(04-12-2017, 07:21 PM)JustWinBaby Wrote: I'd also be careful with a quad core cpu - that thing could run hot (too hot to use comfortably on your lap).  I don't know, you'd have to check reviews.

Thanks for the tip.  Wasn't aware of that one.  I'm replacing a dual core and naturally thought I'd go for quad, but now I might do some more investigating...

You should get an SSD. It's worth it.

Sent from my LG-H830 using Tapatalk

(04-12-2017, 07:41 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Thanks for the tip.  Wasn't aware of that one.  I'm replacing a dual core and naturally thought I'd go for quad, but now I might do some more investigating...

I have an i7-6500U (not much difference vs. the i5-6200U) and don't have much issue running YUGE spreadsheets.  And that's a lower-voltage ultrabook processor.  A LOT of ultrabooks run warm/hot, partially because they're a good bit thinner then what you're looking at but they have that lower power dual core.

Unless you're doing video editing or massive spreadsheets, you shouldn't need more than a dual-core i5.  For that matter, you probably don't need more than 8GB of ram.  4k screens will get considerably less battery life, as well, than a FHD screen.

Don't know if the quad core is going to make much difference in gaming, you'd have to research.  Not sure if that video card is better than the intel integrated graphics (don't know).

Looks like that Acer has pretty good reviews for being good value, but it really depends on what your usage is.  If you're hoping to use this with a VR headset you'll probably not get good performance from any laptop in this price range.

(04-12-2017, 11:52 PM)treee Wrote: You should get an SSD. It's worth it.

I think one can live with longer boot times (which is mitigated using sleep/hibernate, anyway), and launching programs isn't much worse.

But as someone who drops their laptop about 2-3X a year, I'd agree an SSD is worth it.

another dumb question.....

do laptops come equipped with a webcam?  the wife needs to do an online interview and she needs this camera.  if they do not come equipped with a webcam, how much does one of them cost? 

(04-14-2017, 03:36 PM)BengalHawk62 Wrote: another dumb question.....

do laptops come equipped with a webcam?  the wife needs to do an online interview and she needs this camera.  if they do not come equipped with a webcam, how much does one of them cost? 

An "online interview" you say?

(04-14-2017, 03:36 PM)BengalHawk62 Wrote: another dumb question.....

do laptops come equipped with a webcam?  the wife needs to do an online interview and she needs this camera.  if they do not come equipped with a webcam, how much does one of them cost? 

Most machines have them built in, these days.

(04-14-2017, 03:45 PM)bfine32 Wrote: An "online interview" you say?

Ya with Hustler! I'm so proud of her.

Who doesn't want to see pregnant porn these days?

(04-14-2017, 03:36 PM)BengalHawk62 Wrote: another dumb question.....

do laptops come equipped with a webcam?  the wife needs to do an online interview and she needs this camera.  if they do not come equipped with a webcam, how much does one of them cost? 

My desktop did not have a webcam, however Ollies' has a low resolution webcam that attaches to the monitor via a spring clip for under $8.00. Ollies' is like big lots, but with better merchandise in my opinion.

(04-12-2017, 07:41 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Thanks for the tip.  Wasn't aware of that one.  I'm replacing a dual core and naturally thought I'd go for quad, but now I might do some more investigating...

So I was unable to find the laptop I've been looking at in any stores, but I did find a VERY thin HP with the same processor at Best Buy.  I tried my damndest and could not get the bottom hot at all.  Since I rarely have the computer actually sitting on my lap, I've decided to pull the trigger on the model I posted earlier in the thread.  I should get it this week and will give you all a review soon after.

So I'm still trying to get all my files and stuff switched over to the new machine, but here are the pros and cons thus far.

Pros:
Lightning quick processor
Wireless AC is great
Light
Great image quality
Very thin
Real number pad

Cons:
Flimsy feel to the screen hinge
Incredibly thin power cord (I suspect it will break quickly)
Buttons for the touch pad are under the material. This causes movement of the cursor when trying to click or clicking the wrong button.
The keyboard. I prefer keys next to each other, this one has 1/8" or so gaps between the keys.
Windows 10 - It freakin' SUCKS!!!


Another issue I had was the lack of any information anywhere about preloaded software. Nothing mentioned anywhere, so I purchased a new multi device Norton subscription. Low and behold, this thing has an active McAffee installation preloaded.

Bottom line is, would I buy this one again? Yes, I think I'd be hard pressed to find better for the price point...

(05-10-2017, 10:22 PM)jfkbengals Wrote: Another issue I had was the lack of any information anywhere about preloaded software.  Nothing mentioned anywhere, so I purchased a new multi device Norton subscription.  Low and behold, this thing has an active McAffee installation preloaded.

Ooooooooh.....just stay away from Norton and McAffee.  I've been running free programs for years with no issues at all.  Currently running Bitdefender, but have also used Panda, AVG and AVAST.  Then for spyware/adware it's SpyBot S&D and Malwarebytes or Ad-Aware.

And I think they say you probably don't really need anything more than the default Windows 10 anti-virus and firewall.

For an extra layer of security, create a local (non-admin) account to work/play from.

(05-10-2017, 11:38 PM)JustWinBaby Wrote: Ooooooooh.....just stay away from Norton and McAffee.  I've been running free programs for years with no issues at all.  Currently running Bitdefender, but have also used Panda, AVG and AVAST.  Then for spyware/adware it's SpyBot S&D and Malwarebytes or Ad-Aware.

And I think they say you probably don't really need anything more than the default Windows 10 anti-virus and firewall.

For an extra layer of security, create a local (non-admin) account to work/play from.

I've used all of those at various times.  Back when the little lady had Comcast I got the free copy of Norton from her account, and honestly found it worked better overall than any of the freebies.  As such I've stuck with it.  The reason I purchased it is we now have Verizon (which offers nothing) and we cannot move that active free copy from the other PC, and this offers licenses for her desktop and laptop as well.