Author Topic: Need a new laptop... Which brand? (Read 1775 times)

Ginger Rella · « **on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 06:18:14 »

I actually have 3 laptops.

My choice not to move them to where I am but have one for convenience where I am.

2 Dell and one Lenovo

The Lenovo was sold to me around 2012... from my no longer geek. It was sold as new but after much going on about it
(the reason he is no longer my geek) I found a sticker on the bottom that says it was made in 2008.
But it still works... kind of. Typed words will run together and I have to separate them and the space bar does not always work. BUT I am using it to type this out.

Next is a Dell that is about 5 years old had has been giving fits. I finally discovered that if I turn it on and walk away and wait 15 min that I will be able to use it for general things but it will not communicate with the printer for most things. Those I need to save as a doc then print the doc. Annoying but doable. I write most of the GC stuff on that one

Last is the one in the kitchen that is used for everything. It is the newest. Got 12/2015
I email, print, scan, do GC whatever when I am sitting there,especially in the AM.

This AM... went to turn it on and nothing...... no spark of life at all.

Now I have not put alot of money into the laptops.... $600 to $700 and no extras.....

BUT... I think Dell is a piece of

And... since I had trouble with the Lenovo....

People.... HELP............Please..........

What should I look at... and Mac's are not in my vocabulary

Thanks

Christian Forums and Message Board · « **on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 06:18:14 »

soterion · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 07:48:04 »

I have a Toshiba which I bought in 2008.

It can take a beating. I've changed out the RAM and the HDD, not because of any problems, but just to upgrade. Also, I've taken it completely apart twice and put it back together, to see what it looks like and to see what other possible upgrades I might want to make. It still completely works, except for the battery; I have to leave it plugged in to an outlet. I don't use it much anymore, so I haven't bothered to replace the battery.

Among others, Toshiba might be worth considering.

Alan · « **Reply #2 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 08:36:34 »

All of them seem to make good, better, and best models. The $299 Gateway I bought my mom 6 years ago is still kicking but that's because I've had to do several repairs.

I sold off my collection of MacBook Pros and replaced them with Surface Pros, if the ideal set-up for you is a fully functioning laptop that can convert to a tablet, then a Surface (or similar) may be of interest.

If you only do web browsing, then a Chromebook is also a good consideration.

It's difficult to lead someone to an ideal product without knowing their needs, an expensive Asus, MSI, Dell, Acer, etc, may certainly work well for you but at the same time may be overkill for your purposes.

Check Amazon, refine the search query and check the ratings and reviews, they're usually pretty good indicators of the quality of a product.

Texas Conservative · « **Reply #3 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 09:34:39 »

Cheap chromebook

mommydi · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:04:06 »

Quote from: Texas Conservative on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 09:34:39

Cheap chromebook

That's what I'd do if I had to do over again. This MacBook Air is not worth the price tag.

Christian Forums and Message Board · « **Reply #4 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:04:06 »

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #5 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:18:03 »

Thanks I will look into your suggestions.

Ironically, this one I am on is the one that would not come on when I wrote this AM.

I had to go out for a few hours so I just unplugged it. When I came back I hit the on button and nothing, and then remembered
that I had unplugged it..... so plugged it in and now it came on.

thought maybe the battery was drained and needed the plug and that miht be why it initially did not but battery says full

At least this will give me enough time to get whatever off it that I might really want.

Alan.

I use my laptops for emailing, and some pen pals, from time to time , and GC.

This one also has some recipes stored in it.... but those I can print out.

I have been using this one a lot for genealogy research, not storage of anyone.... I print thse also.

I do write letters or whatever needs to be written... on a very old Word Program... that I managed to put on here when Windows started charging a monthly fee
for Word, or make you buy it.... when Windows 10 came about.

I do have some docs stored, and a hand full of pictures....

And that is about all I use it for.

As to this one.... I will just move to email or dropbox, delete or print whatever docs I have been saving...and by then hope to get a replacement....

Since I need two... yuck.

Anyway... just a point of interest.

Twice in the past year when using this one it just cut out dead while I was writing something, I discovered if I unplug it and let the battery drain, plug it back in it would work fine....

So maybe that is the connection of the problem. Anyway, thanks for your advice everyone

AVZ · « **Reply #6 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:34:29 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:18:03

Thanks I will look into your suggestions.

Ironically, this one I am on is the one that would not come on when I wrote this AM.

I had to go out for a few hours so I just unplugged it. When I came back I hit the on button and nothing, and then remembered
that I had unplugged it..... so plugged it in and now it came on.

thought maybe the battery was drained and needed the plug and that miht be why it initially did not but battery says full

At least this will give me enough time to get whatever off it that I might really want.

Alan.

I use my laptops for emailing, and some pen pals, from time to time , and GC.

This one also has some recipes stored in it.... but those I can print out.

I have been using this one a lot for genealogy research, not storage of anyone.... I print thse also.

I do write letters or whatever needs to be written... on a very old Word Program... that I managed to put on here when Windows started charging a monthly fee
for Word, or make you buy it.... when Windows 10 came about.

I do have some docs stored, and a hand full of pictures....

And that is about all I use it for.

As to this one.... I will just move to email or dropbox, delete or print whatever docs I have been saving...and by then hope to get a replacement....

Since I need two... yuck.

Anyway... just a point of interest.

Twice in the past year when using this one it just cut out dead while I was writing something, I discovered if I unplug it and let the battery drain, plug it back in it would work fine....

So maybe that is the connection of the problem. Anyway, thanks for your advice everyone

Maybe all you need is a new battery

Alan · « **Reply #7 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:35:23 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:18:03

I had to go out for a few hours so I just unplugged it. When I came back I hit the on button and nothing, and then remembered
that I had unplugged it..... so plugged it in and now it came on.

".........is the device plugged into the electrical outlet ma'am?"

If Chrome/Google are your default browser and search engine, I would also say a Chromebook will be a good choice for you. You can save pictures and recipes, and use an alternative (free) office program for your PDFs, and Word Docs. Use Google Drive to save your data to the Cloud server.

Just an example; https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-Aluminum-Quad-Core-CB3-431-C5FM/dp/B01CVOLVPA

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #8 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:14:31 »

Quote from: Alan on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:35:23

".........is the device plugged into the electrical outlet ma'am?"

If Chrome/Google are your default browser and search engine, I would also say a Chromebook will be a good choice for you. You can save pictures and recipes, and use an alternative (free) office program for your PDFs, and Word Docs. Use Google Drive to save your data to the Cloud server.

Just an example; https://www.amazon.com/Acer-Chromebook-Aluminum-Quad-Core-CB3-431-C5FM/dp/B01CVOLVPA

Yes, Sir....It is firmly plugged in....

Now as to Chrom book.

Yes, I run Google Chrome... Ever since Fiirefox got corrupted for me.... I miss Firefox.

Would it be a good choice to take to FL for a month in JAN on my very first, and likely last snowbird escape?

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #9 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:16:44 »

Quote from: AVZ on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 11:34:29

Maybe all you need is a new battery

Maybe, but I always keep it plugged in to electric... why would I need a battery?

Texas Conservative · « **Reply #10 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:17:52 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:14:31

Yes, Sir....It is firmly plugged in....

Now as to Chrom book.

Yes, I run Google Chrome... Ever since Fiirefox got corrupted for me.... I miss Firefox.

Would it be a good choice to take to FL for a month in JAN on my very first, and likely last snowbird escape?

You can pick different sizes. My kids all have a school issued Chromebook that they use all school year.

Alan · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:20:35 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:14:31

Yes, Sir....It is firmly plugged in....

Now as to Chrom book.

Yes, I run Google Chrome... Ever since Fiirefox got corrupted for me.... I miss Firefox.

Would it be a good choice to take to FL for a month in JAN on my very first, and likely last snowbird escape?

Not sure that it will work in FL.

Texas Conservative · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 16:32:28 »

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-chromebooks-buy-now-131506136.html

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 19:23:25 »

Quote from: Texas Conservative on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 16:32:28

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-chromebooks-buy-now-131506136.html

Thanks TC

AVZ · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 05:37:58 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Wed Jun 13, 2018 - 12:16:44

Maybe, but I always keep it plugged in to electric... why would I need a battery?

The battery is part of the electrical circuit. A defect in the circuit can affect the functionality of the system.
Moreover, you said "I discovered if I unplug it and let the battery drain, plug it back in it would work fine...."

So it appears to me it has something to do with the battery, hence my thought that maybe if you change the battery your issues can be resolved.

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 06:06:58 »

Good, I shall try that.

I had thought a battery was not even needed if you kept it plugged in....

In any event... after this one came back to working yesterday, it updated.

The other that I had had many issues of slowness... even in just typing a simple email or GC response or trying to open a new page or check a link
also seems to be working ok if I turn it on and don't even look at it for 15 minutes. It also picked up speed, and typing slowness was gone, as was the slow link connection ... which I had been suffering through for a good month after it also updated......

I hate computers.... but they are a necessary evil to those who need them for various contacts.

But I shall try a battery in both. Thanks

RB · « **Reply #16 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 06:14:45 »

Hey Sis, hire you an "grandson" to look after your computers. I let my grandsons do my thinking for me with it comes to working on them. One of my grandsons is going to Georgia Tech majoring in Computer Science. I changed his dirty diapers when he was young it's time for him to help me out and he does when he comes to see us. which is every six weeks or so. I save all my computer problems for him.

Young college kids NEED MONEY and I'm sure they would gladly help you out.

Alan · « **Reply #17 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 08:06:42 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 06:06:58

Good, I shall try that.

I had thought a battery was not even needed if you kept it plugged in....

In any event... after this one came back to working yesterday, it updated.

The other that I had had many issues of slowness... even in just typing a simple email or GC response or trying to open a new page or check a link
also seems to be working ok if I turn it on and don't even look at it for 15 minutes. It also picked up speed, and typing slowness was gone, as was the slow link connection ... which I had been suffering through for a good month after it also updated......

I hate computers.... but they are a necessary evil to those who need them for various contacts.

But I shall try a battery in both. Thanks

You're correct, a battery is not necessary to operate the computer. I have used them many times with no battery installed. Many of the less expensive laptops manufactured in the last 10 years suffer from intermittent power button issues, usually Foxcon logic boards, the only repair is to replace the board or do the waiting game to which they somehow manage to turn back on by themselves.

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #18 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 10:19:50 »

Quote from: Alan on Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 08:06:42

You're correct, a battery is not necessary to operate the computer. I have used them many times with no battery installed. Many of the less expensive laptops manufactured in the last 10 years suffer from intermittent power button issues, usually Foxcon logic boards, the only repair is to replace the board or do the waiting game to which they somehow manage to turn back on by themselves.

Thanks.... that saves some money cause I do not use them by battery only. And rather would get a portable GPS instaed

I can handle the waiting game.....

That may be the issue with this one.... it was only like maybe $600 with the QVC bells and whistles ( like lifetime online support) ( which is only good if you actually can get the thing on) and they always are more through them then anywhere else for the same item.... ( but non interest 6 month payments is nice)

AVZ · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 23:43:32 »

Quote from: Ginger Rella on Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 06:06:58

Good, I shall try that.

I had thought a battery was not even needed if you kept it plugged in....

In any event... after this one came back to working yesterday, it updated.

The other that I had had many issues of slowness... even in just typing a simple email or GC response or trying to open a new page or check a link
also seems to be working ok if I turn it on and don't even look at it for 15 minutes. It also picked up speed, and typing slowness was gone, as was the slow link connection ... which I had been suffering through for a good month after it also updated......

I hate computers.... but they are a necessary evil to those who need them for various contacts.

But I shall try a battery in both. Thanks

What I would try first is run the computer without the battery and see if that helps.

Defective batteries may request a high flow of current from the charger. If the main board does not receive sufficient current it may clock down the processor.
Also your HDD will not work well. There are many reports of people changing batteries which affect the speed of their computer.

Its worth trying.

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri Jun 15, 2018 - 06:29:51 »

Quote from: AVZ on Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 23:43:32

What I would try first is run the computer without the battery and see if that helps.

Defective batteries may request a high flow of current from the charger. If the main board does not receive sufficient current it may clock down the processor.
Also your HDD will not work well. There are many reports of people changing batteries which affect the speed of their computer.

Its worth trying.

Thanks, I shall try that.

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon Jun 18, 2018 - 08:09:41 »

Quote from: AVZ on Thu Jun 14, 2018 - 23:43:32

What I would try first is run the computer without the battery and see if that helps.

Defective batteries may request a high flow of current from the charger. If the main board does not receive sufficient current it may clock down the processor.
Also your HDD will not work well. There are many reports of people changing batteries which affect the speed of their computer.

Its worth trying.

I tried and so far it does seem to be the answer.

So, I have ordered batteries for both of my problem children.

Not from Dell as they wanted over $100 each but found seemingly good ones... high rated ones.. on Amazon, which I shall try. If they dont work then
I can send back and go directly to Dell...

Thanks for the suggestion.

Dulcie · « **Reply #22 on:** Sat Sep 08, 2018 - 17:31:22 »

All depends on how much you want to spend, because at the end of the day you may want to buy some computer speakers, a pair of headphones etc...

On the budget end, for great value for money, a Samsung Chromebook 3 is excellent. It's got a bright screen, a decent performance and battery life and costs £210 or about $200

Top endish, the Google Pixelbook 12.3 in touchscreen (2400 x 1600) and storage 128 GB to 512GB - price £749. Its keyboard was a dream when I tried it, though its audio was pretty poor. That's where a pair of self-powered Creative Gigaworks T40's would really shine.

Dow to the middle price bracket, an Asus Chromebook Flip looked tasty when I was in a local shop down in Palma. Checking its UK price it cost 399 eur of a tad over £400 which is not bad.

Oh, and there's also a Samsung Chromebook Pro priced at around £530.

If I was going to choose, it would be Samsung's Chromebook 3. That'd be perfect for foruming. Fast, too.

Ginger Rella · « **Reply #23 on:** Sat Sep 08, 2018 - 19:27:26 »

Quote from: Dulcie on Sat Sep 08, 2018 - 17:31:22

All depends on how much you want to spend, because at the end of the day you may want to buy some computer speakers, a pair of headphones etc...

On the budget end, for great value for money, a Samsung Chromebook 3 is excellent. It's got a bright screen, a decent performance and battery life and costs £210 or about $200

Top endish, the Google Pixelbook 12.3 in touchscreen (2400 x 1600) and storage 128 GB to 512GB - price £749. Its keyboard was a dream when I tried it, though its audio was pretty poor. That's where a pair of self-powered Creative Gigaworks T40's would really shine.

Dow to the middle price bracket, an Asus Chromebook Flip looked tasty when I was in a local shop down in Palma. Checking its UK price it cost 399 eur of a tad over £400 which is not bad.

Oh, and there's also a Samsung Chromebook Pro priced at around £530.

If I was going to choose, it would be Samsung's Chromebook 3. That'd be perfect for foruming. Fast, too.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I , actually, replaced batteries in 2 of my laptops and they are working pretty good.

But I know it is only a matter of time.

faroukfarouk · « **Reply #24 on:** Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 20:53:32 »

Quote from: Dulcie on Sat Sep 08, 2018 - 17:31:22

All depends on how much you want to spend, because at the end of the day you may want to buy some computer speakers, a pair of headphones etc...

On the budget end, for great value for money, a Samsung Chromebook 3 is excellent. It's got a bright screen, a decent performance and battery life and costs £210 or about $200

Top endish, the Google Pixelbook 12.3 in touchscreen (2400 x 1600) and storage 128 GB to 512GB - price £749. Its keyboard was a dream when I tried it, though its audio was pretty poor. That's where a pair of self-powered Creative Gigaworks T40's would really shine.

Dow to the middle price bracket, an Asus Chromebook Flip looked tasty when I was in a local shop down in Palma. Checking its UK price it cost 399 eur of a tad over £400 which is not bad.

Oh, and there's also a Samsung Chromebook Pro priced at around £530.

If I was going to choose, it would be Samsung's Chromebook 3. That'd be perfect for foruming. Fast, too.

Seems like you guys pay more for laptops over there than we do over here...

Alan · « **Reply #25 on:** Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 21:06:52 »

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 20:53:32

Seems like you guys pay more for laptops over there than we do over here...

They do, computers and parts are more expensive in the UK and the rest of Europe while they are still more in Canada than the USA.

faroukfarouk · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 21:14:50 »

Quote from: Alan on Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 21:06:52

They do, computers and parts are more expensive in the UK and the rest of Europe while they are still more in Canada than the USA.

Over there, European politicians just loooooove taxes...

Alan · « **Reply #27 on:** Mon Sep 10, 2018 - 05:44:41 »

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 21:14:50

Over there, European politicians just loooooove taxes...

I think Canada is following closely, we already pay exorbitant taxes and then get dinged an additional 15% on purchases.

[size=78%] [/size]

faroukfarouk · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon Sep 10, 2018 - 05:56:23 »

Quote from: Alan on Mon Sep 10, 2018 - 05:44:41

I think Canada is following closely, we already pay exorbitant taxes and then get dinged an additional 15% on purchases. [size=78%] [/size]

Well, I somewhat agree, but over the Pond it's even worse...

Dulcie · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:15:38 »

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Sun Sep 09, 2018 - 20:53:32

Seems like you guys pay more for laptops over there than we do over here...

I think between Canada and Europe it's swings and roundabout with prices in what we pay out for. I was in Lidl's in Palma and met a couple just home from 3 months in Canada and they were crowing Lidl's cheap produce prices. They said it would have cost them CDN$200 to fill their trolley up! Whereas laptops are not bad in price though employment is pretty tanked across Spain, many people who can't afford a laptop fit a wifi keyboard to their phone and add in a memory stick to increase their cell phone's memory. It's a good way because it's El Cheapo.

In the UK though, laptops are quite reasonably priced because high street stores are forever slashing their prices. Sales are every day because retailers have to compete with those online cutthroat pirates, amazon.

faroukfarouk · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:53:19 »

Quote from: Dulcie on Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:15:38

I think between Canada and Europe it's swings and roundabout with prices in what we pay out for. I was in Lidl's in Palma and met a couple just home from 3 months in Canada and they were crowing Lidl's cheap produce prices. They said it would have cost them CDN$200 to fill their trolley up! Whereas laptops are not bad in price though employment is pretty tanked across Spain, many people who can't afford a laptop fit a wifi keyboard to their phone and add in a memory stick to increase their cell phone's memory. It's a good way because it's El Cheapo.

In the UK though, laptops are quite reasonably priced because high street stores are forever slashing their prices. Sales are every day because retailers have to compete with those online cutthroat pirates, amazon.

Here in Canada there are lots of good deals, anyway.

Texas Conservative · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:55:11 »

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:53:19

Here in Canada there are lots of good deals, anyway.

When I lived in a border town the Canadians would come for gas, milk, turkeys, and electronics.

They would wear layers of clothes they just bought to try to avoid Ontario's PST and the GST.

Dulcie · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 09:18:21 »

Quote from: faroukfarouk on Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:53:19

Here in Canada there are lots of good deals, anyway.

I heard property in Canada is quite good value, too. Same here in Mallorca. I've a friend living in New Brunswick who has a lovely apartment, but she wants a house now.

Living in Mallorca is lovely for the weather though October next month is going to be full of thunderstorms! It's always the way.

Alan · « **Reply #33 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 10:38:22 »

Quote from: Dulcie on Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 09:18:21

I heard property in Canada is quite good value, too. Same here in Mallorca. I've a friend living in New Brunswick who has a lovely apartment, but she wants a house now.

Depends where, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has become the first Canadian city to top the one million mark for average home costs. Not a very good value unless you're making a family income of at least 200k. British Columbia is not far behind.

Alan · « **Reply #34 on:** Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 10:44:19 »

Quote from: Texas Conservative on Wed Sep 12, 2018 - 08:55:11

When I lived in a border town the Canadians would come for gas, milk, turkeys, and electronics.

They would wear layers of clothes they just bought to try to avoid Ontario's PST and the GST.

True, I would regularly visit the computer store in Niagara and save a bundle over shopping Canadian, even with claiming the items at customs, and paying the duty and sales tax. I also used to buy a lot of performance auto parts, much cheaper in the US.

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Author Topic: Need a new laptop... Which brand? (Read 1775 times)

Ginger Rella

Christian Forums and Message Board

Christian Forums and Message Board

Ginger Rella

AVZ

Ginger Rella

Ginger Rella

Ginger Rella

AVZ

Ginger Rella

Ginger Rella

AVZ

Ginger Rella

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Dulcie

Ginger Rella

Dulcie

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