Monday, September 17, 2007

Vista Schmista

MLH’s computer is trying to kick the bucket. He has a HP Pavilion 7000…big ol’ honking laptop with a 10 key. It’s barely 3 years old…and you know it just ran out of warranty. (How do the warranty gods do that?) MLH did a quick backup on the Seagate, and we went to Best Buy to see just what their best buy was. And guess what? They have three different versions of the same computer, just upgraded. And all have…Windows Vista.

I guess we’re going to be forced to make the change to the newer operating system…which means we also have to get the Microsoft Office Professional Vista version at $499, since our last purchase of such was the Office Professional 2003. And on another computer, we have Office Professional XP. Anybody need any old programs? That still work on pre-Vista era machines? Oh, wait, they’re registered to us. You can’t use them…that would be fraudulent…I think. And then, don’t forget - you need to buy the Best Buy Extended Warranty. At a cool $329. At least this version has an accidental damage warranty…as much as MLH is in the field, going down horribly rough roads, we need something like that. (And we do utilize those extended warranties, I promise.)

Dude, this is like buying vitamins from a multi-level marketer. It’s all about volume. And it must be working, 'cause Best Buy only had about half of their display models actually in stock. All the rest were “sold out” or “out of stock”. Wonder what the difference is?

Vista, schmista.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

You don't have to upgrade the Office programs. I de-installed it on my Vista Thinkpad, and reloaded Office 2003 from the CDs. No problems.

Anonymous said...

I'm a die-hard Dell guy and I'm hearing very positive remarks about their new Vostro line. These PCs ship without all of the 'crapware' junk you don;t need shovelled onto the hard drive. And you can get 'em with good old, reliable, non-system-hogging Windows XP - which I thoroughly recommend over Vista.

Tricia said...

A laptop with a 10-key pad? "Big ol' honkin'" is right! I wish mine had one. I miss the 10-key convenience of my old desktop keyboard.

I've been using Vista now for a little over six months, and I don't mind it all that much. There are some quirks and bugs, but eh...what else can you expect from Microsoft? The more time that passes, though, the kinks are getting worked out.

But definitely stick with Office 2003 if you can. I have 2007 now, and it's giving me fits. It reminds me of going to the grocery store, familiar with where everything is, and when you walk in, you discover they've completely rearranged the entire store. Oh, brother...

Rae said...

Rather you than me :)!

Pam said...

Oh the joys of computers...what did we do before them, and cell phones? Also, extended warranties...ag! My sympathies to you both.

jonboy said...

By the time they get the kinks worked out of Vista and Office 2007, there will be a whole new system out. It would be nice, if we are expected to buy new junk every few years, for the manufacturers to start making things more affordable.

Chris McClure aka Panhandle Poet said...

I prefer the kind of Vistas in your previous post about hunting at dawn. I feel for ya. Computer problems are the pits.

That Janie Girl said...

Thanks, Scott! We'll try that.

Rob - I like the new tiny Dell. I want one! I think I'll do that on my next one.

Tricia- you know you can get an auxiliary keyboard for when you're at the house? Good description for the Office 2003 vs 2007.

Rach - thanks for your support, girl!;)

Pam - it's been so long, I don't remember.;)

Jonboy - you know that's right!

Poet - that is a lot better vista, huh? You rock.

Anonymous said...

dude..just buy a mac and get it over with

That Janie Girl said...

You're probably right on the money, Ba Doozer! That would solve all this stuff.