www.CostaRicaTicas.com

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

PC – I know about that thread. My whole point is to get and honest quote for the configuration that he is referring too. I’m my pricing for his configuration it is about $700-$900 but I could be wrong. If I’m correct for that price, buy two laptops.

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Hi Josie,

OK, no problem. Glad to help out and by the way, if you could buy 2 dual core laptops for the price of my netbook, I salute you.

First off, base netbook previously ordered new on the Dell Outlet. I see a bunch on there right now for $229. Here's the link:

http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSale ... 0910&s=dfh

2GB RAM for the netbook is around $22-25 at multiple places online (Crucial, Amazon, etc).

64GB SSD for the Dell Mini is about $100-120 on sale depending on brand. Check ewiz and amazon for sales. Also although I bought the 64GB one, you could easily use a 32GB SSD to run OSX and your virtual machines. The netbook has a built in SDHD card reader and can use that for additional storage. The class 6 cards are pretty fast and more than adequate for data. A few months ago ewiz had a special with a supertalent 32GB SSD and a 2GB RAM chip for the Dell Mini 9 for $89. That would have made this even cheaper.

When I bought mine I got a good rebate on the netbook. Dell runs specials and offers discount coupons and free shipping all the time. Wait for almost any holiday. When I bought it my total price, all in for everything was $352.

Here's about what you spend now given the prices I found today.
Base CPU- $229
2GB RAM- $22
64GB SSD (need to wait for sale)- $110 (32GB for about $80 on sale)

Total- $360, and this is not waiting around and watching for further sales.



Apples to the moon? I don't think so, but maybe oranges to tangerines would be more accurate. I did do all the modifications myself and swapping out the RAM and SSD was as easy as easy gets. It literally took me all of about 5 minutes to do it and anyone who knows how to use a screwdriver can do it just as easily. As opposed to most other netbooks, the RAM and SSD on the mini9 are meant to be user replaceable. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who couldn't do it.

As far as hackintoshing it to run OSX that took a bit more work, but again wasn't all that hard. The reason the Dell Mini9 makes such a good Mac is because it uses a lot of the same parts that Apple uses in it's Mac mini. Every component on the mini9 works very well with OSX. Here's a link to the instructions that I used but there are multiple different ways to do it depending on the hardware you have available when you start:

http://dellefi.mechdrew.com/guide/old2.shtml

Oh, and any version of OSX 10.5 will work and be able to be updated to the latest version. If you need one you can get a 10.5.0 disk on eBay now for around $40.

So there you have it from soups to nuts. It is neither very expensive nor very difficult to do. I am very happy with this netbook. I get comments and questions from people all the time when they see me using it. Ask any of the guys that went with me to MDE how well it works. I think everyone was pretty impressed. It is a very impressive little machine. By the way I always enjoy your posts and hope to be able to meet you some day. I'd be glad to show it to you in person if we cross paths someday in CR. First beer is on me.

Skosh – all the specs that you have priced out is for refurbished equipment. If you want to make a point at least stay within the same ballpark. When we are talking netbooks, we are referring to brand new, sparkling new, off the shelves equipment. Could you price that out and send me the links for brand new equipment? Then I would show you how to buy two brand new dual-core laptops for the same price. Which I suspect will be the total buying price for your configuration. And when I said new, new ram, new 64SSD, new MAC OS. I will get all of this brand new when I buy the vanilla netbook.

BTW – even for an Uber-geek like me, the basic instructions that you gave to MANUALLY build your configuration will be a bit of a headache unless I really needed it. The reason to buy a netbook is portably, there is no other reason to do it. It is a matter of physics actually. You can only squeeze so much power and heat with the current configurations. Maybe in the next 5-10 years netbooks will become the new workhorse but for now, is just not to have to lug around a heavier laptop.

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Brother J0sie--Not to be all stupid here but why the preference for new equipment when refurbs are available? "Why buy new when used will do?" Case in point--I got a refurb HP Pavilion DV9000 series fully loaded for less than 1/2 price. It turned out that it needed new speakers--no problem: I got a fix-it # from Tech Support, got pre-paid postage both ways and the issue was rectified inside a week--zero cost except for some time on the tellephone. I expect Dell will treat you equally well.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Because if you want to compare hardware is either stick to new or refurbish but you do not compare a new configuration versus a refurbished one. It is obvious which one will be cheaper. Actually, the specs that Skosh presented are for a netbook that you will have a hard time if not impossible to find brand new. Dell has discontinued the model if I’m correct on my investigations.

ITOH – I do not see any problems buying refurbish hardware from a reputable store and with some warranties.

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

No, that is just incorrect. None of it is for refurbished equipment. If you looked at the links more than superficially you would have seen that some of the computers in the outlet were refurbished and others were "previously ordered new" which means they were never used....i.e. brand new. The RAM and the SSD's were also brand new. And Mac OS is also brand new even though out of the box it does not contain the latest updates. Although why that should matter is beyond me. It will auto update with the most recent updates in 5 minutes just like any other version of OSX. Bottom line is everything I quoted for you, and everything I bought for myself is brand new.



Really? I found it to be pretty straightforward actually. The entire process took a little over 2 hours. For a very minimal amount of work the payback is immense. Yes, you can just use the netbook without doing anything to it and it will be usable, but a little work up front gives you a much better experience for as long as you own the computer. To me it's kind of like putting in the time to learn to speak some spanish when you go to CR. You don't really need it, but it makes the experience so much better. Wouldn't you agree?

Also I would rather deal with a few hours upfront to turn it into a Mac than the constant agony of scanning for viruses, spyware, etc. Always seemed kind of penny wise and pound foolish to me. But to each his own. Everyone has his own reasons and comfort level, and I understand personal preference.



I agree portability is a huge reason to buy a netbook. However, I say once again, that even a netbook has plenty of power to do the vast majority of things that the vast majority of users will do with their computer. Combine that with the ability to have a 2 lb sub $400 Mac, and that is what sealed the deal for me. And in addition to portability if it gets lost or stolen, it wouldn't be as big of a deal as it would if I had a Macbook get lost or stolen.

Since you are not supplying any links to verify your information, here are mine for brand new, sealed equipment. Cough, cough, at least what YOU will call new. Since the netbook and OS are already discontinue by the vendors.


Netbook - $229
http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnlineSale ... l=en&s=dfh

2GB RAM – 29.96
http://www.computermemoryoutlet.com/CMO ... 331414c401

64GB SSD - $140
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch_v3 ... ia=AA75112

OSX 10.5 – 93.99
http://www.lgeoo.biz/servlet/the-31777/ ... -OS/Detail


Grand Total = 492.95

At that grand price you could buy two BRAND NEW - LATEST MODEL, off the shelves netbooks. And the pricing above is because I have been doing this for a while. Your regular user will never know how to get the above prices. Like I said before their price model will take them to the $700-$900 range. I forgot this one too, the netbooks will come with Win XP already installed so no modifications, no headache to get things going. Just open and use. No need to learn a new OS.

Even you listed price of $360-hardware + $40- will take you to $400 for a refurbished netbook. For a refurbished netbook at 199.99;

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch_v3 ... ia=3005252

Will leave me enough money to book my next trip RT from Ohare ORD to CR SJO. The first beer will be on me, since I will be able to afford it.

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Out of civilly-conducted conflict comes a plethora of valuable info not otherwise available (as Brother J0sie said) to schlubs like me. Well done, Gents.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Good discussion. Thank you for your input. I am enjoying it, however once again your information, including your pricing, is just plain incorrect. Let me clarify a few things. Oh, and since you like links, I'll include a few for you:

While Dell discontinued the name Mini 9 they still sell the exact same computer renamed the Vostro A90:

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/note ... 4&ref=lthp

They have sales on this thing all the time. Here's a link to a recent sale of this computer on the regular website, not on the outlet, for $249:

http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2009/0 ... available/

But truth be told, the previously ordered new ones on the outlet are BRAND NEW and a few dollars cheaper.

As for OSX 10.5 being discontinued by Apple, I have no idea what you're talking about, and I don't think you do either. OSX 10.5 (Leopard) is the latest Mac operating system you can buy. Simple as that. I see brand new versions of this OS on ebay regulary for $40-50. Here's a link to a brand new Leopard install disc on ebay for $42.95:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mac-OS-X-Leopard-10 ... 7C294%3A50

As for the 2GB RAM for the Dell Mini9/Vostro A90, how about $14.99:

http://shop2.frys.com/product/5175606

And you can get a variety of aftermarket 64GB SSD drives at a variety of price points. Even the stock Dell could be upgraded to 64GB for $75:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/dell ... r-windows/



None of this represents any special pricing. It is available to anyone, regular user, new user, power user, even you. If you look for sales you can get really good prices on this stuff. No special talents or abilities needed, except a little patience.

Oh, and this post was written on my hackintoshed Dell Mini 9, which I bought brand new for $352 everything included. I guess that is the best proof of all.

And by the way, if you are not interested in running virtual machines a stock 1GB RAM, 16GB SSD configuration runs OSX very well. It makes a sweet Mac netbook for under $300.



Well as far as I know if something has never been opened and never been used it is new. I don't think it gets much more clear cut than that.




Yeah I know. Why try something different? After all an 8 year old OS, loaded with security issues, plagued by viruses and spyware, which requires constant attention in the form of CPU cycle sucking antivirus scans, etc. is obviously the way to go. Sometimes I forget how much I love troubleshooting DLL issues and the registry. And who doesn't love the joy of reinstalling the entire OS every once in a while also.

Please forgive me. I don't know what I was thinking suggesting that someone actually take a little time to explore a secure, stable, virus free, spyware free OS that is aesthetically beautiful and a pleasure to use. And who cares about all those hours that you save from not having to constantly futz with Windows itself. Silly me.



Not really, but since you're offering I will gladly accept your offer of the first beer. The second one is on me. I'll try to keep it cold for you until you finish all your virus and spyware scanning. Take your time. I'll be the guy in the bar practicing my spanish with the cute chicas

Actually Josie, no offense intended, I just couldn't help myself. You seem like a very nice, knowledgeable guy albeit a bit rigid when it comes to this stuff. I hope I get the chance to meet you someday and continue this conversation in person over a few beers surrounded by a bunch of hot chicas. I have a feeling we would have a lot in common and get along pretty well. Nos vemos.

Since we are winding down this discussion and I hope all sides have presented their views, here is a lighter tone to the Mac’s;

Why did the retarded guy buy a Mac?
What do you mean? They're all retarded!

Seriously, why do these people buy Macs?
The boxes PCs come in are too hard for them to open.

What's the difference between a turd and a Mac?
Most turds aren't gray.

How do you make your Mac go faster?
Drop it from a higher window.

Why aren't more Mac owners computer literate?
They would be, if they had a computer.

How do you make a Mac run faster?
Smoke some marijuana just before using it, to alter your perception of time. There will be a noticeable speed increase, not only of the Mac but any clocks in the room as well. Now that's performance!

Why don't more Mac users get depressed about owning a Mac and commit suicide?
They don't know how shitty their machine is, because they still haven't figured out how to turn it ON.


All with love….

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Since turnabout is fair play I present 2 for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbJSuduTrPs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_x2Np_Z ... L&index=41