Chip said:
I just bought a new computer for FT use as the laptop I had intended to use for this purpose recently died. I was liking for something a little more powerful and upgradable, but lightweight and something that didn't draw too much power (for boondocking).
CHIP said:
I chose a small HP Pavillion desktop (the same brand as my laptop.) It uses an AMD quad core A-8 6410 accelerated processor that only draws 15 watts (the computer's power supply is only 65 watts, not 600 watts like my last desktop!) It has a built in R5 Radeon graphics card, 2TB HD, GB of DDR3 ram, wireless LAN adapter, etc. No it's not an overclocked gaming screamer like I used to have, (in fact, it's sorta slow) but is small, super light (15.8 lbs - almost as much as my last desktop's power supply alone), uses minimal power and was quite cheap (about 1/4 the price of my last desktop). I intend to use it for mainly for internet access, E-mails, light MC Office use and the like.

Is low power usage a consideration for any other folks, or am I just overthinking things?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-pavilion-desktop-amd-a8-series-8gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive/8580007.p?id=1219350935437&skuId=8580007
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direct-answer.  You won't ever use your desktop when you are boondocking, or at a Starbucks.  Laptops work better for us that way!  The power usage question is overthinking.  That being said, you might be like me, and be happy with a media server/file server.  BUT I would still say you need a laptop and or a tablet for mobility!

Chip
In my Humble Opinion (IMHO) I'd say LAPTOP, not desktop. You may want to the the unit outside the rig to work, and no, we haven't done that yet with our laptops, but we also have tablets and DO take those outside often.

I do this for a living (computer support and training):
Here's the deal:

I've been telling my clients/customers for at least 5-6 years that desktops are not really needed anymore, UNLESS you are a VERY very serious gamer, with specialized needs.

Personally speaking, Cheryl and I have been full-timing for about 4 months, and have 2 laptops, and one desktop server.
Do YOU need a server? Most likely not. We use server for media, movies, and other stuff, as well as a central file server.

And yes, we do have external Hard disks on the server (and can move them to the laptops if needed...)

There are four discrete price points for laptops, and each category has pros and cons. (all prices are essentially for new, not used/refurbished units). All price points essentially overlap greatly...

• $250-$400
• $400-$750
• $750-999
• $1,000 and up

Cheapest price pont: ($200-400)
Pro: cheap, essentially disposable units.
Cons: not as many features.

• Expect to use/replace after 1-2 years. Could last a bit longer, but great if you just consider it disposable.
• Low powered (slower/older CPU)
• Usually max of 2GB Ram
• Usually smaller Hard Disk
• Usually no Web-cam
• Often limited video on system, little video ram (if you are a gamer, you understand this, otherwise, dont worry!)
• May have only a wifi G or N connecti=on instead of a AC connection.

Medium Price Point: $400-750
Pro: Usually what I recommend to most people.
Con: More $$$ outlay, usually recommend a square-trades warranty extension!

• Usually have a webcam
• Usually better CPU (speed and Multi-processor[dual/quad]core)
• usually 4-6GB (sometimes 8GB of RAM
• Usually at least 500GB hard disk
• Usually a decent video card built in.
• Will usually last and work out better..

Slightly higher Price $750-$1000
PRO: will multi-task better, better if you do more stuff.

• Faster CPU
• better memory
• Better video

Expensive $1,000 and up.
PRO: Good for gamers.
Cons: For FTers? Not likely

• Fastest CPU
• better memory
• Better video

MAC's

Go ask Cherie and Chris. I haven't used a Mac since the Mac128 in 1984, when I was told I would have to spend another $1,000 to upgrade the RAM from 512KB to 1MB because they soldered the ram to the motherboard, and I sold my great paperweight.

---in other words, I never (again) drank Apple's Kool-AID...

SO:

• Would I recommend a laptop over $1,000? usually not.
• Would I recommend the $250-$400 one? again, usually not.
• Would I recommend waiting till black friday (or cyber monday, etc?) to find a good one? YES.

My personal (current) needs for a laptop, and yes I am again in the market for one...
CPU Intel Core7 or AMD equivilent
6-12 GB RAM.
Fast/Large Hard disk (wiith SSD if possible)
Decent video card.

---> I am hopeful that I can find one under $700 during the upcoming holidays.
Best advice? Check the weekly flyers (and DAILY DEALS)  from:

• Best buy
• Staples
• OfficeDepot/Max
• TigerDirect
• Fry's Electronics
• as well as the daily specials from NewEgg.

PS:
I am available via skype/etc for assistance/troubleshooting , problem resolutions, etc. email me directly if you have problems or needs...

Cheers to ALL

Mitch B.
Cheryl's other half!!

Sushidog wrote:

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I have an apple I-pad that my boss gave me, but I've never learned to use it, being a PC guy all my life. I also have a work issued smart phone that I use daily. I'll have to give it back when I retire though, so I will need to purchase another. I figured I'd use a smart phone while on the road use, to access my e-mails, google locations, etc., reserving my desktop for other uses when stopped. I figure that after I retire I'll have the time to write another book or two. However with an tiny inverter, I could stop at a rest stop while in transit, in front of a WiFi hot spot and fire it up if needed, but I really don't anticipate the need.

My last laptop was a 17" HP. It cost me over $1,000, 4 years ago, but it had all the bells and whistles - Blue ray player, 500 GB HD (big for the time, but 1/4 the size of my new 2TB HD), powerful processor, lots of ram, good video, oversized battery for 6 hrs. use before recharging, etc. The thing is, I never used it as a laptop. I always kept it plugged in and on my desk, but had the penalty of the smallish (for a desktop) 17" screen. I looked at the new laptops but all I could find were small models (15" screen or less). I really like the 25" hi-res monitor I now have on my new desktop. Plus I like the component nature of the desktop, so when my bird destroys this keyboard, like she did on my last laptop, or another component dies (like the internal battery charger did), it wont cost me a fortune to replace it.

Thanks for the advice folks, my last few desktops were in the $2,000 range (usually built from state of the art components.) This one was only $500 (about what my last video card cost.) If it doesn't satisfy me I'll give it to one of my niece's kids. I'm sure they'll enjoy it. I did buy a pre-assembled gaming computer from TigerDirect once, but was very unhappy with their service. The salesman sold me some software that would not install, then they refused to take it back because I had tried to install it. (How could I know it wouldn't work until I tried to install it?) Anyway, they lost a good customer for life over a $50 program (I had just spent $3k with them) - so sad. I'm not computer illiterate (though they have changed quite a bit over the years.) I did computer consulting in the late 80's, installing LANS in motorcycle and car dealers across the country, (and training folk how to use them) and in the mid 90's was a store manager for the NeoStar Group (Babbages, Software etc., etc.). I used to modify autoexec.bat and config.sys files for customers over the telephone, (adding files, handles, last drive lines, etc. as needed), so I think I could have installed the program if it were possible (as it met my system specs, but it just wouldn't run.)

Maybe I just need someone to train me on the Apple OS, so I can take my 2yr old I-pad out of mothballs and finally put it to use (replacing my smart phone with a dumb phone and a tablet).

Chip

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 x2 on the components and cost of a desktop.... I had written that, and changed my post..lol

I too like my 25" led hd screen, my full size keyboard, and wireless mouse.. And while I could connect them to a laptop and do the same thing.. why would anyone pay double for a laptop to do that? 

I paid $400 for new gateway gaming tower at best buy.. it works well for me. And like you said.. If a piece breaks, I only have to replace that pieces.. Not throw away a laptop..

That said.. I have a full sized office and desk in my rig.. in fact the bunk house is my office, including my 1k office chair I snagged at auction for $5..lol

Computer doesn't take up much space..
It's all the other stuff....

photo deleted

-- Edited by The Junkman on Tuesday 4th of November 2014 11:55:30 AM

Mitch Quotes:

Sushidog wrote:

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Thanks for the replies folks. Yes, a laptop takes up less space, is lighter and more portable - but when it breaks it's $$$ to fix and it is difficult to impossible to upgrade. I guess everything is a trade-off; one must weigh the advantages of each device vs. their inherent limitations to decide what's best for each individual's needs. What's best for one might not be right for another.

Chip

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 OK

Here's the deal Chip.

a) Square Trade offers REASONABLE extended warranties on everything electronic.

b) The ONLY things you MAY WANT to upgrade on a laptop are adding new RAM or replacing the harddrive.

I have external hard-drives, and make sure that the laptop is usually maxed out in advance, for better performance.

After all (and yes, I DO have a server under my 42inch monitor/tv)  it's THE PORTABILITY of taking it out of the RIG that's key.

Remember we're all TRAVELERS.   We travel, your computer should too!..

cheers.

The Junkman wrote:

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That's hosted through photo bucket..not sure what size it is..

What size is prime for laptops? Only takes up 1/2 of my screen.

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 Sadly, I can't really answer your question for you.  I use a particular software package when resizing and pretty much know what is usable.  That software is no longer available, so I guess you'd just have to experiment with your software and post different "sizes" on Photobucket.  Then try each "setting" and see what happens when you use the "Show Preview" button at the bottom before posting.  Since you are likely on a desktop, I'd say you'd want the image to show up even smaller than the "1/2 of your screen."

At least, that's what I did in finding an "optimum" size for the forums.  But even then, they seem to be too large for those with handheld devices instead of laptops and desktops.

Terry