Prairiemoon2;
There have been quite a few posts like this over the last while, with a lot of suggestions.
Recommend, you pan back a few pages and you will see all these posts

pm2... Two threads which may prove helpful are below. Copy and paste the first one; click on the second one...

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/comphelp/msg081142537860.html

Here is a link that might be useful: a new pc - where to begin

Thanks to you both and my apologies. I thought I did look before posting but guess I didn't go back far enough. I spent the day reading a very informative series of pages on About.com that did a fairly good job explaining all the specs when you purchase and what to look for and what you need for what. Even though I have had computers since 1995, it helps to see what is new and what is considered adequate and necessary for what you plan to do with the computer. I found that information presented in a very methodical way and easy to understand which gave me a good review.

Thanks, I will check out your links abreeze.. :-)
pm2

pm2.... I too have a DELL and have the 5 year warranty...years 4 and 5 are the 'Gold' plan. They told me they would provide lifetime tech support for me for as long as I owned the computer.

I'd question them about a $50 cord only lasting 7 months. Maybe they will want to give you a new one...to keep you a 'happy' Dell customer. Maybe they can suggest something too with the on/off button...something that likely goes bad fairly frequently.

I too got a 'free' motherboard replacement this year, along with a modem, so I am quite pleased that my computer that is nearly 4 years old is 'like' new.

Sue

How old is your trackball prairiemoon2? If it's logitech, it's compatable with the Apple computer. If you still have the box it came in, check on the side and it will give you which systems you can use.

I am back with an update. I did talk to an independent computer tech person who immediately told me it was not worth fixing my machine. She felt that the problem I was having with it not turning on maybe the motherboard. I am also seeing the case suddenly deteriorating faster and faster. Opening the computer, moving it from my lap to a table, keeping the screen upright, are now something I have to think about and fool with every time I pick it up. So, thank you Sue for the suggestion but I've decided I am ready to get a new machine. I am especially anxious to get it done before it goes kapoot and I can't get my files off of it to a new machine.

I do hope you enjoy your machine as long as you can though, Sue!! :-) I have enjoyed my Dell and would have been just as happy to stick with it.

secsteve....the 'trackball' I refer to is the one that is part of the keyboard of my Dell. It is in the middle between the G and H keys and very small movements with the index finger make it very easy to place it right where you want it easily. The button to select once the pointer is where you want it is right under the space bar and I can reach it with my thumb without even taking my hand out of typing position. Very convenient and easy to use.

On the Apple it is instead the pad which you swipe your finger across to move the pointer. The key to select it is below the pad, no where near the keyboard, so you are always having to change position and taking your hands out of typing position. I just don't know what they were thinking to let go of the arrangement that works so well with the keyboard, to adopt this style.

We went in to the Apple Store last night and even the salesperson who demonstrated using the pad, didn't seem to have any more mastery over it than I was getting. Slow and awkward. They have NO computers that offer the trackball as part of the keyboard. He suggested a wireless mouse, which I think they offer, but didn't have in the store. From what I can see of it online, I am not sure how easily it will work. It does appear to be one that you don't actually move the mouse around so much as you move the tracking ball on the mouse. So that is one option. According to him, there are no manufacturers that are making the keyboard w the tracking ball any more. Hmmm...will have to check that out.

I asked him, what about people who have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which is a pretty common problem for people who type. He looked at me like I was speaking Greek. [g] Most salespeople in computer stores are young people it seems to me..lol. Of course, makes sense. He did show me some sort of contraption that holds the computer on it, with front support to rest your wrists on and that elevates the computer for air circulation. But if you are using it that way, the ergonomics are just not right for both the keyboard and the tracking pad and buttons. And if you use the pad to raise the computer, now your arms and shoulders are in a much more awkward and unsupported position. Very strange that for a company that put so much thought into ease of use and common sense applications that they seem to have spent no time on ergonomics. So disappointing!

It is a little frustrating because if it were not for that issue, I may have already bought an Apple. It is just an issue that I cannot ignore. I was very impressed with everything I read on their website about their machines.

Another thing I like is that they will transfer everything from your old computer to the new one for you. There is a store close by too.

So, this afternoon, I am going to call Dell and see what their story is. Not what I expected to be doing this week. :-( Anyone else who has some Apple or Dell experience, I pretty much have it narrowed down to these two.

Thanks
pm2

Looks like Lenovo Thinkpads still have the keyboard wobble stick and button clicks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lenovo

Thanks Mikie...I used your link and I am looking at their systems too. I see in Consumer Reports they have a good reputation for tech support which is very important to me.

:-)