Circuit City and Liquidations

As you probably know, Circuit City is closing all of their Atlanta locations and is declaring bankruptcy. They are liquidating their inventories with signs of up to 30% off as of the other day. I don’t think this is any great shakes. Their sales are being run by Hilco Trading, a restructuring firm; it’s not even 100% Circuit City’s original inventory since Hilco will bring in their own products. Imagine buying something that isn’t even a true Circuit City product. Plus, those discounts are up to 30% off the original list price of the product. Sometimes, this discounted price is not better than Circuit City’s (or Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Costco etc) regular price. Also, I have a rule that I don’t buy from a place that won’t be there to back up their product if there’s an issue separate from having to fight with the manufacturer. The next ones to go, I predict, is Borders and/or Barnes and Noble.

Netbooks

The recommended life of a laptop is only 4 years. This is due to two factors. First, laptops suffer from wear and tear issues at an accelerated rate compared to desktop computers. Second, there’s the concept of technological obsolescence. Let’s say you spent $600 on a laptop. That would average to $12.50 a month. A lot of people who buy laptops are only looking for basic capabilities, like web surfing and email. A new category of computer has starting taking off. They are called Netbooks. They are smaller than a traditional laptop, usually with a screen size of 8-10”, webcam, wireless and a weight under 3 lbs. They have an Intel ATOM or equivalent processor. They run either XP or Linux (don’t be scared, it’ll still do email and web surfing!). The most regarded model on the market is the Acer Aspire One. This model is available everywhere including Target and Walmart. The XP version sells for $400, the Linux version for $50 less. If this computer lasts for only 3 years, the monthly cost is still less than a traditional laptop. After Christmas, this will be an oversaturated market and you might be able to get the same computer for 25% less than today’s prices.

Overheating Sony Laptops

If you have a Sony VAIO laptop, click on the following link:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?template_id=1&news_id=272

Why Buy New?

Delta Computers on Tilly Mill Rd next to the Home Depot have a great selection of used computers, with very low prices. Most of these computers run Windows XP. They stand behind what they sell. I have heard bad stories about their service. It’s cheap but really slow and may need several visits to get right. But, the computer selection of desktops and a few laptops may be a better alternative than buying new with the unpredictable economy. Also, Microseconds on Roswell Road near Johnson Ferry Rd is another good choice for used computers, but I think their prices are a lot higher at last check.

Problems with Vista x64 - Positives for Costco

Although not as scary as the previous topic, but more prevalent is Microsoft Vista x64 SP1. This is the latest and “greatest” (only using the word greatest because latest and “not as good as Windows XP” doesn’t rhyme) version that has hit the streets. When Vista first came out, it was built for a 32 bit processor and called Vista. Then Service Pack 1 came out. Then, Vista x64 Service Pack 1 which require updated drivers for the hardware in the computers. The problem arises when the drivers to support sound, video, etc are not fully x64 tested. I had a client in Wynterhall who every time he rebooted his brand new Costco HP Vista x64 computer, the sound drivers would cease to function until he reinstalled them, rebooted, and then he lost them again. This wasn’t Microsoft’s fault, it was Realtek, who made the faulty software drivers. That’s why I like Costco. 90 days no questions asked return policy, which he took full advantage of.

Is Illegal File Sharing Worth It?

Don’t let your kids install peer to peer file sharing programs on any of your computers that have sensitive information on them. Don’t believe me? Click on the following link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/08/AR2008070802997_pf.html

XP Aint Dead Yet

Microsoft just extended the date where you can get a Windows Vista computer downgraded (Microsoft-speak for we’re going to charge you for this capability) to Windows XP Professional. It’s now next July. Therefore, if you need a new computer but don’t want Windows Vista, you can still go directly to the computer manufacturer and get what you want.