When to buy a new PC or laptop?

[exploder]

Didn't I read some place that MS wanted all makers to make sure the MS key was included
in their products to prevent other OSs from being able to use or install.

Some manufactures give you the ability to turn off secure boot in the BIOS. Also, I have read that there is a signing key for Linux now. From what I have read some manufactures have not done a very good job with meeting the secure boot requirements. Some new systems will be bricked if you try and install Linux or even re-install Windows for that matter. This is where doing some research comes into play.

Microsoft is loosing it's grip on consumers and they will go to any length to try and force you to use their products.

[dixonpete]

I find using a wireless mouse/kb to keep me and my calorie consumables laptop life is considerably extended..

Laptops have always been a dicey proposition. When laptop hardware goes wrong it's usually too expensive to fix out of warranty.

[Tony]

Friday I tried to buy a new sound card, I looked for something NOT Intel but I couldn't find any in the Technology Plaza in a big city, they say they don't sell it anymore.

I will try online but is a bad sign for the future.

It's a big bucks environment, just dirty tactics.
Which reminds me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_v._Intel

Agreement: In November 2009, Intel agreed to pay AMD $1.25 billion as part of a deal to settle all outstanding legal disputes between the two companies.

That's a lot of money, of course you all know that.  
If AMD makes a piece of Hardware which works better than the equivalent Intel product I'd much rather buy it. They can at times come up with a whole new slant on things.

As far as buying a Computer; I think it's been covered. It's a day by day proposition.

Microsoft: they will stumble and fall one day, and a whole new way of thinking regarding Computing in the retail sector will emerge. Hope it happens soon.

[Reb]

Or better yet when the one you currently have can no longer do what you want it to do.

+1