Happy 10th birthday to my first computer. It was this month in 1999 that i got my first personal computer: a Dell Dimension XPS R400 with a 400MHz Pentium II processor and a whopping 128MB of RAM. I think i paid nearly $2,500 for it complete with a 17″ “flat” CRT screen, and top-of-the-line surround sound speakers.

It’s still alive and kicking, after a few obvious upgrades through the years (bigger hard drive, more RAM, CD burner), about three generations of Windows, and a share of regrets (Zip drive?). Just over a year ago, i purchased my second computer: an Apple MacBook Pro laptop. Only my second computer, you ask? Yep. The Dell was really showing its age and making it difficult to get work done; but it lasted me for a solid 9 years. I kept it tuned and light-weight (Windows XP wasn’t designed for 400MHz and 512MB, or vice versa). But that’s less a measure of my geekiness, and certainly more indicative of how thrifty much of a cheapskate i am. So it took a several months of weaning, but now i don’t use the Dell at all as a proper computer. Right now it basically acts as a keyboard and mouse host for my MBP when at my desk via Synergy.

Ironically, the accessories have been the the timeless pieces that i still use. My favorite: the mouse, a Logitech MouseMan Wheel. The most comfortable mouse i’ve used, it has a ball and cord but tracks smoothly, and has a nice heavier weight; but mainly it just fits. And the basic PS2 keyboard, after several necessary cleanings, still works great. No stupid extra buttons to launch “email” or fancy lights, just the keys i really need in the classic layout. The Dell-branded Trinitron CRT is a great looking screen that i plug into my MacBook Pro when i need some more room. For picture quality, CRT > LCD even in 2009. And the speakers: Altec Lansing ADA880; the best computer speakers i’ve heard (which hasn’t been a whole lot to be honest). They still bang loud and clear.

So today, after a total investment of say $3,000, my old Dell is worth maybe $50 on eBay (though i doubt i’d have any luck selling a computer this old). But i’ve easily got far more value out of it and the accessories in 10 years. And will continue to until they die. But all the beige really clashes with my Apple’s silver and white color scheme.