Time for a new Laptop

BoonHauler wrote:
It’s time for me to start looking for a new laptop. I plan on using it for just general computer stuff, surfing the web, emailing, etc, and as an entertainment center. When I say entertainment center I mean I’ll be using it to play movies on, as a TV (with OTA stations), and play music (MP3’s). I won’t be doing any intensive work on the machine and I have no plans for any high definition video.

I’m currently using a Gateway laptop with a 15” screen running Windows Vista Home Premium that I bought back in 2007 so just about anything will be a huge leap forward for me.

Being that I’ll be going fulltime with mobile internet I hear that Windows 7 is the way to roll.

So here’s my questions to all of you aficionados:

What would you think would be a good machine for this task? ….. a Dell?

Can any of you give me any pointers on how to limit the OS as to updates that swallow up huge amounts of data?

Any good add blockers out there that should be used?

Any good programs that I should be thinking of to play my ISO files?

Any ideas of a good USB Tuner?

Anything that I’ve forgotten?

Thanks in advance for your help, god knows I need it :S

1: PCs are commodity items. Check reviews on models before you buy. I picked up a Dell at a good price via Amazon's bargains. Costco is another good spot to find something. I obtained a very good model by waiting for it to come up on sale.

2: I'd consider WSUSOffline as a utility where you can burst download all patches for your OS, then install them all offline. However, there are other ways to regulate bandwidth.

3: I personally use uBlock Origin because it is a step ahead of AdBlock and AdBlock Plus. Browser-wise, I use Chrome, as it historically has had better protection and sandboxing, important for security.

4: ISO files? MediaMonkey is something decent.

5: USB tuner... will to others for expertise.

6: Do you have provisions for backups? I would highly recommend buying an external HDD, and downloading Veeam Endpoint (it is licensed at no cost, and doesn't have popups and such.) This way, you have files protected against HDD failure. I also recommend Mozy, Carbonite, or another utility to back up documents somewhere secure, in case of ransomware.

As others have said, I highly recommend a SSD. It makes a world of difference. If possible, try to get at least 8 gigs of RAM.