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

VLC aka Video Lan Playerwill play ISO files

I've been using Windows 10 for some time and don't have a problem with it and wouldn't restrict my choices to only Windows 7. Most laptops are coming with large hard drives and any updates aren't a problem with storage space.My current laptop is a Lenovo and I've had it about 5 years and haven't had any problems with it. I'm not sure that it makes that much of difference whether you purchase a Dell, Lenovo, or other brand as long as you have a warranty and can return it if there is a problem. Due to their return policy, I would consider purchasing from Costco, and they do offer some deals on Dell computers if you are leaning that way.Personally, I've found ad blockers to be more of problem than they are worth and would rather just block popup screens when needed.Are you talking about a tuner for musical instruments? If so, you can see what is available from the Windows Store and download a few freebies and see what works. I'm old fashioned and still prefer a small conventional tuner.You may want to consider whether you want a glossy or matte finish screen AND how easy it is to see the laptop screen when sitting outdoors. I find it difficult to use my Lenovo laptop outside, as well as my Asus tablet. My wife's Kindle has a much brighter screen and works much better outside. It's something I may consider when I replace my Lenovo and I will most likely look for a screen with no glare.

Windows 10 is the way to go if you are buying a new laptop. Don't let the anti-Win 10 crapola you read on this forum push you away from Win 10.

I have a Toshiba with win 10 since Nov. Agree with above post. I have an SSD for my C: drive, boot time is under 30 seconds. I have not seen Costco offer SSD drives yet. I meter my internet even though i have DSL therefore I control most updates.

Thanks guys for chiming in, I really appreciate it.As to the Tuner, a USB TV Tuner.

Time for a new Laptop | Good Sam Community

ReadyToGo
Explorer
May 13, 2016
I have a Toshiba with win 10 since Nov. Agree with above post. I have an SSD for my C: drive, boot time is under 30 seconds. I have not seen Costco offer SSD drives yet.
I meter my internet even though i have DSL therefore I control most updates.
sherlock62
Explorer
May 13, 2016
Windows 10 is the way to go if you are buying a new laptop. Don't let the anti-Win 10 crapola you read on this forum push you away from Win 10.
scbwr
Explorer II
May 13, 2016
I've been using Windows 10 for some time and don't have a problem with it and wouldn't restrict my choices to only Windows 7. Most laptops are coming with large hard drives and any updates aren't a problem with storage space.

My current laptop is a Lenovo and I've had it about 5 years and haven't had any problems with it. I'm not sure that it makes that much of difference whether you purchase a Dell, Lenovo, or other brand as long as you have a warranty and can return it if there is a problem. Due to their return policy, I would consider purchasing from Costco, and they do offer some deals on Dell computers if you are leaning that way.

Personally, I've found ad blockers to be more of problem than they are worth and would rather just block popup screens when needed.

Are you talking about a tuner for musical instruments? If so, you can see what is available from the Windows Store and download a few freebies and see what works. I'm old fashioned and still prefer a small conventional tuner.

You may want to consider whether you want a glossy or matte finish screen AND how easy it is to see the laptop screen when sitting outdoors. I find it difficult to use my Lenovo laptop outside, as well as my Asus tablet. My wife's Kindle has a much brighter screen and works much better outside. It's something I may consider when I replace my Lenovo and I will most likely look for a screen with no glare.
MrWizard
Moderator
May 13, 2016
VLC aka Video Lan Player

will play ISO files

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