Gateway Performance 600

I’m struggling with the original precept of this blog: building a new computer, because my Gateway Performance 600 is working so well now. It’s almost eight years old, but it runs a Pentium III processor at 600 MHz and has been upgraded significantly:

1. Added another hard disk to increase total disk capacity from 20 Gb to about 100 Gb.
2. Replaced the original CD RW drive (failed) with a new and better Sony drive.
3. Upgraded from Windows 98 to Windows XP Professional, now SP2 and fully current.
4. Maxed out the memory to 768 Mbytes, comparable to brand-new low-end computers.

It’s not a bad computer, and I’m wavering on the decision to replace it. Money ($1000+) and time are the reasons NOT to replace it. Here are some reasons why I might:

• Quieter. The Performance 600, though not loud, is the loudest thing in the room.
• Faster. I wonder how much. The processors will be ten or twenty times as fast and the disk(s) at least twice as fast. I’m sure the difference will be noticeable!
• Upgradable. In theory at least, the memory will be upgradable to 8 Gb.
• Bigger disk. At least three times as much, upgradable to much more.
• Windows Vista or Vista compatible. The Gateway 600 is not even slightly compatible with Vista, needing more speed, disk, a DVD drive, and more.
• More reliable? Only the CD RW drive in the 600 has ever failed, but I’ve been lucky because hard disks certainly do fail too. I’m thinking about paired disks in the new computer for improved data security, and a better backup system than the zipped CD ROMs I use now.
• Experience. Mine. I will enjoy the experience and learn a LOT! I’ve been involved in computers almost all of my adult life (45+ years) and it’s time to add some current technology to that knowledge.

I’m almost convinced, but then again the 600 is really working pretty well. I have plenty of time to think about it.

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