Laptops/NoteBooks/UltraBooks

[Crystallas]

Also, I want to point out, the original reason to bring linux into the classroom was an idea from the head chair of the community center. His goal was to expose these new people to something that made it harder for data-miners to prey on them for their personal information. Also, because it reduces the cost for the user, while increasing security and reliability of the limited hardware they might have access to on fixed incomes. The end result is a high-performance solution that brings grandma and grandpa to the internet with the smallest learning curve, while making it so dummy-proof, that all we have to do is tell them how to keep their information secure(and not just click on a website that says, "trust us, we're secure, and we don't share your information, just download our program from *insert non-GPL download depot of your choice*, and we'll do it for you").

 

[X]

this thread makes me :lol: at my own ignorance.

She carries her computer from room to room. She's use to windows...so would prefer to stick w/ that. If I can get some good options under $400, all the better.

Ok, back to the jargon I don't understand. :lol:

 

[Crystallas]

this thread makes me :lol: at my own ignorance.

She carries her computer from room to room. She's use to windows...so would prefer to stick w/ that. If I can get some good options under $400, all the better.

Ok, back to the jargon I don't understand. :lol:

Sorry X. Back on topic.

What applications does she use the most. Then sorting out the right specs is easier. At $~400, you need to sort specs, because at this point, you want to sacrifice performance in one area and make up for it in another. If you plan it backwards, she'll hate the system.

 

[X]

Sorry X. Back on topic.

What applications does she use the most. Then sorting out the right specs is easier. At $~400, you need to sort specs, because at this point, you want to sacrifice performance in one area and make up for it in another. If you plan it backwards, she'll hate the system.

-- Internet -- I install firefox on her computers, Chrome isn't compatible w/ her online Masters program (pinterest, online classes...[java, elluminate, other downloadable stuff])
-- Email (work & personal)
-- MS Word (Necessary for class)
-- The rest of MS Office, if available
-- Basic gaming (no WoW stuff, moreso just stuff from $2 Walmart CDs.)

 

[Crystallas]

-- Internet -- I install firefox on her computers, Chrome isn't compatible w/ her online Masters program (pinterest, online classes...[java, elluminate, other downloadable stuff])
-- Email (work & personal)
-- MS Word (Necessary for class)
-- The rest of MS Office, if available
-- Basic gaming (no WoW stuff, moreso just stuff from $2 Walmart CDs.)

So a 2GHz dual core, 4gb memory, and if possible, better than Intel HD4000 graphics.

What size display?

 

[Crystallas]

Also, loaded with MS Office will pretty much increase the price considerably from the $~400 target. If she has a genuine copy already that isn't a limited license(married to her prior computer), you'll have to purchase another license or *whistle* dl it from someplace that supports your economical needs.

 

[FrenchieBully]

Partially true, but not completely. It all depends on what you are comparing. For example, let's look at the high end of things...

MacBook Pro w/ Retina - http://store.apple.com/us/configure/ME664LL/A $2200

vs.

ASUS Zenbook, Alum Case - http://www.amazon.com/UX51Vz-XH71-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Silver-Aluminum/dp/B009PHUUY0/ $2200 (on sale)

Notable differences -

MacBook 2.4GHz i7 vs. Asus 2.1GHz i7
MacBook 256 SSD vs. Asus 512 SSD
Macbook 2880x1800 vs. ASUS 1920x1080 (holy shit the Retina display is awesome)

And they are roughly the same price. Of course you can find Windows laptops considerably cheaper than this, but show me some of those with comparable specs & build quality.

The Mac has a .6 inch smaller screen.

 

[nvanprooyen]

But way more pixels. Dat Retina.

 

[FrenchieBully]

-- Internet -- I install firefox on her computers, Chrome isn't compatible w/ her online Masters program (pinterest, online classes...[java, elluminate, other downloadable stuff])
-- Email (work & personal)
-- MS Word (Necessary for class)
-- The rest of MS Office, if available
-- Basic gaming (no WoW stuff, moreso just stuff from $2 Walmart CDs.)

You can try Open Office instead of the MS Office.

 

[FrenchieBully]

But way more pixels. Dat Retina.

They are both quality products. Guess only the OS is really what should get one to pick one or the other. It's a good comparison though. Many people compare apple to dell or HP, but the build isn't even on the same level.

 

[X]

So a 2GHz dual core, 4gb memory, and if possible, better than Intel HD4000 graphics.

What size display?

ummm....yes?

And honestly, it doesn't matter. She doesn't need a huge screen. 14'' would be sufficient.

If I have to buy MS Office, fine. I hate to, but it's really not worth the "backlash" (if you know what I mean) of not having her machine set up the way she wants it.

You can try Open Office instead of the MS Office.

We've had REAL terrible luck w/ open office.

 

[Crystallas]

Given your price range, I can't suggest anything cheaper than this one. Because it's going to have a NetBook(Atom/AMD E-Series/ARM Chrome) CPU, which is niche for usage and slow for performance compared to standard 5-6 year old CPUs that your wife may already have. Basically a disappointment.

Low-end. $430+delivery http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-K55N-DB81-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00COR29XI

It's actually an outstanding unit for the price. Good AMD APU model(you have to know which AMD chips are good, and which aren't), this one is IMO is among the best because you wont match the performance for the price with other AMD chips or Celeron/i3 systems with wimpy Intel GMA graphics. It's native 720p resolution is the downside.

High-end $550+delivery (of your spectrum)
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/retail-product.jsp?poid=2000071695 Which can be found here for sale. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba...lver/9041726.p?id=1218974707505&skuId=9041726

Good specs all around. For your wife's needs, it will outperform the laptop above, but it will be significantly slower for games that require directx(games that use 3D) due to the basic Intel HD graphics. Better resolution and screen in general.


HP sucks for budget anything now. Everyone who knows anything is pretty baffled at how they can remain in the laptop business. Dells are okay if you buy an enterprise model, nothing in your range is an enterprise-type model :nope: and even then, you need something very specific to make it worthwhile over their competition.

 

[Crystallas]

Oh yeah, listen to other suggestions too. I don't mean to dominate here. Sorry guys!

 

[X]

Given your price range, I can't suggest anything cheaper than this one. Because it's going to have a NetBook(Atom/AMD E-Series/ARM Chrome) CPU, which is niche for usage and slow for performance compared to standard 5-6 year old CPUs that your wife may already have. Basically a disappointment.

Low-end. $430+delivery http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-K55N-DB81-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00COR29XI

It's actually an outstanding unit for the price. Good AMD APU model(you have to know which AMD chips are good, and which aren't), this one is IMO is among the best because you wont match the performance for the price with other AMD chips or Celeron/i3 systems with wimpy Intel GMA graphics. It's native 720p resolution is the downside.

High-end $550+delivery (of your spectrum)
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/retail-product.jsp?poid=2000071695 Which can be found here for sale. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+15.6%26%2334%3B+Laptop+-+6GB+Memory+-+750GB+Hard+Drive+-+Prestige+Silver/9041726.p?id=1218974707505&skuId=9041726

Good specs all around. For your wife's needs, it will outperform the laptop above, but it will be significantly slower for games that require directx(games that use 3D) due to the basic Intel HD graphics. Better resolution and screen in general.


HP sucks for budget anything now. Everyone who knows anything is pretty baffled at how they can remain in the laptop business. Dells are okay if you buy an enterprise model, nothing in your range is an enterprise-type model :nope: and even then, you need something very specific to make it worthwhile over their competition.

MUCHO APPRECIANO

 

[botfly10]

It's the Mac OS. MS is garbage and full of security holes, counterintuitive and totally user unfriendly. Using a computer shouldnt require an IT degree

win 7 is not garbage. And no OS is actually intuitive, its just a matter of what you're used to. And win 7 at least is not like some open door in terms of security. If you just only use safe porn sites and avoid pirated software you're very unlikely to get viruses. A lot of people prefer windows because mac OS is so restrictive. Some people like the customization that windows gives.

This kind of attitude is what makes mac homers looks marketing zombies. XP and Win 7 were very good OS's. Choosing between them and mac is all about preference. neither is really superior. And don't kid yourself. Mac is every bit as evil as windows and seems to engage in consumer tracking as much as anyone.

 

[botfly10]

I would really suggest getting a laptop with a discrete GPU. In lower end machines, well, in just about any machine really, the GPU tends to be the bottleneck and spending some money there will go a long ways in keeping your machine relevant.

 

[botfly10]

Oh also, if your wife is in school, chances are she will have access to free or reduced price MS Office. My school gives free downloads and licenses for Office.

 

[nvanprooyen]

win 7 is not garbage. And no OS is actually intuitive, its just a matter of what you're used to. And win 7 at least is not like some open door in terms of security. If you just only use safe porn sites and avoid pirated software you're very unlikely to get viruses. A lot of people prefer windows because mac OS is so restrictive. Some people like the customization that windows gives.

This kind of attitude is what makes mac homers looks marketing zombies. XP and Win 7 were very good OS's. Choosing between them and mac is all about preference. neither is really superior. And don't kid yourself. Mac is every bit as evil as windows and seems to engage in consumer tracking as much as anyone.

It should also be noted that Windows OS' are generally targeted more simply because of adoption rates. If I'm writing something nasty for nefarious purposes, does it make sense to go after something with like 85% usage share....or less than 10%?

 

[FrenchieBully]

It should also be noted that Windows OS' are generally targeted more simply because of adoption rates. If I'm writing something nasty for nefarious purposes, does it make sense to go after something with like 85% usage share....or less than 10%?

Agree. Vista was ass because it used up a lot of resources. Windows 7 is great and windows 8 is so far better. **** the start menu. You can use the awesome search function that is extremely fast and user friendly. Plus all my heavily used programs are pinned or have a shortcut.

 

[Crystallas]

Agree. Vista was ass because it used up a lot of resources. Windows 7 is great and windows 8 is so far better. **** the start menu. You can use the awesome search function that is extremely fast and user friendly. Plus all my heavily used programs are pinned or have a shortcut.

I prefer my personal hack of classic shell. I just use too many damn programs to like the newer designs by Microsoft.