Desktop Computer Packages

What new computer should i buy? Laptop or desktop? Vista or XP? Can my old windows 98 programs run?

I want to spend around $1000 AUD. I really dislike working on laptops but can i plug in my keyboard and monitor anyway? What sort of software packages come with new computers?

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't buy a computer with Vista as its OS At least not until Microsoft figures out all the little bugs, problems, etc. Stick with a desktop, "more bang for the buck" unless you want something more portable, then go for a laptop
2. To answer all of your questions: desktops can be cheaper, and you only need a laptop if you need a portable computer. Operating system doesnt matter, but Windows 2000 and later versions are more reliable. Some old windows 98 programs can run on the newer operating systems. Yes, you can plug a keyboard and monitor into a laptop. Most new computers include microsoft office, cd burning software, and financial software.
3. Hello If you travel a lot I advice you to get a laptop if not than get a desktop. Right now vista is not at it's best stage but still get Vista, not all the programs can run on vista but the major and popular ones are capable of running on it. You should Get something based on Intel Motherboards, like Core duo or above, which will have 3.0 Ghz CPU, 2 Gb Ram, A graphics card, prefered Nvidia 7 series. If you are a media enthusiasts get a Dvd and Cd write with the PC.
4. get a desktop if that suits you. do not get vista right away. and i think your windows 98 programs will still run on your new computer. you can get all types of packages ranging from the standard to the elaborate. Check out various manufactures websites to get a price range
5. Desktop - here's why Desktops last longer, are less costly, don't break or get stolen so easily, and are a lower cost in upgrades. Batteries don't CRAP out in two or three years. In general, a good desktop is GOOD for nearly 9 years. A laptop might not make it 6 years. So let's say that you buy an awesome desktop for $900, that's $100 per year of it's life. But if you buy a laptop for $1200, that's $200 per year.... and full of regrets. Current computer technology is leaning toward Windows Vista. If you BUY a computer with Windows Vista, then you will be ready for the FUTURE. Yes, you might have a few problems at first, but a good manufacturer and Microsoft Updates will probably bring you through this tough time. But if you buy a Windows XP computer, you may discover that it is not adequate for use with Windows Vista. One warning though, try to buy a computer with 1GB of RAM or MORE. If you have a monitor already, you might just buy a tower ONLY. This will save you some money now, and reserve space in the LANDFILL for that old monitor for a later time. By then, Flat Panel monitors will be even better. Yes, some of your Windows 98 programs will work on the new RIG. Unfortunately, some won't. Some scanners and older digital cameras might not work either. In fact, some of these won't work with Windows XP either. Welcome to the new future. Good luck and Happy Computing!
6. If you don't like laptops, don't get one. But I'm pretty sure you can plug things like keyboards into them. As for 98 programs, I really don't know how Vista will handle them. On XP, some work some don't. Some might work only if you do something with the settings (example: one of my favorite computer games will only work on XP if you turn the sound off. No idea why, but that's how it is). Keep in mind, if XP has trouble with some (many) 98 programs, Vista will too. Possibly (more like probably) even more so. I've not seen any proof that Vista is in anyway better than XP. In fact, I've heard people complain about it being worse than XP. All I've seen of it was a trial version a teacher of mine showed us. I didn't find anything all that great about it. And to be honest, I've never liked XP at all. What's wrong with 98 anyways? (Sorry, personal comment...) New computers usually have internet (windows comes with IE), probably some small games (solitaire, ect), and text editing, ect (windows has Microsoft Office). Many come with more than that. So overall, do some research into what's good and bad about each before deciding. You do have to get something YOU can live with afterall.
7. Desktop, Vista
8. What type of computer you buy is determined by what your going to do with it.. Sit at home and play music , games , and surf all day or get out and about ? Maybe you need a portable unit for class, or business purposes ? There is more power in a desk top. Look for RAM and hard drive capacity, look at graphic cards, and is it a Pentium or Duo Core processor ? The more you have the better the computer will be. Your 98 programs will most likely work with XPSP2, but will not with the Vista. Vista is an option I personally would leave open.. Buy a computer with XPSP2 installed and Vista ready. Some come with Vista Cd or offer when you buy. Vista is just too far advanced for most everything. Nothing seems to be compatible with it. Let them work some of the kinks out before going there. I unloaded it and went back to XPSP2 in frustration !