Box Lunch: Choosing the Right Tools

FPEN Internet Training
http://www.fpen.org/train

Box Lunch: Choosing the Right Tools
Revised: June 10^th, 1999

Buying a Computer

The Short Quick Answer:(paraphrased from "Helping Family and Friends Buy Their Computers" below): For the impatient "just tell me the answers" types out there, here's the key piece. The average consumer-level user probably can't go too wrong by buying a mid-level reasonably state-of-the-market system from a leading, reputable dealer -- budget permitting. (Except they should probably get twice the standard amount of RAM.) For example, select whatever Dell or Gateway has this week, with the second- or third-from-the-top processor, with 128 Mbs of RAM. Or these days, get an iMac. Expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 for this, but don't forget to look at some of the $400-$1,000 systems. Also be sure to get an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (the smallest or second-smallest), and a ZIP drive or other backup device.
Unless you're planning to do serious computer aided design (CAD), video editing, or what-not, this should be good enough. Be sure to tell the salesperson how you plan on using the computer. [and in the salesperson starts to pressure you, listen to what he has to say, take notes if you wish, but do not succumb. Leave and think about it. Computer prices can only go down. PK]
Helping Family and Friends Buy Their Computers, Part I - http://www.byte.com/features/1999/05/0531buying.html: The first in a series of articles from BYTE.Com (successor to BYTE magazine) published online on May 31^st 1999. Starts out as an aid to the individual who has been asked to help others select a computer but really is a succinct guide to help the unexperienced choose a computer. The writer helps you decide what you want, what you need, what you can afford, the space it will require and where you plan to use it. A sidebar gives the quick answer for the impatient.

Helping Family and Friends Buy Their Computers, Part II - http://www.byte.com/features/1999/06/0607buying.html: The second in a series of articles from BYTE.Com (successor to BYTE magazine) published online on June 1^st 1999. This section gives you advice when buying and what to do once you take it home - setting it up and learning to use it

Internet Service Providers

Minnesota Internet Access Providers - http://www.metronet.lib.mn.us/mn/provide.html: Maintainted by Dana Noonan and updated in May of 1999, this page maintains a listing of Minnesota internet access providers with links to their sites.
Getting Connected - http://dragon.labmed.umn.edu/~john/fp/net/connect.html: Written by John Faughnan, M.D. and Bob Elson, M.D. A good starting point and, for the person who wants an answer quickly, a good ending point. Both are local Minnesotans and have experience with rural as well as national access.
The List - http://thelist.internet.com: The oldest and most comprehensive listing of Internet Service Providers listing over 4500 of them. Can be searched by state or area code. Can be overwhelming if you start here.
Cable Modem Access - MediaOne - http://www.mediaone.net/: A fast and economical means of accessing the Internet. Available only in certain parts of the Twin Cities. If you want speed from your home, this is the way to go. Will not provide you with Internet access when you are on the road - only from your home.
"DSL" - U.S. West - http://www.uswest.com/products/data/dsl/: Not as fast as cable but may be more reliable. Also not available in all areas. Prices are coming down as the phone company senses a real threat from companies providing cable modem access to the Internet. Will not provide you with Internet access when you are on the road - only from your home.

Computer Stores

Apple - http://www.apple.com/store: Easy to use computers, have become more competitive with Intel / Windows machines. iMacs have proven very popular and are very easy to set up and use. Connection to the Internet is simple. Smaller number of software packages available on this platform than on Windows PCs.
Compaq - http://www.compaq.com: One of the larger companies. Going through merger pains now that it bought Digital and equipment overstock. The in-house Allina standard for desktop PCs so you might be able to get it cheap through but you may do better avoiding Compaq as an individual.
Gateway - http://www.gateway.com/: Popular and by and large the least expenive. Usually provides excellent customer support but has been accused of being miserable at times. You can build your machine onpline and see how your cost changes.
Hewlett-Packard - http://www.hp.com: Recently released a new notebook computer "Sojourn". Light (3.2 lbs) and powerful. If thinking about a portable, you should look at this one for comparison as well as the new IBM 570 series. HP rated highest in customer satisfaction by ComputerWorld.
Micron - http://www.micronpc.com: Have a local outlet here in Minneapolis as a result of a buy-out (Northgate or Zeos, I forget which). Produced in Idaho. An up and coming company. Good computers with good support at a good price. Recommended by John Faughnan, M.D. and Bob Elson, M.D.
Dell - http://www.dell.com: Have given Compaq a run for their money for years. Commonly considered the other corporate standard, Dell made its mark by pioneering the sale of its products directly to the consumer eliminating the middleperson. By and large a dependable company with good products at competitive prices.

Reviews

Computer Brand Reviews - http://compreviews.about.com: Has an extensive list of up-to-date links to reviews of computerr hardware from differenct vendors. Also contains links to glossaries and a article on buying a home computer on a limited budget. Site formerly known as "The Mining Company."
ReviewBooth - http://www.reviewbooth.com: Links to reviews of computer hardware, software and peripherals. You select the category you wish to search and the time (last 3, 6, 12 or all months) and you are presented to links to articles that appeared in computer trade magazines. Frequently these are full text.

Paul Kleeberg, M.D.          O   o         Paul@Allina.Com
Allina Health System        -+---+-    Voice: 612-775-1338
1375 Willow Street           |_o_|       Family Practice &
Minneapolis, MN 55403 USA   / \|/ \   Information Services