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Author Topic: Laptop Recommendations  (Read 4093 times)

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Offline microburst

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Laptop Recommendations
« on: May 27, 2015, 08:28:19 AM »
Ripped the screen off my laptop one night in Costa Rica last week while severely intoxicated - don't ask.   

Anyway, I need to buy a new laptop now and was wondering if folks here have any recommendations for out of the box Windows based laptops that won't break the bank.   Decent processing power, USB 3.0, DVD drive, 24 bit soundcard, decent video card

Offline Cobiwan

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2015, 01:16:38 PM »
My recommendation would be a Mac Book Pro but that's just me and not what you're looking for. However, I would like to hear the extremely intoxicated breaking laptop story.  ???
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Offline Gene Poole

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2015, 01:29:05 PM »
I don't think there's a Windows laptop made that has any kind of decent audio hardware for the kinds of things we do.  You'll need an external USB audio device and unfortunately USB Audio 2.0 (not USB 2.0) drivers are still not offered by Windows as of current versions.  USB Audio 1.0 is supported out of the box since XP, but even though 1.0 is capable of asynchronous 24/96, it generally is limited to 24/48 and crappy synchronous transfer.

That said, I'm with Cobiwan, get a mac; or use linux!

Offline bigalow

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2015, 01:42:41 PM »
There have been some pretty good deals on ThinkPads recently. Sounds like a more durable laptop would serve you well ;) My numerous ThinkPads have been beaten to death and traveled extensively with very few issues. As Gene mentioned, a USB soundcard/DAC type device is spot on. Very few laptops have decent sound.

All that said, I'd suggest a MBP.

Offline Nedhead

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2015, 01:43:57 PM »
MacBook Pro + external DVD drive


or ill sell you my 2011 13" MPB, w/ internal DVD....  ;D
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Offline bigalow

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2015, 01:47:55 PM »
people still use DVDs?

 :o

jk - good luck on your search for a new lappy

Offline pohaku

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2015, 11:24:15 PM »
I would get a refurbed thinkpad T series or a Dell Latitude E series.  Windows 7.  Get a square deal extended warranty.  I have replaced a refurb thinkpad that way after a motherboard failure.  Both of these models are their enterprise models and are hardier than their consumer models.  My old law firm used the thinkpads after trying all the major brands.  They held up the best.  I have several generations of them kicking around the house and all still work just fine.  I currently have a Dell through my employer and it also has held up.  Personally I like the the thinkpad keyboard better, but that's just me.
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Offline bryonsos

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Offline EarlyMorningRain

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2015, 12:10:11 PM »
Still looking?  Looking to buy new, or ??

I ask because I refurbish/sell used Lenovo laptops, specially the "T" line. At the moment my current inventory is heavy (10+) on T410 machines - all have an i5 processor, with 4 gigs of RAM, Windows 7 etc.

LMK if you are interested

Offline flipp

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: June 28, 2015, 12:31:58 PM »
Still looking?  Looking to buy new, or ??

I ask because I refurbish/sell used Lenovo laptops, specially the "T" line. At the moment my current inventory is heavy (10+) on T410 machines - all have an i5 processor, with 4 gigs of RAM, Windows 7 etc.

LMK if you are interested


I'm still using an old T41 I got from EMR many years ago. While it is fine for accessing the interwebz when I am on the road I may be in the market for something with more processing power for when I'm not getting windshield time. Have no qualms dealing with EMR.

Offline robeti

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: June 28, 2015, 01:32:14 PM »
Does it have to be a laptop?

A windows based dektop still gives the best bang for the buck.

I make an image back up every few months.
Bought the pc in january 2011 and it still works perfectly.

I never understood the need to buy Apple products.
If you understand what you are doing/building, windows based pcs are perfect.
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Offline EarlyMorningRain

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2015, 01:44:42 PM »
thanks for the kind words Flip. PM received and will respond. Offer still stands to the OP

Offline wharfratjoe

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Re: Laptop Recommendations
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2015, 12:11:55 PM »
http://www.microcenter.com/ may have something.
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