How much would you pay for a "simple" computer?

Submitted by Adam on May 23, 2007 - 6:14pm.

Riding Shotgun with Adam

This will be our poll question in the newsletter tomorrow, but I wanted to give you time to consider the question.

Like Rick, I am constantly on a mission to make computers easier to use. I don't believe it is necessary to upgrade computers every few years if the system you are using now is working well.

I hate (strong word, but accurate) the direction Microsoft has taken with Windows. Most people never use all of the bells and whistles in Windows.

So, here is my question. If there were a computer that would do email, Internet, basic digital photography, document creation and standard games like solitaire, how much would you pay for it.

Keep in mind that this computer would be able to open all of the same email attachments you current computer can, it can read and write Excel and Word documents and the Internet works exactly the same.

The only "disadvantage" would be that it would not run Microsoft Windows or programs that require Windows. However, there are plenty of compatible programs that work similar to those offered for Windows.

This new basic computer would be less vulnerable to viruses and it would be quicker at everything. It would have fewer lockups and errors but when they did occur it would be more difficult to find help.

Certainly there would be some trade-offs, but this basic computer could likely *cost less than $600 for the whole package and under $350 for just the computer (if you already have a monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer.

* I adjusted the costs after doing some research on actual prices or various parts.

If you liked this post, consider buying me a beer!

such a duck

Submitted by Smart Computer User on May 25, 2007 - 11:07am.

such a duck*

*Typically we don't correct spelling mistakes. However, this reader's spelling was so poor that it actually was offensive. You're welcome.

simple computer

Submitted by Smart Computer User on May 27, 2007 - 4:25pm.

I want one, do you have an idea where we could get one? I too just want to get on the net, do my checkbook, do some word processing and make cards. Oh yeah I also like to work with digital photos. That's it! I wonder if a person could take their old computer and get rid of some stuff and make it a simple computer? KAT

How much?

Submitted by Smart Computer User on May 24, 2007 - 5:57am.

What ever it cost, it is worth it!

I love my laptop and with it my desk is uncluttered. I hope to replace it with another one. Since I only need access to the Internet, email, photo download, and word processing,(no Excel) I do not need bells and whistles, just function.

Lead me to it, Oh Great Guru! I have my money saved for it already. Sue

I LOVE THIS IDEA, ESPECIALLY NOT RUNNING MS WINDOWS

Submitted by Smart Computer User on May 24, 2007 - 4:35am.

I THINK THEY'D SELL LIKE HOTCAKES.
I WOULD SUGGEST MAKING THEM EXPANDABLE.
OR BY OFFERING ADD ONS, SUCH AS AN EXTRA SLAVE DRIVE FOR A PRICE. OR A DVD BURNER...
LIST THE BASIC, THEN LIST OPTIONS TO ADD.
SO PEOPLE CAN CUSTOMISE ACCORDING TO THEIR NEED.

NOT RUNNING ON WINDOWS IS A HUGE BONUS IMHO.

Microsoft: jack of all trades- master at none

Submitted by Smart Computer User on May 23, 2007 - 9:15pm.

You've heard this expression before: jack of all trades- master at none. I think this applies well to Microsoft. They don't want their share of the computer business - they want it all. The new Vista is an example. It's a memory hog with too much in it that other stand alone programs could do better. I gathered this from reviews I read in PC World. A simple computer like you suggested would sell like hotcakes.
MG