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750
What's the difference between these, 745 780, etc.
I started posting about this previously, but let me try asking something more specific.
I have a very old computer which is expected to die any day now. I've been looking for something difficult: A desktop that has BOTH an A-drive for floppy and USB ports, for my vintage WordPerfect DOS.
I'm hoping to find something I can buy in person, instead of trusting to the internet, even though I could find something cheaper online. A place near me has several which they think would fit the bill, but they don't want to be bothered pulling them all out of the warehouse or explaining the difference between them. They include Dell Optiplex 745 and 780. And a bunch of Dimensions, 4400, 4550, 4600, GX 270. Apparently they'd all be $150. Since I can't find any place else in Phoenix, where this is, it's not like I can shop around.
So the question is, what differences are there between the 475 and 480 - and anything else. Lighter weight? More reliable? Or any opinions on the others? Is there something I should ask the dealer?
The person who was supposed to help me has suddenly been ill, and I've never even had to think about buying a computer myself before. So far, they were just given to me. So I don't even know the right questions to ask.
I'd welcome any opinions - but keep it simple.
Derry-o
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July 11th, 2023 18:00
Well, if no one here can explain the difference, is there another forum that I should ask?
Chino de Oro
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July 11th, 2023 21:00
It's not that no one here can explain the differences. But what you are asking for can not be kept simple.
For starter, there are 4 different chassis for each model of 745 and 780 for a total of 8 different chassis. Then, there are slightly different in components specifications for each chassis. One must go through 8 different specifications and pointing out the differences and keeping it simple.
Below is the chassis and input output ports for both of 745 and 780. You can compare each of them and note down the differences. I hope you will find the info you need.
OptiPlex 745 chassis
OptiPlex 780 chassis
OptiPlex 745 input output ports
OptiPlex 780 input output ports
Derry-o
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July 19th, 2023 19:00
Okay, thanks. So the general non-tech answer would be (I think?) that each model number has multiple versions, and none have any particular general benefits or disadvantages, like being more reliable.
May I ask a different question, then? A local repair person said that other things being equal, the 780 was preferable, being far newer. In fact, from around 2009. But I'm looking for a computer from that short period when they had both an A-drive and USB ports. And I think by 2009 there were no longer A-drives. So the 780 would not have an A-drive, even though the seller said both models did?
Chino de Oro
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July 20th, 2023 15:00
The differences between these systems have been provided. But they are just published technical specs. The real system you found may or may not have the A-drive you needed.
While the community can try to assist with technical questions, a real life result could be with disappointments. Even if you find such machine, it may have all kind of issue to due aging components.
People moved their valuable sentimental collection of audio, video from reel-to-reel, 8-track, beta and vhs to digital formats for safekeeping and usages.
You might think about making your transitioning to use your data with popular devices and applications.