The Times (http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/article2335506.ece) is reporting that Acer are planning to buy Gateway, which is planning to buy Packard Bell, thus cutting across Lenovo's move on PB.
"Both deals would be a double blow to Chinese computer group Lenovo, currently the world's third largest computer provider.
The Acer deal will usurp Lenovo from third place and Gateway's intention to exercise its option over Packard Bell would thwart Lenovo's current negotiations to buy the group."
Interesting times (pun intended :)).
Interesting move by Acer, many of the Computer Shops and large Supermarkets in Spain sell Acer's, they must be a huge company.
I have an Acer in Spain, excellent build quality and extremely good value.
I've been considering buying an Acer laptop, just as a toy, really, as I don't actually need one. I've heard / read they make very good products.
I've got an Acer lappy, Simon, and, so far, it seems to be pretty good. Like most of the large manufacturers, it came loaded with useless software I didn't want, but that was soon dealt with.
I considered Acer laptops when looking for one.
Quote from: Rik on Aug 28, 2007, 10:01:19
Like most of the large manufacturers, it came loaded with useless software I didn't want, but that was soon dealt with.
Same with my Acer Desktop Rik. ;)
I added a send DVD Drive to mine, it was so clever how they are held in, a slide control locates pins in to the screw holes, so no screws required, all done in less than 10 minutes, well impressed.
There have been a lot of improvements in case design over the past few years, usually unnoticed by us until we come to make changes! :)
The only problem I have, is convincing myself that I would actually have a use for it, and that it wouldn't just be worthless extravagance. Ideally, I would want something I could use in the car at work, but this would obviously involve wireless connectivity, and associated costs.
I resisted laptops for many years, Simon, because I'm tight and didn't fancy paying the premium for portability. ;D In 2003, we had to move out when the subsidence damage was repaired, and that provided justification for acquiring a lappy. Since then, I have found the ability to take a machine with me when we go away is invaluable - it allows me, for example, to download all the pics from my camera and burn a CD for extra protection. I also print our own postcards while on holiday (Photoshop geek alert!!). Of course, wireless access is handy too...
I have never used wireless access before, so would need some sort of tuition on that. Can you, for example, use your own ISP for wireless access, outside of your home?
Up to about 100m. Lance likes to sit in the garden while he browses the boards - must get chilly at night though. :)
No, I'm talking about using it in the car at work, and generally while on the move, but this is probably something for another thread. Surely it wouldn't be too difficult to be able to log in to your own ISP from given wireless access points? The security would be in the username and password.
I use a patio heater to keep me warm :)
I get quite good range from my wireless router.
If you are out and about though, and not near a wireless hotspot, you have three options:
1) Use your mobile phone as a modem, incurring data charges at extortionate rates.
2) By a 3G data card with a monthly contract, I think these are around £25pm and probably some data charges on top too.
3) Use a unsecured wireless network ;D
I'm pretty sure you can't log in to your own ISP in the way you describe. Wireless access points work by splitting a connection using a router. It's not a case of users being able to negotiate their own connection.
Quote from: Si6776 on Aug 28, 2007, 11:25:30
Surely it wouldn't be too difficult to be able to log in to your own ISP from given wireless access points? The security would be in the username and password.
In the words of a well known TV advert..." It doesn't work like that ".. :laugh:
Quote from: Inactive on Aug 28, 2007, 11:49:40
In the words of a well known TV advert..." It doesn't work like that ".. :laugh:
Shame. I bet it will in years to come though. They did it with mobile phones! ;D
The finances for 'net provision are very different to phones, though, and the mechanism for a roaming data charge doesn't exist, nor is there market pressure to create one yet. I can't see it working in practice, as the data volume variations would make it much harder to plan, provision and cost.
Oh well, guess I'll stick to my desktop then. :)
Mind you, surfing is not particularly data-heavy, so a 3G card might just be an option for you, especially if you could write it off for tax...
Quote from: Rik on Aug 28, 2007, 12:34:02
Mind you, surfing is not particularly data-heavy, so a 3G card might just be an option for you, especially if you could write it off for tax...
I did read somewhere that 3G are introducing a lower cost package for this exact reason, cannot recall the details.