Why wouldn't you build it yourself? I've built every one of my desktop systems (and a few for friends and family) over the past 15 years, probably a total of 10 or so. It's easy, and to me, the only way to get exactly what I want. One potential drawback is if something breaks on it, there's no calling someone to fix/replace it, it's all on me... But good luck no matter what your decision!

If your program is a stand alone and this is not an option you can use some of the embedded DB engine. I don't remember any now but I remember I saw a few names to use back when I made my app. OS X comes with SQLite "built in", perhaps this is a possibility...

John Simmons / outlaw programmer wrote:

Yeah, you should expect that when you try to look at a Windows desktop via HDMI connection

I completely disagree. The issues that both of you are having are abnormal. Something is not right somewhere. Windows should see the TV as simply a monitor with (assuming it's 1080p) a resolution of 1920x1080 and otherwise treat it as a normal display. Yes you do have to make sure the TV is on before starting Windows (7 anyway) in order for it to recognize it as an audio device (and you'll have to select it to use it if you have built-in audio on the PC) and if it's your primary display, for setting the resolution. Perhaps there are some issues with over scan or HDCP... All I can say is I have a 42" plasma connected to my system using ATI HD4850s and it's flawless whether watching video or at the desktop. Try the Hulu desktop client. I run this full screen and I cannot tell I'm not watching my satellite broadcast. Awesome!

Notepad++ will allow opening files read-only with the '-ro' command line argument.

Well this American never heard of 'courgette'. Where I'm from we always called that 'summer squash'. Sorry, can't tell you why it might be bitter though.

In my opinion it's a symptom of the growing use of computer monitors to view video content, and (my opinion only) idiots who just can't stand letter boxing of video. Full HD is 1920 x 1080 (16:9), to watch that full screen on a 1920 x 1200 (16:10) monitor you get black bars on the top and bottom. I discovered months ago when I was searching for a new monitor myself that it's very hard to find a large format monitor that's not 1080 lines, or some other version of a 16:9 aspect ratio. I managed to find a 23" Samsung (2343bwx) that while still 16:9, at least it's 2048 x 1152 so I get enough vertical space to make it convenient. The manufacturers probably save money (make more profit) and use it as a marketing tool (Full HD!) while the average consumer doesn't realize they're actually getting less and meanwhile pissing off those of us who still use computer monitors for.. gasp...computing!

I'm a recent convert to the Mac, though I still own and use several Windows (7) machines. These days, the OS is just a platform. Like someone mentioned, you can get third party apps that duplicate the functionality of Exposé on Windows. To tell you the truth, I still use the app switching keys on the Mac (CMD + Tab) rather than Exposé, which I find useless if I have more than a few apps open. If you ask me, the hardware is the reason to own a Mac. I have one of the new 15" MacBook Pro unibodies. Sweetest machine I've ever owned. The multi-touch trackpad is what sells it for me, I almost never need to hook up an external mouse, which with my Windows laptops is almost a necessity. I've also heard longtime Mac users absolutely pan the multi-touch thing. It's all about what works best for you.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned about plasma vs. LCD is weight and heat. Since you mentioned hanging it on the wall I figured I'd point out that plasma screens will probably weigh quite a bit more than an LCD of comparable size, and plasma sets (generally) consume more power and therefore generate more heat. I can actually feel the heat coming off my 42" plasma in my bedroom when I'm standing a couple of feet away. Neither is a big consideration for me though. I love my plasma screen and all things considered, I think it's the best picture for the money. If you've used an LCD computer monitor recently (who hasn't?) then you're already pretty familiar with LCD tech. Though the panels used in TV's may be more advanced, there isn't much difference in the basic way they work.

I'm not a professional programmer so I can't tell you about the job market as such, but as a resident of Houston, I can tell you the cost of living is far cheaper than most large metropolitan areas and in general, employment seems to be much higher than other areas of the country. Be prepared to deal with extreme weather though, and you pretty much have to have a car to get around, unless you really plan carefully. Public transit here is a joke outside of downtown. I'm not a native but I've lived here 18 years now and call it home until I retire. I like it.

I second the SketchUp recommendation. From what you describe it fits the bill perfectly, and it's very easy to use. No 3D modeling software is really "easy" though from a dead start. If you need a boost, I'd also suggest [Google Sketchup 7 for Dummies] ...(um...yeah). If you really are a dummy and have a $400 kindle, well then the e-book will only cost you $10. I kid! Because I love!

Well, hard drives fail and Lenovo doesn't make the drive. Replacing a notebook drive is (usually) simply a matter of buying a new one, undoing a few screws, and swapping them out. I have a 4 year old Gateway and the drive failed 2 years ago. I replaced it with a bigger, faster drive and it's still going strong (running Linux :-\).

Of course for every brand someone recommends, there will be someone else who's had bad experiences...but...I love my Dell(s). My current machine is a loaded Studio 15 which I got for $1300 6 months ago. The great thing about Dell is they have the most flexible configurations I've found, especially when it comes to screens. If you do any coding, you probably want hi-res (I know *I* do) and this 15.4" model has a full 1920x1200(!!). I never miss my desktop...