1). Dell has officially decided to start using AMD chips in their desktop line of PCs beginning as early as next month. Honestly, I’ve had three major reasons for hating Dell over the past few years: reliance on only Windows, reliance on only Intel, and the fact that their systems suck because of both. So yeah, hopefully by adding AMD, they’ll improve the quality of their systems and give AMD a boost in the process.
2). Due to the new planet-naming structure, if Pluto is to remain a planet, then other “celestial bodies” needed to be re-designated as planets, including an asteroid (Ceres) and even Pluto’s moon, Charon. Well, apparently, if Charon is to be added, then that means that our own moon would count as a planet, as well.
Anyway, we’re off to Columbia a little later today…just figured I’d post a bit…
how was your opinion of dell affected by “the largest safety recall in the history of consumer electronics” (https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/Default.aspx)? i was seriously considering buying a laptop from them because they’re considerably less expensive than many & my current laptop was on its last leg about…oh…2 years ago. but now i don’t know.
your thoughts?
Yeah, I’m sure it didn’t affect them in any good way… Sony got screwed in that too, it seems, and it just came out today that Sony and Dell probably knew about the problem as late as 10 months ago… But yeah, as far as laptops go, I’m not sure it really matters much which brand you get as long as you get a warranty. I’ve been happy with my Toshiba, but I’ve got a 3 year warranty on it… According to Consumer Reports, the top three companies for fewest repairs are IBM, Toshiba and Apple. Honestly, the new Apple MacBooks are pretty nice, but the cheapest you can score one for is something like $900. But, then again, you’re getting a pretty nice system for that $900…
thanks for the advice!
First, I believe Dell sells and supports Linux based servers, so they really aren’t a Windows only company. Desktops are sold with Windows, but that is standard for the big PC vendors, and Linux users will simply format and re-install with their preferred distro anyways. Second, reliance on Intel for laptops is not always a bad thing, and the Centrino platform is solid. Third, IBM, Apple, and Toshiba (along with Sony) are three of the most expensive laptop vendors. Fourth, Apple has announced a large recall for the same reason that Dell did (bad Sony batteries):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14500443/
Well, for the record, I got my Toshiba for a very reasonable price…and it’s Centrino (which I’ve been very happy with). It also has a 3 year warranty, which is a must for laptops, in my opinion…
Regardless, Dell is silly and will only get better with extra options…