New Laptop advice

[RooFlyer]

<snip>
1) I couldn't get those specs on a PC for cheaper (esp the 512gb SSD which was a big thing for me as I have a lot of files and carrying an external HD isn't all that practical). <snip>.

Glad you got something that works, for the price, but a bit surprised when you say carrying around an external HD isn't all that practical. I have a 512GB SSD on my Sony, but couldn't get that on a Toshiba (actually, I could have had one put in customised, but that would have added to the cost, when its mostly a back-up laptop).

I guess if you are dashing around on foot an external HD is less convenient, but I use a 1TB external HD (pack of cards sized) to supplement the 256GB on the Toshiba, with a USB3 connection, and it lives in the pocket on my laptop sleeve, along with a mouse. When in the office it hangs off the port replicator, with everything else.

But hey .. got an iPad, about to get an iPhone .. I might be joining you next laptop round!

 

[PaulST]

Glad you got something that works, for the price, but a bit surprised when you say carrying around an external HD isn't all that practical. I have a 512GB SSD on my Sony, but couldn't get that on a Toshiba (actually, I could have had one put in customised, but that would have added to the cost, when its mostly a back-up laptop).

I guess if you are dashing around on foot an external HD is less convenient, but I use a 1TB external HD (pack of cards sized) to supplement the 256GB on the Toshiba, with a USB3 connection, and it lives in the pocket on my laptop sleeve, along with a mouse. When in the office it hangs off the port replicator, with everything else.

But hey .. got an iPad, about to get an iPhone .. I might be joining you next laptop round!

I'll let you know how I go.
RE: the external HD. I often travel around with only one backpack (or side bag thingy) which is usually full of a Canon 70D and the laptop slides in next to it (I don't carry it around with a laptop bag but in a sleeve within my other bag.) But yeah, you're probably right, an external HD wouldn't be the end of the world but just more 'stuff' at the bottom of my bag.

 

[RooFlyer]

Ha ha! Another bottom-of-the-backpack grabber. I travel for about 3 weeks at a time on business, and end up carrying the whole kitchen sink of stuff. This has become my solution Cocoon grid-it (with the external HD strapped in at the top ). it sits in the backpack next to the laptop with everything accessible.

 

[Timtammi]

I have a portege z30. It's my second toshy and I love it. It's my work and travel laptop and I have the docking station and extra large monitor for work, undock and away we go for travelling. Ultra thin, ultra light and a good solid work horse.

 

[PLANT]

My investigations have the fully specced Lenovo Carbon X1 in at $3500.
Got a family member the original Toshiba Portege Z830 I5 128HDD...ran well.

 

[Warks]

Saw this one at a pretty good price on Bogan:
Toshiba Portege Z10t-A Core i5 FHD 11.6" Ultrabook

Only i5 though.

 

[PaulST]

Saw this one at a pretty good price on Bogan:
Toshiba Portege Z10t-A Core i5 FHD 11.6" Ultrabook

Only i5 though.

LOL Bogan.
Only 128gb hard drive too. I'd fill that up with a few seasons of Top Gear (in 1080).

 

[OATEK]

I went for Toshiba Kira with touchscreen i7, Win 8.1, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD for $1,980.

My first Toshiba had a red plasma screen, DOS/286 with 512KB RAM and 20MB HDD and my eyes failed and shoulders sagged long before that "Potable/Luggable" gave up the ghos. I have always found the brand ultra reliable ever since, and this replaces a Toshiba Ultrabook.

 

[Anna]

has anyone else got a Yoga Pro 3 and would be willing to answer some really dumb rookie questions for me?

such as - does it already have a microphone in it that I can use for Skype or do I have to buy one separately?

don't laugh

 

[opusman]

such as - does it already have a microphone in it that I can use for Skype or do I have to buy one separately?

The specs are here, looks like it does:

Integrated JBL® stereo speakers, 1.5 watt x 2 / dual array microphone, combo audio/microphone jack

 

[Anna]

Thanks Opusman. I've discovered the default settings on the mic are terrible and need to be adjusted, unless you want to sound like you are talking underwater.

I've had one hard disc failure in the first month, which was a worry but Lenovo phone support helped sort it out, but other than that I've been pleased with the Yoga and have found it easy to use. Previously I've always been stuck with hardware provided by work so I'm amazed how easy computers can be if you buy something that actually suits what you want it for

 

[phily]

So my choice, (PC only), travelling 6 months of the year, was Toshiba Portege R30 (check out specs at the link). Everything that opens and shuts; unfortunately only 256GB SSD (rather than the 512GB my Sony has).

I'm also a Toshiba Portege R* fan. They're lightweight, thin, and have an optical drive. Their SSD drives are a bit small, so I've replaced mine with a Samsung 1TB SSD, and it now fits all my photos while on a travel expedition.

 

[PaulST]

Just an update if anyone is considering the swap from PC to iOS. I was initially cautious having used PCs my whole life but I'm loving my new MacBook Air. Everything just works and seems so intuitive. You're not downloading drivers and updating programs you've never seen every few days. Things just work - every time.

 

[straitman]

Just an update if anyone is considering the swap from PC to iOS. I was initially cautious having used PCs my whole life but I'm loving my new MacBook Air. Everything just works and seems so intuitive. You're not downloading drivers and updating programs you've never seen every few days. Things just work - every time.

There are a few others here who would support this suggestion.

My variation is that I would probably get the new MacBook Pro which is a lot more powerful whilst being a lot lighter than previous MacBook Pros.

 

[opusman]

Just an update if anyone is considering the swap from PC to iOS. I was initially cautious having used PCs my whole life but I'm loving my new MacBook Air. Everything just works and seems so intuitive. You're not downloading drivers and updating programs you've never seen every few days. Things just work - every time.

Hate to be pedantic, but iOS is what you have on your iPhone/iPad, not your Mac

 

[PaulST]

There are a few others here who would support this suggestion.

My variation is that I would probably get the new MacBook Pro which is a lot more powerful whilst being a lot lighter than previous MacBook Pros.

The Pro seems good but too heavy and thick for what I want. I just wish mine had the retina display...

Hate to be pedantic, but iOS is what you have on your iPhone/iPad, not your Mac

haha I stand corrected.

 

[straitman]

The Pro seems good but too heavy and thick for what I want. I just wish mine had the retina display...


haha I stand corrected.

The new Pro has been on a diet and is much slimmer and lighter than previous.

 

[PaulST]

The new Pro has been on a diet and is much slimmer and lighter than previous.

OK I'll have to check it out.