Old Computers:
A Tech Solution for the
Cost-Conscious
by Jill B. Hart
Computers are faster and better than ever. Processing power doubles about every year, but this power comes at a hefty price -- and out of reach for many people. Used computers can be a cost-effective way of buying a computer, but just like buying a used car, you have to know what you're buying.
Intel, the company that makes the chips that run 80% of today's personal computers turns out revolutionary new microprocessors every year and puts out improved versions of existing models every few months. A top-of-the-line new computer purchased today is obsolete within a year.
This Old Computer
Consider the computer that I'm using to write this article. This machine was close to state of the art when I bought it two years ago. Its central processing unit (CPU) is a Pentium MMX, one of the first of the MMX breed. It has a speed rating of 166. The only serious upgrade I've performed was to boost its memory from 32 MB to 64 MB, which I did when I installed Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.
I've been very pleased with this computer. Graphics look beautiful, thanks to my MMX processor. This computer breezes through digital photo editing chores that brought my old computer to its knees.
It also performs well within demanding games, such as first person shooters like Jedi Knight. Though by my standards this computer is functioning just fine, I recently was hit by a sign that my computer is headed toward obsolescence.
The Beginning of the End
LucasArts, the publisher of Jedi Knight and other games based upon the Star Wars movies, recently released the latest in its line of X-Wing space combat simulations. I just love shooting down TIE fighters from my virtual X-Wing, so I went to www.lucasarts.com to download a "demo" version of the game.
Unfortunately, when I checked the game's system requirements I learned it demanded a CPU speed of 200 or higher -- hardly state of the art, but still beyond my computer's abilities.
I know better than to run a game on a computer that's not up to the challenge. So, the question is, how long will it be until I can't run ANYTHING new on this computer? When will I be forced to buy a new computer?*
Obsolescence vs. Your Needs
All technology eventually becomes obsolete. How much longer will my computer survive?
This question must also be in the mind of anyone considering the purchase of a used computer. The answer, in part, will be determined by what you want to do with the computer.
My computer will be just fine for years -- literally until it stops working -- if I just want to use my current word processing program and other current-generation software. If I want to run the next generation of demanding games, however, a new computer with the best technology will be necessary.*
So, are used computers worthwhile?
Yes! As long as we apply certain limits. Whenever you buy a computer -- new or used -- you should always try to buy the highest performance hardware you can afford. Don't even consider a computer unless it has a Pentium class CPU.
Performance Specs
Personally, I'd stay away from anything with a chip speed lower than 200 Mhz. If you plan to run Windows 95 or 98, make sure you have plenty of RAM -- a minimum of 32 MB. Fortunately, RAM is very inexpensive; CompUSA sells 32 MB RAM chips for under $100.
If you want to run some simple games (those without demanding graphics) and educational CD-ROMs you'll want to make sure there is a Sound Blaster-compatible sound card in the computer. Fortunately, these were standard on most name brand computers made in the past 4-5 years.
The hard drive on your computer should also have plenty of room on it -- the bigger the drive the better. If necessary, you put in a bigger hard drive in the future, though older computers may need to be "tricked" into seeing the entire drive. If you're buying a used computer from a reliable store such as Computer Renaissance see if they will install a new drive for you.
The Eyes Have It
Take care when choosing your computer monitor. Don't buy a monitor if words or pictures look fuzzy. A poor monitor can give you headaches and eye problems.
Look for a monitor where the "dot pitch" (which is a measure of the monitor's resolution) is .28 or lower. The lower the number, the sharper the image.
Don't buy a Slow Modem
Finally, if you plan to go online, look for a computer with at least a 28.8 modem. Better yet, upgrade to a 56K modem. You must be running Windows 95 or 98 to use a 56K modem.
If, for some bizarre reason, you plan to use Windows 3.1 on your computer, don't settle for anything less than a 28.8 modem. (The faster 56K modems aren't supported in Win3.1.)
If you want to use the latest software, you need a new computer. But if you aren't going to be too demanding, then an old computer may suit your needs. Old computers still have life left in them -- if they have the right technology and you don't need state-of-the-art performance. That makes them a good bet for anyone looking for a low cost computer purchase.
* I finally retired that computer a year after writing this column. A few months later I turned it on to look for an old file. The computer promptly died. It's now resting in peace in a dusty corner of my den.
.