Comments on: Want vs. Need: Towards another computer

By: art

art — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:12:44 +0000

I stopped by the PX here on post, and they have the baseline Apple Air for MSRP. So, I would expect the same at the post in GA. But…..

If I buy from Apple, I can get the student discount. And the free iPod Touch, 8GB version. Free. I like free.

And since I know my wife doesn’t read the comments, I can say it here: I might also buy an Apple TV, to configure while in GA and to drop off with the family when I get to HI en route to Iraq. Just because.

By: Carol

Carol — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 08:01:48 +0000

Keep in mind the hardiness if you will of the computer. I managed a px in Balad Iraq, and so many people would buy nice computers, bring them to Iraq and look at me in complete amazement as to why the computer was malfunctioning. Well for one, they aren’t made to withstand the rigors of a soldier and his gear as he is moving from place to place. The screens have issues handling the heat, as do they harddrives and motherboards. If I was preparing to go again, seriously, in Iraq, I would buy a cheaper throw away type computer for the desert. And I’m sure you know, but getting a connection to go online, in your quarters is near impossible unless you hook up with someone that had bought a connection. Very pricey, and dodgey no less. Just a few thoughts from someone who has been there done that.. and of course an army wife who has withstood two deployments to Iraq. If it were me.. spend less.. get the nice one when you get back.. and have a computer over there, that you dont have to babysit to make sure its ok. Good luck!

By: art

art — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:00:53 +0000

I think the wife would much prefer to have the Apple, mainly since, post Iraq, she could probably lay claims to it herself!

And yes, Heathkit — that’s funny.

By: Orwell

Orwell — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:28:38 +0000

You’re not seriously asking that question, are you?

What would Bob do? He’d build a Heathkit, but that’s not an option, so he’d go with the next best thing.

By: Geoff Arnold

Geoff Arnold — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:27:35 +0000

I got the MacBook Air, but I didn't opt for the SSD, and I'm not dual-booting Windows. So my cost was well under $2K. I can sync my camera to iPhoto, and my iPhone to iTunes. Life is good. However it really does need something like this.

By: MIL

MIL — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:24:08 +0000

I vote for robo-geek. I’ve heard enough of your whining about your cobbled together machines. Also, the Army pays for your housing, health care, major moves, and subsidizes your food and gas. What is better to spend your money on than a well engineered and designed computer?