...continues. Nixing the Toshiba idea, just got back from some stores and looked them over. Keyboard, yuck. Last row spaced too far away, and since they are 'lifted' like tiny mushrooms all it would take is one little thing to get snagged beneath and rip them right off. Three store demo models were actually minus keys, all Toshibas. 'Nough said. Reason further, however, is fact that YES I CAN get a PC with Windows XP! Whoo-hoo! XP Business Professional is what can be installed at places like Dell. Costs $100.00 extra, (you get the Vista disc free with the system for when you want to 'upgrade',) but it will be worth it. Especially considering Vista is going to be replaced next year with OS Windows 7.

Beyond that though, my darling Emile said the magic words to me today, which were: "Get what you want." Followed by: "We can afford it."

*Swoons*

Now, that last may not be exactly true, however, a commission started three years ago for a custom built ULF (Ultra Large Format) camera was just completed, and the percentage Emile made for being the go between of customer and builder (high blood pressure, threats, hours of phone calls, emails after emails after emails, inspections, returns, more threats and shouting since the builder who can make a best of the best cameras is a pathological liar, lazy and sloppy because he is lazy. Bugger actually forgot to put the hardware on a $4,000 camera once, thus upon receiving it fell apart, there being nothing actually holding the damn thing together, just wood slotted into wood. Also phones you out of the blue, saying your camera has been shipped, should be there in two days, gives you a UPS tracking number...only to find out he made it up. Tracking number is bogus, and when you phone him back after waiting around all day long for your delivery he admits he has not actually started making the camera yet. Be eight months more at least, crap like that,) will cover a good bit of a nice new computer system for me.

Further, doing lots of research and reviews, Emile came to me saying--holds breath-- "Have you heard about Alienware?"

*Shrieks!*

BTW Alienware also comes with OS Windows XP Biz Professional too if you want.

Drools.

So now I am playing around online building a custom system. (Hehe!) An Area-51 m15x 15.4" LCD. Bells and whistles, Lightscribe DVD RW, glowing, lit keyboard in my choice of color, (which will be an awesome help when I type late at night in low light conditions,) RAM and speed up the ass and three years of in home, next business day tech service around $2,500. I mention this to Emile and he says, "Get what you want," once more. "Get everything you need because you will be using it." Recalls as well that 30% is write off able at end of the year...

Alright, may not go that way, (more like probably because it really is too expensive.) might end up with a Dell Latitude D830 or Precision M4300 (BTW Dell makes Alienware as well,) because even if I am going to venture deeper into the 3D graphic art creations for book covers and eBook art there really is only so much I need, and main purpose of my computer is writing and website design work. Video creations for the websites, as well as our upcoming DVD creations on Tibetan bowls, etc. Still, considering this is a laptop that is going to be running the Aura Chakra video station at shows, the Alienware Smart Bay is a bonus. It is where you have a slot to so can pull out and exchange your DVD gizmo with a second battery or extra hard drive on instant whenever you feel like it. More then once we've been to shows where they lost power, and that second battery could be a survival issue at that point. Sure, may not be able to prints then, but with all that memory it is a piece of cake to save and then print up and mail to people the next day from home.

Guess everything is going to depend on the answers we get from the Aura station software manufacturers at this point. Cutting edge in biofeedback technology, but backwards when it comes to WORD and program compatibilities. Like it can not be used with anything beyond WORD 2003 last we heard. (Fingers crossed it has changed.) Considering that is the only program that displays the photos and reports it is an issue. Also, Alienware seems to be a 64 bit system, not a 32 bit. Very sensitive for a $10,000 program, even with the same operating system and proper WORD programs something about Sony computers screws it up.

Needless to say I am keeping my fingers crossed here. Have decided on the Ripley cover and I want my glowing alien face! LOL!

Well anyways, we shall see. Going to wing by HP now since I still have an affection for Conpaqs, and after our hands-on store venture they still seem the nicest when it comes to keyboard design and stability. Don't think you can get them with XP though...

Okay, off to window shop some more. if nothing else, it's fun as hell.

Cheers,

Melissa

  

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Buy a song, I make a few pennies...or at least a couple thin shavings. LOL

HI Mellisa, sure sounds neat. let me know what you end up with. shine

Wow, Melissa, that sounds like quite the handy-dandy program you've got planned there. I hope it all works out for you. I'm surprised that Vista is going to be replaced so soon, though - I just got a new computer about a month or so ago, and it came with Vista; so far, I haven't had any problems with it. In fact, I quite like it, to be honest.

Anyway, I thought I'd pop by, since it's been awhile since I came to visit. I hope you and Emile are doing well. How goes the house-hunting?

Take care, my friend, and be well. I'll visit again soon.

Hi Melissa. Just dropping by to wish you a Happy 4th of July.