Technology bleg

[BelleCanzuto]

So, I've decided to get a laptop. I've never had one before, as I just hadn't typically done much with the computer I did have. As it got obsolete, and I got my first smartphone and now this tablet, I haven't seen much need for one.

But now that I'm doing a lot of writing, and want to get better word processing and editing software (the MS Word App for tablets is very limited), I figure it's time to get a real computer again.

I don't do any online gaming. I might do some photo editing, but that's not a main thing. Neither is video editing. So super fast processor speed isn't necessary. I don't need gobs of storage, my old desktop had a 1T hard drive, and I doubt it was a third full. I don't need a huge screen.

What I want is something reliable, that I can write on, edit on, and have the stuff from my old desktop transferred to with not much hassle. I want a machine that's going to last more than a few years since I'm not someone who needs or wants to upgrade all the time. Something with a fairly comfortable and reliable keyboard.

I'm not married to any particular brand, but I have nothing in the Apple ecosystem, so I wouldn't want to get an iPad or whatever. I'm open to a tablet that functions more like a laptop, if it can run the real versions of programs (not stripped down apps), and has a decent keyboard.

Does anyone have suggestions?

 

[MetaBob]

I use a MacBook Pro with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It's not so much that I want a bigger screen as that I want to keep more than one legible window open at the same time -- I don't want to have to switch between things. I can take the laptop elsewhere, by itself, when I want to. Which is seldom. When/if the laptop goes bad, eventually (or more likely just gets old), I can continue using the external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This is the second computer I've used the (Samsung) monitor and (Apple) keyboard with, and the third computer I've used the (Microsoft) mouse with.

 

[SamScribble]

Hi Belle

For 20-something years, I used a succession of Toshiba Tecra laptops and found them to be more than satisfactory. But when the last one started to struggle, I replaced it with a Lenovo Yoga and, so far, the Lenovo has been excellent; small, fast, and doesn’t seem to have any overheating niggles.

I agree with MetaBob: an external monitor and keyboard makes life easier when you are desk working. I bought my Samsung SynchMaster monitor about 12 years ago, and it is still going strong. For a keyboard I use a cheap and cheerful Logitech. For a boy who grew up with typewriters, it seems just about perfect.

I think the big decision is Apple or other. My partner uses a MacBook Pro – and loves it. I’m not so sure. But perhaps that’s just because I’m old.

 

[Handley_Page]

IBM or Apple:

Windows can be a pain at times, but I do not trust Apple; here, they are rip-off merchants.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I use a MacBook Pro with an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It's not so much that I want a bigger screen as that I want to keep more than one legible window open at the same time -- I don't want to have to switch between things.

Also, an external monitor/keyboard is much better ergonomically if you're going to be using it for extended stints.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Yes, as HP said, the choice is Apple or PC. Apple is, as HP said, a rip off. They rather you buy a new product than take the time to repair the one you have. PC's with Windows are good, if you know what your are doing and have been using it all your life as I have. Then again, there are Chrome Books, that run the same Android OS that your smart phone does, unless you have a iPhone.

Then again, if all you will be doing is surfing the web and writing, you can always replace the OS on a Windows laptop is a Linux variant or make it a dual boot machine. Most of the Linux variants come with Open Office and FireFox browser.

Happy hunting.

 

[Voboy]

I hated Apples for decades, until I had to start using one for work. I’ve now had the same MacBook Air for maybe eight years, which is what I like about it: it’s sturdy, well-designed, and still works as it always has. No other laptop I’ve ever had has lasted so long, even though I prefer Windows OS.

Apple has a lot of drawbacks still, and I wish I didn’t like mine so much. But that MacBook has earned my respect.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Just to clarify

I appreciate the responses so far, and they've made it obvious that I wasn't clear on what I'm asking. I don't want to get anything Apple, including Macs.

So, does anyone had a recommendation on a Windows laptop brand or model that's reliable and not ridiculously expensive?

thanks

 

[jaF0]

Look at NewEgg.com under their 'refurbished' or 'off-lease' sections. They're usually business class machines that have nothing wrong with them, having only been turned in when companies upgrade. Probably can still get some with Windows 7 Pro which I prefer. Generally you can find some for a couple of hundred dollars or so. Most have some kind of warranty.

I'm using a Gateway I bought in about 2011 or so, propped up beside the bed on a stand with an external KB and mouse. Uses a lot less power than a desktop.


Whatever you get, download LibreOffice. It's a full office suite with word processor, spreadsheet and other stuff comparable to MS Office. And it's completely FREE.

 

[Areala-chan]

Windows 7 will stop receiving security and system updates in a few months when Microsoft ceases support, so if you can, I'd recommend going with a Windows 10 machine unless you plan on never going online with it.

Lenovo and Toshiba are fantastic laptop brands. My wife and I have had great success with both in the past, and while I don't have one currently, her Lenovo has been working just fine for five years on.

If hard drive space isn't a concern, I highly recommend going with a Solid State Drive (SSD) instead of a standard internal hard drive. With no moving parts and a faster access time plus giving off less heat and using less power overall, they're well worth the investment in my opinion, especially on a laptop. Put stuff you don't need instant access to (music, video downloads, and the like) on an external drive and plug it in when you need it.

 

[Handley_Page]

On disk size:
I'd not recommend a machine with "1Tb" or similar. You can loose a lot if it goes off.
I'd suggest an External Hard Drive and back everything up on it (or a DVD).

 

[JaxRhapsody]

Personally I haven't had problems with Toshiba Satelites. If you stick with an old brand, or old line, like a Satelite or the IBM/Lenovo Z series, you can't go too wrong. I'd rather have a laptop than a netbook or a tablet. I have a smartphone, I don't want a computer that is basically a giant smartphone that can't make calls, other than for drawing, which I'll admit is the only reason I want one. Get a good external HD like a Seagate that won't crash on you, to copy work on. Hell I use an old IMB Z61t running XP exlusively for writting and save my work on not just it, but an external HD and a thumbdrive. It only sees internet to upload here, basically. It has the 1st and 2nd generation Microsoft Office on it.

You can get a used or refurbished one, since you're not going to be doing extensive shit on it. They are tougher than tablets and netbooks, but I still keep careful with them Lenovo, HP, Gateway, the more or less brand names make good ones.

Fuck Apple.

 

[BelleCanzuto]

Thank you all. That's a couple of reccs for Lenovo, and I think my sister had one of that brand that lasted fairly well.

 

[Rustyoznail]

Thank you all. That's a couple of reccs for Lenovo, and I think my sister had one of that brand that lasted fairly well.

Another vote for Lenovo. We’ve had a good run at work with them.

And go with Windows 10.

 

[jaF0]

Lenovo is China IBM.

 

[EastonWest]

For what you've described, I would say a Lenovo would be more than enough for what you want to do. I've used Lenovo at work for the past 10 years, and while I've gone through 4 in that time, that's mostly because I work in construction and the jobsite is hard on electronics (or I am).

 

[Rustyoznail]

Lenovo is China IBM.

Technically Lenovo (who are Chinese) bought IBM’s PC business.

Kept the original, reliable IBM designs for a while before they started designing heir own.

 

[ruddygore]

I've had a Toshiba, two HPs, and an Acer. The Acer was a piece of junk but the other three were pretty good.

 

[ChloeTzang]

Well I use a 9 year old Dell laptop with an external monitor, mouse and add on sound system that I got when I went off to college. Never a problem and it goes just fine altho yes, windows 7 so I guess one of these days. I backup stuff on usb’s And duplicate them plus on google docs as well now. Probably get a Dell next time just because it’s been so rock solid.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Okay I had a Gateway that ran like a champ until I spilled coffee on it. And as they don't make them anymore and actually really didn't, Gateways were made by Acer, I went out and bought an Acer. I have had it for a while and the only thing I don't like about it is that it came with Windows 10.

 

[jaF0]

Gateways were made by Acer,

Gateways were made by Gateway of South Dakota and later Califonie.

Acer of Korea assimilated them in 2007 and eliminated the name some time later. I'm typing on a Gateway I got in 2010 or so.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Gateways were made by Gateway of South Dakota and later Califonie.

Acer of Korea assimilated them in 2007 and eliminated the name some time later. I'm typing on a Gateway I got in 2010 or so.

Yes and I bought a gate way in 2010 that was made by Acer. It had all the Acer bloatware on it and all the driver updates came off the Acer website. So when that one was doused in coffee, I decided to replace it with an Acer.

It hasn't had a hiccup since I brought it.

 

[pixiepricklypaprika]

Sounds like you want a Microsoft surface pro. it’s basically a laptop with a touchscreen and detachable keyboard. Since windows doesn't really have separate OS for tablet and desktop, you can run in the full desktop mode all the time.

Apparently the keyboard is already pretty nice but you can always connect an external keyboard via Bluetooth.

 

[JamesMiehoff]

As you can see, opinions are all over the map. Most if this is due to a) the hardware is so much better and more reliable than it has been in the past, and b) Windows is so much more reliable than it has been in the past.

So, like stereos in the 80's, all of the name brands are solid and reliable, so you need to look for the features that you like.

1) Weight - are you going to be writing on your lap or at a desk? If a desk, then weight is less important.
2) Portability - are you going to be tossing it into a bag and going mobile or chaining it up at a desk? If you are going mobile, then weight and battery life are important.
3) Access ports - How many access ports does it have and what kind. USB2 or USB3 ports, how many? HDMI ports so you can plug external monitors/TVs into it.
4) Bluetooth - almost all new PCs come with Bluetooth. This can allow you to have some headphones running your favorite music while writing (I find it helps) or a Bluetooth mouse (no need for a dongle taking up a USB port).
5) Touch screen - even some fairly low end PCs now come with touch screens.
6) Memory - if you are going to just be writing, 4GB could be enough, but I have found that apps over time take more and more memory, so play it safe and go with at least 16GB.
7) Disk - You should get at least 1TB of either solid state or spinning. Almost all PC makers have some sort of "Cloud Storage" that is either free or very low cost. Windows 10 comes with One Drive. Any of these are good to store things you don't want to lose if your drive goes tits up or your laptop gets stolen. I use Dropbox. You get a couple of GBs for free and believe me. That is a lot of stories in Word format.

Good luck. And watch for the just before Christmas panic sales. The laptop I bought my wife was one of those. The week before Christmas is was $50 less than the "Black Friday" sale price.

James

 

[BelleCanzuto]

As you can see, opinions are all over the map. Most if this is due to a) the hardware is so much better and more reliable than it has been in the past, and b) Windows is so much more reliable than it has been in the past.

So, like stereos in the 80's, all of the name brands are solid and reliable, so you need to look for the features that you like.

~snip~

Good luck. And watch for the just before Christmas panic sales. The laptop I bought my wife was one of those. The week before Christmas is was $50 less than the "Black Friday" sale price.

James

Thank you James. That's all very helpful. And yeah, I'd been thinkng in tems of "what brands are reliable" assuming that there'd be a consensus. But the factors you're talking about are more important.