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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 10:12:38 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 21, 2014 10:12:38 GMT -5
You've all said you are dependent upon and usually thrilled with your laptops. (Rog seems to be having some computer angst, but he hasn't explained - or is it just this new site he hates?)
As you know, I have this Damned Back (DM) that's been deteriorating over the years and finally led to my abandoning the Sat. Nite Radio Jamboree because I just can't sit at the computer that long. The DM has led to various accommodations, but I'm just getting around to thinking about a laptop. What do you all have and how much does one have to pay for something reasonably satisfactory? I don't need to play games, but I want to read long articles and have memory to store them, email and FB, and pretty good speed. I'd like it to send streamed shows to TV once I figure out how to do that. Some of the brands I thought were good now get some bad reviews and some I've never even heard of. Help!
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 10:34:56 GMT -5
Post by Gracie on Feb 21, 2014 10:34:56 GMT -5
My husband gave me an HP laptop for Christmas. We had both been researching them for months, trying to determine the best value for the money, and this is much like the one he uses at work. It has a touch screen (but I hate those so I don't use that feature) and I use a wireless mouse with it just because I like that best. It cost about $350 and we got it from Amazon....which was good, because it died when Windows 8.1 was added as suggested; he contacted Amazon and they shipped a replacement out to me the very same day. (Actually I bought my last desktop from them, too, a reconditioned Dell. They are wonderful when it comes to service.) Anyway, I do like this. It's lightweight, easily navigated, very fast to use (I have bookmarked only a few sites and downloaded NOTHING but a few pictures, because Gerald says keeping it lean keeps it fast.) It has a built in webcam, which is handy. Here's the link. But I must tell you that most of the features described are Greek to me. I just know what I like. www.amazon.com/HP-2000-2b19wm-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Winter/dp/B00BJ8C02I/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1392996849&sr=1-1&keywords=hp+laptop
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 13:05:18 GMT -5
Post by Jane on Feb 21, 2014 13:05:18 GMT -5
We have an Acer netbook and a chrome book, but we hardly use them. So I don't know if they're recommendable or not. I want an Ipad.
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 17:37:51 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 21, 2014 17:37:51 GMT -5
Thanks, Gracie. Your lead got me to all kinds of information. What is a chromebook?!! Suddenly I'm coming across this as if it's something I ought to know. And how is a notebook different from a laptop?
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 18:11:59 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 21, 2014 18:11:59 GMT -5
I too am considering an iPad; it costs $499 at Best Buy or Amazon, and if you have Amazon Prime, shipping is "free." Near as I can tell, a netbook or chromebook for $250 - $300 will also meet most basic computing/communication needs, but they don't have the DVD/CD player built in. So it you want to watch or stream movies or listen to music on CD (presuming you don't have it all on your iPod), you'd have to add an external device. By then you might as well get a laptop. I don't know if a netbook will livestream from the internet.
I use a Toshiba Satellite laptop running Windows 7 that is almost 4 years old and I have been overall very happy with it. In fact I bought it to replace my old Toshiba Satellite (which had Windows XP) because I never had trouble with that one either, it just got old. My current one is a little heavy for my taste now, as it is equipped with a lot more stuff than I need now that I do not do much real work on it. And new ones are lighter anyway.
What I have loved is the reliability of the Toshiba Satellite. I take it everywhere with me literally all over the world, in a laptop back pack, and it seems pretty indestructible. IIRC, this one cost $429 four years ago, and I was replacing a very similar one that cost $1200. A similar Toshiba laptop today would probably be around $600. Interesting about the computer prices, huh?
I had an Apple laptop years ago and liked it just fine, but back then the business world revolved around IBM PCs and it required considerable effort to be a Mac user. Since now there is no back-and-forth problem between Mac and Windows, I will probably switch. The reason is the annoying Windows habit of suddenly shutting down my computer for an "update." They are "supposed" to say that they have an update to install, and give you the option of doing it now or postponing for one or 4 or 12 hours. They no longer do that.
I am tired of having my computer shut down when I am in the middle of something and have 20 windows open. When it restarts, I have to "restore" and that takes forever. Yesterday something went awry with the shut down/install and there was no "restore" button so I had to tediously search through history to get each window restored one by one. A PITA.
But to tell you the truth gk, I think all laptops these days are pretty good and quite similar, just decide if you want Mac or Windows. I do not have a webcam, and I do think that is an important item. Personally I do not care for a touchscreen (it's on my smartphone where I use it begrudgingly), but I love my laptop touch pad and don't bother with a wireless mouse. I usually have my laptop actually on my lap, not at a desk where I would use a mouse.
I'm pretty sure I have posted this before, but if you have a laptop and travel with it, buy an extra universal power supply and put that in your laptop bag too. Do not try to switch the original power source (the one that came with the computer when you bought it) back and forth because it is inevitable that you will put your laptop in the bag/backpack/briefcase and forget the power source. Then you will be scrambling to find a Best Buy or Radio Shack in some unfamiliar city, so you can buy yet another universal power source. Voice of experience.
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 18:23:07 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 21, 2014 18:23:07 GMT -5
Netbooks are smaller, lighter computers meant mainly for accessing the internet. Chromebook is a Google brand name for a smaller computer (not sure if it qualifies as a netbook or notebook or a laptop) which operates on Google's proprietary system, not Windows or Mac.
Notebooks first came out as small laptops that one could actually write on and the handwritten notes would be translated into computer print. They could/can be folded up so they approximate the size and shape of a paper notebook you might use to take notes in class or at a meeting. There are computers "all in one" that do both - operate as a notebook you can write on or flip and use as a regular computer. I have read mostly unfavorable reviews of those (they don't do either function well) so I have not explored them further. I think the current ones in "notebook mode" function fully as a regular computer using a touch screen.
Sorry I don't know too much here. I will upgrade my computer soon and it will likely be a lighter weight (probably Toshiba) laptop or an iPad, so I am ignorant about the other options. Jane can put you in touch with one of her grands, or I can let you contact Spencer or Amber - the kids know all this stuff us grown-ups aren't familiar with.
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 18:27:58 GMT -5
Post by liriodendron on Feb 21, 2014 18:27:58 GMT -5
Chromebooks are somewhat smaller than a laptop and run on Google Chrome OS. Rather than using software such as Microsoft Office, you use various Google apps instead. The Technology Director for our Town and Schools loves them. We borrowed one from him and played with it to see if it made sense to use them as replacements for some of our library computers, but decided against it despite their very reasonable price (under $300). I had a difficult time reading the screen due to the small size and most of our patrons want access to Microsoft products. www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/hp-chromebook-11/?gclid=COrE2bqs3rwCFXPNOgodfEwAcg
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 18:35:27 GMT -5
Post by liriodendron on Feb 21, 2014 18:35:27 GMT -5
I love my iPad, but I don't use it for the same things that I use my laptop for. I have the 2nd generation iPad with the Retina Display and it is wonderful. I was very fortunate in that the library paid for half of it because they wanted to encourage the staff to become familiar with the various devices that could download ebooks (which we loan at the library where I work). I primarily use it to check my email (but I find it painful to respond to emails using the keyboard contained within the iPad), read ebooks and online journals, surf the net, and play Words With Friends.
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Laptops
Feb 21, 2014 19:04:44 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 21, 2014 19:04:44 GMT -5
That's a good point about the small keyboard on an iPad lirio. A laptop is much better for lengthy documents, or even email replies and PrairieChatter posts. I was thinking mainly about how much lighter my backpack would be with an iPad in it instead of my laptop - which is pertinent only if you travel a lot with your computer in your backpack.
But gk, maybe with your problem back, light weight is important?
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Laptops
Feb 22, 2014 1:44:06 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 22, 2014 1:44:06 GMT -5
I love you guys (but you knew that, right?). This is all helping. I think I want lap-ability more than super light weight. I want a good-sized readable screen and easy typing, not a puny keyboard. The charm of the tablets to me is you can carry them in a purse and look up anything any time, send a quick note, etc. But I can't see myself reading NYT articles on a small screen, though I think people do it. Many of my friends do the crosswords on their iPad, which is probably close to the size of the newspaper version. Most small things don't appeal to me, probably because I'm a terrible typist. My fingers don't look particularly outsized, but they sure act like it on a keyboard. Digression: thinking of outsized fingers reminded me of Tom Robbins's "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" - remember the girl with the giant thumbs? All my digits are like that when I type.
Jerry has a Toshiba, maybe a Satellite, and his company always used Toshibas, so he's convinced they're the best. But I've happened across poor reviews of at least one model, which is why I feel overwhelmed about winnowing through all the brands and models. Suddenly Lenovo has become a big player, and I've only vaguely heard of them. But I shall persevere, and you've given me good leads.
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Laptops
Feb 22, 2014 9:05:55 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 22, 2014 9:05:55 GMT -5
I think Lenovo is the old IBM PC product. IBM decided to exit the consumer market and concentrate on business so they sold the consumer segment.
I don't like doing the crossword online, too easy to cheat. I do it in ink on paper.
I noticed my daughter had a Toshiba too, for her work laptop. She's a journalist, so her whole business is computers. I haven't reviewed laptops in a long time, but obviously I've had a lot of faith in Toshiba. Still, I think it's a commodity market now; they are all similar and pretty good.
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Laptops
Feb 22, 2014 11:15:24 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 22, 2014 11:15:24 GMT -5
Yes, I think I know what you mean, though I'm not familiar with "commodity market." I checked on Lenovo; it's a big Chinese company, and indeed it did buy IBM product lines. That's another thing that adds to confusion, because some brands are good at some things and not so good at others, even if they are generally high quality. Plus there are companies that just can't stop expanding till they sell everything from refrigerators to computers to cameras. But if you have the patience to read specialty sites and buyer reviews, you can get some sense of direction. The HP model Gracie loves was reviewed on Amazon by a guy who seemed to know enough about computers to design and produce his own. But I wouldn't have found him without first being tipped off by Gracie. I wouldn't know a specific Toshiba model without being tipped off by you. (Btw, my desktop is a Toshiba and I think it's great, but their help desk person sounded astounded that I had an 'all-in-one,' as if it were a dinosaur.)
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Laptops
Feb 22, 2014 18:21:43 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 22, 2014 18:21:43 GMT -5
A commodity product is one that is pretty much the same everywhere in price and quality, so a particular brand name does not make much difference. Like maybe sugar or generic toilet paper or a 4 door economy sedan. On the other hand, "everyone" needs it and buys it, so there is a guaranteed market. You do have to choose whether you want Apple or Windows product, and now maybe Google is a different third choice.
I forgot what products Lenovo had, but it lacked a line of consumer PC's and wanted that product to sell, so they bought that IBM segment.
This week's Best Buy sale flyer was advertising the latest Toshiba "two-in-one" so it's not a dinosaur product.
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Laptops
Feb 23, 2014 8:31:30 GMT -5
Post by jspnrvr on Feb 23, 2014 8:31:30 GMT -5
I don't have much to add here. I'm still happy with my little Asus netbook I got for Christmas 2010. They're pretty much gone, sort of evolved into the chromebooks, and got run over by tablets. I don't know how long Windows XP will be "supported" however.
Our desktop definitely has to go. This old Dell from 2005 puts out a smell of kerosene all day while it's running, and my shoulder gets tired pulling on the starter rope.
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Laptops
Feb 23, 2014 17:20:55 GMT -5
Post by liriodendron on Feb 23, 2014 17:20:55 GMT -5
My MacBook is coming up on 7 years old. The guy at the Apple Store called it vintage. At some point I will replace it with a new MacBook Pro, which is probably way pricier than you need for what you do, Gail. I use PC's at work, but I am an Apple girl at home.
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Laptops
Feb 23, 2014 17:33:48 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 23, 2014 17:33:48 GMT -5
Oh, Jay, you make me laugh and laugh. I've had two Dells and had good luck, but maybe because I didn't let them ripen quite to the kerosene stage. I've been thinking a lot about chromebooks, particularly as there seems to be so much frustration with Windows 8. I'm not clear whether 8.1 is supposed to be a fix (why wouldn't they just do patches or upgrades if 8 is such a pain?). I just don't get the chromebooks. After a free period -up to 2 years - you pay to keep your stuff in the cloud rather than having a hard drive and maybe external back-up? I'm dubious about this cloud. My 19th century brain just doesn't have room for that concept. But all I want is an easy way to read and write emails, no games or special apps. I will keep the desktop (till it emits kerosene or - eeeww, methane) and just try not to subject the DM to so much crippling chair time. I do need a better chair, too, but I've tried lots of things and a laptop seems like a good accommodation, no matter how I improve the chair. I love reading news and blogs online, check in on Facebook too often, search the Web for the perfect pair of shoes, preferably on sale. Last week I got a message from Classmates.com (did you know it still exists?) saying the yearbook for the class I would have graduated with (had we not moved) was online. And there they were! Kids I saw last at 14 were sometimes much the same at 18 and sometimes totally altered. It was such fun, but when I got up my DM shrieked like a Ringwraith. Case in point: I just googled ringwraith to be sure I was spelling it right. I came upon an article about simple sound effects that seem really dramatic. www.cracked.com/article_19639_5-ridiculous-origins-movie-sound-effects_p2.html I have always adored SFX. So, of course, I had to read that and now I'm thinking of doing a bunch of searches to see what else I come up with. That's why I need a laptop.
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Laptops
Feb 23, 2014 17:42:35 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 23, 2014 17:42:35 GMT -5
Crossed posts, Liri. thanks, you're right - I'm not looking for the Maserati, just the little ford.
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Laptops
Feb 24, 2014 0:30:40 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 24, 2014 0:30:40 GMT -5
The Chromebook uses Google apps, not Microsoft Office. Maybe lirio knows if they are interoperable? This would matter to me because I deal with Word documents often, and sometimes spreadsheets. If the Google apps don't "read and write" MS Office that might be something to consider.
Also, I am not sure if you can stream from a Chromebook to the television if you want to watch a movie or TV show or whatever. It certainly does all the web searches, email, shopping, etc.
Gail, was the whole yearbook there for you to look at? I haven't been to Classmates in a while, but IIRC you have to pay for a Premium membership to really see the yearbook, otherwise it's these tantalizing bits surrounded by gibberish. Or you can buy an actual physical reprint of your (or any other) yearbook.
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Laptops
Feb 24, 2014 1:17:27 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 24, 2014 1:17:27 GMT -5
Yes, I think it was the whole yearbook. I couldn't see all the club and team pics, but I can barely make them out in the yearbooks I still have from the high school I moved to. In the one I checked online, all student pics (and faculty) were easy to see. The fee really isn't that bad, maybe $20-30 for a year or two? But you can also get 3 months for $7.50, and I think I'll do that just to see who else has signed up since the last time I looked, probably at least 5 years ago. The people who've "signed " your personal guestbook aren't open without paying the fee, and some other features that I think are new. For instance there's some sort of "Do you remember so-and-so" feature where you can check to see who remembers you and return the favor by remembering them. I'm not too interested in those features, but I really do want to know who's still alive and well. It was painful to see the face of a boy in my former class when he was eighteen; 5 years later he was killed in Vietnam.
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Laptops
Feb 24, 2014 13:24:02 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 24, 2014 13:24:02 GMT -5
Food for thought, thanks, gk. I wasn't so much deterred by the fee, but rather that I doubted there would be anything of real interest in return. But now I think maybe you are right, it could be interesting and worth the fee. I just received an invitation to my NYC high school 45th reunion in September, but so far no word from the NOLA high school (that one tends to be held around Christmas because so many of us live elsewhere but go home for the holidays to visit family). I should catch up before I decide on attending.
And yeah, the Viet Nam thing. One of the guys I dated in high school in NYC was killed in Nam the year after he graduated. I'd moved to NOLA by then, but his brother wrote me a letter to let me know. How antique - a letter mailed in an envelope with a stamp on it.
But why I am on this thread: Joanna Stern wrote a WSJ article published Feb 19 on "Search for Tablets That Get Down to Business." She reviewed Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 ($750), Microsoft Surface Pro 2 ($899), Nokia Lumia 2520 ($499), and Apple iPad Air (which is the one I think I want, costing $499). All of them require the separate purchase of a keyboard cover ($99 - $150), though the Samsung and Microsoft both come with a stylus, which the author used during meetings to write on the tablet, which converted her handwriting to text. She noted that all four keyboard cases don't sit on laps very well, and tended to slide off her lap, onto the floor. Also, the better the tablet was at her common laptop tasks (multitasking, text input, business apps), the less the battery life.
Ultimately she would not want any of those four tablets instead of her MacBook Air, or any 13 inch Windows laptop. Her conclusion - she'd keep a tablet on her nightstand and a laptop on her lap.
I have a Kindle Fire for my nightstand, so maybe what I need is just a smaller lighter weight laptop instead of an iPad Air.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 0:35:59 GMT -5
Post by gailkate on Feb 25, 2014 0:35:59 GMT -5
Good info, K, that's really helpful. In some of my explorations I was also reminded of netbooks and notebooks, variations on small that I'm not even sure are still being made. (I've wasted time and effort with my Stupid Hat on, looking at reviews that were 3-4 years old.)
One thing stands out - people hate Windows 8. Is anyone here using it?
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 7:23:10 GMT -5
Post by Gracie on Feb 25, 2014 7:23:10 GMT -5
I am, and I think it's fine!
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 10:02:49 GMT -5
Post by BoatBabe on Feb 25, 2014 10:02:49 GMT -5
Do you have a touch screen, Gracie?
Thom seemed to think he could have tolerated Windows 8 if he had a touch screen. But he didn't.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 10:23:03 GMT -5
Post by doctork on Feb 25, 2014 10:23:03 GMT -5
I thought Windows 8 was basically a touch screen. Does it have another option? BoatBae, what didn't Thom like about the rest of Windows 8?
I have been looking too, and since I really care a lot about light weight, it is looking like the Mac product (MacBook Air) is way more expensive than a similar 13" Windows. I will have to think about this since I am tired of Windows hassles - random abrupt shutdowns, lots more viruses, etc.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 11:41:42 GMT -5
Post by Gracie on Feb 25, 2014 11:41:42 GMT -5
I have a touch screen but I don't LIKE touch screens. But the good thing is that I don't have to use it that way, so I don't.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 19:05:24 GMT -5
Post by Jane on Feb 25, 2014 19:05:24 GMT -5
We use Windows 8. It's fine. If we didn't have Henry deconstructing the whole computer every time he's here, we would be a lot better off.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 19:05:49 GMT -5
Post by Jane on Feb 25, 2014 19:05:49 GMT -5
So my advice is, if you get a new computer, don't let Henry near it.
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Laptops
Feb 25, 2014 20:44:47 GMT -5
Post by Gracie on Feb 25, 2014 20:44:47 GMT -5
Jane, you make me laugh OUT LOUD. Regularly.
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