Accessorizing Computers
What Comes Out of the Box is a Really Just a Starter Kit
Yesterday, we spent about three hours trying to convince a client of ours that brand new computers just don’t come equipped with the all things that most computers need in a PC. We tried to convince him that a fully functional computer is one that is personalized with specially selected hardware and software accessories – and that the computer purchased at the store doesn’t come with these things. Unfortunately, all of our convincing was to our avail. Our client insisted that he should never need more than what came with his boxed product and that we were just trying “bilk” more money out of him.
As computer consultants, it’s our job and mission to make sure our clients are 100% satisfied when they walk out our offices. But our job is unnecessarily made harder when people don’t take the time to learn about computer accessories and familiarize themselves with the limitations of store-bought computers. Hopefully by the time you finish reading this article, you’ll understand the lesson that we were trying to teach our client: “What comes out of the box is really just a starter kit.”
The typical computer package comes with a CPU unit, keyboard, mouse, and speaker set. That may be just fine for some, but most people require more than that especially in today’s “connected” society. Today’s users require full multimedia capabilities, a wide range of graphics tools, and accommodations for the various portables we now enjoy. These extras aren’t included with “what comes out of the box,” and the only way to get them is to accessorize.
To illustrate the importance of accessorizing, we like to use the “plain dough” analogy. Let’s say that a brand new computer is a batch of plain dough – waiting to be flavored and baked into something useful. If we want to use this dough to make a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies, we would need to “accessorize” this dough with chocolate chips and a little brown sugar. If we want to use this dough into in a warm loaf of sesame seed bread on the other hand, we’d need to “accessorize” the dough with yeast and sesame seeds.
Like “plain dough,” the brand new computer isn’t very useful by itself. It needs accessorizing.
Depending on what’s needed, accessorizing doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, you can get away with paying a minimal amount for extra software and hardware if these accessories are for children. It’s when these accessories are work requirements or when they’re needed to produce works of quality for any other reason that they can become rather expensive. And this expense applies to microphones, digital cameras, PDAs, scanners, video cams, and more.
Regardless of cost, it’s important to understand that accessories can become “necessities,” and that the best time to get them is the moment you buy a new computer. Waiting too long to accessorize can cause more problems than necessary because while you wait, manufacturers continuously develop new technologies – technologies that your computer won’t be able to accommodate in the future. Once you’re ready to accessorize, the new products on the market are too advanced for your computer and they just won’t work. This is a typical problem experienced by those who want to use hardware designed for Windows Vista on a Windows XP or Windows 2000 machine.
How can you get songs from your laptop if your laptop has a CD burner?
Sonds dumb enough, I bought an iPod and download about 190 + songs in iTunes to my old laptop that does not have a CD burner. Does anyone know how I can get the songs to my new computer laptop (which I bought after I bought my iPod)? I tired to connect my iPod to my new computer and did't work. Since the laptop is old I'm afraid I can not download more songs to it. Have I lost songs ever? Thanks in advanced!
If you can locate the directory that contains the songs of his former team can move to your new computer with a USB drive (also called a jump drive). Both teams need a USB port for this to work. If you ask borrow (or buy – they are pretty cheap) a USB drive can be 1 – plug the unit into your old computer 2 – copy songs from your old computer to the unit 3 – plug the unit into new team 4 – copy songs from the drive to his new team and ready! His music has moved.
|
|
Bratz Genie Magic Craft Value Set (2 great sets in one: make a Magical Pillow and Purse) $18.95 … |
|
|
Toshiba PA1478U-1KIT Starter Pack Bundle 10-Inch Neoprene Sleeve & Mini Retractable Mouse for Netbook (black) $18.86 Mini NB Starter Pack… |
|
|
Klear Screen LCD Screen Cleaner Starter Kit High Performance (Use with Touch Screen Display Monitors/PC/Laptops) $14.99 The KS-2 Klear Screen Starter Kit includes a 2oz non-aerosol, pump spray bottle which provides approximately 300 applications per kit. Re-apply once-a-week! Anti-static – alcohol and ammonia free – cleans, polishes and protects. The KS-2 Starter Kit also includes two 11″ X 13″ Klear Kloths in a zip-lock travel pouch. Klear Kloths are available exclusively through Meridrew Enterprises and are the f… |
|
|
Toshiba PA1461U-1KIT 15.4 Laptop Starter Bundle I $41.75 Toshiba PA1461U-1KIT 15.4 in Laptop Starter Bundle II Toshiba 15.4 in Nylon Carrying Case Material: Nylon Color: Black Device Capacity: Laptops up to 15.4 in screen size Dimensions: 17.25 in x 13 in x 3 in Weight: 1.6 lbs. Toshiba USB Laser Mini Mouse, Black/Red Laser mouse with Tilt wheel functionality 3 Buttons: Left, Right, Scroll wheel Cable length: 0.6m / 24 inches Interface: USB Completely r… |
|
|
Toshiba PA1439U-1KIT Laptop Starter Bundle $34.99 Get the four most popular accessories in one easy bundle with the Toshiba Laptop 4-in-1 Starter bundle. This kit is the perfect complement to your laptop ensuring you have the tools you need. Increase your productivity and enjoy the convenience with these “must-have” accessories whether you’re at your desk or on the road.Includes the four most popular accessories in one easy bundle: 15.4” nylon c… |
|
|
Delta of North America Moon Sand Laptop Starter Set with Sand and Mold Set $24.99 Set includes 2.5 lbs. of Moon Sand, one modular 10.5 x 10.5 x 3 hard sided, oven safe Laptop tray and an 8 piece Castle Mold set…. |
|
|
iPod and iTunes Starter Kit $3.80 The iPod and iTunes are the hottest technologies in the world of digital music today. Whether you’re a Mac or Windows user, the iPod and iTunes Starter Kit provides all the information that you need to get the most out these amazing digital music tools, including the Apple iTunes Music Store. From the basics of listening to audio CDs to advanced customization of music on an iPod, this book will en… |
|
|
Laptop $10 Laptop – The Winnie Coopers |
|
|
The Laptop $26.08 Buy and sell [The Laptop] at great prices. |
|
|
Laptop $20.89 Buy and sell [Laptop] at great prices. |
|
|
The Laptop [EP] $7.18 The Laptop [EP] |
|
|
Leonardo’s Laptop $14.96 Leonardo’s Laptop |
|
|
Laptop Battery $106.99 Laptop Battery |
|
|
GeoSafari Laptop $42.48 GeoSafari Laptop |
|
|
U.S. Traveler Rolling Laptop Briefcase with Laptop Sleeve $59.99 Rolling Laptop Briefcase with Laptop Sleeve |
|
|
Checking The Laptop $10 Checking The Laptop – Sexy Secretary |
|
|
LAPTOP SECURITY BUNDLE LAPTOP COP & WEBWATCHER $53.99 LAPTOP SECURITY BUNDLE LAPTOP COP & WEBWATCHER |
