Hardware Upgrade Tip of the Day #9



*1.   THE LOW-END PC: A MOVING TARGET--PART 1 OF 6          
  
You can now find ads offering PCs for purchase over the Web for 
as little as $300. Are these deals for real? Not really. Yes, 
you can buy a cheap PC, but the deals aren't usually as good as 
they sound. For example, one Web company (which shall remain 
nameless in this venue) advertises a $300 Cyrix 300 MII-based 
computer, but the CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, and monitor all 
cost extra.  

If you're shopping for a low-end system, shop wisely. Over the 
next few days, I'll mention some tips to keep in mind. 

First, watch out for distractions. Many of these online PC 
sellers try to distract you with contests, auctions, and special 
deals, such as free Internet access for a limited time. These 
promotions work the same way on the Web as they do in a 
traditional store. Their goal is to keep the excitement level up 
and to distract you from the downsides on the products. 
Pay attention to the products, not the hype.


*2. THE LOW-END PC: A MOVING TARGET--PART 2 OF 6          
  
Don't be fooled by the high clock speeds (300-plus MHz) listed 
for the processors on these low-end systems. Most are not as fast 
as the rating would have you believe. There are too many 
available processor chips to analyze here, but to help you 
separate the good chips from the bad, find a comparative review 
of the latest CPUs, then use the information to check the deals 
these Web stores are offering. You might not be expecting to buy 
a blazing-fast PC for around $500, but you also don't want to get 
ripped off.


*3. THE LOW-END PC: A MOVING TARGET--PART 3 OF 6          
  
What components do you require in your new low-end PC? Do you 
need a CD-ROM drive? Do you need a modem? How much money would 
these components add to the cost of your new PC? Will the PC 
store install these components for you, or must you separately 
purchase and install these components yourself? How much money 
is your time worth? 

All of the above are important questions to ask about PC 
configuration before you buy a low-end system.


*4. THE LOW-END PC: A MOVING TARGET--PART 4 OF 6          
  
Many low-end PCs come without a monitor. Believe it or not, that 
may be a good thing. In order to keep the price down, the 
companies that do include a monitor usually designate a small 
(14- or 15-inch), poorer-quality tube. At least if the system 
doesn't include a monitor, you get to choose your own. Try to get 
your hands (and your eyes) on the exact monitor model included in 
any online PC deal by stopping at a local computer store and 
looking at the monitor in question, if that store has it 
on display.


*5. CONVERT A STANDARD WHITEBOARD INTO A DIGITAL ONE          
  
Virtual Ink at 

http://www.virtual-ink.com 

now offers a device that captures your whiteboard scribbling 
digitally as you write. The $499 Mimio attaches to a standard 
whiteboard using suction cups. Then the device tracks the 
movement of special pens and an eraser, and sends the data to 
your PC.


*6. PC CHALLENGES COOL iMAC DESIGN          
  
Have you seen the Sony Slimtop VAIO PC? This folding sleek 
desktop computer sports a flat LCD display instead of a 
conventional monitor. It also features a small memory card slot 
(called a Memory Stick) that you can use to transfer images 
quickly between this PC and a Sony digital camera.


*7. MP3 HARDWARE--PART 1 OF 4          
  
Diamond Multimedia, at 

http://www.scanhelp.com 

was the first in the portable MP3 player market, but it wont be 
the only player in this hot new hardware arena. Creative Labs 
has announced a new line of MP3 products, dubbed Nomad. You can 
find more information about it on Creatives new site, 
NomadWorld, at 

http://www.nomadworld.com


*8. MP3 HARDWARE--PART 2 OF 4          
  
Thomson Multimedia, at 
http://www.thomson-multimedia.com 

is joining the ranks of producers of portable MP3 player devices. 
Its contribution, the Lyra, should hit U.S. shores in fall 1999. 
The Lyra will use CompactFlash memory cards to store songs and 
will play for 20 continuous hours on two AA-sized batteries.


*9. MP3 HARDWARE--PART 3 OF 4          
  
Portable MP3 no longer means just a Walkman-style player. Xeenon 
Digital Multimedia at 

http://www.xeenon.com 

sells an MP Shuttle player you can install in your car next to 
the stereo. At the companys Web site, youll find a description 
of the MP Shuttle and photos, plus instructions on how to install 
it in your car.


*10. MP3 HARDWARE--PART 4 OF 4          
  
Is your CD-ROM drive ready to rip? That is, ready to rip songs 
into MP3 format? Not all CD-ROM drives can do this, but with all 
the excitement over MP3, you dont need to do the testing 
yourself. Browse MP3.com at 

http://www.mp3.com 

and check its hardware compatibility list. On the list, MP3 even 
tells you what software utility youll need to use.
