Janet Kaiser on sun 21 nov 04
I might as well accept that I am going to be a lot more
restricted in my movements than of yore. Rather than have e-mail
gathering unread and unanswered (I still have a few hundred!!) I
could do with a lap top or notebook which could be used in bed,
on the sofa, just about anywhere except here in my little corner.
BTW those of you have visited... I am now in a new location
upstairs, between bedroom and bathroom! The staircase is still
uncarpeted and half full of books with massive heavyweight dust
bunnies playing all around them, but I am working on that! LOL!
Apart from not knowing the difference between a laptop and a
notebook (is there one?) can anyone tell me what should I be
looking out for and which are the recommended makes just now? I
also notice that Intel Celeron has been superseded... I do not
need a super fast massive capacity, but on the other hand I will
be doing some serious graphics work on it besides e-mailing.
Would Pentium be the better choice?
Another thought... Is it possible to link a PC to a laptop to
send data directly back and forth? Sort of using one as direct
backup for the other, so that bar nuclear attack at least one
will survive most cyber space calamities and disk failure? And
before anyone asks... No, I still have not learned to backup to
CD on a regular basis. Mostly because organising the CD
collection is quite beyond me!!! LOL!
And one last question... Is there such a thing as a nice large
and heavy laptop? The ones I have seen (never owned or worked on
one myself) have been so flimsy and with keyboard which would
hamper working "normally" as I could judge. I expect some
readjustment from a conventional keyboard, but not having to half
the extent of finger movement/s (I am a touch typist).
I would be much obliged to any Claymates who could advise me on
this. Especially points to watch out for. User tips and tricks...
Anything useful for a beginner. I have my birthday money intact
but this is an item I have to put some serious thought into as
well as hope to be able to find a recycled or reconditioned
"dream machine".
Thanks!
Janet Kaiser -- on a grey wet Sunday in Wales, when the lights
have to be on all day and it will beckon us to hot chocolate and
buttered crumpets in front of a blazing fire any minute now...
Must get a new jar of jam out of the store cupboard. I think
maybe the rhubarb and ginger... Add a bit of spice to life!! LOL!
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Carl Finch on tue 23 nov 04
At 10:27 PM (GMT) 11/21/2004, Janet Kaiser wrote:
>Apart from not knowing the difference between a laptop and a
>notebook (is there one?)
Not really, but there *are* two fairly distinct weight groups. Nowadays
many people are buying laptops in *place* of desktops. These are usually
heavier (less miniaturization and more built-in features). For
those-on-the-go (!) there are the more expensive, light weight versions.
In either case, it's a simple matter to plug in a full sized mouse and
keyboard for easier use (although many are quite happy and get used to
touch-pad operation and the more closely-spaced keys).
> can anyone tell me what should I be
>looking out for and which are the recommended makes just now? I
>also notice that Intel Celeron has been superseded... I do not
>need a super fast massive capacity, but on the other hand I will
>be doing some serious graphics work on it besides e-mailing.
>Would Pentium be the better choice?
If by "serious" you mean Photoshop, then sure, you'll want good
speed--particularly if you make use of complex Actions. But just as
important is memory. Photoshop needs lots (and it can be set up to use all
you can spare). I would suggest at the very least 500MB, and better, 1GB.
My only problem with laptops for graphic work is color image display
quality. I much prefer the color rendition of CRT monitors to the flat
panel displays. It also bugs me that angle of view is critical. But if
you are doing layouts, and less concerned with color rendition or
adjustment, that wouldn't be a problem. And, just as you can add a mouse
or keyboard to a laptop, you can also plug in a CRT display.
>Another thought... Is it possible to link a PC to a laptop to
>send data directly back and forth? Sort of using one as direct
>backup for the other, so that bar nuclear attack at least one
>will survive most cyber space calamities and disk failure?
Absolutely! It's called "home networking" and there are a great many
techniques for doing it, both wired and wireless--or even simpler, an
external USB plug-in hard drive to backup or transfer data between two
computers.
>And before anyone asks... No, I still have not learned to backup to
>CD on a regular basis. Mostly because organising the CD
>collection is quite beyond me!!! LOL!
"LOL," huh? Well, "Laugh before breakfast, cry before supper,"
kiddo! Fie! Change your ways! :-)
There are numerous programs to keep track of backups and backed up
files. For files on CDs I use "Advanced Disk Catalog," a shareware
program. I've had it so long I can't remember what it cost--probably $20
or so.
>And one last question... Is there such a thing as a nice large
>and heavy laptop? The ones I have seen (never owned or worked on
>one myself) have been so flimsy and with keyboard which would
>hamper working "normally" as I could judge. I expect some
>readjustment from a conventional keyboard, but not having to half
>the extent of finger movement/s (I am a touch typist).
I think I've addressed large and heavy above.
I currently own a Dell (desktop) and subscribe to the ALT.SYS.PC-CLONE.DELL
news group. When questions arise about the most bullet-proof laptops I
often hear recommendations for IBM's machines. I think they're somewhat
more expensive than other brands. I do know that Dell, when you go to
their website, offers both "home" and "office" machine
configurations. They are quite similar in features, but support for the
office versions is said to be better (not out-sourced). The office
versions may also have better components--dunno for sure.
Dell has a good reputation for their hardware (and some of the best
prices), but like most of (all?) the others, they have out-sourced there
phone and email support. And the initial contact person is likely to be
little more than a script-reader! But Dell does offer, at extra cost,
longer warranties and something like "gold support" which is not
out-sourced. And if one is persistent, a problem can be 'escalated' to a
more knowledgeable support person.
Dell also has a number of user Forums, accessible from their website. I've
not used them (not had to), but I hear they're quite good, and that
knowledgeable Dell employees (on their own time) contribute answers there.
>I would be much obliged to any Claymates who could advise me on
>this. Especially points to watch out for. User tips and tricks...
>Anything useful for a beginner. I have my birthday money intact
>but this is an item I have to put some serious thought into as
>well as hope to be able to find a recycled or reconditioned
>"dream machine".
I have a used, 4 year old, Dell Latitude CPt laptop (when my son's company
went out of business he had to dispose of 30 of them, at $100 each), but
really haven't used it much. Although my son is quite happy with a
touch-pad (rather than mouse), I prefer to plug in a mouse and keyboard
when I mess with it. I suppose I could get used to it.
Best wishes,
--Carl
in Medford, Oregon, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the UPS guy today
with my DSL equipment. Ooo, oooo!
Todd Van Duren on tue 23 nov 04
Good advice from Carl. I'll just add a few thoughts:
If you're doing graphics on a pc, look for a system with a
good video adapter. In particular, try to get a system with
dedicated video, rather than 'integrated video'
which uses your system memory. Integrated video will
not only reduce the amount of memory available for the
system as a whole, but is not optimal for graphics
processing. You'll really notice the difference when you
start doing renders of large files.
Here is an example of a system with dedicated video:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=d800sapp&s=bsd
(note the options under '"Video")
And an example of a system with integrated video:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=d400sapp&s=bsd
(note there are no options for "Video". Rather, there's
a note under the "Memory" section telling you that system
memory will be used for video)
If you're uncertain about a particular system, just ask the
vendor and they can quickly tell you if it has dedicated or
integrated video.
As for brands, I do like Dell laptops. In think Dell's Latitude
(business) line of laptops are built better than their Inspiron
(home) line. Toshiba used to be well renowned for builiding
good laptops, but I haven't used their current systems.
However, IBM is still, in my opinion, the builder of the
best laptops. They are built VERY solid, a fact that is
easily discernable once you've had one in your hands.
In any case, avoid the slickly designed Sony's. Should
you ever need support, you'll regret it........
Todd A. Van Duren, recovering IT Guru
On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 10:57:27 -0800, Carl Finch wrote:
> At 10:27 PM (GMT) 11/21/2004, Janet Kaiser wrote:
>
> >Apart from not knowing the difference between a laptop and a
> >notebook (is there one?)
>
> Not really, but there *are* two fairly distinct weight groups. Nowadays
> many people are buying laptops in *place* of desktops. These are usually
> heavier (less miniaturization and more built-in features). For
> those-on-the-go (!) there are the more expensive, light weight versions.
>
> In either case, it's a simple matter to plug in a full sized mouse and
> keyboard for easier use (although many are quite happy and get used to
> touch-pad operation and the more closely-spaced keys).
>
> > can anyone tell me what should I be
> >looking out for and which are the recommended makes just now? I
> >also notice that Intel Celeron has been superseded... I do not
> >need a super fast massive capacity, but on the other hand I will
> >be doing some serious graphics work on it besides e-mailing.
> >Would Pentium be the better choice?
>
> If by "serious" you mean Photoshop, then sure, you'll want good
> speed--particularly if you make use of complex Actions. But just as
> important is memory. Photoshop needs lots (and it can be set up to use all
> you can spare). I would suggest at the very least 500MB, and better, 1GB.
>
> My only problem with laptops for graphic work is color image display
> quality. I much prefer the color rendition of CRT monitors to the flat
> panel displays. It also bugs me that angle of view is critical. But if
> you are doing layouts, and less concerned with color rendition or
> adjustment, that wouldn't be a problem. And, just as you can add a mouse
> or keyboard to a laptop, you can also plug in a CRT display.
>
> >Another thought... Is it possible to link a PC to a laptop to
> >send data directly back and forth? Sort of using one as direct
> >backup for the other, so that bar nuclear attack at least one
> >will survive most cyber space calamities and disk failure?
>
> Absolutely! It's called "home networking" and there are a great many
> techniques for doing it, both wired and wireless--or even simpler, an
> external USB plug-in hard drive to backup or transfer data between two
> computers.
>
> >And before anyone asks... No, I still have not learned to backup to
> >CD on a regular basis. Mostly because organising the CD
> >collection is quite beyond me!!! LOL!
>
> "LOL," huh? Well, "Laugh before breakfast, cry before supper,"
> kiddo! Fie! Change your ways! :-)
>
> There are numerous programs to keep track of backups and backed up
> files. For files on CDs I use "Advanced Disk Catalog," a shareware
> program. I've had it so long I can't remember what it cost--probably $20
> or so.
>
> >And one last question... Is there such a thing as a nice large
> >and heavy laptop? The ones I have seen (never owned or worked on
> >one myself) have been so flimsy and with keyboard which would
> >hamper working "normally" as I could judge. I expect some
> >readjustment from a conventional keyboard, but not having to half
> >the extent of finger movement/s (I am a touch typist).
>
> I think I've addressed large and heavy above.
>
> I currently own a Dell (desktop) and subscribe to the ALT.SYS.PC-CLONE.DELL
> news group. When questions arise about the most bullet-proof laptops I
> often hear recommendations for IBM's machines. I think they're somewhat
> more expensive than other brands. I do know that Dell, when you go to
> their website, offers both "home" and "office" machine
> configurations. They are quite similar in features, but support for the
> office versions is said to be better (not out-sourced). The office
> versions may also have better components--dunno for sure.
>
> Dell has a good reputation for their hardware (and some of the best
> prices), but like most of (all?) the others, they have out-sourced there
> phone and email support. And the initial contact person is likely to be
> little more than a script-reader! But Dell does offer, at extra cost,
> longer warranties and something like "gold support" which is not
> out-sourced. And if one is persistent, a problem can be 'escalated' to a
> more knowledgeable support person.
>
> Dell also has a number of user Forums, accessible from their website. I've
> not used them (not had to), but I hear they're quite good, and that
> knowledgeable Dell employees (on their own time) contribute answers there.
>
> >I would be much obliged to any Claymates who could advise me on
> >this. Especially points to watch out for. User tips and tricks...
> >Anything useful for a beginner. I have my birthday money intact
> >but this is an item I have to put some serious thought into as
> >well as hope to be able to find a recycled or reconditioned
> >"dream machine".
>
> I have a used, 4 year old, Dell Latitude CPt laptop (when my son's company
> went out of business he had to dispose of 30 of them, at $100 each), but
> really haven't used it much. Although my son is quite happy with a
> touch-pad (rather than mouse), I prefer to plug in a mouse and keyboard
> when I mess with it. I suppose I could get used to it.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> --Carl
> in Medford, Oregon, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the UPS guy today
> with my DSL equipment. Ooo, oooo!
>
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