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Old 03-08-2015, 03:02 PM   #476
phunkeeHomosapien
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My brother has been buying and selling laptops for a while now and time has come for me to get something newer. I only wanted to spend about 500 so he has given me some options above and below that price.


I can get this for 475. It seems nice but dont have any experience with samsung computers.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

This one for 300

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

Or this one for 700 (with 16gig ram)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...condition=used

The last one is over what i wanted to spend but seems like the best deal and is under warranty for another 2 years. Should I just pony up or the samsung good enough?
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Old 03-08-2015, 04:11 PM   #477
chapstien
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For what do you use it?

Either the Toshiba or the Samsung. The Samsung has a faster processor, and a lot of studies find it more reliable wrt failures. If you just browse and use office type apps and whatnot, with windows 8 4GB should be fine though. You probably don't need 16GB.


IB OT give you suggestions that have nothing to do with your 3 choices.

Last edited by chapstien; 03-08-2015 at 04:16 PM.
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Old 03-08-2015, 04:41 PM   #478
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I mostly use a computer for word, excel and browsing the internet but if capable I may use it for some solid works. I generally just use my work computer for that but it might be fun to work on some "for fun" projects with the laptop.
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Old 04-17-2015, 02:07 PM   #479
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The wife and I needed a new laptop. I almost went with an Apple running Windows simply for the build quality. Or the Asus Zenbook. Ended up picking up a 2015 Dell XPS 13.

All I can say is that Dell has stepped up their game. This little machine is awesome. Apple build quality (with as-nice or nicer materials; carbon fiber and aluminum), top-of-the-line specs, super small form factor for a 13" screen. Cost me $1330 shipped on Amazon. Not cheap, but it really is the best in its class in my opinion. I would definitely recommend.

The only "issue" I have with it is that the track pad isn't *quiet* up to Apple level yet. That said, it is very good; probably the best I've used on a Windows machine. I find it to be a bit sensitive at times. It supports all sorts of gestures and shortcuts.



Specs:
- 13.3" Touchscreen, 3200x1800 resolution (absolutely stunning display)
- 5th Gen Broadwell Intel Core i5-5200U 2.20 GHz (up to 2.70 GHz)
- 8GB DDR3 RAM / 128GB SSD / Intel HD Graphics 5500
- 256GB SSD
- 7-9 hours battery life (observed)
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
- 2.6 lbs
- Backlit Keyboard

There is also a really trick power supply for it available from Dell that has a battery built into the power brick that can charge the computer one over (or other USB devices). I might pick that up. It comes with a normal power brick, but it is SIGNIFICANTLY smaller and better designed than all the dell power bricks I've had in the past.



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Old 04-17-2015, 02:37 PM   #480
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The only other thing I hear it falls short on is battery life
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Old 04-17-2015, 02:48 PM   #481
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Dell? Nope.

Have you ever had to deal with their customer service?
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Old 04-17-2015, 03:02 PM   #482
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Dell's support is fine as long as you never call and just do the online chat thing.

That's pretty much how I do all support contact these days. It pisses me off when a hardware or software vendor doesn't offer it as an option.
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Old 04-17-2015, 03:04 PM   #483
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Still happy with my Dell refurb (see post #305), there are some good deals to be had.
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Old 04-17-2015, 04:08 PM   #484
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bcblues View Post
Dell? Nope.

Have you ever had to deal with their customer service?
We've had 3 Dell laptops and 2 desktops over the past 15 years. We've never had train to call tech support. That said, I have heard it's bad.
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Old 05-19-2015, 05:11 PM   #485
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Lenovo is having sale. Today only.

Laptops:

Y40-80: On sale for $649, down from $1099
Y50: On sale for $899, down from $1,399
Yoga 3 Pro: On sale for $1,099, down from $1,499
Z50: On sale for $379, down from $549
Yoga 2 Pro: On sale for $899, down from $1,399
Y50 Touch: On sale for $1,129, down from $1,399
G50-80: On sale for $299, down from $599
Y50 UHD: On sale for $1,149, down from $1,599
Z40: On sale for $479, down from $729
Flex 3 (15***8243;): On sale for $599, down from $799
Y70 Touch: On sale for $1,099, down from $1,399
G50-70: On sale for $499, down from $599
Flex 3 (11***8243;): On sale for $299, down from $419
Z51: On sale for $549, down from $699
Flex 2 (14***8243;): On sale for $649, down from $999
Z70-80: On sale for $599, down from $899
Flex 2 (15***8243;): On sale for $449, down from $729
Flex 3 (14***8243;): On sale for $549, down from $799
G40: On sale for $449, down from $549
Edge 15: On sale for $549, down from $899


Desktops:

Horion 2s Table Top PC: On sale for $699, down from $849
K450e: On sale for $754, down from $1,199
Q190: On sale for $249, down from $379
H50 Tower: On sale for $425, down from $699
B40 All-in-One: On sale for $499, down from $699
H30 Tower: On sale for $349, down from $549
A540 All-in-One: On sale for $1,299, down from $1,499
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Old 05-19-2015, 06:49 PM   #486
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grap View Post
Thank you guys!

One of the things I'm sure I did wrong when I did the Acronis clone was not to select all of the drive partitions off the HDD, just the main one (part of me wonders if this is why the clone didn't take like the video showed), but also, in many videos, I've seen where they use the clone utility software to shrink the drive partition on the HDD to make it fit (in my case, from about 850GB to 500) so that it 'looks' like it will fit on the new SSD.

I had created a 'boot' drive using Dell's software (Drive is called DBR_BOOT) and has a folder in it called EFI. Within the EFI folder there is a sub-folder called BOOT and Microsoft. I created this as part of the original Acronis clone process. I was curious if this is the boot file that BIOS was looking for and couldn't find (because I didn't tell BIOS to boot from a USB last time, and because this drive was shared on the USB).

Anyhow, I think I'll abandon that whole process and proceed with the clean install, and use the Microsoft link you provided to create the media instead of the boot file I have.

Again, thank you for the confirmation on my plan, but one final question; Do I have to worry about the new SSD having the cloned drive data on it, or will it get wiped/over-written when I do the new install?

If I do need to wipe the SSD first, what is the best process to do this?

Thanks again!
One of my ssds came with a little cable (USB to sata) and a piece of software from some company I've never heard of

It shrank the partition and cloned the drive in just a few clicks.. Ive used it on a dozen or so ssd installs and a few standard drive installs.. Has worked perfectly every time and is retardedly easy..

EDIT: Just checked.. The company is Apricorn. The cable and software came with a Crucial drive, but can be purchased on Amazon for about $20
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Old 05-19-2015, 06:58 PM   #487
orndog
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eNx View Post
Lenovo is having sale. Today only.

Laptops:

Y40-80: On sale for $649, down from $1099
Y50: On sale for $899, down from $1,399
Yoga 3 Pro: On sale for $1,099, down from $1,499
Z50: On sale for $379, down from $549
Yoga 2 Pro: On sale for $899, down from $1,399
Y50 Touch: On sale for $1,129, down from $1,399
G50-80: On sale for $299, down from $599
Y50 UHD: On sale for $1,149, down from $1,599
Z40: On sale for $479, down from $729
Flex 3 (15***8243;): On sale for $599, down from $799
Y70 Touch: On sale for $1,099, down from $1,399
G50-70: On sale for $499, down from $599
Flex 3 (11***8243;): On sale for $299, down from $419
Z51: On sale for $549, down from $699
Flex 2 (14***8243;): On sale for $649, down from $999
Z70-80: On sale for $599, down from $899
Flex 2 (15***8243;): On sale for $449, down from $729
Flex 3 (14***8243;): On sale for $549, down from $799
G40: On sale for $449, down from $549
Edge 15: On sale for $549, down from $899


Desktops:

Horion 2s Table Top PC: On sale for $699, down from $849
K450e: On sale for $754, down from $1,199
Q190: On sale for $249, down from $379
H50 Tower: On sale for $425, down from $699
B40 All-in-One: On sale for $499, down from $699
H30 Tower: On sale for $349, down from $549
A540 All-in-One: On sale for $1,299, down from $1,499
Is that one their main site?
My sister is looking for a laptop for her daughter that is going off to college. I don't know what girls like.
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Old 05-19-2015, 07:25 PM   #488
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Also have a xps13 and love it. But thought it was fanless for some reason, when the fan kicks on it can be tedious. Sometimes I just close it and let it charge for a while, doesn't use the fan much when it's just on the battery.

Only thing I didn't account for was getting into a game, cities skyline, the computer sucks trying to run that game so I imagine it would not be good for most games.
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Old 05-19-2015, 08:37 PM   #489
chapstien
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Quote:
Originally Posted by orndog View Post
I don't know what girls like.
PM Jay-Z
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Old 05-19-2015, 08:55 PM   #490
Grap
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Quote:
Originally Posted by orndog View Post
Is that one their main site?
My sister is looking for a laptop for her daughter that is going off to college. I don't know what girls like.
Can it support 57 Tabs of Fecesbook, Twitter, SnapChat, YouPorn, and Vine, running at the same time?
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Old 06-30-2015, 02:06 PM   #491
markman
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Employer offered to buy me a laptop, so I may take him up on it.

Looking for:
  • Sleek, thin, sexy, ultrabook preferred (but not Mac)
  • Touchscreenyness/tablet convertibility is a big plus
  • I'm open to screen sizes from 12" to 16" but prefer something around 14"
  • IPS display preferred
  • At least 1080 v-res if 14" or smaller. Over 14" I want 1200p or higher.
  • i5 cpu or equivalent CPU is fine
  • 6GB+ RAM is fine
  • SSD size not incredibly important. 256GB would be nice.

show me teh yore dealz
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Old 06-30-2015, 02:48 PM   #492
Davemeister
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markman View Post
Dell's support is fine as long as you never call and just do the online chat thing.

That's pretty much how I do all support contact these days. It pisses me off when a hardware or software vendor doesn't offer it as an option.
The best part is you can be stroking it the whole time.

"No, Maria, I think you've done quite enough for me today, thank you."
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Old 06-30-2015, 02:49 PM   #493
Davemeister
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OTOH, I do that while I'm on the phone with them, too.
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Old 06-30-2015, 03:54 PM   #494
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grap View Post
Can it support 57 Tabs of Fecesbook, Twitter, SnapChat, YouPorn, and Vine, running at the same time?
Why do people do this? Is it mostly women? My sample size (n=2) is pretty small.

Mrs. jds: "Why is my Macbook so slow?"
me: "Let's take a loo.... Oh. My. God."

30+ Safari tabs open.

me: "Honey, you need to close tabs when you're done looking at them. It will help."
Mrs. jds: "But I won't remember what I was looking at."
me: "You know, you can save all your open tabs to a set of bookmarks and go back to them anytime."
Mrs. jds: "That sounds complicated. Why can't I just leave them open, and can you make my laptop work faster?"
me: *banging head against wall*
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Old 06-30-2015, 04:30 PM   #495
Davemeister
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Just tell her to spend $2800 on a new laptop to make it work faster.
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Old 08-03-2015, 05:29 PM   #496
markman
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Anybody have experience with the Yoga 3?

I'm looking for a tablet/laptop convertible, something not too pricey... I want it to be practical as a tablet, but when tethered to a kb/mouse/monitor I want to be able to do real work on it as well.

*size under 13" (under 12" preferably)
*screen res 1080P or better
*8GB ram
*128GB+ SSD (256GB prefered)
*CPU should be better than an Atom. I don't need a ton of power; my apps run fine on a Celeron or i3 provided I have 8GB of RAM.

So far my shopping list is:

Surface Pro 2 i5/8GB/256 (Cheap but aging)
Surface Pro 3 i5/8GB/256 (Not as cheap but nicer)
Venue Pro 11 i5/8GB/256 (Cheap, kinda clunky)


...and the Lenovo Yoga 3 11" 8GB/180GB.

I think I like the Yoga's form factor the best for my needs. Only thing is the CPU... the ones I'm looking at run the Intel M-5Y10C, which apparently is faster than an Atom but not quite as good as the i-series; not sure how bad that CPU actually sucks in the real world.
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Old 09-08-2015, 11:35 AM   #497
markman
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I guess I'll give a mini-review on my purchase

http://i.imgur.com/hVZRpiB.jpg

Dell Venue Pro 11
Intel i5
256GB SSD
8GB RAM
10.8" 1080P IPS

I got it factory refurbed with 1yr warranty, bundled with a brand new slim keyboard and a hard outer shell (OEM).

Pros:
VERY fast at everything I've thrown at it. Heavy graphics stuff, a gazillion open Chrome tabs, whatever.

Screen is beautiful

Battery life is great, especially considering the power it packs

Feels pretty well built

Has USB & HDMI ports (and of course, bluetooth) so it can easily transition from tablet/laptop/desktop even without buying the extra dock accessory

Works just as well as a tablet as it does as a laptop or desktop replacement.

Cons:
A bit heavy for a tablet- the latest model uses the Core-M instead of the i5 which is smaller and can be passively cooled; mine is the i5. The weight isn't that bad though. I've already gotten used to it.

Not as well thought-out as the Surface Pro 2 in some ways- for instance, it should have the kickstand built into the tablet, not in the keyboard. The OEM accessory hard outer shell fits the device just fine with the keyboard attached, but doesn't have the magnetic catches so it doesn't hold shut and the stand doesn't catch right. C'mon Dell... slapping 2 tiny metal tabs on it would have made the case SO much more functional!

Though it charges by a mini-usb port, you MUST use a special charger still. Regular 5V chargers will not work, regardless of amperage. It must be 19.5V.

The touchpad on the slim keyboard is not sensitive enough for two-finger scrolling. It doesn't scroll enough and you end up only being able to scroll small bits at a time. I'm sure there is a way to fix this, but I haven't bothered... because touchscreen anyway.

Other thoughts:
The slim keyboard is great for portability and the keys give decent tactile feedback- but key travel is almost non-existent and takes some getting used to. The bulkier keyboard that comes with the extended battery is much better for typing. I knew this going in and didn't mind since my use is 50% desktop, 40% tablet, 10% laptop- I wouldn't be using the keyboard too much, so I opted for portability.

The 10.8" size is ideal for me- the new SP3 and Asus Chi T300 are both awesome devices- but just a little too big for me to hold comfortably while giving a presentation in tablet mode. The regular Surface 3 is the right size, but underpowered. That left basically just the SP2 and this thing as my options. I decided against a yoga style device and preferred the ability to detach the keyboard.

All in all: It's a pretty kickass device that can be had for around $400 if you shop around.
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Old 09-08-2015, 11:44 AM   #498
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Thanks for the review markman.

Your bump and prior post are fitting despite the fact I've (read: the wife) already made up my mind because I'm about to by the wife a yoga pro 3 today after work. It's for her school work. We looked at a lot in store and she like the yoga pro 3 by far. It's also on sale for $950 now. The processor is not terrible, rated at 1.2Ghz but turbo boost up to 2.0...it has the new Intel M processor, but the newer version of it. It is light as hell at only 2.6lbs and has the backlit keyboard and one of the best touchscreens on the market.

I'll provide a review after I get it and play with it for a few days.
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Old 09-08-2015, 01:06 PM   #499
markman
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Also check out the Asus Chi T300. It is beautiful. I would have bought it if it were a bit smaller (screen is 12.5"). The specs and price are really good too.


YP3 is a great choice though. IMO the best laptop on the market.
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Old 09-08-2015, 01:19 PM   #500
teamjordan23
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Such value for the money. Especially if you are spec'ing up a XPS 13 or MBP 13.

$1200 after $50 rebate.

ASUS Zenbook UX303LB
13.3 inches 3200x1800 pixels LED-lit Screen
Intel Core i7-5500U 2.4 GHz Processor
12 GB DDR3 RAM
NVIDIA Discrete GPU GT940M 2GB
512GB SSD Storage
3.2 pounds

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X409AN6/
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