Looking for advice on new equipment.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a flat screen monitor. I want one with built-in speakers. I don't play video games, just surf & word processing. Any suggestions?

Also, I want to get a cordless mouse & keyboard, mostly because I hate the damned cords running all over the place. Again, any suggestions?

Also, my Norton subscription ran out. Do you think I should renew or is AVG good enough? I also use spybot & spyware blaster.

Thanks for any & all help.

best

[samdogmom]

1. Just my $0.02 about flat screens with built in speakers....

they're not great! I got a flat screen TV/Monitor a year ago from Dell--it's a combination high definition tv and digital monitor. Like you, I believed the built-in speakers would be fine and would reduce the cord clutter. Wrong. There was always an annoying hum/buzz sound coming from them if I had the volume at any level above mute. The sound quality was NOT good for music or any other purpose than simply trying to listen to a quick clip of a sound recording.

I gave up, disconnected these speakers and bought a desktop speaker set with a sub woofer. I'm much happier today.

I recommend listening to the monitor/speaker setup you're considering before buying!

I don't have a cordless keyboard but I do have a great cordless mouse. It's a Logitech MX Laser mouse--very precise and it holds a charge forever! You can go days between recharging.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

4. thanks.

I didn't realize the sound might be sucky. I'll definitely listen before buying.

best

[lpbk2713]

2. I've used Norton, McAfee & AVG

AVG seems to do the job just as well as the others.

Try epinions.com on looking for your new hardware..... Myself, I'd just as soon have the corded types as opposed to having to buy batteries frequently.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

5. I'll check out epinions.

Thanks for the recommendation.

best

[idiosyncratic]

3. The free AVG and Zone Alarm are great. Logitech cordless optical

mouse is wonderful. I invested in some rechargeable batteries and they work great for it. I never switched from my ten-year-old keyboard because that cord doesn't bother me as much as the one for the mouse did.

Consider changing browsers from IE to Opera or Firefox and you won't have to worry so much about Spyware or Adware. Spybot -- Search and Destroy and AdAware are both good programs. I haven't used Spyware Blaster.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

6. I use netscape. 7.2

Haven't updated to 8 yet, waiting to see if there are any bugs.

Second vote for logitech cordless optical. I'll probably go with that.

best

[Tripper11]

7. I've been using the Logitech Cordless.....

mouse and keyboard, Comfort Duo, for about 3 years now and love it.
The batteries last forever, I think I've changed the keyboard batteries maybe twice!?!?

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

8. And another vote

for logitech. that's definately the way I'll go & the keyboard, too.

thanks!

:thumbsup:

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

9. I got the

logitech cordless desktop lx 700. It's not the comfort duo & the keyboard is a bit hard to get used to, but has a wonderful touch. The mouse is rechargeble. I found the set for $66 on-line versus $99 at the local office supply house. I love the mouse & will get used to the keyboard.

Thank you all for your recommendations.

:yourock: