Comments on: How often should you replace your computer? http://thoughtsontranslation.com/2008/10/01/how-often-should-you-replace-your-computer/ ...the translation industry and becoming a translator Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:19:32 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Corinne McKay http://thoughtsontranslation.com/2008/10/01/how-often-should-you-replace-your-computer/#comment-615 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:29:04 +0000 http://corinnemckay.wordpress.com/?p=256#comment-615 @Nadine, that’s very good advice! If you assemble the “second best” type of computer from parts, you can bring it down to around $1,000. Excellent point about upgrading the parts as well, thanks!

@Jill, what a coincidence! At least the main computer is still going strong. Great idea about loading your TM software and dictionaries onto all of them.

]]> By: jillsommer http://thoughtsontranslation.com/2008/10/01/how-often-should-you-replace-your-computer/#comment-611 Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:47:27 +0000 http://corinnemckay.wordpress.com/?p=256#comment-611 Very timely post! My main computer (a couple years old) is still going strong, whereas my backup computer, which I currently use exclusively for downloading, is starting to cause me problems. I find if you treat your computers right they have less tendency to crash or have problems. I need to take my backup computer in to get a new on button. I also have a laptop. All three computers have all my translation software and dictionaries loaded on them so that I can use them in a pinch.

]]> By: Nadine Mondestin http://thoughtsontranslation.com/2008/10/01/how-often-should-you-replace-your-computer/#comment-608 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:29:33 +0000 http://corinnemckay.wordpress.com/?p=256#comment-608 The rules I usually follow:
A. Once you’ve got your manufacturer pegged, in their usual lineup of 3-5 prefab computers, choose the 2nd best. Unless you’re editing blockbuster movies or helping with big bang calculations, you don’t need the top of line. Whereas #2 has usually generous enough specs to spare you from having to upgrade for a while. Number 2 should cost between $1,500 to $1,800.
I personally don’t even spend that much on computers since my needs for multimedia, document creation and surfing are more then generously met by a $500 machine with a less prestigious manufacturer (like Acer, Dell or Gateway). But if you’ve got the money by all means get the higher end ones (Sony, IBM, Mac). The price difference is worth it especially when it comes to durability and stability.

B. Upgrade your parts, not your PC. Mainly: hard drives, RAM, CPUs (these are getting to be less and less “upgradeable”), media readers and writers. Budget 200-300 a year for this.

C. A brand new machine should only be considered every 5 years or so (IMHO) and the old one handed down, not chucked. Or given to a community recycling project (either to be refurbished or properly disposed of).

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