I bought my laptop two days ago after my other one died. I went into the store today to ask a question or two about my laptop I wanted to know about keeping my computer from dying in the next few years (I can't afford a computer every five years). My laptop that is just a few months old is considered "dated" and that is why it was such a good price. It will do what I need for my business but lacks the bells and whistles.

So with technology changing every few days how do you keep up with it? I personally find it all mind boggling.

Diana

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Diana Buchanan
When You Don't Have the Time

I have been purchasing computers since Tandy. I always look for a computer that has more than I need right now so that it has growth potential and will grow with the changing technology. I do not spend more than a $1,000 for a computer. With careful research and planning you can find quality computers for that price. Most of use don't need a TV Tuner on our computers or gaming capabilities. I find that my desktop unit has components that start to fail in the 2nd year. I do not put a lot of money into upgrading or replacing components because the computer is already dated. I figure that an average of $500 a year for my computer is not a high price to keep my business running. If I get a 3rd year out of the computer that is a bonus!

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Lisa Olinda of Olinda Services
Keeping you on the path to success!
www.olindaservices.com

The desktop I started my business with is 5-1/2 years old and is still running, but I'm not using it all the time anymore - it is my back up in case of emergency. My first laptop died after two years and I am one year into my second laptop. I tried to replace the hard drive for the first one, but it has been on back-order for 5 months, so repairing isn't always an option! I buy the biggest, baddest computer I can afford in an effort to keep up with technological advances, but have resigned myself to having to budget for a new computer every 2 years. I didn't plan for that when I originally wrote my business plan - I was hoping for every 3 years, but I've since learned that isn't realistic; the hardware just doesn't last that long under my working conditions, and I need to have current (or relatively current) technology to best serve my clients.

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Lorri Morin, CPVA
www.virtualsynergy.net

Well I am really hoping that I don't jinx myself here............first and foremost I go to my own personal 'computer geek'. Please don't anyone take offense, I call my husband that to his face as well

I don't know if it because he likes to tinker with them, whether it is via hardware or software, but we have very good luck with most of our computers. my last laptop was I think over 8 years old and still running when I upgraded. While we don't get the biggest & baddest when we purchase, we do make sure there is expandability for future.
We do regular defrags,etc. and if it starts acting too weird, we sometimes just have to make a copy of everything and then dump it and do a complete reinstall. Sometimes the programs just get corrupt and they need a clean install.

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Joanne

I use my desktop for everything. My dad built my computer for me and I prefer this over any manufactured brand. I feel that I am able to fix the problem easier then if I had a manufactured PC. However, I am looking into getting a laptop because it's more convenient then a desktop.

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Kristy

Well, I feel very fortunate. I have a desktop that I built with my father-in-law three years ago. I just upgraded the memory to it's max over the summer so I'll be putting anotherone together soon.

My notebook is three years old and running great.

I replace items as I need to. I have a couple monster hard drives and keep most programs on one and files on the other. I will have to replace the keyboard soon, as I tend to bang-the-keys and wear them out.

I attend some after-hour BS sessions with some folk who keep up on all the stuff so I can just ask what the newest and best things are. I tend to wait until programs (I.E. Windows, MS Office, etc) have been out about six months before upgrading.

I really want a Mac, but need a couple more clients first!

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

I would suggest going online to one site to do price and resource comparisons. First though, assess EXACTLY what you need in order to support your business. Also, you may not always need a new computer as the sales rep will tell you because this is their job to tell you this. You may just need your computer cleaned up a little to run more smoothly. Just my suggestions....