 19, 2012, 10:25 PM
I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab which is also at Android 4 and also fine (I got the tablet because reading pdf's on an ebook reader or smartphone is totally unfeasible in grey-scale and small screen)
-JimboNWUK (October 19, 2012, 04:21 PM)

Have also had reading PDFs (and other docs) on a tablet working out well here :up:
-ewemoa (October 19, 2012, 05:29 PM)

What are you using for PDFs?

I've been using Aldiko, and while it's ok, I still find that PDFs suck. Quite often I need to read in landscape and zoom on the PDF to read it, which is painful when you want to read/skim quickly - you're always panning and zooming, and the PDF speed there is just poor -- too much rendering and BS.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: ewemoa on October 19, 2012, 10:41 PM
What are you using for PDFs?

I've been using Aldiko, and while it's ok, I still find that PDFs suck. Quite often I need to read in landscape and zoom on the PDF to read it, which is painful when you want to read/skim quickly - you're always panning and zooming, and the PDF speed there is just poor -- too much rendering and BS.
-Renegade (October 19, 2012, 10:25 PM)

This is a case where having a number of apps around seems to have helped here.

Currently have Aldiko, Adobe's app, and on some devices QuickOffice (was bundled in a few cases) -- no single app seems to work well with all pdfs I read.

Combined with re-rendering the pdf -- sometimes by exporting to images and rebundling as pdf -- I get a mostly tolerable experience.

So to put it briefly, my experience has probably been similar to yours -- unsatisfactory reading experience in an absolute sense.  However, not having to be in front of a pc to read pcs has made it still worthwhile.


On a related note, with a Windows 8 (Intel) tablet, I presume we'd have access to our existing Windows pdf apps ;)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Renegade on October 19, 2012, 10:46 PM
So to put it briefly, my experience has probably been similar to yours -- unsatisfactory reading experience in an absolute sense.  However, not having to be in front of a pc to read pcs has made it still worthwhile.
-ewemoa (October 19, 2012, 10:41 PM)

Yep. That pretty much sums it up. At least they're available off the desktop/laptop, even if they are sub-optimal. I tried on my phone... pain pain pain...
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: ewemoa on October 20, 2012, 03:18 AM
At least they're available off the desktop/laptop, even if they are sub-optimal.
-Renegade (October 19, 2012, 10:46 PM)

Indeed.

I tried on my phone... pain pain pain...
-Renegade

Yes -- recently I have gone in the direction of mostly using a phone for communicating via voice (plus logging of events via camera) and tablet for other things that are much more pleasant with larger visual spaces (which is to say a lot of things...).


FWIW, I've tried the Samsung Note.  Although I find its display is an improvement over smaller phones, I don't find it's worth the trade-off of it being more cumbersome to carry around.  I'm puzzled by its supposed popularity.

it turns out that...
The stand that comes with the Note can be used as a stand for the SGT 10.1 -- what a nice surprise!



The 7 or so inch form factor of the Nexus 7 and some Samsung tablets looks interesting, but when I gave reading pdfs on the former a try, I wasn't very happy with the results.  I appreciated the display size and slimness of the SGT 10.1 even more.  The weight angle of the 7 or so inch devices is tempting though.


I'm quite curious about how the Intel chip Windows 8 tablets will be received.  Will it turn out that many of the apps we already use will be mostly usable?  Could that mean less looking around for apps on Android (that sad to say often feel quite crippled in comparison to what's already available for Windows)?


BTW, on the off-chance you hadn't seen the following yet, thought you might appreciate:

  https://aldiko.zendesk.com/entries/21256227-in-pdf-files-why-the-zoom-level-is-not-remembered-when-turning-page (https://aldiko.zendesk.com/entries/21256227-in-pdf-files-why-the-zoom-level-is-not-remembered-when-turning-page)
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: dtsouers on October 20, 2012, 12:23 PM
Probably another Lenovo notebook convertible (Tablet/Laptop mode).
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: sword on November 21, 2012, 02:30 PM
Done. AMD FX 4100, 4 core, 64 bit, (temporary mobo): Asus M5ALM LX PLUS, (ordered mobo): Asus M5A97 R2.0 AMD 970/950, 8GB DDR3, DVDRW, WD5000. Linux Mint 13 KDE 64 bit.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: f0dder on November 21, 2012, 03:01 PM
My last workstation and server both lasted around 5 years - server got a couple of new disks, workstation saw some disk changes, got an SSD, a new SSD when the first (X25-E) fried, and had a single GPU upgrade (GT8800 -> GTX460). Upgraded both during the last few months, and these will hopefully last 5+ years as well. I ended up with:

Workstation:
   ASUS P8Z77-V PRO
   Corsair 16GB DDR3 1600MHz (4x8GB)
   Intel Core i7 3770 Ivy Bridge
   INTEL SSD 520 Series 120GB, 2012-07-13 efter X24-E fried
(below this line: parts from the old box)
   Corsair TX550M
   Western Digital 2.5" 300GB VelociRaptor
   Gigabyte GeForce GTX460 1024MB @ 2011-02-12

Server: (https://www.donationcoder.com/forum/index.php?topic=32370.0)
   Corsair 8GB DDR3 1333Mhz (2x4GB) XMS3
   ASUS P8Z77-M
   RaidSonic Icy Box IB-554SSK
   Corsair Obsidian Series 550D
   be quiet! Straight Power BQT E9-400W
   Intel Core i5-3550 Ivy Bridge

Win7-x64 on the workstation, Debian-x64 on the server.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: MilesAhead on November 24, 2012, 08:32 PM
I don't really have workbench space to put together a build. But I'm wondering if anyone knows a good technical source  if a particular processor is likely to have fan noise issues? You can't really stress them on the store shelf.  Of all the HP machines I've purchased only 5200+ AMD dual core runs quiet with both cores at 100%. You can hear a hum. But my Phenom I as soon as there's the slightest CPU spike it sounds like there's a tropical storm outside.  There doesn't seem to be any user adjustable thresholds either.  I tried the bit of customizing the performance in device manger. Forget it. If I reduce it from min 100% and max 100% the timings of windows opening and programs launching is totally messed up. Big lags. Totally unusable. Must have only been tested at 100% power.

It's disappointing when the only real knock on the machine is the noise. It's just a big distraction. So my next PC would be quick and quiet as well as reasonably priced. :)

Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Arizona Hot on November 24, 2012, 08:46 PM
I would like to know if you can run 32-bit programs now on Windows 7 64-bit? I don't want to have to throw away all my 32-bit programs. The last time I checked you couldn't do that.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: ewemoa on November 24, 2012, 09:36 PM
I haven't noticed any (many?) things not working here -- I tend to still get 32-bit programs even when using Windows 7 64-bit.

The horse says:

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs.

Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows don't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.

via http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions)

May be I misunderstood the question?
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Arizona Hot on November 24, 2012, 09:47 PM
I haven't noticed any (many?) things not working here -- I tend to still get 32-bit programs even when using Windows 7 64-bit.

The horse says:

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs.

Device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows don't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.

via http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions)

May be I misunderstood the question?
-ewemoa (November 24, 2012, 09:36 PM)

Thank you!
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: TaoPhoenix on November 25, 2012, 01:13 AM
Coming late to this thread without sufficient homework (don't hurt me!) if I did my plan right my current comp will ride out the Win 8 "deer-headlights" problem with Non-Metro. Then by Win 9 it should have figured itself out.
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: x16wda on November 25, 2012, 09:42 AM
Coming late to this thread too, out of necessity... my "next" computer was bought yesterday when my 5 year old (to the day!) dropped dead.  (At least I can salvage some parts...)

I needed one now so all I can say is thanks for Black Friday sales ;D

Ended up with an HP with an AMD A10, 8gb, and usb 3.  Suits my needs and snappier than my old box.

Oh yes, of course it came with Win 8 preinstalled.  With no previous experience I could muddle through most of what I had to have, although some of the decisions really seemed obstructive.   Like no easily discoverable way in Legacy Desktop to find your installed programs :huh:... it may be there, but rather than dig I supported a small software author by springing for Start8 (http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/) ($4.95).  I will play with not-Metro on and off as I have time and inclination but as long as the desktop works I know I can do what I need done.  So far.  :P
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: TaoPhoenix on November 25, 2012, 09:51 AM
Coming late to this thread too, out of necessity... my "next" computer was bought yesterday when my 5 year old (to the day!) dropped dead.  (At least I can salvage some parts...)
-x16wda (November 25, 2012, 09:42 AM)

 :o :tellme: :'(

Missing Noun Alert! Your five year old dropped dead on his/her birthday and you salvaged the parts?!
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: x16wda on November 25, 2012, 10:51 AM
Missing Noun Alert! Your five year old dropped dead on his/her birthday and you salvaged the parts?!
-TaoPhoenix (November 25, 2012, 09:51 AM)

Oh, did I forget to mention the bathtub of ice water? ;D

Those dratted nouns, people always ask questions when they go missing...  :P
Title: Re: What will be your next computer?
Post by: Arizona Hot on November 27, 2012, 10:23 AM
Missing Noun Alert! Your five year old dropped dead on his/her birthday and you salvaged the parts?!
-TaoPhoenix (November 25, 2012, 09:51 AM)

Oh, did I forget to mention the bathtub of ice water? ;D

Those dratted nouns, people always ask questions when they go missing...  :P
-x16wda (November 25, 2012, 10:51 AM)

You should be able to get away with it unless you are being stalked by the grammar police.