My Computer History

As far back as I can remember, I've always had a computer of some sorts. My first experience was in Third Grade with my Texas Instruments Speak & Math (which still works to this day). Then it happened. Fourth Grade, and our classroom had the coolest thing that I had ever seen in my life - a Vic 20. The Vic 20 was this big white keyboard hooked to a TV. I think it had a whopping 16 colors, but I could be wrong on that. It was nothing too fancy compared to todays standards - but I was addicted. This was the catalyst for my lust for anything computer related. The following is a brief history of the computers I have owned in my life.

Commodore 64 (1984-1991)
This was my very first home computer. I used to get computer magazines with programs, and I would sit up for countless hours writing them, only to find out they didn't work. Usually it was a typo that was corrected in the next issue. That is one of the things that made this the funnest computer of my lifetime so far. The specs are probably lower than your children's scientific calculator, but were wonderful when I was growing up.

Tandy 1000RLX (1991-1993)
My second computer was a Tandy RLX1000. It was the most awesome computer ever made; until the receipt finished printing out. I had just started going to tech school and all the computers there had Windows on them, I didn't. This computer got me used to DOS and how to use a PC. It eventually became my Leisure Suit Larry Gaming computer.

Packard Bell 620CD (1993-1996)
This was my third computer. I bought this one with my own money. I made two mistakes buying this one. I bought a Packard Bell and I bought it at WalMart. This was a step up in that it had Windows 3.1 on it, and it also had a CD Rom (only 2x). The only thing I didn't really do on this computer was the internet.

IBM Aptiva (1996-2000)
In 1996 I had a new job and decided to get a new computer. I bought the IBM Aptiva. This was the only black computer at the time, and it was sleek. The CD Rom and 3.5" were both located underneath the monitor, allowing me to hide the tower if needed. The speakers were mounted on the side of the monitor also. The design of the Aptiva rivals anything that I'd seen up to that point, and still is better than alot of designs I've seen coming out lately. Unfortunately you can't live off 200MHZ forever.

Compaq 5900Z (2000-2003)
In February 2000 I decided that my IBM had run it's course. I was now online and it just wasn't seeming to cut it anymore. I decided to go the built for you route this time. I had a CD Burner in it and a DVD Rom also. Since getting this computer I have switched to a cable internet connection and will never go back to dial up. I am looking at something new in the hopefully near future.

Dell Dimension 8300 (2003-Present)
Well, it had to happen eventually. The Compaq was no longer cutting edge. Ok, that happened a while back, but I needed something alot quicker and with the bonus of the DVD burner. This time I did something I hadn't the last two computers. I shopped around. I checked out uprgading the Compaq vs. Dell, Gateway(yuck), Best Buy, Comp USA etc... I even looked at the Tiger TV pc by Systemmax. Eventually I decided on the Dell 8300. Hopefully it was a wise choice. Just Upgraded to a 17" Flat Panel LCD screen.