Printer, scanner, desktop computer

Sue Doe-Nym · 06-18-2025, 08:39 PM

Excellent ideas! Thank you. I will try to perfect my sales pitch!

BroadHopper · 06-19-2025, 07:52 AM

I retired from Sanders, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems as an IT guy in the finance group. Over the 40 years, I started out with DEC and IBM computers and dabbled in many brands through the years. So, pick my brain for advice.

Right now, I see some fantastic deals in business/gaming computers under $500 with Windows 11. Windows 10 computers will be unsupported in October. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS have been solid through the years. I recommend them. I currently have 3 laptops 10+ years doing work. Only one brand new laptop for Win 11 experience. 16GB memory and 512Gb SSD storage is currently the standard configuration. AI search for 16GB / 512GB SSD and you will find tons of laptops/desktops. I prefer a small form laptop for portability with USB key board, mouse and HDMI monitor. Perfect for the best of both worlds!

As for printers, all printers are good. The same rule applies to all brands, the cheaper the printer, the more expensive the printing cartridges. So, if you do a lot of printing, buy a better printer. If you plan on printing photos, photo paper and ink are very expensive. Keep that in mind. I prefer to print locally at the drug stores or Walmart. Built-in scanners/fax capabilities are also available if needed.

Most business computers are Windows based. Most designer's computers are Apple based. Most engineering computers are Linux based. I have experience in all three. In fact, my main laptop has all three!

Send me a PM if you want more information. I could meet for coffee if you prefer.

TomC · 06-19-2025, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I retired from Sanders, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems...

Brings back memories... first project I ever worked on (like 40 years ago) was the ALQ-156 with your guys on Canal Street...

BroadHopper · 06-19-2025, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomC

Brings back memories... first project I ever worked on (like 40 years ago) was the ALQ-156 with your guys on Canal Street...

And the ASPJ project that Raytheon gave up on!

Descant · 06-19-2025, 11:42 AM

When I reboot my desktop, the Dell logo comes up, but it is very old and I doubt there are many original Dell parts remaining. I have a local computer company that does my maintenance, replacing parts as needed. When I'm really stuck, I call and they log into my machine, work their magic remotely and we char while the machine is upgrading. My printer scanner fax copier is a Brother. Pretty good, but I figure life expectancy on these things is five years regardless of brand.

My son, as a student, worked for Support.com, Staples' help desk. I learned from him that, while a customer was explaining a problem, he was typing the issue into a Google search. Then he would read the fix back. That worked well for me until Google went more than about three steps and then I got lost changing between the two sites. Anyway, there's probably a local shop that can help if you're beyond the Best Buy Geek Squad range.
Many public libraries know volunteers locally, or have staff that can help. there are probably folks in your local seniors club who have resources (grandchildren) who are knowledgeable.

Mr. V · 06-19-2025, 03:03 PM

Time to upgrade our ancient PC, which runs Windows 7.

Mostly just surf the net, no gaming or heavy demands.

My sturdy HP laser printer is hooke up, as is a Samsung monitor.

What would be the best option to upgrade while still keeping the printer hooked up?

retired · 06-20-2025, 01:32 PM

What kind of hookups does your computer and printer have? Sounds like you have an old system that may use a parallel or serial printer cable. If so, you won't find any new computers that will accept these. You may need to start from scratch. Visit Staples website or store. Look for sales.

Mr. V · 06-20-2025, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired

What kind of hookups does your computer and printer have? Sounds like you have an old system that may use a parallel or serial printer cable. If so, you won't find any new computers that will accept these. You may need to start from scratch. Visit Staples website or store. Look for sales.

THanks, will do.

I guess I'm a Luddite: I drive an '82 Volvo turbo, listen to LP's and don't own a cell phone.

And yet...I'm happy.

Go figure.

retired · 06-21-2025, 05:52 PM

The 70's were the best of times!

06-19-2025, 07:52 AM	#2
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,589 Thanks: 3,230 Thanked 1,107 Times in 797 Posts	IT guy here. I retired from Sanders, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems as an IT guy in the finance group. Over the 40 years, I started out with DEC and IBM computers and dabbled in many brands through the years. So, pick my brain for advice. Right now, I see some fantastic deals in business/gaming computers under $500 with Windows 11. Windows 10 computers will be unsupported in October. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS have been solid through the years. I recommend them. I currently have 3 laptops 10+ years doing work. Only one brand new laptop for Win 11 experience. 16GB memory and 512Gb SSD storage is currently the standard configuration. AI search for 16GB / 512GB SSD and you will find tons of laptops/desktops. I prefer a small form laptop for portability with USB key board, mouse and HDMI monitor. Perfect for the best of both worlds! As for printers, all printers are good. The same rule applies to all brands, the cheaper the printer, the more expensive the printing cartridges. So, if you do a lot of printing, buy a better printer. If you plan on printing photos, photo paper and ink are very expensive. Keep that in mind. I prefer to print locally at the drug stores or Walmart. Built-in scanners/fax capabilities are also available if needed. Most business computers are Windows based. Most designer's computers are Apple based. Most engineering computers are Linux based. I have experience in all three. In fact, my main laptop has all three! Send me a PM if you want more information. I could meet for coffee if you prefer. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

06-19-2025, 11:42 AM	#5
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,407 Thanks: 1,362 Thanked 1,634 Times in 1,066 Posts	Brand? When I reboot my desktop, the Dell logo comes up, but it is very old and I doubt there are many original Dell parts remaining. I have a local computer company that does my maintenance, replacing parts as needed. When I'm really stuck, I call and they log into my machine, work their magic remotely and we char while the machine is upgrading. My printer scanner fax copier is a Brother. Pretty good, but I figure life expectancy on these things is five years regardless of brand. My son, as a student, worked for Support.com, Staples' help desk. I learned from him that, while a customer was explaining a problem, he was typing the issue into a Google search. Then he would read the fix back. That worked well for me until Google went more than about three steps and then I got lost changing between the two sites. Anyway, there's probably a local shop that can help if you're beyond the Best Buy Geek Squad range. Many public libraries know volunteers locally, or have staff that can help. there are probably folks in your local seniors club who have resources (grandchildren) who are knowledgeable.

06-19-2025, 03:03 PM	#6
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,415 Thanks: 65 Thanked 260 Times in 178 Posts	Time to upgrade our ancient PC, which runs Windows 7. Mostly just surf the net, no gaming or heavy demands. My sturdy HP laser printer is hooke up, as is a Samsung monitor. What would be the best option to upgrade while still keeping the printer hooked up? __________________ basking in the benign indifference of the universe

06-18-2025, 08:39 PM	#1
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,435 Thanks: 751 Thanked 792 Times in 415 Posts	Excellent ideas! Thank you. I will try to perfect my sales pitch!

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to BroadHopper For This Useful Post:
KennyFromBoston (06-19-2025), Sue Doe-Nym (06-19-2025)

The Following User Says Thank You to TomC For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (06-19-2025)

The Following User Says Thank You to BroadHopper For This Useful Post:
TomC (06-19-2025)

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06-20-2025, 01:32 PM	#7
retired Senior Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Belmont, NH Posts: 140 Thanks: 2 Thanked 68 Times in 39 Posts	What kind of hookups does your computer and printer have? Sounds like you have an old system that may use a parallel or serial printer cable. If so, you won't find any new computers that will accept these. You may need to start from scratch. Visit Staples website or store. Look for sales.

06-21-2025, 05:52 PM	#9
retired Senior Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Belmont, NH Posts: 140 Thanks: 2 Thanked 68 Times in 39 Posts	The 70's were the best of times!