ThoughtSparks » Best Deal

Computer Purchase Decision I Can Live With

webadmin — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:22:43 +0000

After reviewing my options for a new home computer setup, I am pleased with the outcome of my decision. My requirements were: purchase a new machine for home computing and entertainment, upgrade parts to my old Dell desktop and network the two together.

Initially I debated over whether to go Mac, Windows or Linux. While Mac is groovy and Linux is cheap, I have decided for best integration to stay with Windows. All my Mac-loving friends, go ahead and let the tomatoes fly. Yes, I’m staying on the dark side.

The next question was where to purchase the machine and how to go about getting the upgrades done. I considered purchasing another Dell which is OK but have noticed how cheap many of the components were in my old machine. The big box stores don’t offer much better in terms of standard parts. By the time I purchase the machine and upgrade the essential parts I might as well go out and by two new Macs and convert over shelling-out way more than I intended spending.

I considered white boxing a new machine, purchasing parts and putting one together myself. While technically I know how to do the work, the idea of testing compatible parts and getting the network humming was much more trouble than I am willing to put into it.

Finally I’ve turned to my friend Drew Stephens who is the owner of the Cedar Park, Texas franchise of Computer Troubleshooters. Drew is able to build me a new machine, upgrade my old Dell and work out the kinks in my network configuration all for a very reasonable price. I know I’ll have quality components, extend the life of my current machine and enable my family to get the most out of our time online (which is extensive) without breaking the bank.

An added benefit is that I’m supporting a local, independent business that is providing quality service with integrity. I also know that if I have issues down the line I’ll have someone down the street and not in India or Ohio trying diagnose them with no prior history. If Drew built the machine, he’ll know exactly how the box is configured and most likely will be able to diagnose the issue very quickly. Best service and price; why not go local?

Bargain Priced Blog for Sale at 50% Off

webadmin — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:50:24 +0000

This blog is officially for sale. Yep, you heard it right. I’ll sell you the site for half the valued price. A cool $9,597 and this sweet puppy is yours to have, to hold, to maintenance and to publish. Heck, I’ll even be your guest writer weekly for a year at no additional cost. What, you don’t believe my blog is worth that much, why some folks value it at twice the price, just ask Technorati.com.

My blog is worth $19,194.36.
How much is your blog worth?

Now pay no attention to what I’ve actually banked from this site. When I did run ads, I think I might have made enough to buy a cup of Joe at Starbucks, no not a fru fru latte, just a tall cup of coffee. Yeah, yeah you say, why not monitize the blog? Well maybe I will, but honestly I feel more like a sucker advertising for Google, Amazon etc. than really pulling in some cool hard cash.

I guess I’m old school, but I actually think that gaining real income comes from hard work. I’m not primarily blogging for dollars. Like most shleps, I’d be deceiving myself into thinking I would get rich quick without a solid online business plan which I have not yet put forth.

No, I blog because:

I enjoy writing
I enjoy offering some helpful information now and again
I enjoy people and interacting with their comments
I enjoy learning new things from other bloggers
I enjoy trying out new ideas, technology and publishing strategies

See any common theme in there? I enjoy blogging.

Is my blog worth $19,194.36? No, I’d say it’s probably worth much more than that to me. How paltry a sum to place on the thoughts, ideas and relationships I’ve gained through this blog.

Would I still sell it for a cool 10 grand? Heck yes, and then I’d start a new one. It’s a free country ya know. Any Offers?

Product Review: TaxCut vs. TurboTax

webadmin — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 19:49:15 +0000

For all of you wondering what the bottom line difference between the two major contender’s in tax preparation software. From personal experience: $1. That’s right, the total return I’ll receive amounted to a $1 difference. I tried going through the free TurboTax software but upgraded twice to accomplish basic tasks like mortgage insurance and Section C for self-employment. I still need to file. I believe Tax Cut will run $35 w/ the filing fee. Turbo Tax would end-up costing $75. TurboTax was a little more user-friendly, but emphases on little. I certainly don’t think it’s worth the extra $40. So, if you have a really simple return to file, you might try the free TurboTax route, but otherwise, I’d recommend going with Tax Cut. Let me know if you find any difference.