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Author Topic: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook  (Read 13601 times)

AlisterL

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #25 on: August 16, 2012, 04:51:50 am »

Rich,

in my humble opinion if you have trouble with touch screen devices then you need something with a keyboard and a netbook would fit the bill. Presumably you will be after a new one and not something preloved - this will allow you to see if the keyboard is big enough before you choose. A new one would also mean the battery is in the best state - almost certainly a 2nd hand job would have a knackered battery.

Another option would be a tablet with an optional keyboard like the Asus Transformer's. However the netbook would also give a familiar Windows OS experience.

There are some really cheap netbooks around that have cheap CPu's - don't get one of those make sure its from a reliable and reputable manufacturer like Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo etc.

HTH,
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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #26 on: August 16, 2012, 08:27:20 am »

My laptop doesn't allow for connection to a docking station, so that's out of the window.

The decision has been taken, a netbook it will be.  I've taken a liking to this...
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/computing/laptops_and_netbooks/123188795_samsung_n102_intel_atom_n2100_1gb320gb_101_led_netbook.html?hnav=4294960188


Rich
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Rich

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essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #27 on: August 16, 2012, 08:55:59 am »

My laptop doesn't allow for connection to a docking station, so that's out of the window.

The decision has been taken, a netbook it will be.  I've taken a liking to this...
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/shop/technology/computing/laptops_and_netbooks/123188795_samsung_n102_intel_atom_n2100_1gb320gb_101_led_netbook.html?hnav=4294960188


Rich

We have those for sale in the shop here bundled with a mobile broadband package.  Seem to be a reasonable seller and the specs are pretty good, but the Atom Processor can struggle with too many applications running in the background.  If you keep background apps to a minimum and it will be fine for your needs.
Dump Internet explorer and go for either firefox or google chrome as your web browser, both are better suited to the lower "power" of netbooks and the like
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #28 on: August 16, 2012, 09:30:59 am »

What's this deal you offered me, Essex? Tell me more....   ;D


Rich
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AlanT

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #29 on: August 16, 2012, 09:40:37 am »

Why don't you just use an ipad?.....Best thing ever for "Sofa Surfing"...Instant turn on/off, Access to all the comms programs you need Skype, Facetime etc, and easy to use with Facebook and other Social Rubbish if you must.
Plus you can take it on holiday with little weight penalty and watch films or read a book , Kindle style, plus access the internet for email etc...
Take it to your pond and make a movie of your boat or hundreds of superb quality stills...
I wouldn't be without mine.

Regards

Alan 
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malcolmfrary

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #30 on: August 16, 2012, 09:41:41 am »

A while back I got myself a net book because I had a few jobs for it.  
Top of the pile was to be something to take away with me so that I could keep in touch.  While doing that it gave me somewhere to put my holiday snaps, it was my music store and carried a selection of books.  I picked on the Asus EEE PC mostly for its claimed good battery life, reasonable keyboard and the familiar Windows system.  Increasing memory was pretty vital, it would have been a good idea, and maybe cheaper, to have had the shop upgrade the memory since there is only one slot in there.
At home its plugged into the Hi Fi as a juke box.
It gave me background music and something to read all the way on the flight back from Cyprus.
Quite possibly there are tablets that will do the same job, but cheaper and lighter, but thats progress.
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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #31 on: August 16, 2012, 09:58:45 am »

Why don't you just use an ipad?.....Best thing ever for "Sofa Surfing"...Instant turn on/off, Access to all the comms programs you need Skype, Facetime etc, and easy to use with Facebook and other Social Rubbish if you must.
Plus you can take it on holiday with little weight penalty and watch films or read a book , Kindle style, plus access the internet for email etc...
Take it to your pond and make a movie of your boat or hundreds of superb quality stills...
I wouldn't be without mine.

Regards

Alan 

I have a tablet pc...very nice piece of kit, but it has a touch screen. The ever increasing effects of rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and fingers are making the using of a touch screen increasingly difficult, my fingers are already bent and twisted, and they will only get worse. I can still use an ordinary style keyboard, hence the thinking of purchasing a netbook.

A while back I got myself a net book because I had a few jobs for it. 
Top of the pile was to be something to take away with me so that I could keep in touch.  While doing that it gave me somewhere to put my holiday snaps, it was my music store and carried a selection of books.  I picked on the Asus EEE PC mostly for its claimed good battery life, reasonable keyboard and the familiar Windows system.  Increasing memory was pretty vital, it would have been a good idea, and maybe cheaper, to have had the shop upgrade the memory since there is only one slot in there.
At home its plugged into the Hi Fi as a juke box.
It gave me background music and something to read all the way on the flight back from Cyprus.
Quite possibly there are tablets that will do the same job, but cheaper and lighter, but thats progress.

You're on my wavelength here I think Malcolm...the main laptop handles all the high power stuff, it runs the AMS website and the forum quite happily, and does all I need it too, plus a bit. So, the proposed netbook would only need to be capable of watching over the forums I visit during the evening, chatting to 'er in Canada via Gmail chat, and chatting to the AMS members on our Facebook page.

I have a nice new, all singing, all dancing, digital camera for taking photos, I have a 5.1 surround sound system hooked up to my tv/dvd/cd player for playing music, and I prefer to read a book in it's hardback state, so neither of those uses are on my "must be able to do" list for the proposed netbook.


Rich
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Rich

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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

Andyn

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #32 on: August 16, 2012, 10:01:48 am »

If it's just internet you're after on the littleun, consider a Chromebook. They're pretty much internet only, and they're designed to turn on and get you on the net as quick as possible.

Some for a few ideas:

 :-))

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/chromebooks/703_7707_70798_xx_xx/1_12/price-asc/xx-criteria.html
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essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #33 on: August 16, 2012, 10:02:58 am »

What's this deal you offered me, Essex? Tell me more....   ;D


Rich

PM sent
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #34 on: August 16, 2012, 10:40:34 am »

Gentlemen, I am now sorted...I am now the owner of a 10.1" PB510 refurbished Netbook (ok, so it's purple...) for the princely sum of £159.00 delivered to my door.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/refurbished-netbooks/829_7385_70455_xx_BA00002914-BV00195977/1_12/price-asc/xx-criteria.html

It might not be the best, it might not make the tea, but according to the specs it will do all I want it to, and maybe a touch more in reserve. And the price was spot on, a major consideration.

Essex...I thank you sir, for the offer, it's much appreciated, I assure you.

Everyone else...I thank you all for your comments, criticisms and guidance. Again, much appreciated.

Many thanks, all...



Rich
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Rich

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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #35 on: August 16, 2012, 11:07:35 am »

Nice.... I may have to get one of those for the daughter for xmas as she likes all things purple lol
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #36 on: August 16, 2012, 11:09:13 am »

I'll have to wear my sunglass shades.... 8)
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Rich

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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #37 on: August 16, 2012, 11:16:17 am »

hows about a nice matching case?
http://www.mypurplelaptop.com/cases-bags/purple-bags-cases-sleeves-netbooks.html

Oh and that site also has matching mice memory sticks and even shoes! lol

I would suggest a memory ugrade to 2GB should cost about a tenner and fits by removing just one screw
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #38 on: August 16, 2012, 11:22:29 am »

Essex...if I have to come over there...   <*<  <*<    %)

Tell me more about the upgrade though...one screw sounds about right for me.
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Rich

K-157 Vepr. Akula-II (project 971U)
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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #39 on: August 16, 2012, 11:48:12 am »

simples....
power off and unplug laptop
turn upside down (the laptop that is!  ;D )
on the lower bottom corner you will see a small panel that looks a bit like a rectangle with one of its corners stretched, remove screw
open panel
Insert Memory.  It can only fit one way (unless you really really force it!)
replace panel
replace screw
reconnect and power on

Job done
quick search of ebay gives you this memory
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2GB-RAM-MEMORY-UPGRADE-PACKARD-BELL-DOT-510-NETBOOK-/200646233938

Tho further research can probably get it even cheaper
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #40 on: August 16, 2012, 11:53:06 am »

It's that simple? Sounds as though I could probably handle that...cheers E2V, you are a true star. I shall go and purchase said memory thingie instantly, if not quicker.


Good man yourself...




Rich
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U-33

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #41 on: August 16, 2012, 11:58:26 am »

Memory bought and paid for...it's en route.

Is there anything to do when I turn the netbook back on after adding the memory, or does it recognise the memory upgrade? I'll probably add the memory before I turn the 'book on for the first time, I think.
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Rich

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MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #42 on: August 16, 2012, 12:05:19 pm »

It's that simple? Sounds as though I could probably handle that...cheers E2V, you are a true star. I shall go and purchase said memory thingie instantly, if not quicker.


Good man yourself...




Rich

yes that simple.... the hardest part is finding a suitable screwdriver lol (the one you need is never where you are certain you put it last time lol)

should be completely automatic

If you have any problems give me a shout
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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #43 on: August 16, 2012, 12:08:59 pm »

Ah yes...the always missing, where is the bl**dy thing, it was here just now screwdriver!

Cheers E2V, I'll keep you informed as to installation success/failure.  ;D


Rich
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Rich

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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

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essex2visuvesi

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #44 on: August 16, 2012, 12:20:02 pm »

Ah yes...the always missing, where is the bl**dy thing, it was here just now screwdriver!

you have one of those too? normally to be found in the middle of the workbench in plain sight after spending 20 mins pulling every draw in the house/workshop/garage out
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Circlip

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #45 on: August 16, 2012, 12:40:03 pm »

2 things to be aware of, First, make sure you discharge yourself before handling the RAM stick and Two, don't mangle the screw when removing a fitting the RAM in case something goes wrong with the Lappy within the Guarantee period cos you're going to have to take the stick out again before any PC World RTB.  :-))

  Regards  Ian
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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #46 on: August 16, 2012, 12:41:59 pm »

2 things to be aware of, First, make sure you discharge yourself before handling the RAM stick and Two, don't mangle the screw when removing a fitting the RAM in case something goes wrong with the Lappy within the Guarantee period cos you're going to have to take the stick out again before any PC World RTB.  :-))

  Regards  Ian

Ok...another silly question. How do I discharge myself Ian?
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Rich

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~~~~~~~  "Motorflotes need love too...."  ~~~~~~~

MotorFlote build log : http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,15222.0.html

Andyn

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #47 on: August 16, 2012, 12:53:24 pm »

Ok...another silly question. How do I discharge myself Ian?

I believe she lives in Canada doesn't she? {-)
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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #48 on: August 16, 2012, 12:58:20 pm »

I believe she lives in Canada doesn't she? {-)

There has to be one...always has to be one.
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Rich

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malcolmfrary

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Re: Laptop/Netbook/Notebook
« Reply #49 on: August 16, 2012, 02:43:25 pm »

Officially, you use an anti-static wristband grounded via its attached wire to a metal earth, such as a water pipe, or, in some cases, the earth pin of a mains plug.  In reality, this grounds one hand, and gives plenty of scope for static to build one heck of a voltage on the other arm via clothing.  Back in the day, at about the same time the firm was issuing "image wear", they started being serious about static, and we got a go with a magic box called static meter (voltmeter with a plastic stick poking out).  By pulling on a new wool pullover, we consistently got a reading of 12,000 volts, static band or not. 
Best practical way of discharging your static is to wear clothing recently laundered, with fabric conditioner in the final rinse, wear the anti static band, and touch the earth connection with your other hand just before handling the component and/or board.  And don't touch the metal bits of the memory board.  The conditioner leaves the cloth slightly conductive, and gives the static somewhere to go, so the harmful voltage never builds.  If you hear a crackling sound when pulling clothing on, you got static.
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