Steven wants to order a new M1 iMac. Is it better than the M1 Macbook Pro? Leo says they're the same, along with the Mac Mini. Really it comes down to what form factor one prefers. Go for it! It screams.
The less you spend on a computer, the more likely it'll break. Go for the higher-end Pro/business-grade model because the hardware will be better and won't get frustrating early down the road. The computer you want is close to $1500 to $2000...unless it's a Chromebook. We all need to reset our expectations for Windows and Mac products. Overall, it's gonna cost more than you wanna pay, but it'll be worth it in the long run. If money is especially tight, a Chromebook refurbished with some DIY upgrades could also work out.
There are many things you can do with old computers. Obviously, the easiest thing to do it properly dispose of it through an e-waste program. Of course, make sure you properly back up and wipe your drive before disposing of the computer.
But what if you want to re-purpose the machine for something else? There are many things you can do to re-purpose the computer for something else:
Jay wants to know if there are any computers completely made in the USA? Leo says that even if you could get one, the components would probably be made around the world. Accessories are another story. But an entire computer being made 100% in the USA? None come to mind. Check out this link at USAProducts.biz.
Falcon Northwest is a computer company that builds PCs locally. Apple assembles the MacPro Towers in Texas. But even then, both source parts from around the world.
A lot of us are remoting into our work PCs these days (for safety WFH reasons), but what do we do when our computer inadvertently shuts down and can't be rebooted without a physical power button press? Take a look at the BIOS settings and search for power management options. Locate a setting for "Reboot/Restore On Power Loss" or something similarly named. BIOS settings depend on the manufacturer of the personal computer, so you might have to wiggle around for the exact name of the option.
Rhonda is locked out of two different laptops running Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 respectively. She got back into Windows 10 after watching a few videos. Then she got locked back out after creating a new Outlook account. How can she get back in? There are a lot of legal documents and data she needs. Leo says that if she has a backup, then there are easier options. Rhonda says she did on the Windows 10 machine.
This is why it's so crucial to have backups.
When you are buying/building a new desktop PC with any kind of stamina, make sure it has an SSD instead of an HDD. Solid-State Drives are a massive improvement in speed and durability from regular hard drives, Best of all, prices of SSDs have fallen drastically, so getting a 1TB drive is plenty and still affordable. Also, don't get a "hybrid" configuration of SDD and traditional, it's more worth it to go all-in on solid-state.
This 2020 Acer Spin 3is a versatile notebook that offers tablet mode and “tent-mode” for viewing lessons, game, videos, etc. It bendable because of it's 360-degree dual-torque hinge. It has a great 14" Full HD IPS Screen. There is a built-in garage for the active stylus using Wacom AES technology, which keeps it safe from being misplaced. It also charges it for up to 90 minutes of use in just 15 seconds. It’s powered by 10th Generation Intel Core processors and Acer says it delivers up to 12 hours of battery life.
This week at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference, the company unveiled its new direction called Apple Silicon. Based on the successful ARM architecture that is the heart of all iOS devices, the company is taking those ARM to the next level with desktop computers and laptops that will turn away from Intel's x86 in favor of a new platform designed in house by Apple. ARM-powered Macs will be transitioned in by 2021. Leo says that this is the beginning of the end for x86 architecture and is a seed change in how we approach computers.
Ed wants to upgrade his desktop to make it run faster. He also wants to tune it up. Leo says it's a good idea. Give it a good cleaning/dusting, reseat the thermal paste, put an SSD drive in it and maybe add more RAM. Just a little tune-up and it'll work fine for years to come.
