Forums > Sailing General

Which Laptop

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Created by Franrick > 9 months ago, 20 Jun 2015
Franrick
289 posts
20 Jun 2015 2:24PM
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Hi all,
It's about time I bought myself a new laptop.
My current one has a 12 inch screen and a slow processor. I recently installed an SSD on it but to be honest its over five years old and past its use bye date.
I originally purchased it for its compact size and good battery life so that I could carry it on my motorcycle when on long distance trips.
I have Win 7 Ultimate on it. It came with Win XP.
Now I think it is time to treat myself to something a bit better for the boat.
I am after something with a decent battery life, more than decent processor and I definitely don't want Win 8.
All my other PC's have Win 7 but also have been registered for Win 10 but honestly, it could be just as bad as Win 8, we wont know till we get it.
With that in mind I am after a laptop with Win 7.
PLEASE, do not try to convince me I wan't a Win 8 machine, I absolutely don't.
NOW, for my usage, I am a Gamer and quite obviously my older netbook doesn't allow me to do that. It would be good to be able to pass some evenings away just killing people and blowing things up. This might not be your thing but that is what I like to do.
I also want to be able to edit video etc but I know that a gaming machine should be able to do that comfortably.
USB 3 would be great and most newer machines should have at least one USB 3 port.
SSB would be an advantage, If you haven't tried it you should.
NOW for the final requirement, it needs to be at a reasonably price. Us poor old pensioners, ( actually the Govt. is to stingy to give me a pension) have a tight budget.
Any suggestions,
Polite ones please Frant.

Ramona
NSW, 7546 posts
20 Jun 2015 7:00PM
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I would suggest checking the Whirlpool forums and asking the question. Or go to the Knowledge base section and building one of their recipes for a Gaming general purpose machines, that's what I did. One of the small form factor bits of kit would be ideal for a yacht.

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs

southace
SA, 4771 posts
20 Jun 2015 7:18PM
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Go apple so ur iPad iPhone ,photos , navionics , free apps all syyinc together that's what I need to do! Microsoft and windows is all so hard and expensive.

southace
SA, 4771 posts
20 Jun 2015 7:22PM
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E.g windows photo shop on free 30 day trial same App on apple is free and better, no virus protection required......etc etc so much better!

SandS
VIC, 5904 posts
20 Jun 2015 8:44PM
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i bought a new notebook about 2 years ago . It was the last one in the shop with windows 7 !!!!!!


you may struggle to get a new one without win 8 on it ????????????????

southace
SA, 4771 posts
20 Jun 2015 8:27PM
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All I need is a bigger version of my iPad! Touch screen and able to take raw pics I download to edit that will take me through my life more Apples please!

Franrick
289 posts
20 Jun 2015 7:59PM
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Sorry Southace, Apple is certainly not on my shopping list,
My fault, I should have made that clear from the start.
Not interested in an Apple product.
All you Apple aficionado's can come out an lambaste me but there is no way I am going to buy an apple product.
I know the Apple stuff is good but I am not going to get tied up to Itunes and all that fXXXXn bull**** ever again.
I know windows has it limitations but Apple is simply the F****n pits.

cisco
QLD, 12323 posts
20 Jun 2015 10:33PM
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My name is not Forrest Gump and I don't want any Apples. That iTunes is the pits. The only thing I like with an i in front of it is iView.

I was really happy with Windows XP. It seemed to be rock solid. I ran it on one machine for 5 years and never had a problem with it. Then I bought a new machine and was forced to go to Win 7.

With any version of Windows I switch off all the bling things and theme it to Windows Classic. The main problem with having a new machine and trying to run an older version of Windows is getting the drivers for the hardware. No doubt there are ways around it but most of the hardware manufacturers just do not create drivers for old Windows.

I have wondered what portable/mobile devices the military use in the field. You would think they would be really tough units (water and dust proof) and would be ideal on a yacht.

McNaughtical
NSW, 908 posts
20 Jun 2015 10:53PM
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I have bought several Dell laptops. The last one I bought I chose my specs ... you can put together what you want online. I agree with Cisco about XP. I had it on my older laptop and never any trouble. The one I have now is Windows 7 and also no problems. Had it now for 4 years. I also have Android phone and tablet rather than the apple stuff. Very happy with Dell aftercare. They will send a technician to you rather than you having to send your laptop away and pay for postage etc.

Libran
92 posts
20 Jun 2015 8:56PM
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What about a Panasonic Toughbook ?

Franrick
289 posts
20 Jun 2015 9:16PM
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The problem with XP is that Microsoft no longer support it.
I am quite happy with Wn 7.
In recent times I have looked at buying a new laptop only to be put off by the fact that no one wants to sell me a decent machine with Win 7 pre-insataaled and seem to think I am foolish enough to be pressursed into buying Win 8 or is it 8.1 now.
No one in his right mind would buy Win 8.
Apple is out of the question for me so unless I can buy a system with Win 7 then I guess I will be looking at a second hand unit.
The other option is waiting for Win 10 at the end of July, but honestly, do we really think that Microsoft has learned anything from their catastrophic release of Win 8 or Win 8.1, I doubt it.
Apple,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, just point a gun at my head,

Franrick
289 posts
20 Jun 2015 9:42PM
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Hi McNaughty,
Yes, I agree, I am more than happy with Win 7.
Unfortunately my desktop PC takes up a bit to much space on my boat and my six year old netbook is just a bit to slow.
I have a very good Android tablet that suits me just fine but I would still like to replace my laptop with a decent machine that runs Win 7.
I guess I will have to suffer Win 10 but at least I can roll it back to my previous system if I am not comfortable with it.
It's a pain in the bum really, I don't want to go down the Apple road but then Microsoft don't seem to want me to go down that road either.
It looks like i am going to become a friend of Linux again.

fishmonkey
NSW, 494 posts
20 Jun 2015 11:48PM
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yep, go Whirlpool...

cisco
QLD, 12323 posts
20 Jun 2015 11:55PM
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Select to expand quote
Franrick said..

The other option is waiting for Win 10 at the end of July, but honestly, do we really think that Microsoft has learned anything from their catastrophic release of Win 8 or Win 8.1, I doubt it.



You should have an icon bottom right that says Get Windows 10.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
21 Jun 2015 12:43AM
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Select to expand quote
fishmonkey said..
yep, go Whirlpool...


and they always put up where the top discount prices are

LooseChange
NSW, 2140 posts
21 Jun 2015 1:38AM
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I'm using Windoze 8.1 on an Aldi Medion lap top system, I have it set up to look like what Win 7 looked like which is what originally came on the machine.
I'm using the same 8.1 on a desktop unit, it runs perfectly stable with no issues. On both machines previuously I had been running 7 Ultimate.
I still have two machines on which XP is still king as they are used for a plotter and a vinyl cutter.

One machine I would not recommend is HP, they are a company that perfected the art of risk management. One day after the warranty ceases, so does your computer. Plus they also don't update their drivers as new OS's come out, leaving you in the lurch.

If the Panasonic Tough Book came out in a more powerful system than what it is, it would be the ducks guts for a lot of people. That and the price they charge for them

Franrick
289 posts
21 Jun 2015 6:20AM
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Select to expand quote
cisco said..

Franrick said..

The other option is waiting for Win 10 at the end of July, but honestly, do we really think that Microsoft has learned anything from their catastrophic release of Win 8 or Win 8.1, I doubt it.




You should have an icon bottom right that says Get Windows 10.


Cisco,
I have already registered my interest for Win 10 on my home PC but my problem is that I would prefer Win 7 on any new system I get.
I can then try out Win 10 and If I'm not happy with it then roll it back to Win 7.
If I get a new system with Win 10 then I won't have the option of rolling it back.
While I am sure Win 10 is Microsofts answer to the lack of support for Win 8 I am not convinced yet that they will be doing us any favours with Win 10 either. Hence my desire to be able to roll back.

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
21 Jun 2015 9:32AM
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http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/10

you may get some good info on win 10 above
I used my dvd win 8 disk as a coffee coaster its works well
Win 10 preview in 8 minuets

Ramona
NSW, 7546 posts
21 Jun 2015 9:54AM
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I have a windows tablet with 8.1 installed and use it in the classic mode and have installed the same programmes as my gaming machine. So it works basically the same as windows 7 with one extra step starting. The only problem really with 8 is Norton comes preinstalled and is a pain to get rid of so you can use MS essentials.
The unit I built as a gamer has a i5 chip which according to Whirlpool is better for games than the i7 chip. I notice that there are plenty of laptops in the catalogs at the moment with i5 chips. I would suggest searching the Whirlpool forums for a good recipe for gaming and try to buy an off the shelf special as close as possible. Or just buy one of Aldi's.

Franrick
289 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:59AM
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Thanks HGO2,
I enjoyed watching that.
It looks like they might have actually had the consumer in mind this time around.
I would certainly want to play with it for a while, looks like it has some nice features.
Thanks again, Rick

Franrick
289 posts
21 Jun 2015 8:03AM
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Hi Ramona,
It's all right for you people that live near the cities and have Aldi stores to visit.
Were a bit in the Boonies up here. lol.

McNaughtical
NSW, 908 posts
21 Jun 2015 11:08AM
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Select to expand quote
Franrick said..
Hi Ramona,
It's all right for you people that live near the cities and have Aldi stores to visit.
Were a bit in the Boonies up here. lol.



Go Dell online... order online and they post it to you. Great afterservice too.

frant
VIC, 1230 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:19PM
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Select to expand quote
Franrick said..
Hi all,
It's about time I bought myself a new laptop.
My current one has a 12 inch screen and a slow processor. I recently installed an SSD on it but to be honest its over five years old and past its use bye date.
I originally purchased it for its compact size and good battery life so that I could carry it on my motorcycle when on long distance trips.
I have Win 7 Ultimate on it. It came with Win XP.
Now I think it is time to treat myself to something a bit better for the boat.
I am after something with a decent battery life, more than decent processor and I definitely don't want Win 8.
All my other PC's have Win 7 but also have been registered for Win 10 but honestly, it could be just as bad as Win 8, we wont know till we get it.
With that in mind I am after a laptop with Win 7.
PLEASE, do not try to convince me I wan't a Win 8 machine, I absolutely don't.
NOW, for my usage, I am a Gamer and quite obviously my older netbook doesn't allow me to do that. It would be good to be able to pass some evenings away just killing people and blowing things up. This might not be your thing but that is what I like to do.
I also want to be able to edit video etc but I know that a gaming machine should be able to do that comfortably.
USB 3 would be great and most newer machines should have at least one USB 3 port.
SSB would be an advantage, If you haven't tried it you should.
NOW for the final requirement, it needs to be at a reasonably price. Us poor old pensioners, ( actually the Govt. is to stingy to give me a pension) have a tight budget.
Any suggestions,
Polite ones please Frant.



How about you refrain from inviting me from commenting if you don't want me to comment. I don't tolerate fools and if a fool invites me to comment I am not going to be a sycophant and praise you for your ignorance. Happy now?

SandS
VIC, 5904 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:43PM
Thumbs Up

Select to expand quote
frant said..

Franrick said..
Hi all,
It's about time I bought myself a new laptop.
My current one has a 12 inch screen and a slow processor. I recently installed an SSD on it but to be honest its over five years old and past its use bye date.
I originally purchased it for its compact size and good battery life so that I could carry it on my motorcycle when on long distance trips.
I have Win 7 Ultimate on it. It came with Win XP.
Now I think it is time to treat myself to something a bit better for the boat.
I am after something with a decent battery life, more than decent processor and I definitely don't want Win 8.
All my other PC's have Win 7 but also have been registered for Win 10 but honestly, it could be just as bad as Win 8, we wont know till we get it.
With that in mind I am after a laptop with Win 7.
PLEASE, do not try to convince me I wan't a Win 8 machine, I absolutely don't.
NOW, for my usage, I am a Gamer and quite obviously my older netbook doesn't allow me to do that. It would be good to be able to pass some evenings away just killing people and blowing things up. This might not be your thing but that is what I like to do.
I also want to be able to edit video etc but I know that a gaming machine should be able to do that comfortably.
USB 3 would be great and most newer machines should have at least one USB 3 port.
SSB would be an advantage, If you haven't tried it you should.
NOW for the final requirement, it needs to be at a reasonably price. Us poor old pensioners, ( actually the Govt. is to stingy to give me a pension) have a tight budget.
Any suggestions,
Polite ones please Frant.




How about you refrain from inviting me from commenting if you don't want me to comment. I don't tolerate fools and if a fool invites me to comment I am not going to be a sycophant and praise you for your ignorance. Happy now?



what an absolute classic !!!!!!!!!!! OFFS !!!!

HG02
VIC, 5814 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:59PM
Thumbs Up

I know who's boat I wouldn't crew on id be **** scared Id do some thing wrong

southace
SA, 4771 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:45PM
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Bloody seagulls thats all I can here from my dock !

Sectorsteve
QLD, 2195 posts
21 Jun 2015 8:44PM
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MacBook airs are awesome. 6 hour battery life. Light, fast, robust. Not sure if they work with the programmes you'll use though

Just read ear your anti Apple post. I agree. Apples a bastard. I use android mostly but the MacBook Air is pretty damn good for its portability, battery life etc. if there's a windows machine like it, id get one. You can actually put windows on macs these days.

southace
SA, 4771 posts
21 Jun 2015 9:07PM
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I have been using my iPad for over 4 years now and only use windows with my iPad Occassionly when I want to edit photos although I find the Photoshop and lightcloud through windows very slow,expensive and un user friendly,

in 4 or so years never had a virus protection never had a virus or a crash. My iPad is always online no start up and waiting for internet connections. No virus updates and long windows updates.

I have recently upgraded from a Nokia to A iPhone which is great as it's the same as the iPad to drive.

i agree Itunes is painful but only if your using it through a windows program, I don't bother with iTunes anymore!

i don't think you should be so negative about apple until you actually have a go on it and see how way user friendly it is as to the windows products.

i will never go back and when I find a apple air for a good price I will have pleasure sending mylaptop and windows to Davies jones locker.

Franrick
289 posts
21 Jun 2015 7:51PM
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Hi Southace,
I don't mean to be negative with Apple. I had a bad run with them in their earlier days and as a consequence don't want to go there again.


<div>I know they make a good product and have a lot of benefits in some ways.

It's a personal thing for me, a bit like Fords and Holdens.

Microsoft have dished out some crap over the years but it is what I have become used to. If I don't like one of their OS's then I just don't use it. I still have the eight 5.25 inch floppies that Win 3.1 came loaded on somewhere. Must almost be collectibles by now. I think I purchased them in '91 or '92.

Before Windows I remember buying code and entering it in manually to save money on software. We have come a long way since then.




southace
SA, 4771 posts
21 Jun 2015 9:30PM
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Our company use iPads and apples, everything gets synced together such apps like wanderlist, redezy bookings ,photo sharing sites the days of carrying a big laptop around and waiting for it to load up and conect to the Internet are over.

I was was anti apples ,touch screens etc a few years ago but after a mate showed me navionics I brought a iPad and will never turn back.

Anyway good luck with what ever you choose.

frant
VIC, 1230 posts
21 Jun 2015 10:01PM
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Select to expand quote
Franrick said..

How about you refrain from inviting me from commenting if you don't want me to comment. I don't tolerate fools and if a fool invites me to comment I am not going to be a sycophant and praise you for your ignorance. Happy now?

Frant, it was said tongue in cheek. Perhaps I should have added a smiley or two.

Please feel free to refrain from answering my post. That way I wont have to put up with your useless and pointless rude remarks.

Like you, I don't suffer fools lightly and rude fools really piss me off.





Really? If you invite a comment, wether lighthearted or otherwise then surely I am entitled to respond in my lighthearted way. Just because I don't post smiley icons doesn't mean that I am not lighthearted either.
It just seems that those fools with thin skins think that I am having a personal dig at them!!! Well lighten up folks. It's all in jest,



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"Which Laptop" started by Franrick