Adding up the pluses and minuses of buying or leasing a PC
Article Abstract:
PC leasing is gaining popularity among users who seek to upgrade every two or three years, but they usually save money in the long run by purchasing a computer outright. The difference typically amounts to hundreds of dollars for entry-level to mid-range PCs, and perhaps more than $1,000 for high-end PCs, when lessors choose to keep their computers at the end of a lease. Leases are attractive for users who will spend extra to avoid selling older PCs. Cash-strapped shoppers, who need a computer quickly but wish to avoid new bank loans or credit card debt, also might prefer to lease. Buyers save the most money by paying in full and in cash, but even credit-card payments over a fixed period can be more beneficial than leases. Another advantage to buying is applying proceeds from subsequent sales to the purchase of the next PC.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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On dogma of big is good, an agnostic
Article Abstract:
Smart information appliances can help consumers who are frustrated by more complicated PCs, according to HP Advanced Application Design center leader Dr. Donald A. Norman. HP already has announced plans to introduce appliances that include printers and phones. All of the products will be based on HP's own Java programming language version. Norman envisions information appliances that would perform only one significant task each, but intercommunication would make them versatile. Norman, a former vp of Apple's research facilities, has authored 12 books. A common communications protocol would help information appliances gain popularity, Norman said. Immobile PCs represent the first modern technological device, Norman said, but they limit use and require extra specialization to perform multiple tasks.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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G3: Blue and white and different all over, except the name
Article Abstract:
The Apple Power Macintosh G3 is available in three models: 300, 350, and 400 MHz, priced from $1,599 to 2,999. Improvements over previous G3s include a faster internal data bus, a larger back-side cache, two Firewire ports, two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, one Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), an Ethernet port, and a drop-down side, for quick access to internal circuit boards and cards. Drawbacks are no floppy diskette drive, no SCSI or serial ports, CD player volume and jack on back of unit, and the size and shape of the mouse and keyboard. A recent price cut for the Apple G3 laptops, bringing their base price below $2000, makes these machines an attractive choice for consumers considering a new Apple.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1999
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