BajaNomad
Not logged in [Login - Register]

Go To Bottom
Printable Version  
 Pages:  1    3    5
Author: Subject: Laptop for Baja(New Post, What Not to Buy)
Ateo
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 5900
Registered: 7-18-2011
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 7-7-2013 at 12:35 PM


I love my MacBook Pro. It just works. No hiccups. No antivirus needed. Has a CDROM/DVD drive. Never used the drive though except to watch Dust To Glory once.

I'm typing this on my old MacBook from 2005.

I had Dell PC's up until about 2008. I've used both platforms. I would choose a mac over a PC any day of the week.




View user's profile
SFandH
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 7-7-2013 at 03:03 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Quote:
Originally posted by SFandH
I'm a BIG fan of Google. What a wonderful company. A chromebook will soon be my next computer. You can use USB flash drives if you want.

It's time to break out of the aging and cumbersome Microsoft paradigm without going the pricey Apple route.

Thousands of free apps for the chrome browser.

Cloud drive, file loss due to disk crashes, broken hardware a thing of the past. Backup automatico.

No separate and resource intensive anti-virus software.

Look into it. It may work for you.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/features.html

[Edited on 7-7-2013 by SFandH]



Saw a Chromebook for $250 in Staples ad this morning---looked into it and it looks great! That's my next one too---I really like the no-virus software thing especially. Only hidden cost, apparently, is that you need to pay for your GoogleDrive cloud storage after two years---$5/month which is about what one pays for virus software. Still, if the system runs as clean as it sounds its worth it. Another bonus---the system is supposed to have virtually no start up/reboot time.





Uh, if you want a DVD player/burner, check again, it doesn't have one.


I've read you can plug in a USB DVD player. Read only, no write. I'm not sure what file formats work. I never use disks of any kind anymore. Just thumb drives for movies and the cloud for the rest.

Here's a new chromebook - pricey but looks very cool.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebook-pixe...

[Edited on 7-7-2013 by SFandH]




Want to adopt a mellow Baja dog or cat? - https://www.facebook.com/bajaanimalsanctuary/
View user's profile
Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
******


Avatar


Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
Member Is Offline

Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege

[*] posted on 7-9-2013 at 09:53 AM


I like my HP it is the fastest and runs cooler than any of the others. and battery life is long.

what ever you get dont get it with windows 8 it sucks windows 7 is the best OS ever




Bruce R Leech
Ensenada

View user's profile
DavidE
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline

Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,

[*] posted on 7-9-2013 at 12:52 PM


Drop your five thousand dollar mega terabyte ultra zigabyte laptop on a tile floor and it will work exactly as good as a 299 dollar Wal-Mart refurbished computer.

I remember where i am: If I purchase a 1,200 horsepower Bugatti 12-cylinder with 300 mph tires, i will still go 2mph behind a motor grader like I had to yesterday in my clunker. What good are 9 valves per cylinder on Mexican bandwidth?




A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
View user's profile
pauldavidmena
Super Nomad
****


Avatar


Posts: 1715
Registered: 5-23-2013
Location: Centerville, MA, USA
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 7-9-2013 at 01:10 PM


I know that there is some ambivalence about HP, but I recently bought a refurbished HP Folio 13 from eBay for $670 and have been very happy about it. It features a 128 GB SSD (Solid-State Storage Device) and no hard drive that could break down. It also doesn't have a CD-ROM drive, so you'd have to use an external drive instead. On the plus side, not having the additional components makes the laptop very light, and booting up from SSD is very fast.
View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Member Is Offline

Mood: Happy!

[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 05:43 AM


From an article on tech busts for 2013:

"Google's Chromebook Pixel Internet-dependent laptop got rave reviews for its awesome speed, sound and display when it was unveiled early this year, but at $1,300 a pop, critics dismissed the computer as an overpriced Web browser that is essentially useless offline."

Wah. Hate to buy something that may not have support long-term....
View user's profile
windgrrl
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1335
Registered: 9-2-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 06:13 AM
His 'n her iPads...


...Puffin browser app with flash capability. Use iPod for notes, music and budgeting along the route. Editing out photos is a breeze. Skype app works fine across Baja.

Thinking about adding a Mini Mac and using iPad for screen via Splashtop app.

I would never go back to clunky old Windows.

Happy shopping,
W




When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
View user's profile Visit user's homepage
durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
Member Is Offline

Mood: thriving in Baja

[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 08:35 AM
WiFi on the road?


Southwest Airlines now offers it on domestic flights. I guess they pick up signal directly from satellite but I'm wondering when Carlos Slim will add it to his cell towers so you can use your laptop while on the road, just as you can use your cell phone?



Bob Durrell
View user's profile
Cisco
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 01:49 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Thanks everyone. I think I am really learning toward the Asus and Willy I will check out that site. And I remember Gunner. Another big hole in someone's heart. :no::no:

While I have eliminated HP from my list, it is good to know they have such good service. My sister should have sent her's back. The keyboard has a real mind of its own.

Russ, you have tried to convince me to buy MAC for a long time and maybe someday.

Now, to just avoid Windows 8. I can't find ANYTHING positive about it.

Again, Thanks everyone!


I cannot afford a PC.

By the time I pay for add-on's and different services, pay to have it repaired, pay to...the cost is just prohibitive.

That's why I use a MAC. This is being typed and sent on an 11 year-old G4 that has outrun many of the systems available now (advanced Adobe, etc...) but still does just about everything I want it to with NO problems, an 11 year old machine.

I did take it to the genius bar in Mission Valley and they installed iWork 2009 for me at NO charge. That allows me some of my writing features.

Not knowing how extensive your utilization of the machine will be there is a MAC that will fit it. The 13" Air is a good overall option and if you really want to go with everything the 15" pro with retina display would be my choice for a portable unit.

A friend does graphic displays for her business and she went with the 27" desktop (requires 110 v) and a Pelican case to haul it in. Goes on the airplane, back of the car,...and has a beautiful presentation of all her stuff right there.

So, whatever features you need and apps they are all there and over time will be less expensive than a PC I believe.

Although they are more expensive than others when you amortize out a life of ten or more years and no down time, travel to have repaired, etc...it makes sense to me.

http://www.apple.com/mac/
View user's profile
neilm81301
Nomad
**




Posts: 134
Registered: 3-21-2012
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 01:59 PM
Diana;


Best Buy will sell you(us) an ASUS Netbook w/Linux installed for about $210. No Win8 issues. I've used an ASUS net book for years now, very happy. If you want to do real work (CAD, etc) get an external mouse, keyboard and monitor. Otherwise, It's fine as is.

Neil

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemplatemapper.jsp;jsessionid...
View user's profile
Cisco
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 02:05 PM


I forgot to mention.

For anyone who uses a laptop. Heat is a real enemy of the machine when lying on a flat surface and uncomfortable when used on my lap, so I bought an iLap for my 15" machine.

Great for a hard flat surface with the front foam removed (just slide off) and comfortable and much easier to use when on my lap.

Acts as a heat sink and a comfortable operating station.
View user's profile
DavidE
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
Member Is Offline

Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,

[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 02:13 PM


I prefer allotta bang for the buck. Wal-Mart and a refurbished Compaq HP/ 15.6" Supposedly the Intel 4 core is great. At least 4GB ram. USB3 if you use it a lot. Windows 8 is a YUGO according to those that hate it which is everyone. I use an ALPHA 2000 mw USB wifi amplifier the best thing I ever added ever. A 12 cell battery and a car charger would be a great thing. So would a USB to 3.5 mm jack and plug adapter so when the jacks go bad in goes the adapter into a USB port.

Load it up and debug it in the states. Make sure the keyboard isn't weird like some of them. I just lost the DELETE key on this 299 dollar special after a year and a half. Wish this thing had a half dozen USB ports instead of three.




A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
View user's profile
Cisco
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4196
Registered: 12-30-2010
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 02:16 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DavidE
I prefer allotta bang for the buck. Wal-Mart and a refurbished Compaq HP/ 15.6" Supposedly the Intel 4 core is great. At least 4GB ram. USB3 if you use it a lot. Windows 8 is a YUGO according to those that hate it which is everyone. I use an ALPHA 2000 mw USB wifi amplifier the best thing I ever added ever. A 12 cell battery and a car charger would be a great thing. So would a USB to 3.5 mm jack and plug adapter so when the jacks go bad in goes the adapter into a USB port.

Load it up and debug it in the states. Make sure the keyboard isn't weird like some of them. I just lost the DELETE key on this 299 dollar special after a year and a half. Wish this thing had a half dozen USB ports instead of three.


David. There is a usb device that you plug one end into the machine and have three, four, or however many usb ports on the other end.

Sorta like an extension cord with multiple outlets only this takes additional usb devices. Bought one at the 99 cent store that has room for three flash drives and uses only one usb port on the machine.



[Edited on 8-27-2013 by Cisco]
View user's profile
Udo
Elite Nomad
******


Avatar


Posts: 6346
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
Member Is Offline

Mood: TEQUILA!

[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 03:32 PM


I love my Mac Book Pro with the 17" screen, but if I were to do it all over again, I would get the Mac Book Air.
The three pounds of difference make it soooo much better to carry around. Plus the battery life is also so much better.




Udo

Youth is wasted on the young!

View user's profile
gnukid
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 08:30 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by Udo
I love my Mac Book Pro with the 17" screen, but if I were to do it all over again, I would get the Mac Book Air.
The three pounds of difference make it soooo much better to carry around. Plus the battery life is also so much better.


The new 2013 Mac Air has a super long battery life of about 10+ hours and the computer parts are sealed with shrinkwrap type plastic making it perfect for baja outdoor lounging. And the weight is very low at 3lbs which helps to avoid stress. But it is not upgradeable since it's sealed so get it how you want it - loaded with 250GB SSD drive and either 4GB (fine) or the 8GB Ram option. There is a very high resolution "retina" display which is very nice though the regular display version is totally acceptable too. Consider using a sealable and padded carrying bag to carry your computer when you travel to reduce dust.

I also use a Lenovo w530 laptop for windows 7 which is excellent but it's more of a beast at 6lbs.

Whatever laptop you get, vaccuum the vents and blow high preassure air at the vents to clean out dust. Dust and salt causes the computer to heat up and fail.

[Edited on 8-28-2013 by gnukid]
View user's profile
gnukid
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 08:35 PM


You can get a 7 inch andorid tablet for most browsing, mail and book reading for about $80 or less or pay more for the latest model.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/android-tablet-7-inch-dual-camera
View user's profile
monoloco
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-27-2013 at 09:17 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid


The new 2013 Mac Air has a super long battery life of about 10+ hours and the computer parts are sealed with shrinkwrap type plastic making it perfect for baja outdoor lounging. And the weight is very low at 3lbs which helps to avoid stress. But it is not upgradeable since it's sealed so get it how you want it - loaded with 250GB SSD drive and either 4GB (fine) or the 8GB Ram option. There is a very high resolution "retina" display which is very nice though the regular display version is totally acceptable too.





The MacBook Air isn't available with a retina display, it's only available on the MacBook Pro and the full sized Ipad. Here's a comparison between the Air and the Pro:
http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-air-vs-retina-macbook-pro-2013...




"The future ain't what it used to be"
View user's profile
gnukid
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 4411
Registered: 7-2-2006
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-28-2013 at 03:02 AM


Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid


The new 2013 Mac Air has a super long battery life of about 10+ hours and the computer parts are sealed with shrinkwrap type plastic making it perfect for baja outdoor lounging. And the weight is very low at 3lbs which helps to avoid stress. But it is not upgradeable since it's sealed so get it how you want it - loaded with 250GB SSD drive and either 4GB (fine) or the 8GB Ram option. There is a very high resolution "retina" display which is very nice though the regular display version is totally acceptable too.

The MacBook Air isn't available with a retina display, it's only available on the MacBook Pro and the full sized Ipad. Here's a comparison between the Air and the Pro:
http://www.gizmag.com/macbook-air-vs-retina-macbook-pro-2013...


Mac Air Retina Shipping soon http://www.cultofmac.com/216482/macbook-air-with-retina-disp...
View user's profile
SFandH
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 7084
Registered: 8-5-2011
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-28-2013 at 06:28 AM


I travel with a Dell Netbook and only use it when there is WiFi connection to access email, pay bills, and read the news. It runs XP. The solid state hard drive has developed some bad sectors and some of the Control Panel applications, like User Manager and Add/Remove Software, have stopped working. Nothing happens when the icons are clicked. I'm thinking it's dying a natural death due to old age.

Seriously considering one of these because it's not Windows, it's cheap ($199), and I'll use it only when WiFi is available. The operating system is based upon Linux. I have a powerful desktop and a USB external hard drive and thumbdrives for mass storage and running large apps.

link

Anybody have experience with Acer hardware?

[Edited on 8-28-2013 by SFandH]




Want to adopt a mellow Baja dog or cat? - https://www.facebook.com/bajaanimalsanctuary/
View user's profile
monoloco
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 8-28-2013 at 07:18 AM


Here's another travel solution that allows you to access and use all the files and programs on your home computer remotely with an iPad:
http://9to5mac.com/2013/08/27/parallels-new-ipad-app-access-...




"The future ain't what it used to be"
View user's profile
 Pages:  1    3    5

  Go To Top

 






All Content Copyright 1997- Q87 International; All Rights Reserved.
Powered by XMB; XMB Forum Software © 2001-2014 The XMB Group






"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

 

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

 

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes

 

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn

 

"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law







Thank you to Baja Bound Mexico Insurance Services for your long-term support of the BajaNomad.com Forums site.







Emergency Baja Contacts Include:

Desert Hawks; El Rosario-based ambulance transport; Emergency #: (616) 103-0262