New computer, Blu-ray Disc player February 25, 2011

Earlier this month, I upgraded to a new desktop computer and Blu-ray Disc player.

The computer is a Dell Inspiron 560.  It includes an Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5500 processor running at 2.80 GHz, 4 GB of DDR3 SDRAM, the Intel G45 Express Chipset, Intel HD audio, and Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.  I bought a 20″ Dell widescreen monitor to go with it.  It took a couple of days to personalize it by getting the programs I had installed on the old computer on this one.  It’s working great thus far.

The same can be said for the Blu-ray Disc player: a Panasonic DMP-BD45.  In fact, it’s working much better than my old Toshiba upconverting DVD player.  In fact, the reason I bought the new player is because that old player suddenly broke down.  I haven’t played any Blu-ray Discs yet, but I ordered one a couple of days ago.  It’ll be interesting to see and hear the difference between upconverted widescreen DVDs and BDs.

While on the subject of new electronics, you’ll remember a few years ago I mentioned I got a “new old laptop.”  Well, last March, I got a new new laptop.  It’s a 15.6″ eMachines E725.  This laptop includes an Intel Pentium Dual-Core T4400 processor running at 2.2 GHz, 3 GB of RAM, Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset, Realtek HD audio, and Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.  I bought a wireless mouse to go with it.  I haven’t used it too much as I haven’t been away from home too often, but I have no complaints.

9:55 PM UPDATE: I foolishly installed Service Pack 1 on the desktop computer.  In the middle of the update, I get “Error C000009A …”  The computer is inaccessible as I type (from my pre-SP1 laptop).  I’m trying desperately to repair the problem, but having no luck.

2/26, 10:15 AM UPDATE: After eight hours of sleep, I tried again.  I opened in safe mode and was successful: Windows 7 Ultimate reverted back to the way it was before the update.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have the right product key.  So, I had to pay $216 for a new one, but I’m hoping it’ll be worth it.

2/27 UPDATE: So far, it’s worth it, but not completely.  Windows Media Player won’t open because the DLL version is newer than it should be.  Windows Installer won’t work, either.  I’m talking to tech support as I type.  If I were you, I wouldn’t install SP1.
I’m not writing anymore posts about computers I own.  It’s clear I jinxed myself.