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Please help my neighbor choose a computer.

Tags:
  • Fast computer
  • blind user
  • Computers
  • good audio
  • Multitasking
  • $400-600 range
Last response: in Computer Brands
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April 11, 2014 11:48:50 AM

I got such great help for myself on your laptop board that a neighbor has asked me to post here on his behalf.

He is blind and has been using Windows XP with JAWS screenreader on an old Dell desktop. Both the screenreader and the computer are outdated now, and he is looking to move to better versions of both.

His son has been looking at a 30 percent off sale on Dells and apparently found a good deal on a 600-700 dollar computer for between 400 and 500 dollars. I asked him about the specs, but he needs to ask his son. He is open to any make or model that is quality and fast and recommended.

Could you please recommend a good, fast computer with good audio in this general price range, and explain why it's good? The computer will be used for websurfing, listening to music and sports games, email, and some general office work. I believe his grandchildren play some very simple games on his old computer occasionally (e.g., Deep Sea Tycoon), but gaming/anything visual is definitely not a priority, as the computer is used by the blind owner 99 percent of the time. Mainly, his frustrations with the old computer have had to do with slowness or freezing up when he tries to listen to music or sports while doing something else at the same time.

The screen reader company told him that the new versions of JAWS work well with Windows 7 or 8, so operating system really doesn't matter. In fact, my sense is that he would rather have the most recent (to last longest) system available, so I think he is leaning toward learning 8.1.

I would be grateful for any suggestions or comments. Thank you so much for being here!

More about : neighbor choose computer

April 11, 2014 11:58:03 AM

does he want a monitor too? or does he already have one
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April 11, 2014 12:05:23 PM

M0j0jojo said:
does he want a monitor too? or does he already have one


He has an old CRT monitor and would rather keep it. He wants just a new computer and a wireless keyboard.

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April 11, 2014 1:51:43 PM

Heres a good core i5 pre-built computer however it does not come with a video card, it only had integrated graphics and idk how good the graphics are. but you can tell him to buy this card, and maybe you could help him put it in the motherboard. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite... <----Video card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite... <-----Computer
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April 11, 2014 2:02:38 PM

I would be recommending Windows 7.
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April 11, 2014 3:17:09 PM

M0j0jojo said:
Heres a good core i5 pre-built computer however it does not come with a video card, it only had integrated graphics and idk how good the graphics are. but you can tell him to buy this card, and maybe you could help him put it in the motherboard. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite... <----Video card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/ite... <-----Computer


You mean the Asus? Thank you very much! I suspect that integrated graphics will be just fine.

I really appreciate the recommendation.

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April 11, 2014 3:19:11 PM

anonymous1 said:
I would be recommending Windows 7.


I have been wondering about that, too...I've heard 8.1 is frustrating enough for those who are sighted. I think he is talking to a lot of people about that.

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April 11, 2014 4:47:05 PM

I completely agree with anonymous, i think u should tell him to get windows 7, its so much easier to use.
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April 15, 2014 2:06:33 PM

M0j0jojo said:
I completely agree with anonymous, i think u should tell him to get windows 7, its so much easier to use.


I will do that. Thank you again. :) 

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