What computer should I buy?

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As I have said, cheap laptops are a pain in that they can't cope properly in this hot, humid shitty environment.

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It is indeed a shitty environment, and as well as the heat and humidity, you will need to take into account the slow corrosion of anything metallic due to the salinity of the atmosphere at a beachfront location.

A Sony laptop of mine died three years ago after six years of excellent service, three of those years were spent on the coast, it was the hard drive that failed.

Being inquisitive, I decided to take the machine to pieces to see what was inside and was surprised at the amount of rust and corrosion in there and also on the metal bits on the outside of the case, especially the USB ports.

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Originally Posted by thegent

Be that as it may, my question remains unanswered. Is 128 GB of flash storage sufficient or should I spec it up to 256 GB?

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Go for the 250, but even then you'll might end juggling about as I do, as it keeps filling up, with films etc i download.

when I get around to it I'm going to rip the DVD optical bay out, which I never use, and replace it with a cheap optical bay caddy, a housing, into which i'll put an old 500GB HDD in , and store the films on that, or maybe get another 250 sdd to go in there.

You don't use Flash for downloading movies you berk.

You use it for commonly accessed programs and data.

2TB drives as so filthy cheap these days you can get one of those for your collection of Hitler speech videos.

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Originally Posted by blue

Go for the 250, but even then you'll might end juggling about as I do, as it keeps filling up, with films etc i download.

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I have a 250g flash in my laptop and I copy off torrent downloads about once every 2 months

though another method that works really well is deletion after you have watched them

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/3795...e-uk-right-now

Allow for the fact that I know nothing at all ....... simply nothing ..... I happen to have a laptop which has been excellent . An ACER Aspire 5733 .

Probably it would be torn apart by the good folks who know masses more than I do but when I want a car I buy a Ford cozz its job is just to work and be reliable and that's all I want from a laptop.
This laptop has an i3 and it has done all that I wanted it to do.

Now my sister wants a laptop and wants MY recommendation ! ( This is dodgy ground indeed . )
I read the article above and she's buying the ACER ASPIRE E1.

Now very clearly these people are saying that outstandingly the best is the Apple Macbook Pro 13in with Retina Display .

Which today is 4 times the cost of the ACER but undoubtedly a fabulous 'puter.

But it's like buying a Maserati when really all you want is a Ford Focus .

In my EXTREMELY and righteously humble opinion.:happysad::happysad::happysad::happysad::happysad:



Wasp

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Originally Posted by Wasp

An ACER Aspire 5733 .

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Very sensible choice....

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Originally Posted by Wasp

she's buying the ACER ASPIRE E1.

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Another very sensible choice...

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Originally Posted by Wasp

Now very clearly these people are saying that outstandingly the best is the.....

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Best for what exactly?

Those bargain basement deals are getting better and better. Nothing wrong with a cheaper dual-core, if you can still get them, and perfectly acceptable for day-to-day machines.

Fast processors, fast drives and loads of memory aren't going to help a slow internet connection.

I hope thegent has a good link to go with his new toy.....

What would thegent be doing that an i3 with 2 to 4GB of RAM wouldn't handle?

I've got an i3 with 4GB of RAM, previous laptop was an i3 with 2GB of RAM, and I never had any problems with the stuff I use it for; looks like thegent will use his for far less...

If he wants an iApple, up to him, but the lowest spec machine would suit him just fine. An external hard drive would also be very sensible for backup, so a massive onboard storage is just not required...

He,s got caught up in the Apple mist Betty same as me .

There is no known way out for us poor souls

Troy makes a valid point and one which has in fact delayed my purchase. In my current circumstances connection is dire and expensive but temporary until we move, hopefully soon(ish).

Connectivity, like practically everything in this country, is seldom as good as advertised,and unreliable. A beat up 15 year old taxi will move at the same speed of a Porsche in downtown Bkk so what's the point of getting anything inherently better than something else when it can't achieve its potential.

I am seduced by the allure of an OS that will function reliably. Windows is unreliable and fraught with daily angst. Waiting an age for a cheap laptop to power up and actually be available within 3 minutes was a challenge. And the way Windows intrudes into everything you do with its reminders, updates etc. Despite having anti virus systems I still got periods when Windows would bombard me with false security risks and all sorts of incomprehensible alerts.

I yearn for the simplicity and efficiency Apple seems to offer.

In terms of value, I discovered that other manufacturers offering their equivalent of the Macbook demand similar prices, if not even more, for roughly the same spec so I doubt the reputation Apple has for price gouging is that merited.

And, it looks and feels better with a lovely keyboard action and super screen.

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Originally Posted by thegent

Windows is unreliable and fraught with daily angst. Waiting an age for a cheap laptop to power up and actually be available within 3 minutes was a challenge.

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I have to admit that keeping on top of things under a Windows environment can be a challenge. I am quite amazed at the number of applications that decide they need to run on start-up as default. The system tray seemed like such a cool idea until everyone jumped on the band-wagon and wanted to be there, which can quickly overrun even the best of hardware. Good housekeeping and control of software (especially downloaded) is an absolute necessity.

As for the cheap hardware, it is amazing what a quick clean with compressed air will do for a machine every year or so. I have an older i7, which was starting to run hot with the fan constantly running. A quick clean and the running temperature dropped 20C.

I saw a nice quality (aluminium cased) Dell Inspiron 15-7000, a good solid workhorse, with 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD and pre-installed with Ubuntu for around B28,000. You could have that and get a jolly good internet line for the price of the Mac.

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Originally Posted by Troy

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Originally Posted by thegent

Windows is unreliable and fraught with daily angst. Waiting an age for a cheap laptop to power up and actually be available within 3 minutes was a challenge.

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I have to admit that keeping on top of things under a Windows environment can be a challenge. I am quite amazed at the number of applications that decide they need to run on start-up as default. The system tray seemed like such a cool idea until everyone jumped on the band-wagon and wanted to be there, which can quickly overrun even the best of hardware. Good housekeeping and control of software (especially downloaded) is an absolute necessity.

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Maybe you should have a look at Soluto

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Soluto

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A more intrusive piece of childish nonsense would be hard to imagine.

It slowed my laptop down to a crawl, got rid of it after a few days.

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Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

Maybe you should have a look at Soluto

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Maybe not.

I prefer to do my own housekeeping thank-you....:)

In an earlier post I said that linux was probably too much for thegent. However, that was based on having to install it from scratch on a machine bought with Win7 or Win8 installed.

I think thegent, you should find a little spare time to have a play with a machine pre-installed with Ubuntu. You may be pleasantly surprised. You might even be able to sweet-talk them into installing VirtualBox with Windows 7/8 and OSX. I'm sure you'd enjoy running Windows within a window on your machine. With the 8GB RAM you might even be able to run OSX and Win7 at the same time.

Troy ........... and troy only please .

Nobody else .

Troy .... I am perceptive enough to see the difference between a laptop and a Tablet .
But that's as far as my perception goes .

I look up recommendations for laptops and I read all the stuff and only at the end do I see the pesky thing is NOT a laptop .
It's a Notebook .

What's a Notebook ?

And the rest of you leave me alone . I don't know what the difference is but if I ask I'll know !

( And what on Earth is a Chromebook ? )



Wasp

^ The gap is such that the difference is getting harder to notice.

The laptop has become more and more powerful so that many people have dispensed with a desktop. However, this power (graphics, cpu, drives etc) has made the devices bigger and heavier.

The Notebook is aimed at the original laptop market, if you like, rather than the "moveable workstation/desktop". Smaller, lighter and able to run longer without plugging into the mains. This means getting rid of the DVD drive, a smaller processor and less capable graphics card to reduce power/cooling requirements.

The newer processors, with less power and cooling requirements, mean you can pack more into less space so that the newer notebooks are much the same as older laptops.

As for a Chromebook, it is the Google venture into the OS market with a tweaked linux system:
Chrome OS - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Some people rave over it whilst others pooh-pooh it.
Hands on: New Chrome OS review | Operating systems Reviews | TechRadar

Thank you muchly .

Sounds like I can be wise now and explain a notebook as a pretty decent laptop without the DVD Drive . ( ? )

I've seen external DVD drives . Well I've seen the boxes on a shelf and I did wonder why anybody would want an external DVD Drive . External memory storage seems sensible but now I can see why it makes sense to have an external DVD and save on weight and on the heating .
I only use my DVD Drive about twice a week and that's to watch movies .

So .... thank you again Troy .Thank you for taking the time.

I'm surprised I didn't generate all sorts of miffed characters asking why Troy was teacher's pet ?



Wasp

I'm annoyed.

I am very much a computer illiterate, as most will have recognised but I am not stupid.

Now, so that my net should be cast as wide as possible in order to gain as much knowledge as possible I ventured into new waters and, for the first time in my life, gave some consideration to which computer I should buy which would not fail or present me with the hassles that 10 years of Windows has done, and to seek advice upon whichever artisan bit of kit I should be happy to settle for that would get me by.

So, I eventually settled on an Apple machine and their software. I signalled this and invited comment which I hoped would focus my attention on the matter. And what did I get? Essentially, a microcosm of the debate between those who favoured Windows and those who didn't. Some went as far as suggesting one's sexual orientation would be defined by whichever software one chose and some even defined their birthright in terms of whichever hardware were to be selected.

Fine. We live in a democratic community where consumption is dictated by choice and perhaps limited by disposable income.

I'm OK with that and can make a decision.

So, imagine my chagrin when I today did another search of MacWorld and found out that since 2011 there have been about 10,000 Macbook owners whose machine has developed a succession of hardware problems resulting in catastrophic failure. Apple have failed to acknowledge this in any meaningful way and have yet to issue a recall. Most users have now published a litany of complaint which indicated that not only was the hardware fucked but they have no complaint system which will address what is a terrible problem. Some in the US are in the process of mounting a class action.

Now, call me old fashioned but when an organisation sells a product which fails in such numbers one should be somewhat circumspect in buying more from that company. If it were a car manufacturer there would be a recall. But here hasn't.

So, why hasn't there been a huge fuss? Why have all the magazines and blog sites not highlighted this?

And why was I not informed by the cognoscenti of this board?

Excuse me, but when someone asks if a certain product is reliable and it transpires over 10 fucking thousand machines have been fucked is it not reasonable to expect a selection of geeks and proclaimed experts here should be fucking aware of that?

Poor show all round from Teakdoor techies if you ask me.

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Originally Posted by Wasp

Thank you muchly .

Sounds like I can be wise now and explain a notebook as a pretty decent laptop without the DVD Drive . ( ? )

I've seen external DVD drives . Well I've seen the boxes on a shelf and I did wonder why anybody would want an external DVD Drive . External memory storage seems sensible but now I can see why it makes sense to have an external DVD and save on weight and on the heating .
I only use my DVD Drive about twice a week and that's to watch movies .

So .... thank you again Troy .Thank you for taking the time.

I'm surprised I didn't generate all sorts of miffed characters asking why Troy was teacher's pet ?



Wasp

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Sorry, nothing personal but would you please desist from this fucking gay colour keyboard shite. It neither enhances style nor communication.

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Poor show all round from Teakdoor techies if you ask me.

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Nonsense, many of the more firmly planted, down to earth, practical minded and sensible members, (myself included), advised you that choosing form over function and falling for the slick marketing blitz and the geegaws admittedly attractive appearance would result in eventual disillusionment, disappointment and despair.

But no you wouldnt listen to the counsel of the wiser and more worldly, and stubbornly attempted to justify your proposed purchase of this overpriced ornament with the sort of poor reasoning typical of those who have made their mind up before due consideration of the options.

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but I am not stupid.

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Then why did you fall hook line and sinker for the superficial qualities of this piece of designer jewellery made by Chinese farmworkers.
You couldnt take your eyes away from its tits and arse could you, you put blinkers on and your mind was turned.

Happens to many elderly gents who retire to Pattaya.
Common sense just flies out of the window.
Luckily you escaped its clutches before you committed yourself.

Ahem, would you please refer me to your post in which you specifically stated that despite my belief the Apple computer products were reliable they in fact are not and that the MacBook Pro in particular, produced since 2011, was a pile of shite.

Your scathing comments were of the blunderbuss sort and more a judgement upon the brand rather than any assessment of their worth.

Did you buy that clapped out Land Rover in the end, or did common sense prevail?

thegent :
Sorry, nothing personal but would you please desist from this fucking gay colour keyboard shite. It neither enhances style nor communication.



The site offers fonts , sizes , colours , smilies , italics , underlining , BOLD ...... all perfectly freely available and used .
But when I see your name around I'll desist from using them ---- that is as soon as you stop your free use of foul language which offends me far more than a change of Font should offend anyone .



Wasp

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Apple computer products were reliable they in fact are not and that the MacBook Pro in particular, produced since 2011, was a pile of shite.

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Everybody knows that something so perfectly formed on the outside should be viewed with suspicion as it is likely to be deficient on the inside.


Common sense prevailed regarding the Land Rover, but may desert me tomorrow when I go and view a 1986 BMW 320i ragtop.

Do not do that thing. Under any circumstance. Unless of course you have pikey in your blood.

Take yourself and the distaff off to the Savoy for a weekend, take in a show, book lunch at the Ivy and spend a nice afternoon up the river to Hampton Court. It'll be much more enjoyable.

Anyway a Saab 9 - 3 convertible with 60,000 on the clock, 6 years old will be a much better buy with shed loads of independent garages capable of servicing it. Full turbo is great fun too.

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Originally Posted by thegent

Ahem, would you please refer me to your post in which you specifically stated that despite my belief the Apple computer products were reliable they in fact are not and that the MacBook Pro in particular, produced since 2011, was a pile of shite.

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The problem appears to be with the early 2011 models of the MacBook Pro rather than all models since. It also seems to have developed after a couple of years of heavy use and the complaints are from those that want free repairs after the Warranty period.

I doubt very much that car manufacturers would replace engines after heavy use and outside the Warranty period.

Since you are not buying a secondhand 2011 version then I don't see the relevance in adding the problem to the list of reasons for not purchasing an Apple. I don't even see it as a good reason for squirming out of buying one.

Come clean and admit you have come to your senses after reading comments from TD members.

Incidentally, I am more than a little dyslexic and find the colour change by Wasp most helpful when reading his posts.

Not as clear cut as you might wish, Troy.

Reading numerous case histories many complainants experienced problems during their Apple Care warranty period only to be slam dunked by a hard drive failure shortly after the expiry of the warranty. Over heating may be an underlying cause. Within the EU where Apple begrudgingly have to honour higher customer care service standards than here in Asia serious problems seem to have been met with temporary fixes of short term value only to be exposed when outside the warranty period.
Allegations of cynical treatment by Apple towards their customers are rife.

Many, whether they are in the US or Europe, make the reasonable point that having spent 2000 $ US on a laptop sold on the basis of its alleged superior build quality they have a justified expectation it should last for more than 3 years.

This is a worry and if indicative of Apple generally then the reason for choosing them, in addition to their OS, that their product is rufty tufty rugged is bollocks then what's the point of spending the extra?

Changing fonts, colour, etc within a post is quite juvenile and the bastard brother to wretched emoticons. Frankly, it's the equivalent of silly women drawing little flowers as a dot over their manuscript " i ". A bit poofy too but there it is.