Looking to buy a new laptop with the following features:
- 13-14 inch monitor
- traditional clamshell design
- touchscreen not required
- 256 GB SSD minimum. Would be nice if I can upgrade it to 512GB.
- light weight, less than 1.5kg
- at least two USB connections, preferrably 3.0
- built-in LAN cable connection preferred but not essential
- headphone connectivity required
- wifi connectivity is required ;)
- optical drive or camera are not essential
- reasonably fast and powerful. I am not playing The Elder Scrolls with it, but I want a smooth overall performance when I watch 1080p videos. i7 CPU preferred. At least 4GB of RAM, preferrably 8 GB.
- reasonably thin. I am not really concerned if it is 20mm or 18mm thick. Makes no real difference to me, but I do intend to travel with it all the time.
- a nice display would be, well, nice ;)
- battery life of at least 5 hours.
- budget: below US$2,500
Any recommendations?
Wait 2 weeks and get the new Macbook Air.
Quote from: Liep on February 27, 2015, 06:56:48 AM
Wait 2 weeks and get the new Macbook Air.
My bad. Should have specified Windows only.
I hear there's a discount on Lenovo's laptops recently...
Seriously, I have had 2 Acer's so far and I liked them quite a lot.
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/models/laptops
The Aspire R7-371T-78GX has what you are looking for, except it is not that thin.
The battery is expected to last 10hrs on this one.
Dell sometimes have very good deal, so they are affordable, when on special, but usually overpriced.
http://tinyurl.com/jvz28og
The XPS 12 Ultrabook is very thin, but only 256gb SSD.
Toshiba have reliable laptops too, but they are usually more expensive than the others, though price may varry in HK, so check it out.
Just avoid Lenovo and HP, imho, they are piece of crap, I've had bad experiences with them.
All laptops have built-in LAN nowadays, and built-in wireless too. Just be sure to pick one that supports 802.11ac.
Quote from: viper37 on February 27, 2015, 09:17:27 AM
I hear there's a discount on Lenovo's laptops recently...
Seriously, I have had 2 Acer's so far and I liked them quite a lot.
http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/models/laptops
The Aspire R7-371T-78GX has what you are looking for, except it is not that thin.
The battery is expected to last 10hrs on this one.
Dell sometimes have very good deal, so they are affordable, when on special, but usually overpriced.
http://tinyurl.com/jvz28og
The XPS 12 Ultrabook is very thin, but only 256gb SSD.
Toshiba have reliable laptops too, but they are usually more expensive than the others, though price may varry in HK, so check it out.
Just avoid Lenovo and HP, imho, they are piece of crap, I've had bad experiences with them.
All laptops have built-in LAN nowadays, and built-in wireless too. Just be sure to pick one that supports 802.11ac.
My current laptop is a Toshiba and I love it. Best laptop I have ever bought. I picked it primarily because it is basically the only laptop that has a LAN connection. Odd that you say all laptops have built-in LAN, because I can't find any. Not a single one. I mean an actual "hole" where I can put an ethernet cable through, like this -
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh101%2FMonoriu%2Flaptop%2520LAN%2520port_zpscsqavpin.jpg&hash=12ec2107fc04f666472ace5dff30d6b80490e5ee) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/Monoriu/media/laptop%20LAN%20port_zpscsqavpin.jpg.html)
I can't find such a connection in any laptop anymore.
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 07:00:21 AM
Quote from: Liep on February 27, 2015, 06:56:48 AM
Wait 2 weeks and get the new Macbook Air.
My bad. Should have specified Windows only.
Then get the Air and install Windows on it. :)
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 09:32:13 AM
My current laptop is a Toshiba and I love it. Best laptop I have ever bought. I picked it primarily because it is basically the only laptop that has a LAN connection. Odd that you say all laptops have built-in LAN, because I can't find any. Not a single one. I mean an actual "hole" where I can put an ethernet cable through, like this -
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh101%2FMonoriu%2Flaptop%2520LAN%2520port_zpscsqavpin.jpg&hash=12ec2107fc04f666472ace5dff30d6b80490e5ee) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/Monoriu/media/laptop%20LAN%20port_zpscsqavpin.jpg.html)
I can't find such a connection in any laptop anymore.
I know what you mean Mono, but I haven't seen one laptop without it in many, many years.
Looking at Toshiba's laptop, it seems with the kind of CPU you want (i7), there's nothing below 15".
The Toshiba Tecra Z50-BT1501 seems to have what you want, but it's 15", 256gb SSD. I can see the LAN port on the pictures, so it's there. Not mentionned in the specs though, might be why you think it's not included?
If you love Toshiba, I'd consider this one, it is midly customizable and I recommend you take de video card upgrade in your choice. I think the integrated graphics are sufficient to stream 1080p movies, but you might need the extra power for video games and it's only 120$.
LAN port:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toshiba.com%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Ftecra_Z50-A1501-600-07.jpg&hash=51bf5cc878f988af0ece46a4adda52190afef375)
I am extremely happy with my Lenovo Yoga 2. But it does not have ethernet cable input, mini HDMI not full size, 2 USB inputs one is USB 3.0, no disc drive. It travels great, battery life is good, HD movies look good on it, Minecraft works good, touchscreen is a nice feature too. Oh yeah, I can do all the work stuff on it. LOL
Quote from: viper37 on February 27, 2015, 10:55:10 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 09:32:13 AM
My current laptop is a Toshiba and I love it. Best laptop I have ever bought. I picked it primarily because it is basically the only laptop that has a LAN connection. Odd that you say all laptops have built-in LAN, because I can't find any. Not a single one. I mean an actual "hole" where I can put an ethernet cable through, like this -
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh101%2FMonoriu%2Flaptop%2520LAN%2520port_zpscsqavpin.jpg&hash=12ec2107fc04f666472ace5dff30d6b80490e5ee) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/Monoriu/media/laptop%20LAN%20port_zpscsqavpin.jpg.html)
I can't find such a connection in any laptop anymore.
I know what you mean Mono, but I haven't seen one laptop without it in many, many years.
Looking at Toshiba's laptop, it seems with the kind of CPU you want (i7), there's nothing below 15".
The Toshiba Tecra Z50-BT1501 seems to have what you want, but it's 15", 256gb SSD. I can see the LAN port on the pictures, so it's there. Not mentionned in the specs though, might be why you think it's not included?
If you love Toshiba, I'd consider this one, it is midly customizable and I recommend you take de video card upgrade in your choice. I think the integrated graphics are sufficient to stream 1080p movies, but you might need the extra power for video games and it's only 120$.
LAN port:
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.toshiba.com%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2Ftecra_Z50-A1501-600-07.jpg&hash=51bf5cc878f988af0ece46a4adda52190afef375)
It's in the spec here : http://www.toshiba.com/us/computers/laptops/tecra/Z50/Z50-A1503
LAN
10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
http://www.pcgamer.com/the-best-gaming-laptops-1/
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 09:32:13 AM
I can't find such a connection in any laptop anymore.
I know Apple laptops make you use a USB/LAN adaptor. Would not be surprised if Windows laptops have done so as well.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tricksage.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fblogger%2F-2H7so6drFmg%2FUmaagja8VXI%2FAAAAAAAACQE%2Fg5N3CuPRucc%2Fs1600%2FW-DK27140_tcm21-68612.png&hash=e3feac34dc2ce7815d755f916fedd4a90b2dcacb)
Mono, don't do it, think of the environmental costs.
Quote from: Barrister on February 27, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 07:00:21 AM
Quote from: Liep on February 27, 2015, 06:56:48 AM
Wait 2 weeks and get the new Macbook Air.
My bad. Should have specified Windows only.
Then get the Air and install Windows on it. :)
I freely admit that I am a computer idiot, and have zero confidence about installing Windows and nuking Mac OS from the laptop. Unless Applestore is willing to do it for me, and I know that won't happen.
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 27, 2015, 11:59:17 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on February 27, 2015, 09:32:13 AM
I can't find such a connection in any laptop anymore.
I know Apple laptops make you use a USB/LAN adaptor. Would not be surprised if Windows laptops have done so as well.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tricksage.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fblogger%2F-2H7so6drFmg%2FUmaagja8VXI%2FAAAAAAAACQE%2Fg5N3CuPRucc%2Fs1600%2FW-DK27140_tcm21-68612.png&hash=e3feac34dc2ce7815d755f916fedd4a90b2dcacb)
Yeah, that's why I said the LAN connection isn't essential. I really only need it when I go to Japan. For some reason the Japanese love LAN cables. I love them too, as I am a non-believer when it comes to anything that is wireless. But somehow the rest of the world prefers wifi.
Quote from: mongers on February 27, 2015, 04:11:20 PM
Mono, don't do it, think of the environmental costs.
Environmental costs are not my concern; financial costs are :P I am very happy with my current laptop, but it is only a matter of time. The 128GB SSD is too small, as I also use it as a player for my stereo system. So that means I really only have 5-6GB for anime files, and that number is decreasing as my music collection grows. The battery life is also decreasing as the laptop gets old, and many short haul planes don't have electricity sockets.
One thing I am *very* concerned is that the new laptops don't seem to have physical mouse buttons anymore. My laptop has a pad thing for moving the mouse cursor around, and two physical mouse buttons underneath. From all the screenshots and youtube videos that I have seen so far, the new machines don't have the buttons anymore :blink:
Mono, take a look at the Toshiba pictures, the 3rd one. You see a dark grey tracking area, and at the bottom a lighter grey small rectangular area with a small hole in the middle. These are your mouse buttons.
I prefer the use of this, but you could still add a USB wireless mouse, one for laptopts, with a mini-adapter, if you can't get used to it. It's plug and play, no worries.
Thanks for all the replies. Currently thinking of three possibilities.
1. Macbook Air 13 inch.
Pros:
512 GB SSD :wub::wub::wub:
Cons:
Mac OS :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: No way. Just no way. Over my dead body. Need to factor in cost and risk of installing windows.
Only 2 USB connections (one fewer than my current one) :thumbsdown:
All the uncertainties associated with using a mac for the first time. Do they even bother to have a right click function for users? Even if I install windows to the machine, it maybe a pain every time I boot up the machine.
2. Toshiba Kirabook
Pros:
2560x1440 display :wub:
It is a Toshiba. My current Toshiba has served me well for the past 3-4 years. :wub:
From reviews that I have read, there is a designated right click area. I am a mouse person and I am too lazy to lift my left arm to use the keyboard, so good mouse controls are important :wub:
I think I see 3 USB connections. Not 100% sure though :wub:
Cons:
Don't seem to have an option to upgrade to 512 SSD :thumbsdown:
Don't know where to buy it. The computer shops are reluctant to stock this laptop, so I may be forced to buy it online. :thumbsdown:
LG 14Z950
Pros:
980g :wub: :wub: :wub: This is significantly lighter than most ultrabooks which weigh around 1.3kg.
Cons:
Not yet available. Not a big deal as I can wait a few months. I have seen youtube videos of the actual machine, so it is not vapourware.
Not much is known about the thing.
256GB only, I think. :thumbsdown:
Quote from: Monoriu on February 28, 2015, 03:31:50 AM
Thanks for all the replies. Currently thinking of three possibilities.
1. Macbook Air 13 inch.
Pros:
512 GB SSD :wub::wub::wub:
Cons:
Mac OS :bleeding: :bleeding: :bleeding: No way. Just no way. Over my dead body. Need to factor in cost and risk of installing windows.
Only 2 USB connections (one fewer than my current one) :thumbsdown:
All the uncertainties associated with using a mac for the first time. Do they even bother to have a right click function for users? Even if I install windows to the machine, it maybe a pain every time I boot up the machine.
I had similar apprehensions when I first got my Macbook Air several years ago. There is definitely a bit of a learning curve, and in many ways I still find Windows to be superior in the GUI functionality (Windows 7, at least...screw 8). For the actual tactile functionality (e.g. the touchpad), I far prefer the Mac. Using the Mac touchpad makes a mouse unnecessary except for certain gaming situations. And there is a "right-click", it just involves pushing down the pad with two fingers instead of one.
When I had Bootcamp on my iMac, you could have the setting to boot in Windows every time (to change that, you'd have to hit a certain key on startup...IIRC, in the same way as to when you want to get to your BIOS)
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 28, 2015, 11:35:53 AM
I had similar apprehensions when I first got my Macbook Air several years ago. There is definitely a bit of a learning curve, and in many ways I still find Windows to be superior in the GUI functionality (Windows 7, at least...screw 8). For the actual tactile functionality (e.g. the touchpad), I far prefer the Mac. Using the Mac touchpad makes a mouse unnecessary except for certain gaming situations. And there is a "right-click", it just involves pushing down the pad with two fingers instead of one.
When I had Bootcamp on my iMac, you could have the setting to boot in Windows every time (to change that, you'd have to hit a certain key on startup...IIRC, in the same way as to when you want to get to your BIOS)
My wife strongly recommends that I buy a Macbook Air. Every time I use her iMac to do very simple stuff like copying a file, I curse my way through the nightmare. But she is very happy with it.
I think I have found what I need. Fujitsu S935T03. Intel i7 5500U, 13.3 inch monitor, 12GB RAM, 256SSD, 2560x1440 resolution, touch screen, 1.3kg, 3 USB 3.0 connections, 1 LAN built in connection (YES). Already available in retail shops. Only problem is that it has a removable DVD drive which I don't need. If I remove it, it weighs 1.1kg, or so it claims. Due to the DVD drive, it feels a little thick, certainly a lot thicker than a Macbook air. But I don't really mind. The weight is what really matters. Quite expensive at US$2,350, but other than the DVD imperfection, it is precisely what I need.
http://releaselaptop.com/fujitsu-lifebook-s935-specs-review/
The link above says there is a 512GB SSD option, but the shop where I found it says only 256 SSDs are available. Need to check further on this.
Now that I have cooled my head a little, I don't think the advantage of the Fujitsu S935 is that great over the Toshiba Kirabook to warrant such a price premium. The Kirabook costs US$1,700, or US$650 less than the Fujitsu. The advantages of the Fujitsu are a LAN connection, 4GB more RAM, 100-200g lighter when the DVD drive is removed, having a built-in removable DVD drive, and that I have found a retail shop that sells it. The LAN is very nice, but I don't really use it that often, and the problem can be fixed with an external device. 4GB more RAM is nice, but I probably can't tell the difference with the applications that I will run (VLC player). 100-200g lighter is also nice, but I probably prefer the extra US$650 in my wallet. I don't need the DVD drive.
Weird that the Toshiba has no LAN.
4gb more ram won't show unless you are gaming in 64bit, that means recent games (2014+). Still, you could aks the computer shop for extra ram. VLC has a 64 bit version, but I doubt it uses the extra ram above 8 to show movies.
Quote from: viper37 on March 01, 2015, 02:34:24 PM
Weird that the Toshiba has no LAN.
4gb more ram won't show unless you are gaming in 64bit, that means recent games (2014+). Still, you could aks the computer shop for extra ram. VLC has a 64 bit version, but I doubt it uses the extra ram above 8 to show movies.
In my experience, most light weight machines (around 1.3kg) don't have LAN connections. The heavy machines have them, but I don't want to carry them around during vacation. LAN isn't really necessary in most big cities, but they are handy in the small towns and countryside, especially in Japan (that I think is why some Japanese made laptops tend to have LAN connections). It is particularly useful to carry a LAN cable around, because the small inns and motels often think they can control who has access to the internet by witholding LAN cables.
I suck. I have changed my mind again. I can't find the Kirabook anywhere, and I don't want to order it online because I'll get English Windows which in my experience suck at displaying Chinese characters. So I have turned to Samsung Ativ Book 9 plus. i7 5500U CPU, 13.3 3200x1800 display, 8GB RAM, 2 USB connections (yikes), no LAN :weep:, 256GB SSD, 1.37kg. Same price as the Kira at US$1,700.
An alternative is a lighter version at 1.07kg and US$1,500, but no touchscreen. I personally prefer the lighter and cheaper version, but the wife loves touchscreens.
Went to Applestore yesterday and had a long chat with the staff. Pretty much decided that I won't buy a Macbook Air at this point. I probably don't really need the 512GB SSD in the next 3-4 years, and that, to me, is the major (and only) advantage of the Macbook Air.
What are you plugging in all those usb ports?
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 02, 2015, 08:12:54 AM
What are you plugging in all those usb ports?
He's probably talking about a mouse, external keyboard?, speakers/headphones maybe?, printer, auxiliary for phones, tablets, etc.
All of those are now available wireless which is why the rest of the world has moved passed needing more than 1.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 02, 2015, 08:12:54 AM
What are you plugging in all those usb ports?
One for the stereo system. I also plug a USB flash drive to it to transfer files. That's about it. I actually really only need one USB connection, but I *like* to have spares, just because. It is like having spare cash in the bank. The more the better :cool:
Quote from: Liep on March 02, 2015, 08:34:31 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 02, 2015, 08:12:54 AM
What are you plugging in all those usb ports?
He's probably talking about a mouse, external keyboard?, speakers/headphones maybe?, printer, auxiliary for phones, tablets, etc.
All of those are now available wireless which is why the rest of the world has moved passed needing more than 1.
Actually I use the built in keyboard and trackpad. No need for external keyboard or mouse. No printer, phone or tablet either. I try to get 3 USB connections but 99.99% of the time they just sit there. I like it that way.
Have you heard of USB hubs then? 1 port makes 4 very cheaply these days, of course if it's OCD that's the issue then it won't work.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.instructables.com%2FFOY%2F8BOO%2FGU1UZB5L%2FFOY8BOOGU1UZB5L.LARGE.jpg&hash=76199daea913eea13455989fc9ea0d9f42636e14)
Quote from: Liep on March 02, 2015, 08:55:58 AM
Have you heard of USB hubs then? 1 port makes 4 very cheaply these days, of course if it's OCD that's the issue then it won't work.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.instructables.com%2FFOY%2F8BOO%2FGU1UZB5L%2FFOY8BOOGU1UZB5L.LARGE.jpg&hash=76199daea913eea13455989fc9ea0d9f42636e14)
Yeah I have a couple of these.
Ok, I tried once more to get the Toshiba so that I can have 3 USB connections instead of 2. I called up Toshiba Hong Kong only to be told that another company does their notebooks. It turns out that Kirabooks are indeed not sold in HK. They only have the Protege Z30 model. It is US$100 more expensive than the Samsung, has inferior screen resolution, and a slower CPU. I am prepared to pay a bit more for one more USB connection, but I am not prepared to have a worse screen or slower CPU. So Toshiba is out.
Pretty much decided on the Samsung. Only question now is if I want a touch screen or not. I have never owned a touchscreen laptop, and it maybe worthwhile to try it out. Maybe I'll like it. On the other hand the non-touch screen version is cheaper and lighter, which is a big plus for me :hmm:
The more I think about it, the more I think the touchscreen is a bad idea. The main purpose of the laptop is to watch anime. I hate seeing dust on the screen. If it is a touchscreen, there'll be tons of fingerprints on the screen all the time.
Not really but everytime you will clean the screen it either moves or pauses the file.
I have a touchscreen laptops, I don't think it's worth it.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 03, 2015, 08:03:34 AM
Not really but everytime you will clean the screen it either moves or pauses the file.
I have a touchscreen laptops, I don't think it's worth it.
Samsung, no touchscreen then. I think the laptop comes with Windows 8. Should I try to get Windows 7 instead? :unsure:
Quote from: Monoriu on March 03, 2015, 08:35:31 AM
Samsung, no touchscreen then. I think the laptop comes with Windows 8. Should I try to get Windows 7 instead? :unsure:
nah. Install the updates, than upgrade to WIndows 8.1 via the WIndows store, than install all the new updates, than install something like Start8 for 5$, or some other free utility that someone will recommend. I think Classic Shell is well liked.
Quote from: Monoriu on March 02, 2015, 06:31:17 AM
I suck. I have changed my mind again. I can't find the Kirabook anywhere, and I don't want to order it online because I'll get English Windows which in my experience suck at displaying Chinese characters. So I have turned to Samsung Ativ Book 9 plus. i7 5500U CPU, 13.3 3200x1800 display, 8GB RAM, 2 USB connections (yikes), no LAN :weep:, 256GB SSD, 1.37kg. Same price as the Kira at US$1,700.
An alternative is a lighter version at 1.07kg and US$1,500, but no touchscreen. I personally prefer the lighter and cheaper version, but the wife loves touchscreens.
Went to Applestore yesterday and had a long chat with the staff. Pretty much decided that I won't buy a Macbook Air at this point. I probably don't really need the 512GB SSD in the next 3-4 years, and that, to me, is the major (and only) advantage of the Macbook Air.
You can change the language in Windows, though I am unsure if it is free for asian languages.
Bought it. US$1,450. Got a hundred dollars off for paying cash.
and Mono pretends he's poor.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 07:55:20 AM
and Mono pretends he's poor.
Mono buys a laptop every 3-4 years. The rich gets a new toy every few months :contract:
yet you spend 1500$ at the blink of an eye. I take loans that I repay over 2 years for anything over 1k.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 08:26:05 AM
yet you spend 1500$ at the blink of an eye. I take loans that I repay over 2 years for anything over 1k.
You have a baby; I don't. I only have one suit for work, and don't have a watch :bowler:
I have found that there is a high correlation between my happiness and the quality of my IT equipment, so that's where I'll concentrate my extremely limited resources.
So is mine :(
I have 1 suit, I wear it to weddings & funerals.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 09:04:47 AM
So is mine :(
I have 1 suit, I wear it to weddings & funerals.
I wear suits to work every day, yet I only have one :contract:
Anyway, suits are important in your life, they are not in mine.
How's the laptop?
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 09:20:53 AM
Anyway, suits are important in your life, they are not in mine.
How's the laptop?
It is Friday evening here. I am totally exhausted on Friday evenings. Don't even want to open the box. :sleep:
Showing restraint. Very Chinese.
:lol:
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 09:45:56 AM
Showing restraint. Very Chinese.
:lol:
That, and the laptop is mainly for travels. I won't be travelling within March. I don't need it for now. I use my desktop at home.
I'll go to Chengdu in April, and I'll take the Samsung with me. I guess I can only tell if it is good when the trip starts. I can't tell if the battery can really last when I am at home, for example. Also won't really notice the weight unless I actually have to move it around.
Quote from: Monoriu on March 06, 2015, 09:51:10 AM
I can't tell if the battery can really last when I am at home, for example.
Don't plug it in? :huh:
So you won't use it at all until you travel? Update software, virus and malware protection, download some porn for the flight?
Quote from: lustindarkness on March 06, 2015, 03:17:34 PM
So you won't use it at all until you travel? Update software, virus and malware protection, download some porn for the flight?
Sounds like a tablet might have been sufficient.
Quote from: lustindarkness on March 06, 2015, 03:17:34 PM
So you won't use it at all until you travel? Update software, virus and malware protection, download some porn for the flight?
Nah. I use it for both travelling and as a player for the stereo system.
Quote from: Tonitrus on March 06, 2015, 05:44:34 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on March 06, 2015, 03:17:34 PM
So you won't use it at all until you travel? Update software, virus and malware protection, download some porn for the flight?
Sounds like a tablet might have been sufficient.
Nope. My wife has an ipad, but that is not sufficient. An ipad does not have a USB slot. Can't transfer my 1080p anime files or lossless music files there. Can't connect it to the DAC of the stereo system. Can't get the necessary tools installed on a tablet, like a subtitles file editor, a BT client, etc. Even my wife encourages me to buy a PC laptop, because there are places where there is no wifi. In that case, my laptop with a LAN connection is the only way she can get any HK news.
You need a BT client on vacation? :huh:
Quote from: garbon on March 06, 2015, 06:39:17 PM
You need a BT client on vacation? :huh:
Yes. A lot of the anime that I watch is being aired in Japan as we speak. Generally it is one episode per week. One Piece episodes are aired at 9:30am on Sundays, Japan time. The fan subtitle group takes perhaps 5-10 hours to translate the dialogue and add the Chinese substitles to the TVrip file. I then get it during my travels. Of course I can wait until I get home to watch it, but I can't wait :blush:
There are other solutions to all this but for you, I agree, it's just easier to buy a laptop.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 07:46:11 PM
There are other solutions to all this but for you, I agree, it's just easier to buy a laptop.
What are these other solutions?
You can use seedbox providers to download your anime show automatically or set up your home computer to do that & then access your home computer on the road. You can use Plex or Serviio to set up a media server accessible over the internet.
While iPads have no usb ports, most android & windows tablet do. Also while there is no Bit torrent client on Mac, there is on android.
USB to Lan adapters do exist.
How does your DAC interface with your computer?
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 08:48:09 PM
You can use seedbox providers to download your anime show automatically or set up your home computer to do that & then access your home computer on the road. You can use Plex or Serviio to set up a media server accessible over the internet.
While iPads have no usb ports, most android & windows tablet do. Also while there is no Bit torrent client on Mac, there is on android.
USB to Lan adapters do exist.
How does your DAC interface with your computer?
I have to switch off my home computer when I travel. Wife makes sure that all electricity switches are off before we leave for the airport.
DAC - usb cable - labtop.
Do tablets have 256 SSDs though?
I just opened the box. I have: successfully connected the new laptop to the internet, and reset Yahoo.com as my homepage. It works :yeah:
Tablet don't need 256gb of storage, your streaming your content across the web.
Regarding the electricity....and you let that fly?!
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 06, 2015, 10:49:00 PM
Tablet don't need 256gb of storage, your streaming your content across the web.
Regarding the electricity....and you let that fly?!
There are a lot of times when I need to do stuff offline. When I am on a plane for example. In fact that is when I need to watch anime most.
I am ok with her electricity rules. Don't want to come back to see the flat burnt down.
Ok, I have finally taken the new Samsung laptop on a few trips. My thoughts -
- I was right to pick the lighter and cheaper non-touch screen option. I am happy with the way it is and have no need for a touch screen.
- the computer is not powerful enough for full screen 1080p, FLAC lossless sound anime files. Can't even display some of the 1.5GB, 20 minute anime episodes properly. I think it depends on how the file is compressed, because it plays some of the 5GB, 90 minute movies fine. But it is quite far from the "play any video file without a hitch" ideal. All 720p files play perfectly.
- the wifi connection is superb.
- windows 8 sucks. This coming from a Microsoft fan.
- the battery life isn't as great as advertised. I heard all sorts of wildly optimistic numbers from the computer sales people, like 10+ hours. In reality, I think it is closer to 5-6 hours of normal use.
- USB connections are still essential. 2 USB slots are sufficient for my needs and there is room to spare, though I won't mind to have 3 slots. I have heard horror stories about Apple only putting in one slot on their latest machines. I think that's really unethical, trying to change the world around them into wireless mode.
- the touch pad works fine without physical mouse buttons.
- 256GB SSD is sufficient for now.