|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Feb 29, 2020 7:25:02 GMT -7
The research potential seems so much easier with a computer... You fellas make me want to procure one but I'm hesitant. I haven't the slightest clue on what I would purchase. The outdated phone has served me well for many years. What are the benefits of a PC in terms of research? This question may sound ignorant but I've never owned my own PC.
|
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Feb 29, 2020 7:59:46 GMT -7
The research potential seems so much easier with a computer... You fellas make me want to procure one but I'm hesitant. I haven't the slightest clue on what I would purchase. The outdated phone has served me well for many years. What are the benefits of a PC in terms of research? This question may sound ignorant but I've never owned my own PC. In a few words: speed, ease of use, storage capacity and visibility among other things. I'd suggest a laptop, even a reconditioned one, because they take up less space and are easily moveable. Just the full size keyboard and larger screen are improvements over a phone. The phone gets general use due to size and portability, but at home and when I need to type longer responses, the computer is the go-to. |
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Feb 29, 2020 8:06:01 GMT -7
Any specific brands? I have an action camera, apparently shoots in 4k video but I've never used it, nor would I know how to upload, edit or do anything with the videos on the PC. I'd very much like to document like Spence and Keith, but I haven't the slightest idea where to start.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sicilianhunter on Feb 29, 2020 8:08:14 GMT -7
The research potential seems so much easier with a computer... You fellas make me want to procure one but I'm hesitant. I haven't the slightest clue on what I would purchase. The outdated phone has served me well for many years. What are the benefits of a PC in terms of research? This question may sound ignorant but I've never owned my own PC. Hawk, I am no expert but I have to agree with Hand in that a Laptop is the way to go. It will serve you at home as well as away from home. We live in age where we can learn many, many things by watching a you tube video on the topic. I would suggest, the next time you find yourself within range of a Best Buy, go in, pick their brains, have them explain things to you like a 3 year old take some notes and then check prices on Amazon and see if you can get it cheaper or better yet, see if they have a price match program. The amount of research alone that can be acquired and stored without taking up physical space and/or the ability to print it out if you want is worth the investment alone. |
|
|
|
Post by Sicilianhunter on Feb 29, 2020 8:13:41 GMT -7
Any specific brands? I have an action camera, apparently shoots in 4k video but I've never used it, nor would I know how to upload, edit or do anything with the videos on the PC. I'd very much like to document like Spence and Keith, but I haven't the slightest idea where to start. Hawk, Everyone and every thing has a rating and review. It may seem exhausting but reading reviews will help you get the impression you are looking for. As far as brand, everybody has a preference for what ever reason (Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge, 9mm vs .45ACP vs .40, Flint vs percussion, etc ad nauseum) I would just pay attention to price points and capabilities. On the camera, look it up on you tube as a "how To..." and see what pops |
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Feb 29, 2020 8:23:18 GMT -7
Any specific brands? I have an action camera, apparently shoots in 4k video but I've never used it, nor would I know how to upload, edit or do anything with the videos on the PC. I'd very much like to document like Spence and Keith, but I haven't the slightest idea where to start. Really depends on how much you have to spend and what you want for bells and whistles - ultimately, they are all pretty similar. I prefer a Windows operating system and others prefer Apple and others a Linux system. Many computers come with software packages installed (such as Microsoft Office) and you can choose to activate (and pay) for whatever you want in addition to the normal software that comes included in the price. There are also many freeware programs that are quite good and emulate many of the high-dollar software (i.e GIMP does a pretty good job and is free compared to Photoshop). There are also a few reputable free antivirus programs such as AVG and Avast that should be installed. A trip to your local Walmart and $200-400 will get you started and likely do whatever you currently need.You can also go into your local computer repair store and many will have older, reconditioned systems for a lower price. As you become more familiar with computers, you may decide to upgrade. Unless you are a gamer (and I doubt you are), I'd stay away from the whiz-bang, ultra-fast systems designed for the gamers - these systems are expensive and are not necessary for a dabbler/hobbyist. |
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Feb 29, 2020 8:36:23 GMT -7
Any specific brands? I have an action camera, apparently shoots in 4k video but I've never used it, nor would I know how to upload, edit or do anything with the videos on the PC. I'd very much like to document like Spence and Keith, but I haven't the slightest idea where to start. Moving the videos to a computer is as easy as plugging the cord into the camera and the other end into the computer, opening the menu for your camera through the computer, selecting the file and copy/paste or cut/paste to your computer. Same with pictures. Editing videos takes different software (which may be included in Windows 10) and someone will be able to suggest a package. |
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Feb 29, 2020 9:04:33 GMT -7
Laptop. Definitely. Takes up less space at home. Even if you don't bring it with you often, if it needs service it is easier to bring to a p.c. repair place.
All the advantages over a phone seem to have been covered, easier to type, you get the full effect of the pictures people post, you can see more of the page of any documents people link to....
As someone else said, there are things I wait to post, private messages I wait to type, until I can do it from my laptop and have the ease if seeing more of what I've written and a good keyboard to type on.
I am no expert either, and fought smart phone, texting, all of this stuff for a long time. Take any advice on what to buy with that in mind.
I agree with what someone said about buying a reconditioned laptop. I am fortunate in that my dad developed a good rapport with a computer service guy, who also sells reconditioned machines, before I got into computers. My latest machine came from him. It is a reconditioned H.P. "Elite Book" which came from one of the local aerospace businesses when they collected all their employees laptops and issued them new ones. So, these are business computers built for professionals, that you can't usually buy at the box stores. Metal case, more rugged, and other features I don't always understand, that you don't find at Walmart, Best Buy, etc. This is the advantage to reconditioned laptops you can sometimes get something better, for less money, than you can buy on the regular market. And, buying from someone like Jackie (the guy who sold me this when my last one died) usually means great service after the sale. I like this one so much I have him trying to get me another of the same.
What is your budget? I will go see what he has.
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Feb 29, 2020 9:09:29 GMT -7
Oh, another advantage over your phone. Storage of all this great info we find, or have placed in our laps (literally?)(laptop computer, get it, lol) by Spence, Keith, Black Hand, James Rogers, and son many others.
I know you say you don't know about how to do a lot of this, I didn't either, still a lot I don't know, and I'm very slow to learn this stuff, but, loading stuff off your camera, saving the info we get here, saving pictures, is all easier than finding a lot of this info in the 1st place.
|
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Feb 29, 2020 11:47:53 GMT -7
I'll ponder, entertain the thought, possibly get close to purchase one then I won't. Happens all the time, I'm just trying to rationalize the benefits of having one versus a smartphone that does everything I need.
|
|
|
|
Post by spence on Feb 29, 2020 12:06:53 GMT -7
hawkeyes, I'm totally ignorant on smart phones, so my idea may be totally useless.
Computers have USB data transfer ports. There is a kind of storage device big as your thumb, called...wait for it... a thumb drive, which plugs into the USB port. They are solid state, no moving parts. They hold large quantities of data, more than most of us actually use or need. I use one as a small external hard drive, plugged into my computer's USB port all the time, and use it as a backup for all my important data. They cost 10s of dollars instead of the 100s of dollars for a real external drive, and work flawlessly.
Do iPhones or other smart phones have USB ports? If so, that would at least give you adequate storage capacity, and you could plug the thumb drive in only when you needed it, go about your regular iPhone business otherwise.
Spence
|
|
|
|
Post by Black Hand on Feb 29, 2020 12:30:17 GMT -7
In order to use a USB with a smartphone, they need to be enabled to exchange data that way and have an OTG (on-the-go) adapter. That said, an adapter is a couple of dollars from Amazon. My old "smart" phone would not allow use of a USB even with an adapter while the new smartphone works just fine. I have yet to see a smartphone with a regular-sized USB port but they do have microUSB ports. Even the microUSB ports come in 2-3 different types though there is a move towards standardizing.
Hawk - until you decide to take the plunge, we are a little stuck. Once you have one (even a borrowed laptop), then we can help you explore the possibilities
Just so you understand that you aren't unique in this, I have a friend that is a veritable library of information on the furtrade, yet he refuses to use a computer (his wife does all the computer work) even though we have told him of the untapped riches of information on the internet. He also doesn't have a cell phone or credit cards...
|
|
Keith
Hunter
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 1,002 
|
Post by Keith on Feb 29, 2020 16:43:47 GMT -7
Most of my research is done on my lap top computer, more & more information is coming to light all the time now on the net.
Keith.
|
|
|
|
Post by brokennock on Feb 29, 2020 18:39:07 GMT -7
So when I 1st replied I was on my phone. (we really need to stop calling our smartphones "phones" they really aren't. They really are mini computers with a telephone call application) I am now on my laptop and went through my topic about awls. What a difference it makes in the pictures. I would not have even asked about the cross section of your awl Hawkeyes if I had been on my laptop when I 1st read the post. I can now plainly see it.
|
|
|
|
Post by hawkeyes on Mar 1, 2020 10:26:54 GMT -7
Good information gents. I do have one of those usb things for the phone, never used it nor could I figure out what it was until it was brought up. I do store my information in a micro card that slips into the phone. Can't remember what the size is, however I've got a bunch of data on it. The problem may be my inability to hold still long enough to utilize the computer. Boredom sets in very quickly staring at a screen. I find myself being a creature of technological habitat, in I find something that suits me and I'll use it regardless if the latest and greatest can replace it. The phone carrier has pinged me for years concerning an upgrade, may see what's available.
|
|
