Need Help picking a laptop
#46




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That is the one thing that is a must have (along with a decent sized screen) - absolutely need a number keypad as its infinitely slower using the numbers on the main keyboard
#47



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I noticed that everyone in this thread, so far, that likes HP printers is talking about old ones. Yes, those were good. New ones, however, are not so good. I like Brother Printers although I currently have an Epson that works well.
I can’t add much to the computer recommendations l ready given. I prefer Dell., but see other good ones already mentioned.
I can’t add much to the computer recommendations l ready given. I prefer Dell., but see other good ones already mentioned.
#48
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These days, quality all-in-ones sell for $200. You could trade in two devices for one. (Unless your current printer is laser.)
#49




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Like IBM going to Lenovo, Toshiba went to Dynabook. Both still very good choices.
Regarding HP printers, I recently bought a low end Inkjet. I hardly ever print, so took the 9 month free ink offer, and then 99p a month
It was an absolute pig to set up. Got half way through the process and just stopped. I had to completely reset it (via some obscure button pressing) and then start again (used my phone the 2nd time). It’s been OK since then, but I dread to think how “non-techies” would have fared.
Regarding HP printers, I recently bought a low end Inkjet. I hardly ever print, so took the 9 month free ink offer, and then 99p a month

It was an absolute pig to set up. Got half way through the process and just stopped. I had to completely reset it (via some obscure button pressing) and then start again (used my phone the 2nd time). It’s been OK since then, but I dread to think how “non-techies” would have fared.
#50
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That's why I love it. The ink lasts forever, though it is expensive to buy a cartridge when it does empty. I think it's been at least 5+ years since I put in a cartridge and did so this week.
#51
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They havent been produced for like a decade. I had one for traveling also. But now, or pre Covid I should say, I usually traveled with an iPad Pro with a keyboard or a MacBook Air. My current MacBook Air, which is the newest model is very fast, has a 13 inch screen, and 18 hour battery and weighs 2.7 pounds. There are probably lighter, comparable Windows machines or Chromebooks. I know my Chromebook is. No room for netbooks unless they really rethought the concept.
#52
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This is one of the things to think about as the years pass - you may love your printer, but if toner cartridges get more and more expensive, it may be more cost effective to get a new printer.
#53
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I'm a low volume user, really low volume.
#54
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#55
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Thank you. On top of looking for a laptop, I'll look at those too. Any hints of brand? I've been happy with my HP, but it's also an older HP.
#56
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(Many of the posters here have far heavier usage.)
#57
 



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For $199 you can get a nice new Brother wifi laser monochrome all-in-one delivered to your new place and not have to worry about packing and shipping the old one.
For another $20, there's a version that supports AirPrint (iOS wireless printing) and google cloud print .. look for model# MFCL2710DW. Mine doesn't support AirPrint and I get along without it, but I have to send everything to the computer (any computer on the network) to print. I think for $20 I'd get it next time.
You might get better results with this thread in the Tech Forum.
-David
Last edited by LIH Prem; Mar 18, 2023 at 8:13 pm
#58

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However, as they say, old habits die hard and though I came of age as a Mac person, my long ago Corp days introduced me to the IBM, now Lenovo, Thinkpads and I've found their keyboard to be the best of any laptop I've ever used. When I anticipate needing to type a bunch, which happens from time to time, I picked up an X Series as a compromise between the keyboard I prefer and light weight form factor.
Now, if Apple could produce the current Air with an Thinkpad keyboard, it'd be my perfect laptop.
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In my view, that's like the perfect travel laptop--it's light, thin, absolutely stunning screen, and very easily portable.
However, as they say, old habits die hard and though I came of age as a Mac person, my long ago Corp days introduced me to the IBM, now Lenovo, Thinkpads and I've found their keyboard to be the best of any laptop I've ever used. When I anticipate needing to type a bunch, which happens from time to time, I picked up an X Series as a compromise between the keyboard I prefer and light weight form factor.
_
Now, if Apple could produce the current Air with an Thinkpad keyboard, it'd be my perfect laptop.
However, as they say, old habits die hard and though I came of age as a Mac person, my long ago Corp days introduced me to the IBM, now Lenovo, Thinkpads and I've found their keyboard to be the best of any laptop I've ever used. When I anticipate needing to type a bunch, which happens from time to time, I picked up an X Series as a compromise between the keyboard I prefer and light weight form factor.
_
Now, if Apple could produce the current Air with an Thinkpad keyboard, it'd be my perfect laptop.
People fundamentally underestimate the importance of a good, responsive and well laid out keyboard - laptop or desktop. Given how much time one spends cognitively outputting ideas and responses into multiple applications as well as FT for us, having a good, if not great keyboard is essential.
Having a crappy user interface - which is what I'd characterize as any modalities that use touchscreens and/or audio - are always prone to errors and requires, in my mind, heroics to change and modify text inputs is a royal pain in the ....
{Off topic paragraph regarding other posters removed by Moderator}
Getting back to the ThinkPad keyboard, having good/great tactile feel and responsiveness (and either audible and/or tactile feedback) allows one to keep typing and know that one's thoughts are actually being captured. Marshmallow keys on some/many Dell (and other) keyboards annoys me especially - when I have to actually look down to see if I'm depressing a key or three since no feel or feedback is provided.David
Last edited by Moderator2; Mar 19, 2023 at 10:46 pm
#60

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My desktop is old, and we are moving and may very well be without our stuff for a while before we settle in. For now, I don't think I can lug or even mail my current computer or another desktop model. I need to have a good, functioning computer instead of my ipad or iphone. Eventually I plan on using it as a "desktop" and get a monitor.
Requirements:
windows
ports for scanner, printer, several ports to plug in backup drive and monitor
need a keyboard & mouse
I do not need it for gaming, nor any heavy duty processing. MS Office, Quicken, & Turbo Tax are my most used items. So real power isn't an issue. I do not need, or will I likely use, a touchscreen
I have never owned a laptop so I'm totally overwhelmed at the options out there. I keep computers until they are old
My desktop is about 7 years old, and my previous computer was even older than that.
Can someone point me towards a brand and ideally, model? Pretty please
Requirements:
windows
ports for scanner, printer, several ports to plug in backup drive and monitor
need a keyboard & mouse
I do not need it for gaming, nor any heavy duty processing. MS Office, Quicken, & Turbo Tax are my most used items. So real power isn't an issue. I do not need, or will I likely use, a touchscreen
I have never owned a laptop so I'm totally overwhelmed at the options out there. I keep computers until they are old
My desktop is about 7 years old, and my previous computer was even older than that.Can someone point me towards a brand and ideally, model? Pretty please
Dell is ok as well. Lenovo I have two issues with. One can be easily dealt with (I don't like how they have their CTRL and FN keys reversed.... but this can be remapped). The other is the fact that they don't have a very secure past (shoddy software mostly although spyware and adware have crept in before). They have gotten better, but every so often I find a product that is half-assedly done (their Android tablets for example... pale significantly compared to their Samsung competitors).

