Time for a new Laptop

[BoonHauler]

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

[BoonHauler]

Tom_M wrote:
If you plan on using Windows Media Center to play ISO files, read the following article:

Automatically Mount and View ISO files in Windows 7 Media Center

Wow, that's cool!

Thanks for posting that link!

[garmp]

I know many would disagree and have their reasons. I am a retired graphic artist and as they say a "mac head". DW wife has had three PC's. Vista, Windows 7 & 8 and never anything but trouble. Granted, I'm a machead and don't know a thing about fixing a PC. Bit the bullet and bought her a Mac Book Pro. Very pricey, but my life has become much easier. For what it's worth.

[Tom_M1]

If you plan on using Windows Media Center to play ISO files, read the following article:

Automatically Mount and View ISO files in Windows 7 Media Center

[bcsdguy]

dieseltruckdriver wrote:
I went and read the original post, and I am not sure about the ISO files, but my Chromebooks will do everything else you are talking about. If all you are doing is online stuff, they really can not be beat.

My wife would not use a computer after work, since she is on one at work all day, but since I bought her a Chromebook, she is on it four a couple hours every night. I almost never use a PC anymore, outside of work.

X2
I use mine almost exclusively. The pc desktop takes a back seat for most things I do. Chromebooks aren't for everyone in every situation but they are almost worry-free.JMO

[dieseltruckdriv]

I went and read the original post, and I am not sure about the ISO files, but my Chromebooks will do everything else you are talking about. If all you are doing is online stuff, they really can not be beat.

My wife would not use a computer after work, since she is on one at work all day, but since I bought her a Chromebook, she is on it four a couple hours every night. I almost never use a PC anymore, outside of work.

[northshore]

Last year wife and I were in the same situation as op, went with the mac book pro, best decision we ever made, never looked back as the saying goes. Could not be happier.

[2oldman]

NAUTIQUE wrote:
What are the differences between the chromebook & a standard laptop/desktop?

You can look this up on Amazon et al.

[BoonHauler]

BoonHauler wrote:

greenrvgreen wrote:
The OP should be aware that the product linked has no OS, DRAM or hard drive, and that an external USB DVD player will be required to install the OS. Those items can add $600 to the price tag--before purchase of the tuner.

Before the OP jumps into a project like this I would strongly recommend taking a look at the current notebook and assessing exactly what is deficient in its performance.

If the tuner is the focus here, buy it and hook it up to your current laptop and decide if the next step is really worth another $600.

Moreover, there is no guarrantee that the new mini will outperform the old laptop. Most of these minis are sold to enthusiasts who have a different measure of success--a lot of these units get bought just for the fun of working on them.

As far as the monitor goes, it sounds like a fine choice. If I were choosing a new monitor I would see if I could get one (cheap) with the VEESA-standard bolt holes in the back. This will make it much easier to mount on a rack or directly to the wall. It will still have a stand.

Good luck!

GreenRV:

Yes, I know that I have to install components for a complete package. One of the things that's attractive to me is tha size of the package.

A laptop will eat up a lot of desk space and at best a 17" screen. The mini will free up the desk top and with a 24" monitor provide much better media viewing.

The model I'm looking at is a 'mount on wall', perfect for my application.

Mlts22:

Thanks for the response, it’s greatly appreciated.

I just found out about uBlock Origin and that looks like the way to go.

I’ll look into MediaMonkey but some say Window Media Center can play ISO files and that I was unaware of and still unsure of.

I think I have the USB TV tuner figured out, it’s a Hauppauge 955Q.

I do have a few external HDD’s already, one 2TB that I have all my ISO files on and a 500MB sitting around that I’m not using. I really don’t have much to backup as I’m really working on getting rid of all the junk I’ve collected over the years so I really don’t see that as an issue going forward. I can just backup to a DVD every now and then.

Yes, I’m looking at a SSD for the programs to reside on and a 1TB HDD as an overflow for the 2TB HDD external I already have.

🙂

[BoonHauler]

greenrvgreen wrote:
The OP should be aware that the product linked has no OS, DRAM or hard drive, and that an external USB DVD player will be required to install the OS. Those items can add $600 to the price tag--before purchase of the tuner.

Before the OP jumps into a project like this I would strongly recommend taking a look at the current notebook and assessing exactly what is deficient in its performance.

If the tuner is the focus here, buy it and hook it up to your current laptop and decide if the next step is really worth another $600.

Moreover, there is no guarrantee that the new mini will outperform the old laptop. Most of these minis are sold to enthusiasts who have a different measure of success--a lot of these units get bought just for the fun of working on them.

As far as the monitor goes, it sounds like a fine choice. If I were choosing a new monitor I would see if I could get one (cheap) with the VEESA-standard bolt holes in the back. This will make it much easier to mount on a rack or directly to the wall. It will still have a stand.

Good luck!

GreenRV:

Yes, I know that I have to install components for a complete package. One of the things that's attractive to me is tha size of the package.

A laptop will eat up a lot of desk space and at best a 17" screen. The mini will free up the desk top and with a 24" monitor provide much better media viewing.

The model I'm looking at is a 'mount on wall', perfect for my application.

[mlts22]

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.

[greenrvgreen]

The OP should be aware that the product linked has no OS, DRAM or hard drive, and that an external USB DVD player will be required to install the OS. Those items can add $600 to the price tag--before purchase of the tuner.

Before the OP jumps into a project like this I would strongly recommend taking a look at the current notebook and assessing exactly what is deficient in its performance.

If the tuner is the focus here, buy it and hook it up to your current laptop and decide if the next step is really worth another $600.

Moreover, there is no guarrantee that the new mini will outperform the old laptop. Most of these minis are sold to enthusiasts who have a different measure of success--a lot of these units get bought just for the fun of working on them.

As far as the monitor goes, it sounds like a fine choice. If I were choosing a new monitor I would see if I could get one (cheap) with the VEESA-standard bolt holes in the back. This will make it much easier to mount on a rack or directly to the wall. It will still have a stand.

Good luck!

[Tom_M1]

This thread has gone off the rails. Chromebook won't work for what the OP wants to do. He has said to keep the topic on Windows 7. People who want to talk Chromebook should start a new topic.

[NAUTIQUE]

What are the differences between the chromebook & a standard laptop/desktop?
Isn't a chromebook able to use word, spreadsheet ect.?
No storage?
Does it have ability to connect to printers?

[trb46]

bcsdguy wrote:

dccamper wrote:

tragusa3 wrote:
I'm a school teacher and was issued a Chromebook two years ago. When I need to buy another personal device, it will be a Chromebook. My Mac does the heavy lifting at home, but the CB is the perfect consuming device for me.

I'm with the Chromebook. I love mine.

I can't agree more.

Love my Chromebook. Instant on, long battery life, lightweight...a perfect laptop to take on the road.