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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: merithyn on February 12, 2019, 11:41:47 PM

Title: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: merithyn on February 12, 2019, 11:41:47 PM
I haven't kept up with laptop technology, so I feel completely out of my depth as I shop for a new machine. I know you all have an opinion on these kinds of things, so I came to you for help.

How it will be used: Regular internet surfacing, photo editing and storage, and writing.

Requirements: 15"-16" screen, Windows 10, Windows Office, extended keyboard

Do I go to Amazon? Dell? Best Buy? Somewhere else entirely? What are the specs that I will need for a machine that will last at least four years?
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: jimmy olsen on February 13, 2019, 12:21:41 AM
Should be able to get something in the 400 to 600 dollar range

https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371334,00.asp
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: dps on February 13, 2019, 12:28:14 AM
I don't know about the photo editing, but for the other uses you mention, you should be able to go to a big-box retailer and get something acceptable for less than you'd likely pay otherwise.

I wouldn't have recommended that just 4 or 5 years ago, but things change and you don't need a state of the art model for what you want to do with it.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:00:42 AM
Samsung is my favourite laptop brand.  Aside from speed and storage, one of the most important aspects I look for is weight.  I take my laptop when I travel, and I want it to be as light as possible.  My 13-inch laptop weighs less than 1kg. 

About the harddrive.  I will insist on an SSD, because it is much faster.  My last laptop had a 128GB SSD, which wasn't enough for me.  My current one has a 256GB SSD, and I will insist that my next laptop has a 512GB SSD.

I once made a mistake on buying a really small, light, and slow laptop that was pocket sized.  Took forever to do anything. 

Another thing I look for is connection slots.  I will not accept any machine without at least two USB 3.0 slots.  Of course it depends on what your habits and needs are, but I am very wary of salespeople telling me I don't need them because everything is done on the cloud these days. 
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2019, 01:07:41 AM
Wary or weary?
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:11:16 AM
Quote from: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2019, 01:07:41 AM
Wary or weary?

Weary, of course.  I suck  :blush:
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on February 13, 2019, 02:22:26 AM
RAM is also an issue. A number of cheap laptops run very poorly due to insufficient RAM. I would go for 8gb.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 03:23:37 AM
A few months ago I've helped my parents choose this (or something very close to this, can't remember):
https://www.amazon.com/Acer-A517-51G-54GK-i5-7200U-802-11ac-Bluetooth/dp/B079T6NWZN/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?keywords=Acer+Aspire+5+-+A517&qid=1550046124&s=gateway&sr=8-3-fkmrnull

I was quite impressed by it when I tried it out during Christmas. Should be fine for your purposes, I think, assuming that photo-editing ain't that intensive.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: dps on February 13, 2019, 04:26:07 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:00:42 AM
I will not accept any machine without at least two USB 3.0 slots. 

Yeah, I'll agree with Mono on this.  But as he says, it does depend somewhat on your particular needs.  In my case, I detest trying to use the touchpad to control the courser, so I have one of the ports dedicated to a mouse.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2019, 06:35:51 AM
Quote from: dps on February 13, 2019, 04:26:07 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:00:42 AM
I will not accept any machine without at least two USB 3.0 slots. 

Yeah, I'll agree with Mono on this.  But as he says, it does depend somewhat on your particular needs.  In my case, I detest trying to use the touchpad to control the courser, so I have one of the ports dedicated to a mouse.

Bluetooth wireless mouse.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2019, 08:08:33 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:00:42 AM
Samsung is my favourite laptop brand. Aside from speed and storage, one of the most important aspects I look for is weight.  I take my laptop when I travel, and I want it to be as light as possible.  My 13-inch laptop weighs less than 1kg. 
.... snip

I have a samsung laptop that has never once left the office desk,  during that time the hardly used DVD drive just failed for no reason.

Also the screen part failed, recovered, sometimes has a small bottom band of corrupted colours, it always has a one pixel wide green line all the way across the screen at the level of the toolbar.  <_<

I wouldn't trust samsung at all.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2019, 08:14:35 AM
I only trust Samsung for phones.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: dps on February 13, 2019, 08:55:15 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 13, 2019, 06:35:51 AM
Quote from: dps on February 13, 2019, 04:26:07 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 01:00:42 AM
I will not accept any machine without at least two USB 3.0 slots. 

Yeah, I'll agree with Mono on this.  But as he says, it does depend somewhat on your particular needs.  In my case, I detest trying to use the touchpad to control the courser, so I have one of the ports dedicated to a mouse.

Bluetooth wireless mouse.

I've had bad luck with those in the past, though I'm told that they are much improved from when I last used one.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 08:59:05 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 13, 2019, 08:14:35 AM
I only trust Samsung for phones.

imho they are best for TVs as well.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2019, 09:25:07 AM
Quote from: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 08:59:05 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 13, 2019, 08:14:35 AM
I only trust Samsung for phones.

imho they are best for TVs as well.

I almost said that but then realized it has been sometime since I've had a Samsung TV.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2019, 09:25:50 AM
Quote from: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 08:59:05 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 13, 2019, 08:14:35 AM
I only trust Samsung for phones.

imho they are best for TVs as well.

I also had  a samsung LCD tv, guess what ..... it failed 2 months after the 2 year guarantee was up. :hmm:


Oh and the 3rd ever samsung I had was a phne that just stopped working at all one day.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 13, 2019, 09:27:58 AM
Quote from: mongers on February 13, 2019, 09:25:50 AM

I also had  a samsung LCD tv, guess what ..... it failed 2 months after the 2 year guarantee was up. :hmm:


Not perfect, but still a good engineered TV then.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2019, 09:33:13 AM
Quote from: mongers on February 13, 2019, 09:25:50 AM
Quote from: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 08:59:05 AM
Quote from: garbon on February 13, 2019, 08:14:35 AM
I only trust Samsung for phones.

imho they are best for TVs as well.

I also had  a samsung LCD tv, guess what ..... it failed 2 months after the 2 year guarantee was up. :hmm:


Oh and the 3rd ever samsung I had was a phne that just stopped working at all one day.


Maybe the problem is you. :hmm:
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: mongers on February 13, 2019, 09:34:14 AM
Quote from: Threviel on February 13, 2019, 09:27:58 AM
Quote from: mongers on February 13, 2019, 09:25:50 AM

I also had  a samsung LCD tv, guess what ..... it failed 2 months after the 2 year guarantee was up. :hmm:


Not perfect, but still a good engineered TV then.

:D
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 10:56:54 AM
There's a Samsung LCD in cca. its 12th year back home now used by my grandma. My parents current one is in its 7th year. My own is in its 5th.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: crazy canuck on February 13, 2019, 03:50:17 PM
Quote from: Tamas on February 13, 2019, 10:56:54 AM
There's a Samsung LCD in cca. its 12th year back home now used by my grandma. My parents current one is in its 7th year. My own is in its 5th.

My Samsung TV is about 8 years old.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 04:16:36 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 12, 2019, 11:41:47 PM
I haven't kept up with laptop technology, so I feel completely out of my depth as I shop for a new machine. I know you all have an opinion on these kinds of things, so I came to you for help.

How it will be used: Regular internet surfacing, photo editing and storage, and writing.

Requirements: 15"-16" screen, Windows 10, Windows Office, extended keyboard

Do I go to Amazon? Dell? Best Buy? Somewhere else entirely? What are the specs that I will need for a machine that will last at least four years?

So here's the thing.  Writing and internet surfing are very low intensive.  Photo editing however is anything but.

I know you said "Windows 10", but might I suggest a MacBook?  Apple really does make some of the most well-built laptops out there, and graphics and photo editing are still a mainstay of the Mac world.  And you can get Office for Mac.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: crazy canuck on February 13, 2019, 04:33:10 PM
There must be some mods on with banning rights
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 13, 2019, 04:45:50 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on February 13, 2019, 04:33:10 PM
There must be some mods on with banning rights

+1
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 13, 2019, 05:04:19 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 05:48:11 PM
I'm just speaking truth to power. -_-

Apple makes fantastic notebooks if Meri is worried about future-proofing here.  Many/most graphics professionals use them.  If she had just said "writing and web surfing" I probably would have said a cheap windows notebook.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: crazy canuck on February 13, 2019, 06:17:11 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 05:48:11 PM
I'm just speaking truth to power. -_-

Apple makes fantastic notebooks if Meri is worried about future-proofing here.  Many/most graphics professionals use them.  If she had just said "writing and web surfing" I probably would have said a cheap windows notebook.

Picture editing is pretty run of the mill for pretty much every lap top these days.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: merithyn on February 13, 2019, 06:30:28 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 04:16:36 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 12, 2019, 11:41:47 PM
I haven't kept up with laptop technology, so I feel completely out of my depth as I shop for a new machine. I know you all have an opinion on these kinds of things, so I came to you for help.

How it will be used: Regular internet surfacing, photo editing and storage, and writing.

Requirements: 15"-16" screen, Windows 10, Windows Office, extended keyboard

Do I go to Amazon? Dell? Best Buy? Somewhere else entirely? What are the specs that I will need for a machine that will last at least four years?

So here's the thing.  Writing and internet surfing are very low intensive.  Photo editing however is anything but.

I know you said "Windows 10", but might I suggest a MacBook?  Apple really does make some of the most well-built laptops out there, and graphics and photo editing are still a mainstay of the Mac world.  And you can get Office for Mac.

You can suggest it, but I won't be getting one.  :)
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: merithyn on February 13, 2019, 06:31:43 PM
Quote from: crazy canuck on February 13, 2019, 06:17:11 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 05:48:11 PM
I'm just speaking truth to power. -_-

Apple makes fantastic notebooks if Meri is worried about future-proofing here.  Many/most graphics professionals use them.  If she had just said "writing and web surfing" I probably would have said a cheap windows notebook.

Picture editing is pretty run of the mill for pretty much every lap top these days.

:yes:

I already have the software I like. It's not for a Mac
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 07:48:12 PM
Macbook air uses USB-c slots, not regular USB ones.  That's a dealbreaker for me. 
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 13, 2019, 11:04:21 PM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 13, 2019, 07:48:12 PM
Macbook air uses USB-c slots, not regular USB ones.  That's a dealbreaker for me.

I didn't suggest a MacBook Air. :contract:
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 04:55:25 AM
For the love of god do not buy a Mac.

You can easily convince me about iPads. Heck, I'll even listen to you about iPhones before buying something else. But Macs are insanely overpriced, for the privilege of virtually no content compared to Windows.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 05:16:23 AM
Well, software wise they are so-so, but when they release new models Macs are not over-priced. Next time they release new computers you should try to build a comparable Dell or whatever, that'll give you a new perspective.

So, and I know that's not the case, if you want a high-end laptop to run Windows on, a Mac is not a bad choice. If you only want to do some basic stuff in Windows, then a Mac is way too much computer and thus over-priced.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 05:33:26 AM
No they ARE overpriced, and the worse decision you can make is buy a Mac for the hardware. I challenge you to go to an online store where you can customise your hardware (they'll assemble it for you) and try to get something NOT drastically cheaper than the same Mac config.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 05:45:41 AM
Well, I'm no specialist in that, but we'll do ot the other way around. The Macbook Air is quite new, please build a significantly cheaper version at a major online resaler, say Dell or whatever, your choice. It's not really fair to compare Apple to some garage store.

Use the 1199 version from here: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air

I'll even make it easier for you, the iMac range is old as shit, build a better one than the 1249 version from here: https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/imac/21.5-inch

I'm no gee-whizz IT guy, so I'm actually quite curios as to whether my thesis is correct. Chop chop, prove me wrong. I of course expect the same form factor.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 05:53:19 AM
Just to clarify, to build a more powerful computer cheaper would be trivial, things like build quality, how well the parts work together, sound level and other things are quite difficult to quantify and costs a lot of money. So I'll be expecting a proper attempt with the same general quality in the end product, not some cheap ass sweatshop shit.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 06:19:05 AM
Ok, getting laptop comparison is much more annoying than desktops so I am not going to spend more time on it, but even a super-quick search shows that the Macbook Air is about 300 dollars more expensive than the Surface 2, despite the Surface 2 being another big-brand light laptop, despite them having pretty much the same hardware specs EXCEPT for the Surface's 13 inch screen being a touchscreen.

There's simply no logical reason to buy a Mac. You are not getting anything you wouldn't be able to get elsewhere for a better price.


And on desktops, I am sorry but as long as the small custom-build store's guy knows what he is doing, then "build quality" won't be different. Sure it would be a kid in your native country assemlbing the rig not an even younger kid on an assembly line in Vietnam, but come on.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 06:26:18 AM
One normally compares apples to apples, big computer resalers to big computer resalers. There is always going to be small shops with cheaper things.

https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/macbook-air-vs-surface-laptop-2

1 point to you, now do the iMac.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 06:37:14 AM
Here you go.

21.5 inch iMac with a  7th generation Intel with 8GB Ram: 1050 pounds
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-mac/imac/21.5-inch-2.3ghz-1tb?afid=p238%7Csg1XGECT7-dc_mtid_187079nc38483_pcrid_64626336361_&cid=aos-uk-kwgo-pla-mac--slid-----product-MMQA2B/A-UK

A Dell, with a superior 8th generation CPU, same 8gigs of RAM and weird hybrid storage, and a 23inch monitor included in the price: 680 pounds:
https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/desktops-and-all-in-ones/inspiron-small-desktop/spd/inspiron-3470-desktop/cd347006


Here you'd be paying almost 400 pounds (more than 50%) more for the privilege of an inferior system.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 06:56:38 AM
As I said, building a faster cheaper computer is trivial.

I gave you a BMW and you compare it so a trimmed up Lada, sure  the Lada may have more HP and be cheaper, but it ain't no BMW.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 07:14:35 AM
Ohh, byt the way, the iMac I thought you should use has a 4k screen. But sure, you can cherry pick whatever iMac you want, but you would need to compare it to an all-in-one computer. Apples to apples and all that.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 07:20:01 AM
Quote from: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 06:56:38 AM
As I said, building a faster cheaper computer is trivial.

I gave you a BMW and you compare it so a trimmed up Lada, sure  the Lada may have more HP and be cheaper, but it ain't no BMW.

:rolleyes: No, there are actual and great differences in features and quality between a BMW and a Lada that at least partially justify the much bigger cost of a BMW (although to be fair, a Lada comes with working indicator lights usually).

"Build quality" is not a real thing for desktop computers, past the benchmark of them working and not being unnecessarily large or noisy.

If you feel like sacrificing performance and software support/content plus paying 50% more to have a more stylish exterior and brand logo, that's up to you. But in terms of utility the competition isn't even close and not to Apple's advantage.



Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 07:35:23 AM
No, that is correct. But building cheap powerful computers isn't Apples thing, their thing is the whole user package. With an iMac you pay for the convenience of not having a lot of cables and crap all over the place, in addition to other perceived advantages, like MacOS, like security and so on.

You claim that there is no reason to buy a Mac ever. I have an iMac because I was willing to pay the premium for the convenience of not having a lot of dust traps under my desktop. Also because I have an iPhone and the integration works really well. And it is silent. And it looks good. And my wife likes it, that's worth a lot. So, if you want to convince me that there are other computers that can do the same cheaper, well, then you need to find computers with a similar form factor and style.

If I had wanted a pure work (depending of what I do of course) or gaming computer, well, then I wouldn't have bought an iMac.

And functionally a Lada and BMW is the same, it's just that the BMW is a better user experience.

Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Tamas on February 14, 2019, 07:48:01 AM
Fair enough. But I maintain the Apple is overpriced. :P



Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 07:51:40 AM
I guess what I am trying, and failing, to say is: If you want a computer in the style of an iMac, an iMac might be the best choice. If you want a computer like an MacBook, a MacBook might be the best choice. And so on. As you showed, it doesn't have to be the best choice, but there's a good chance that it is.

If you don't want to or don't have a need for that kind of computer, well shit, then Macs are expensive and not at all worth it.

Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 14, 2019, 07:59:46 AM
So once again Apple fanbois derail a thread with irrelevant advice for the OP. :hmm:
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 08:09:19 AM
Meh, BB is the fanboi, I would never recommend Meri a Mac. I wouldn't even own a Mac if it wasn't that I use the same computer as the wife and we needed to compromise.

I just don't find them necessarily overpriced. Expensive sure. Overpriced for computing power sure. Overpriced as a a whole, not necessarily.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Eddie Teach on February 14, 2019, 08:18:10 AM
I'm still not sure what you think you're getting for the extra money.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 14, 2019, 08:31:26 AM
Quote from: Eddie Teach on February 14, 2019, 08:18:10 AM
I'm still not sure what you think you're getting for the extra money.

Prestige, luxury
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 09:12:45 AM
Quote from: Eddie Teach on February 14, 2019, 08:18:10 AM
I'm still not sure what you think you're getting for the extra money.

Well. I used to build computers back in the day. I sucked, so I used to have all kinds of problems with the hardware. Unexpected chokepoints, loud fans and other stuff.

My last homebuild was such a failure that I decided to buy a Dell next time. Then, when it was time I had a discussion where I mocked an engineer that just got a job at Apple. So I looked up Mac. And it wasn't that much more expensive, but far more convenient and it also looked good. Small things, it had a nice mouse and keyboard, good screen. Silent. We could easily move it and use it for films. And no unexpected hardware issues, no loud fans and no problems.

We bought it in 2008. I gave it to the parents in law in 2014 when we got a new one. They used it until the screen broke last autumn. 11 problem free years. That is a lot for a computer. A Dell could perhaps have dine the same, I don't know. But 11 problem free years is worth a lot for me.

Now I do know my way around computer. For my part I could just as well use Linux or Windows, but my wife is quite fond of MacOS. It's worth a lot for me that she has a painless time on the computer.

Edit: And I live in a house that cost me in the millions of SEK to build in the style I want. It's worth a 1000 SEK to not have an ugly dust trap for a computer.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 11:25:05 AM
As stated, I'm not getting a Mac. Ever.

In fact, thanks to your advice and assistance, I bought this yesterday:

HP - 14" Laptop - Intel Core i3 - 8GB Memory - 1TB Hard Drive - HP Finish In Pale Gold And Ash Silver (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-14-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-hp-finish-in-pale-gold-and-ash-silver/6273505.p?skuId=6273505)

QuoteWindows 10 operating system
Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen.

14" display
BrightView glossy screen maintains the vivid colors in your photos and videos. Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. WLED backlight.

8th Gen Intel® Core™ i3-8130U mobile processor
Smart dual-core, four-way processing performance for HD-quality computing.

8GB system memory for advanced multitasking
Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

1TB hard drive for ample file storage space
Holds a sizeable collection of digital photos, music, HD videos and DVD-quality movies. 5400 rpm spindle speed for standard read/write times.

Intel® UHD Graphics 620
On-processor graphics with shared video memory provide everyday image quality for Internet use, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

Weighs 4.03 lbs. and measures 0.9" thin
Lightweight design, featuring a slightly smaller screen and omitting the DVD/CD drive for improved portability. 3-cell lithium-polymer battery.

HDMI output expands your viewing options
Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer
Supports select memory card formats.

Wireless and wired network connectivity
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN connects to your network or hotspots on the most common Wi-Fi standards. The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port also plugs into wired networks.

Built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam with dual-array digital microphone
Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications. Automatically adjusts for available light.

Additional port
Headphone/microphone combo jack.

Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.

Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Core, Atom, Ultrabook, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

I also bought a bluetooth optic mouse and an external DVD/CD drive. I haven't had much time to play with it as I had plans last night, but it seems solid so far.

It's funny. Getting a new computer isn't nearly as fun now as it used to be. All I can think about is all the crap that I have to do to customize it to my needs, what files to transfer from the old computer, and how much work ALL of that is going to be. But, you know, it's awfully pretty. :wub:


Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: PDH on February 14, 2019, 12:33:50 PM
I have actually had good luck with my last two HP laptops.  Good luck to you too, Meri and if it does die I hope it happens when it flies from your hands and destroys 4 Macbook Air computers around a coffee shop table.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 14, 2019, 12:48:32 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 11:25:05 AM
As stated, I'm not getting a Mac. Ever.

To each their own.  But don't they practically hand you a Macbook as soon as you get an Oregon drivers license?
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: garbon on February 14, 2019, 01:23:05 PM
Quote from: PDH on February 14, 2019, 12:33:50 PM
I have actually had good luck with my last two HP laptops.  Good luck to you too, Meri and if it does die I hope it happens when it flies from your hands and destroys 4 Macbook Air computers around a coffee shop table.

Both my laptop and desktop are HP. :)
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: mongers on February 14, 2019, 01:47:45 PM
Quote from: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 09:12:45 AM
.......

Edit: And I live in a house that cost me in the millions of SEK to build in the style I want. It's worth a 1000 SEK to not have an ugly dust trap for a computer.

Ah, the truth is out, it's actually an 'artful' accessory to a plush house.  :P
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 03:02:08 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 14, 2019, 12:48:32 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 11:25:05 AM
As stated, I'm not getting a Mac. Ever.

To each their own.  But don't they practically hand you a Macbook as soon as you get an Oregon drivers license?

I wouldn't know, as I still don't have an Oregon Drivers' License. ;)

(Hush. I'm getting it tomorrow. It's only been a year and a half. :D )
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 03:31:26 PM
Quote from: mongers on February 14, 2019, 01:47:45 PM
Quote from: Threviel on February 14, 2019, 09:12:45 AM
.......

Edit: And I live in a house that cost me in the millions of SEK to build in the style I want. It's worth a 1000 SEK to not have an ugly dust trap for a computer.

Ah, the truth is out, it's actually an 'artful' accessory to a plush house.  :P

Well, in UK terms ut would be: I paid a few 100' for my house, what's another 100 quid. I imagine I could exchange my house for a nice shed in the UK. Perhaps in a few years, after brexit, I could exchange for a nice house. But otherwise you are correct, it's an "artful" accessory.
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 14, 2019, 03:38:57 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 03:02:08 PM
Quote from: Barrister on February 14, 2019, 12:48:32 PM
Quote from: merithyn on February 14, 2019, 11:25:05 AM
As stated, I'm not getting a Mac. Ever.

To each their own.  But don't they practically hand you a Macbook as soon as you get an Oregon drivers license?

I wouldn't know, as I still don't have an Oregon Drivers' License. ;)
:mad:

Meri, Meri, Meri... I'm very disappointed in you.

Quote
(Hush. I'm getting it tomorrow. It's only been a year and a half. :D )

Tell me if you like your new Macbook!
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Barrister on February 14, 2019, 03:41:06 PM
For what it's worth, while I heartily recommend Mac notebooks, if someone is looking a desktop I'd probably recommend a Windows machine.  Macs have very limited gaming selection, their desktops use notebook components, nothing is upgradeable...
Title: Re: I need a new laptop. Help?
Post by: Grey Fox on February 14, 2019, 03:55:48 PM
I would buy a Windows Desktop & a ChromeOS laptop.