View Full Version : Entering the modern age
Limper
09-12-2007, 09:22 AM
My wife signed us up for high speed internet and dish... sounds good right?
My TV is 10 years old and has clear signs of being near death so I need to get a new TV... seems TV's are now in the $700 range for midddle of the road... OW!
Any suggestions on HD LCD TV's you can share?
Also the missus wants a PC on the first floor... which means I can get a newer better one and give her my old one. So any recomendations of getting a new desktop PC?
I want to avoid Vista but it seems I can only do so by building the damn thing myself... which I hate doing. I've been using Gateways for the last 12 years with no problems so I'd prefer to go that route but there Vista is hovering like some unholy beast over any box system I could get.
FeatsofClay
09-12-2007, 10:06 AM
I have a spare pc if you wanna come get it. :)
Limper
09-12-2007, 10:12 AM
I have a spare pc if you wanna come get it. :)
A very nice offer however I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper to buy one locally than to drive to WV.
:)
FeatsofClay
09-12-2007, 10:13 AM
A very nice offer however I'm pretty sure it will be cheaper to buy one locally than to drive to WV.
:)
It is cheaper to walk than drive!
What size of screen do you want on the TV ? A 32" is between 300 and 450 at Next Tag (http://www.nextag.com/32-lcd-tv/search-html?nxtg=a5d00a240513-D110CFA9128AAF9E)
Since Acer is buying Gateway do you really want another Gateway ?
Xavier Lang
09-12-2007, 12:55 PM
I want to avoid Vista but it seems I can only do so by building the damn thing myself... which I hate doing.
The only people I've seen with problems with Vista either have an amazing lack of RAM or deficiency with computers in general.
Harry
09-12-2007, 12:57 PM
Heh. I was just having a talk with someone yesterday about how my 16" TV is the biggest I've ever owned, and how I still don't see the need for a bigger one. I also went into Best Buy yesterday to ask some questions about cell phones. Assuming I get the job I want, one will become necessary. The kids at Best Buy thought I was pulling their legs. I really don't know anything about the devices. Not even how to do the basics - calling and talking and hanging up.
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:05 PM
The only people I've seen with problems with Vista either have an amazing lack of RAM or deficiency with computers in general.
Doesn't it dick up games?
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:08 PM
What size of screen do you want on the TV ? A 32" is between 300 and 450 at Next Tag (http://www.nextag.com/32-lcd-tv/search-html?nxtg=a5d00a240513-D110CFA9128AAF9E)
Since Acer is buying Gateway do you really want another Gateway ?
I don't really have anything against Acer, so that doesn't disuade me.
I'm looking at a 32" but I think that is going to force me to buy a new entertainment center.
Xavier Lang
09-12-2007, 01:11 PM
Doesn't it dick up games?
I would imagine it would depend on the game, I only play a couple of games and works with those so I may not be the person to ask.
I don't really have anything against Acer, so that doesn't disuade me.
I'm looking at a 32" but I think that is going to force me to buy a new entertainment center.
Go to a thrift or good will store and get a side board, put the DVD/R on a book shelf next to it (get 2 so you can have a place for the DVDs etc.)
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:16 PM
Go to a thrift or good will store and get a side board, put the DVD/R on a book shelf next to it (get 2 so you can have a place for the DVDs etc.)
I'm married and we both know how that would go over.
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:16 PM
I would imagine it would depend on the game, I only play a couple of games and works with those so I may not be the person to ask.
Are they Total War and Civ 4?
Freedom Canadian
09-12-2007, 01:18 PM
Nice to see you claw your way out of technosavagery ! :D
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:24 PM
Nice to see you claw your way out of technosavagery ! :D
My wife is dragging me out... slight difference but the end results the same.
I'm married and we both know how that would go over.
Not a couple of cinder blocks and a board man, a nice sideboard and two book shelves is all you need. resand and refinish it if you must.
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:32 PM
Not a couple of cinder blocks and a board man, a nice sideboard and two book shelves is all you need. resand and refinish it if you must.
The more I'm thinking on this it might work. I have an old sideboard on the sun porch and wouldn't mind cutting hols in the back for wires and shit.
I'll mention it to my wife and if she gives the glare I'll mention it was your idea.
The more I'm thinking on this it might work. I have an old sideboard on the sun porch and wouldn't mind cutting hols in the back for wires and shit.
I'll mention it to my wife and if she gives the glare I'll mention it was your idea.
That's right make me the bad guy :), would it go with the "style" of the room ?
Limper
09-12-2007, 01:44 PM
That's right make me the bad guy :), would it go with the "style" of the room ?
Its from the late 50's early 60's and so is the blonde hardwood floor... so sure.
FeatsofClay
09-12-2007, 02:09 PM
Vista hasn't messed with any of my games but it gave me nightmares for a while with my accessories- printer, scanner, mouse type of stuff.
Limper if "She who must be obeyed" lets you use the side board get a piece of 1x the same length and width of the book shelves and brad a piece of crown molding on the front. it''ll add something to the piece
Pigs in Space
09-13-2007, 06:11 AM
Buy a big mutherfucking screen limper.
Get at least a 42" one. Middle of the road is a crap way to buy things because:
- it's not really that cheap. If you want cheap then buy a cheap crap one.
- it's middle of the road, and you won't be as happy with it if you just coughed up the extra cash and got something real nice.
Make sure you read reviews online btw, about the model you are getting. That way you will make a decent decision and get value for teh cash.
Goblin Girl
09-13-2007, 06:43 AM
Since Acer is buying Gateway do you really want another Gateway ?
My thoughts exactly. I'd say it might be time to switch to Dell instead.
Also, are you sure you wouldn't rather have a laptop for your second computer? I've got a desktop, and Izzy has a laptop. I frequently wish I had a laptop of my own. (Other than the one from work, which is bottom of the line, and on which I can't load my own stuff.)
Limper
09-13-2007, 07:02 AM
My thoughts exactly. I'd say it might be time to switch to Dell instead.
I really do not like Dell. I've had them at work for the past 8 years and they give me grief.
Also, are you sure you wouldn't rather have a laptop for your second computer? I've got a desktop, and Izzy has a laptop. I frequently wish I had a laptop of my own. (Other than the one from work, which is bottom of the line, and on which I can't load my own stuff.)
I find them hard to type on and horrid to play games on (which is what I use it for the most of the time).
TiQuinn
09-13-2007, 07:31 AM
We've got an Acer laptop, and have been very happy with it. :)
So is the wife unit going to let you use the sideboard or you going to get a new EC ?
Limper
09-13-2007, 12:17 PM
So is the wife unit going to let you use the sideboard or you going to get a new EC ?
She found a half way mark... we can put it on a new sideboard.
*sigh*
She found a half way mark... we can put it on a new sideboard.
*sigh*
Ok Limper I'm going to give you some advice, Doc's three easy steps to dealing with a wife.
Step 1. - On the way home get her some flowers (not roses) to soften her up, lay out why you need to use the old sideboard in a logical manner.
Step 2. - When she says no, sit her down and tell her "I'm the Man (you might need to show her) and you're going to do as I say"
Step 3. - After you get out of the hospital go get the new sideboard.
Atropine Mama
09-13-2007, 02:19 PM
:lol: Damn, doc.
Limper, for the TV, get a Samsung, and ask Varaj about this shit for both computers and TVs. He knows his shit. He does the electronics, I do the home-improvement stuff, so...
Doc has good advice for the entertainment center. Depending on how low you want the TV to sit, a coffee table might work, too, a blonde wood one would match your floors so the wife might like that idea. A short, wide CD/dvd shelf next to the TV on the coffee table would work for components.
Entertainment centers are narrow, and that makes me nervous. With kids running around, I like to be able to push the TV far enough back so the center of gravity on the TV is away from the front -- no crushing the kids, thank you. A coffee table would be deep enough for that. For our Samsung (the bigger of the two TVs we have) we got a corner unit table so we could push the TV back up against the wall on both sides, reducing the chance of a kid tipping it over. It's something you want to think about with the bigger TVs.
EhtoZed
09-13-2007, 04:27 PM
:lol: Damn, doc.
Limper, for the TV, get a Samsung, and ask Varaj about this shit for both computers and TVs. He knows his shit. He does the electronics, I do the home-improvement stuff, so...
Doc has good advice for the entertainment center. Depending on how low you want the TV to sit, a coffee table might work, too, a blonde wood one would match your floors so the wife might like that idea. A short, wide CD/dvd shelf next to the TV on the coffee table would work for components.
Entertainment centers are narrow, and that makes me nervous. With kids running around, I like to be able to push the TV far enough back so the center of gravity on the TV is away from the front -- no crushing the kids, thank you. A coffee table would be deep enough for that. For our Samsung (the bigger of the two TVs we have) we got a corner unit table so we could push the TV back up against the wall on both sides, reducing the chance of a kid tipping it over. It's something you want to think about with the bigger TVs.
Shit, if a kid of mine tipped over my TV he'd better hope it crushes him. Damn!
I recommended a sideboard for the extra storage options (drawers etc.) and the large center shelves can be taken out for a sub woofer. My kidlet did pull the TV from my Moms EC when she was 3 or so (the cord stopped it from hurting her) so stay away from a real narrow one. As for height, try 3 1/2 - 4 feet from the floor it'll be about head level then. (or get it wall installed, which is better if you're worried about the kid), I heard the LG had a good line of LCD TVs as well.
Atropine Mama
09-18-2007, 07:52 PM
HAR HAR EhtoZed. I know you're being silly, but man, it's not funny to the 3000 or so sets of parents whose kids get hurt or killed every year. I don't want to be one of them. I'm just lookin' out for Limper's cute little demon-spawn. :D
Consumer Reports Article on TV tip-overs (http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/child-safety/indoors/tv-tip-over-danger/young-children-and-tv-tip-over-injuries-and-deaths-2-07/overview/0107_tv_tipover.htm)
From the article:
Safety measures parents can take
Any TV can be a crushing hazard for children. To keep children safe, parents should follow these steps:
* If available, buy the stand specifically designed for your TV by the manufacturer, as well as any hardware to secure the TV to the stand or wall. Used together with the TV, they can reduce the likelihood of TV tip-over. If the TV comes with a base, have it attached professionally at the store. Consult the TV manufacturer's instruction manual for tips or warnings regarding placement of your television.
* If you put your TV on other furniture, make sure it's sturdy before you put the TV on it, and that it can handle the TV's weight. (See our free report on furniture tip-overs for more information.) Never put a large TV on a stand or entertainment center designed for a smaller set. Note that various products meant to secure TVs, as well as carts and furniture, have been recalled due to product failure. (See CPSC's recalls database to check a model.)
* Consider a TV stand that has a lip along the outer edge, which can help keep the TV from being pushed or pulled off. Put a non-skid mat under the TV to make it harder for a child to move it. (Use one intended for kitchen or bathtub use, or available through office-supply retailers.) Push the TV as far back on the stand as possible, out of a child's reach.
* Furniture holding a TV should be anchored to the floor or wall using brackets, screws, or braces. (Consider securing any large furniture in this way for safety. See our free report on childproofing devices for more information.) Do not attempt to drill holes into a TV to secure it to a wall or table. You may damage your TV--especially rear-projectors, which have sensitive electronics in the back.
* Do not put a TV on furniture with drawers-- such as dressers or chests--that can be pulled out by young children and used to climb.
* Do not place toys, remote controls, or other tempting items on top of TVs or other tall furniture.
* Cover outlets with outlet protectors. Keep electrical cords and wires, remote controls, and chokable pieces out of children's reach, and teach children not to touch them.
* Check with your child's school, day-care center, and health-care facilities to ensure that they have properly secured TVs. (TV tip-over accidents also occur in these environments.)
* TV manufacturers should consider placing warning labels on their products reminding parents of the potential safety hazards of improper storage. Consumer Reports believes that the furniture industry should meet tougher standards to reduce the number of injuries and deaths from TV tip-over accidents, and that those standards should be mandatory.
Linked from the CR article:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Statement (http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml06/06254.html)
From 2000 through 2005, CPSC has reports of 36 TV tip-over-related deaths and 65 furniture tip-over deaths. More than 80 percent of all these deaths involved young children. Additionally, CPSC estimates that in 2005 at least 3,000 children younger than 5 were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms because of injuries associated with TV tip-overs.
Also, more tips:
To help prevent tip-over hazards, CPSC offers the following safety tips:
* Verify that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor to the floor or attach to the wall all entertainment units, TV stands, bookcases, shelving and bureaus to the wall using appropriate hardware, such as brackets, screws, or toggles.
* Place televisions on sturdy furniture appropriate for the size of the TV or on a low-rise base.
* Push the TV as far back as possible from the front of its stand.
* Place electrical cords out of a child's reach, and teach children not to play with the cords.
* Remove items that might tempt kids to climb, such as toys and remote controls, from the top of the TV and furniture.
vBulletin® v3.7.4, Copyright ©2000-2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.