There is one more thing (ok maybe 3) that I was wondering if you could help me out with. I know you’re a crazy busy person, but I am sure I am not the only one with this issue.

Main Issue

1. Contact Management Problem. (An ever present problem) I use Outlook that uses Outlook Connector (free) to connect my Hotmail account (Email, Contacts & Calendar). I also have a Blackberry. The issue is that my Outlook has 2 Contact Folders. One called Contacts (the main outlook contact folder) that syncs with my Blackberry and the other called Contacts in jackbullard77@hotmail.com (my email account), that syncs with my Hotmail contacts.

The problem is that I want only one Contacts folder that syncs my Blackberry, Hotmail & Outlook Account. I have looked everywhere online for a solution to this problem. It’s a real annoyance as I am unable to have a central place for my contacts and not have to worry about adding them to both.

That is the main problem above, I won’t even get into Windows Contacts (Address Book) as I don’t use it all. Also, why doesn’t Outlook 2007 autofill the address space in emails, like my Blackberry and Hotmail accounts do.

2. This is just blowing off some steam. I like my Pearl 8130 a lot but Blackberry has a long long way to go to compete with the iPhone. RIM needs to realize the significance of Third Party Apps and make applications available in the same way Apple does by using iTunes. RIM need to have a centralized site for applications, they have one now but it is pathetic.

3. Lastly, I read your article on Norton Internet Security and I think I will definitely upgrade to it as I currently use an older version that takes way too long to startup, even with my newly purchased Dell XPS M1330.

I have Norton 360 on my older desktop. Do you prefer 360 or Internet Security, in other words does 360 version 2 have the same new benefits?

I hope I get a reply! Take your time.

Regards,

Jack

If that fails or the hard drive no longer exists try… Genuine Fractals from:
http://www.ononesoftware.com
I have never used this software, but many people swear by it and use it for making posters of small images.

Lastly, a computer can last a long time, depending on your necessity. If you do not need to upgrade software or operating system, why should you? PC or Mac, a large portion of the speed enhancements gained from a new computer are lost when upgrading to the newest graphic intensive operating systems. Also, new software usually hogs more memory and resources than previous versions. If you are a professional and rely on the newest software and its new features, you probably need to upgrade computers more frequently (e.g. Adobe generally updates their software every 18 months. If you are surfing the web and emailing then you can hold out longer (e.g. You can upgrade whenever new web or email software is released with YOUR must have features, which can be many years).

In my experience the software written for Macintosh is of a higher quality and easier to use. The Operating system is where the Mac really shines. It’s simply a workhorse, hardly ever goes down, and does not get in your way with unnecessary tasks or clicks, just a pleasure to use. When you update a Mac, it feels like you get a new machine, things are actually faster with Mac updates, have more capability, with fewer usability issues, and this is done without really changing the way the system feels or operates. Just elegant.

This is in stark contrast to Windows-based PCs, in general they are stable, but I have to bloat my OS with virus protection software, because if I didn’t it would soon become a unusable brick laden with viruses and other nasty spyware. My Windows machines get system crashes about 5-7 times more often than my Macs. Also, it seems that every time I apply a Windows patch or update, I lose performance and gain more bloat. The updates rarely ever address the usability problems, they simply trade them for new ones or pile news ones on to the list. Also, system performance usually degrades, requiring a hardware upgrade, like more ram or a bigger and faster hard drive.

When it comes to support, Apple is the best. Especially if you purchase Apple Care. Whenever I need service, I make an appointment through the web at my local Apple Store. When I get there, I always get a knowledgeable and experienced technician that has social graces. Often, if they can’t resolve the issue, they simply replace the entire unit, no charge. This has happened to me on several occasions where I have received a new Mac than I had, a new Airport, and a power supply for my laptop.

I have had Macs in my home that have lasted 10 years, and they were still usable, but had to be donated to make room for the superior advances that technology and time bring. PCs on the other hand, rarely last more than 3-4 years before they become the relative that stayed too long. So, from a value point of view, a usable life expectancy, and from a service perspective, Macs have a much longer usable life, and are much more enjoyable to have around during that life span.

http://www.zachbass.com

However from experience, I do believe Macs last longer. Although all computer components are subcontracted, they have an advantage of overall, centralized quality control and compatibility issues that give them an edge.

Also, you have to consider the identity and mission of each. Apple is dedicated to the best experience, customer satisfaction, and useability, whatever the price. PCs are dedicated to Microsoft compatibility, Windows compaibility and being able to compete by selling at the cheapest possible price.

How long your new purchase will last now probably depends more on future software developments. Hardware is usually designed to match current software, standards and OS requirements. The most likely obsolescence event for your new computer will probably depend on the introduction of new OS, more power requirements and chip architecture, new standards and formats…such as Microsoft’s announcement that Windows 7 will be 64 bit only…obsoleting existing installed software, drivers, existing 16bit and 32bit software and other legacy features.

Over the years, I have not observed statistically significant differences in the lifespans of the PCs I’ve assembled and the Macs that my friends own. If the underlying components are of good quality, both will last long, and provide good service.

Of the components, the hard drive is usually the performance bottleneck and the first to expire, because of it’s electro-mechanical nature. A clean operating envrioment, good ventilation to prevent heat build up and a good power supply unit will ensure hardware longevity.

For PC hard drives, keeping them defragmented (for e.g., with automatic defraggers) will optimize performance, reduce the drive workload over the long term and may prolong drive life and stave off premature replacement.

I have computer from the 90’s that still work but using Windows 3.11 doesn’t work for me.

This issue is further confused by the fact that often a machine’s hardware is in perfect working order but the user is still having problems because Windows has become fouled up in some way. Often these machines can be “fixed” by simply installing a fresh copy of the OS.

My own experience with a mid-range Compaq and a low-end iBook both purchased in the 2000 time-frame is a good counter example. The Compaq had display problems within the first year, fixed quickly and at no charge by Compaq it has never had another issue. The iBook had the clicking disk problem identified by many users but long denied by Apple. The machine became useless by the end of the second year, but was finally included in a recall by Apple (after the company had been sued by a user). I sent the iBook back, got the machine with almost all the internal parts replaced (mainboard, display card, hard drive) and once again it was fine for about a year and then started clicking (which just gets worse until the machine fails to boot).

An Apple Powerbook I subsequently bought (decided to give them a second chance) has been flawless, but I now attribute this more to good fortune than good quality control. All notebooks are made by third party Pacific Rim countries. There is no particular reason for them to make a better machine for Apple than HP, or the other way around.