The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Community => Coffee Lounge => Topic started by: darkbrowneggs on August 10, 2013, 06:30:22 pm
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My ancient PC (which I should have replaced years ago) will need to be replaced with a laptop .
Now what should I get? As I am going to travel I presume I will need to use WiFi? The laptop will be for use in the campervan so weight, thickness will not be too much of a problem, I touch type and like quite a big screen. I don't play "games" but will I need it to watch films TV etc? Or shall I get a TV as well.
What does everyone think and do you have any recommendations?
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you don't need a tv
if you're used to an older pc almost anything will surprise you with how good it is,
wifi is fine so long as you are on sites that offer it, if you plan on using the net a fair bit when you're travelling to plan stuff etc, look at getting a mobile dongle,
bit like a pay as you go mobile phone but for the internet on the laptop, for less than 10 quid a month you can get interwebnets almost anywhere any time (may not work in very remote locations)
rough guess of speck is 15 inch widescreen with an i3, i5 or i7 processor and a minimum of 4gb of RAM
good luck
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I am currently using my hubby's iPad and I love it! It's better than a laptop in a lot of ways. We got it for him travelling (works away, travels by plane every couple of months) because it's much lighter than a laptop and since hand luggage keeps getting reduced it's proving invaluable. I thought it would be fine for just browsing the Internet, but its good at so much more than that. It's so convenient sitting here in my chair and surfing away.
I can type this post quite easily on the large keyboard on the screen. I haven't tried it for anything more complicated like documents or spreadsheets, but the schools are dishing them out all over the place so they must be good enough for proper computer stuff.
I've found I can type much faster on here than I can on the main computer with normal keyboard (I don't touch type!)
I wouldn't bother with the latest version, this is one of the first generation iPads and it's fine for what I would want so much cheaper than a new laptop!
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I would agree with ferret keeper I love my iPad , since I got it I never use my laptop.
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Hubby bought me an Acer Aspire for xmas last year when my Vaio died. The Vaio was complete and utter pooh, it never really worked properly and was terribly slow no matter how I tried to clean it up. This Acer is great though. Separate numbers bit at the side like a standalone keyboard and the screen is sooo clear. I don't know how I would get on with an Ipad, I had a phone (second hand) with a touch screen and nearly threw it out of the window in frustration. OH had to buy me one with proper numbers for my birthday!!
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I've got an old Texas instruments speak and spell, that's what I'm using now, only a fiver from reg's range, the second hand shop down the road, I've plugged it into the Internet with a bit of old string (make sure you keep it really tight otherwise it'll all go fuzzy on you), the screen is quite small but adequate fr the cr*p I normally type out and I love the Siri feature, not that it ever answers my questions, more sort of repeats everything I type, but as I'm quite forgetful that's a bit of a bonus
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I've got an old Texas instruments speak and spell, that's what I'm using now, only a fiver from reg's range, the second hand shop down the road, I've plugged it into the Internet with a bit of old string (make sure you keep it really tight otherwise it'll all go fuzzy on you), the screen is quite small but adequate fr the cr*p I normally type out and I love the Siri feature, not that it ever answers my questions, more sort of repeats everything I type, but as I'm quite forgetful that's a bit of a bonus
:hug: :roflanim: :roflanim: :roflanim: :roflanim: :roflanim:
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I touch type and like quite a big screen.
An I-pad won't be any use to you then! Teensy keyboard, teensy screen.
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I would agree with ferret keeper I love my iPad , since I got it I never use my laptop.
I hardly use the laptop, I we love our I pad, so much we argue who has it, I had a good app that's a brilliant word processor called pages, I find the screen and the key board fantastic and not too small at all, I can carry it around and go on Facetime and chat for free with family and friends and the photos are good quality and of course its light, I take it in the car, you can get all sorts of wonderful apps, I even had bus routes for when I worked in Edinburgh, so many cafes etc have free Wi fi......I would go for an I pad or something similar..and you can have fun with games and chatting to Siri
Alister........you may well be able to trade your speak and spell for something a bit less more complex, like an http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/180954844715?var=lv&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y&lpid=66&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=66 (http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/180954844715?var=lv&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y&lpid=66&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=66)computer or something....then you could really have fun
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I have a desk top, a tablet, an I phone, 2 laptops and an Apple. None compare to the desk top screen or the keyboard for me except my Acer, but it's all down to personal preference. Best thing, Sue is to go into a shop and check a few out.
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What do we think about something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Inspiron-1720-17-Notebook-Dual-Core-4GB-500GB-DVD-Combo-Windows-7-/200951392963?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item2ec9a2eac3 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Inspiron-1720-17-Notebook-Dual-Core-4GB-500GB-DVD-Combo-Windows-7-/200951392963?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item2ec9a2eac3)
And would I be mad to buy secondhand?
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Have to disagree with NormandyMary about the Vaio. I love mine. 17 inch screen so good for watching TV and it has a decent sized keyboard. I touch type as well and found my old laptop keyboard was too small and I kept hitting two keys at once.
I chose it by going into a computer shop and trying a few out.
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If you get a laptop don't get windows 8.an absolute nightmare. We don't know how to find anything on ours. Friends have had similar problems. Most people I have spoken to about it have changed to windows 7 so we are going to do that but what a faf!
I have a windows phone with windows 8 and love it but the program doesn't seem designed for standard laptopor desktops, more for small touchscreen devices :rant:
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I have a desk top, a tablet, an I phone, 2 laptops and an Apple. None compare to the desk top screen or the keyboard for me except my Acer, but it's all down to personal preference. Best thing, Sue is to go into a shop and check a few out.
Any reason you have such a selection :)
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after buying an apple mac, and helen using the iPad..i would say the quality is fantastic.... why not have a look at the apple range..i think there is a mac book? looks superb... it is expensive..but i would say you get what you pay for
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I can highly recommend a Mac! You don't have to worry about spending money on anti virus stuff or the rubbish Windows 8 which most laptops will come with. We have Macbook Pro as my other half is a bit of an Apple nut... Its lovely to use I prefer the keyboard and how you use the touch pad- its different to other laptops, but you can scroll up and down and zoom in and out easily.
An Air will do all you want- they don't have many usb ports etc or other fancy bits, but are nice to use. If you have local Apple shop, the staff are usually very friendly and will show you the different models and let you play with one for a bit.
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I have an ancient laptop, it's IBM from pre-Lenovo takeover so that'll tell you it's old but it's older than that! I have problems with slow running now, despite putting extra memory in, because it was previously adapted by my former employers to run a partition for security reasons, and it took a huge chunk out which I can't put back and despite putting all my personal files, photos etc there and deleting a whole lot of unused programs, it struggles..
BUT, even if I had cash to consider a new one or an iPad, I don't think I'd get an iPad or anything with touch screen typing. I couldn't manage an iPhone and stick with a Blackberry time afte time because it has keys that click and I have touch typed for years and NEED keys. The current BB has touch options which I do use for clicking and selecting etc, but not for typing words.
Actually I did acquire another laptop second hand a few years ago, a Samsung I think, maybe - it had different keyboard layout and a different feel and I couldn't get used to it so went back to the IBM and had the other one for secure files I didn't want near an internet connection.. Oh and I forgot the wireless password I'd put on my Sky account so couldn't get it to connect except with long cables across the house, tho now the connection wireless is so slow I have the cable anyway to the IBM.. ::) And kept Windows XP :D
Besides, since Apple went from the "alternate" culture of artists and design students to mainstream with the iPad and iPhone, the prices rocketed and I can't afford one - so that's that!
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We have just bought an ipad (2 days old now) so still getting used to it. The on-screen keys seem to be ok but if you want to spend out on an expensive case you can also get one with 'proper' keys built in so that you have the choice.
I must say the screen is lovely and clear and very easy to read. So far :thumbsup:
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i have always used a pc with windows - how difficult might it be to change to Apple products. I can learn programmes etc but I don't like to.
And what about word process type things. I do the Year Book for The Marans Club and I used Word last year Will I have to buy a new programme or do they come with something installed.
I already have programmes like Micorosoft Office, Photoshop, which I use a lot, Lotus Approach which I have used to store a fair bit of info over the years - but they are all ancient versions, and might not even work on a new windows system
Too many options :thinking: :thinking: :thinking: [size=78%] [/size]
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they will work fine on modern windows systems
as for word processors on the ipad i think the fully compatible one was 7quid
although if you do a lot of word processing stick to a laptop, i pad is fine for posting on forum etc but no good for long documents.
mrs b has both ipad for surfing web etc, laptop for uni work...
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I have a desk top, a tablet, an I phone, 2 laptops and an Apple. None compare to the desk top screen or the keyboard for me except my Acer, but it's all down to personal preference. Best thing, Sue is to go into a shop and check a few out.
Any reason you have such a selection :)
Ha ha, knew someone would ask - the Mac I don't use much as it's a pass down for the kids when they are here from their mum and Dad; one laptop(HP) is mine but is old, the other lap top (ACER) belongs to a club I run and I love the large screen, but I don't like pad keyboards so I connect a standard keyboard to it, and also connect it to my big HD TV which isn't Internet ready; I use the tablet in bed to catch up if I forget something, or not feeling well, but the keyboard has to be brought up and again it's tiny. I use the desk top most of the time during the day, unless the dogs need my company. :innocent:
For preference it's the Acer and extra keyboard so I can relax in my easy chair with a special tray for it on my knee or a small table alongside my recliner - lazy or what! :innocent:
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I had a Dell PC last time, and I must say it has been very reliable.
What are they like nowadays for reliability. I have been researching online and they come with a next day onsite repair guarantee, not that any of the hardware every gave any probs. Its always the software that seems to cause the grief.
One of the things I don't like is that they come with windows 8 and no options, and that seems to get terrible reviews everywhere.
My PC is used for a fair amount of touch typing, manipulating and storing photos, making a few websites, my diary and storing bits of info, plus emailing. Though I would like to maybe watch some catch up TV and possible do more downloading of films / music Mine is so slow its not worth the effort.
This new life is going to be exciting :)
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We were typing at the same time Doganjo
What size screen on the acer, and how do you manage with a keyboard and a laptop on your lap ???
I was thinking of getting a kindle as I won't have room for books, but should have plenty of time to read.
But I have heard bad things about them bagging out not long after the warranty expires, whereas you can download all the amazon kindle stuff onto an ipad which are more reliable and then you have the ipad to use as well
Have I understood correctly and what are other folks experiences.
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The external keyboard sits on top of the keyboard pad as it's disabled when the x one is plugged in, or I use teh table which has room for both.
I forgot about kindles - I've had one for 20 months -wonderful thing! I used to read a couple of books a year if i was pushed - since the kids bought me the kindle for Christmas last year I've read 190 books!!!! ::)
You'd have room on a laptop for all your books as well as your other stuff - they come with oodles of space these days.
As Is said before go to a shop - but leave your purse behind and buy one online - but not from that American place on Ebay you quoted. - might come with an American keyboard like the MACS - I can't get used to the @ being above the 2 on the top left rather than above the ' on the bottom right :-[
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You can also get Kindle free to download to a PC, even an ancient one like mine, came with a few free classics too :)
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I have a kindle on the I pad too but do not read so I just read the daily news papers on it!!
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just last week we replaced our old laptop that ran windows 7. after hearing tales of the new windows 8 decided to take a look at the apple mac air its a great piece of kit :excited: chuffed to bits with it :thumbsup:
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I am not sure I would buy pre loved lap tops, they may well be perfect and to be honest, everything else in my house is pre loved (not steve) but you are never too sure, if you have the money buy new, they also date pretty quick. I must say, the I pad is great for ageing eyes, you can expand anything and read things well but I hate predictive text although it can cause a few giggles.......I often put Wellies and end up with Willies!
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Mammyshaz dawn load the start button for windows 8 i use lap top i pad i think i pad samsung galaxey are best .Think inpotant mail its there on these i pads etc less to go wrong .
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Hubby bought me an Acer Aspire for xmas last year when my Vaio died. The Vaio was complete and utter pooh, it never really worked properly and was terribly slow no matter how I tried to clean it up. This Acer is great though. Separate numbers bit at the side like a standalone keyboard and the screen is sooo clear.
How experiences differ! I love my Vaio - it was one of the few laptop models with a 17 inch screen and it has so far not let me down with anything. It also has a glare free screen. I found it on the sony outlet site at a good price. The Acer I had before was utter rubbish. A few keys stuck for months until they were "broken in ", very annoying. When sun shines in the window you can't see anything! I even had to rescue it from a complete collapse with a black screen although the memory is supposedly 4 gb. I now bought my daughter a Fujitsu - will see how that performs. She does have a tablet running on Android but she says it only does half of what she needs a computer to do. Never get a chromebook with Android - her words. Get Windows 7 if you still can... :&>
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A friend has come round and he did some googling and came up with this one
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/toshiba-satellite-u840w-10j-14-4-cinematic-ultrabook-silver-black-17056575-pdt.html#longDesc (http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/toshiba-satellite-u840w-10j-14-4-cinematic-ultrabook-silver-black-17056575-pdt.html#longDesc)
He is going to take me into PC world and ask if they will put windows 7 on it. But apparently the new windows 8 is much improved
Also he is going to transfer my data from the old PC
The screen isnt as big as I had intended, but it is fairly light and it has that zoom thing which makes everything on the screen bigger, like on an ipad
It looks a pretty good price especially with cash back deal, so unless anyone has had bad experiences all being well I might go for that one?
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looks good( I nearly chose a Toshiba for my daughter) - up to 9 hrs battery sound superb! enjoy :&>
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9hrs battery assumes you use the SSD properly
looks good, the terms and conditions of the cashback deal are very strict so pay attention...
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And if it goes wrong when you are in Scotland my son is a qualified Tosh engineer. :excited:
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Sounding good - unless anyone comes up with some horrible negatives it looks like this might be the one :thumbsup:
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Went to Hereford currys but there was very little there to see, and not the one I had gone for and of course no sensible help from the staff.
Went back home and on my very slow pc came up with this one
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/samsung-series-3-np370r5e-15-6-laptop-white-21487169-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR~Computing~21487169#longDesc (http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/samsung-series-3-np370r5e-15-6-laptop-white-21487169-pdt.html?intcmpid=display~RR~Computing~21487169#longDesc)
But now said friend is suggesting this one
SONY VAIO FIT 15” for £799 with Microsoft Office free. It is one of the new models with touch screen model number SV15A1M2es. Which he says is better because it has a higher definition screen and also is a touch screen. Really windows 8 seems the only option now and he says if you are running that you might as well have the benefits of a touch screen
Any thoughts anyone
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Not sure about specs of any computer, but I find all the big chain shops are there to sell you a certain one, they do not usually give advice other than buy the one they are promoting, although I suppose some staff are knowledgeable, its best to do what you are doing, do the research on the net and ask people, if you know any comp boffs that's a bonus, we have a few in my family so I rely on them, my eldest daughter, my brother in law and my father in law have loads of experience and can talk for hours on this that and the other, I have a lovely main comp but for the life of me, do not understand why its touch screen, so many times you are looking at something and someone usually comes along and touches the screen......My advice would be to get the latest model so there are plenty of programmes, get something ergonomically the correct size for what you want, if you travel on trains etc a lot, you need something lighter than if its going to be in the car, also the screen a nice size to what clips or films on with ease.......I just love my I pad and hardly plug in my once loved laptop......one thing I would add, I so want a wire less small portable printer, I used to have one and it was so handy and not bulky to carry around, although rarely do we need to print stuff out now but just in case......then its cases, get a good strong one, I have a griffin on my I pad that protects the screen, that's a major factor as many portable comp get dropped!!!! so hope you get your comp soon :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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when i got my computer, a friends husband was obviously a computer fan as he had computer magazines, one of which had the "which guide" in it. i chose mine from the "which guide" then went and got it from argos, who had it on discount. its been great and im no computer boff at all. i like the bigger screens so we can watch movies on it.
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This is all very helpful - I have a 4 or 5 year old Acer Aspire, which has been fab, but I dropped it the other day when I tripped over a toy tractor. It is still working, as you can see, but the frame is a bit smashed up and the mouse pad is very dodgy, so think it will need to be replaced. Lots of people have mentioned iPads, sorry to be dim, but do you need a computer/laptop too to get stuff on to your iPad, or could you just have an iPad?
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you can just have your I pad, I think the main problem is, there are loads of extras that you can get called apps, short for applications, some are free but tease you to upgrade and then cost money, as soon as you get an I pad you register your card :innocent: :innocent: , so you can tot up a big bill if you are inclined, I only bought 3 things so far and I pleased!!! Also some things do not work so well on I pad, you have to use apple stuff...its a bit like the sell you something and you end up constantly buying more for it...there are other tablets that I am sure others have, my mother in law has one and loves it, I love the camera in mine and the player so I can watch TV , many cafes etc have free wi fii but you have to have your own internet account of dongle........its brill to have a coffee and post photos of your cake on Facebook :excited:
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the kindle is handy to have for the internet but the touch screen drives me nuts as its quicker than my fat fingers :roflanim: however my kids love it and download loads of games free from amazon. i did download a book but found it ran out of charge quite quickly so wasnt as portable as a real book (i like to read at the beach/park while the kids play), plus the glare hurts my eyes even tho it has a dim. you cant beat a real book :eyelashes:
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Worth going onto the Consumer's Association (Which?) website and paying a small sub to get their latest report. Expert assessment and no flim flam. Agree on Windows 8 - nightmare and so user UN friendly.