WindowsSeven Forum

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 11:52 am

I have very, very little direct experience with a server so there is not much I can rightly say one way or another.

I have carried with me, for several years now, a copy of Windows NT Server and I have an old Dell Workstation that is of the same vintage. I never loaded it with Server because I did not understand that it would accept it. After all, the Dell was just a lowly Workstation.

Now I just have it because I just don't throw things that cost money away. At least until they get in the way and how can a small paperback manual and a disk ever get in the way.

I still have my first real computer. It is an old Gateway 2000, Model GP6-300 that runs at the blazing speed of 300MHz. All I use it for is to maintain a spreadsheet (Shopsmith Equipment Inventory), my old, old copy of AutiCad and Sketchup. It resides out in the dusty old workshop. Occasionally, I pull the sides off and blast it with some compressed air.

I have gone through three laptops in the time I have had that Gateway which nows runs on XP Pro.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:44 pm

dusty wrote:I have gone through three laptops in the time I have had that Gateway which nows runs on XP Pro.

What killed the laptops?
I was wondering about this. It seems lately to find a desktop you have to really hunt because the only thing most stores stock are laptops. Sure they may have a desktop or two but they will have tons of laptops.

I bought a laptop for my wife and I like it. I was thinking of buying a laptop for myself and plug my display into it and have dual displays. However I was wondering how long a laptop would last. I know most have a rather short life span but that is usually because they have been dropped or otherwise abused. That is why I asked about yours, did they just wear out quicker or did something happen to them.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 12:58 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:What killed the laptops?
I was wondering about this. It seems lately to find a desktop you have to really hunt because the only thing most stores stock are laptops. Sure they may have a desktop or two but they will have tons of laptops.

I bought a laptop for my wife and I like it. I was thinking of buying a laptop for myself and plug my display into it and have dual displays. However I was wondering how long a laptop would last. I know most have a rather short life span but that is usually because they have been dropped or otherwise abused. That is why I asked about yours, did they just wear out quicker or did something happen to them.

Later technology has resulted in laptops that are far better than mine were. I probably paid twice as much for each of mine than what a laptop costs today but each was about half as reliable and even less durable. Heat was a big factor. Todays laptops don't get near as lot.

I had two Dell Latitudes and an Inspiron. They were used hard when I was working on public transportation and public safety vehicles. I was installing and testing GPS systems. The laptops were part of field test stations used in the installation areas to test equipment functionality.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Sep 05, 2011 1:51 pm

I think heat is #1, Lack of durability due to extreme miniaturization second. A need to get a new one with bigger ram/HD etc. third. All that assumes no dropping banging etc.

Today one can purchase a new laptop with an 'OS" installed cheaper than purchasing the 'OS' itself(necessary if you have 'skipped' a version).

I consider a laptop has the best of both worlds. With USB a a laptop can be used at a 'desk' with a mountain of external devices and be also portable when needed.

Also when current laptop 'dies', all those external USB connected devices are still there for use with the new laptop(you did keep all those installation disks did you not!).

FWIW I still be using a Dell inspiron with XP that I purchased new 'way back when XP was 'new'.

I keep hoping it would die, but alas such is not the case(trouble is I keep 'fixing' it - or find a workaround).

No it has not been dropped! No I will not drop it intentionally!

skou · Post by **skou** » Wed Sep 07, 2011 1:24 am

OK, I buy and fix old IBM Thinkpads. Mostly The T series, specifically the T23. Yes, it's "only" a P3 and it doesn't have USB 2.0, but still, it is VERY easy to work on. (Kinda like my ER.)

I can get a running lappy for about $65 to 75, (in parts) and sell them for $120 or so. Funny, when these were new, $3500.00!

I've been inside Dells and a BUNCH of other ones. I like the T23 about the best!

steve

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 11:44 am

A recent discussion elsewhere was highjacked (by me) and ended up as a discussion about Backups and Recovery Systems.

If you are really serious about getting up to date on these (and many other issues) the Windows 7 Forum is a great place to go. There is a group of moderators there who, along with the members, are like the group here. They are really great about lending assistance.

Especially if you are a Windows 7 user, I would advise that you at least visit there long enough to see for yourself what they offer. One never knows when help may be needed.