Okay, I did a search (if you really want to call the search feature here a search) and didn't see anything of note. So here are the parameters: 1. I don't care about computers. To me, there is no difference between a computer and a hammer. They are both tools. Period. What this means is that I don't play games, watch videos or any of that crap. 2. The laptop will be used for: email, word processing and spreadsheets. 3. It needs to be a light as possible. 4. It needs to be able to hold a 3-hour battery charge. 5. It needs to be reliable. 6. It needs to be cheap. So, whatdaya think? Dale
Dale, points 1 through 5 = MacBook Air. Adding point 6 = some Windoze junk. My Macs are so reliable that I won't ever consider another Windoze machine ever. No viruses, no spyware, no system crashes, just what I need to run my business.
Asus Eee PC 900. $599. 9.1"screen. Compared it to Sony's TZ series ($2,200). http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x194/lappycom/AsusEeePC4GSurf.jpg Weighs TWO pounds.
I have two questions: 1. What kind of learning curve will I have to do through to switch to a Mac? Keep in mind that I hate learning curves. I still use Word Perfect because I don't want to learn Word. 2. How PC software compatible is a Mac? I have stayed away from Macs for all these years because, as a CPA, I have certain software that only runs on a PC, e.g., tax preparation software. Thx, Dale
The learning curve is not an issue. Yes, its different, but much more intuitive IMHO. Plus you don't have to download new drivers whenever you move the mouse..... You have a few options for this: 1. Apple includes "Bootcamp" which allows you to boot into either Mac OSX or whichever version of Windoze you have (I suggest XP rather than Vista of course.) - When you boot it into Windoze it *is* a PC. The downside is rebooting between the two gets really old, really fast. 2. "Vmware" and "Parallels" make virtualization S/W that allows you to run XP (or, indeed, Vista and/or Linux etc) within OSX - I use Parallels and it works great with my PC Only datalogger S/W (ie, it supports USB connected devices etc.) Either will run your "proprietary" PC only S/W. However, as has been noted, the MacbookAir is missing (By default - you can add 'em): 1. An ethernet port - It is assumed you're in range of a basestation. 2. An optical drive - It includes S/W (for both PC's and Macs) that is installed on another machine that then allows you to use its optical drive to install S/W (etc) onto the Air. If those "constraints" don't bother you, the Air is far and away the sexiest small laptop out there. [EDIT - But it ain't cheap!.....] HTH, cheers, Ian
How light? We talkin' 6 pounds or 3 pounds? Approximate price range? <1000, 1000+ Beware of all the Mac Users who tell you that there computer is a work of God's hands. If you want to spend double the price, go for the Mac.
It's not double the price, it's about +50% if you only compare "raw" computing specs. However, it will last longer (say, around +50%.....) and as the OP said it's a tool - And its a much better tool than any peesee IMCO. - They just flat out *work*. Someone said its like comparing a Corvette with a Ferrari - You either get it or you don't. As always, just my 02c, Cheers, Ian PS - If you've played with an Air you will realize that it's design was from the hand of God [Well, Steve at least.....]
If you want first class quality (which comes at a price) I recommend the Ausus U1E. I have it. It's solid with great quality feel It's very compact Weighs nothing, carrying one is lighter than carrying a book Has battery saving settings on the touch of a button, manages 3 1/2 hours easy Comes with wireless Bluetooth mouse which is perfect in size, not too big not too compact. and so on. The downside is the following leather case looks the part but doesn't have room for the external CD-drive or the mouse. WTH Asus? What you should do is that you should look at all the software on your current PC. Then check the suppliers websites for competability for Mac computers. If you go Mac you will most likely need to re-purchase your software. It's gotten better over the years but much of the software out there will not play with your Mac. Edit: Doesn't the above mentioned Eee computers run Linux instead of Windows? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes and no! - When I switched (with the advent of OSX) I was indeed pi$$ed that I had to purchase new (not upgrade) licenses from Adobe. So, I'll concede the point. However, with the exception of games, I'm willing to bet that virtually all of the mainstream applications are available and/or have "shareware/low cost" clones that will do the job. And, as you said, the situation is continually improving as more vendors see that Apple is kicking as$ in the marketplace. And, even if you do need S/W that is strictly PC only, I discussed the options to do that above - My virtual Parallels machine even reboots faster than a "real" PC..... Cheers, Ian
Yes, kicking ass to the tune of 7% of the PC market. Don't get me wrong, AirBooks are nice, but let's be realistic. Yes, I have been to an Apple store and played with them. If you're running accounting software that is PC-only, and don't like dealing with computers anyways, you don't want to hassle with a virtualization layer. It's not a big deal for you or me but not for someone like the good Dr., not to mention that if you do run XP within VMWare or Parallels, you have to buy a license for XP, after you bought your license to run OSx. How is that an advantage? You've just negated any "advantages" (both real and perceived) of using a Mac, and your learning curve just went through the top of the chart. Dale, what you really want is support for your product if it breaks. Needing support rules out Asus in my mind. Spring for Dell OneCare and they will service it for 3 (or now 4) years, no questions asked, even if you "accidently" roll over it with your car. The M1330 will be less $ than the X300 or AirBook, even with 3-year One Care. What price range are you looking at?
Point taken - but 7% is a huge number and is significantly higher than the 2% of a few years back. Again, points well made, and I concede I don't know the OP or his comfort level with computers - He didn't say he was a neophyte, but rather a "user of a tool" - I maintain that Mac's are simply a better tool. Assuming he can follow onscreen directions (no offense intended), installing Parallels / XP is far less onerous than, eg, "cleaning up the registry" on a regular basis..... The advantage is that you have the "best of both worlds" IMHO. Yes, I will concede that there is a learning curve, but I'd say no more difficult than learning to use any new tool. Having said all that, I think the question becomes "does the tax prep S/W come in a Mac flavor?" - Or, is there something "equal / better" available natively on the Mac? - If yes, the answer is clear IMHO. BTW, I'm not trying to get into either a pi$$ing contest or a "fanboy" discussion - Just my 02c as always, Cheers, Ian
Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner, folks. I don't understand a word of what you just posted. You know what? I don't wanta know. Dale
All of you folks recommending the Mac; he said CHEAP. Dale, I think a Lenovo T-Series business laptop would serve you very well. http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=19C791A03AF24034A0011B825513BCED
Macbook Air starts at $1800 and you get a 1.6ghz processor and an 80gb hard drive. Quite a bargain If you can give us a better idea what light is to you or what your price range is, we can offer more help.
That was true initially - But, if you read the thread, it appears that he opened his eyes and was prepared to eliminate that requirement. I am however disappointed this wasn't answered, or at least commented upon: No "virtualization", no (OK - limited viruses/adware/spyware etc BS. The last I will say on the topic - Good luck with your choice, Cheers, Ian
Because I use this in my business, much as I used to use a hammer in a past life, I'm not really cost conscious. I lose money when my computer goes down. However, $800 does catch my beady accountant's eye! Dale
Lenovo (new IBM) T Series Reasonably light, about 5 pounds Packs good firepower for what your doing Battery is good for about 5-6 hours Best part, they are 25% off right now so you look for good deals under $1000 http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087¤t-category-id=19C791A03AF24034A0011B825513BCED You also might want to look at the Lenovo R Series.
$800 won't get you the smallest & lightest, but you can get a good laptop for that price. Lenovo T series is a fine recommendation. Also check the Dell Vostro 1310, still small & light (under 5 lbs), I speced this one out for $959: My System Details PROCESSOR Intel® Core 2 Duo T5670 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition WARRANTY & SERVICE 1 Year Basic Limited Warranty plus 1 Year Mail-in Service LCD PANEL 13.3 inch UltraSharp Wide Screen XGA LCD Display w/TrueLife MEMORY 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz, 2 DIMM OPTICAL DRIVE 8X DVD+/-RW with double-layer DVD+/-R write capability & Roxio VIDEO CARD 128MB NVIDIA® GeForce 8400M GS (64 bit) HARD DRIVE 160G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive WI-FI WIRELESS CARD Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Wi-Fi Internal Card BATTERIES 58 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery FLOPPY DRIVE External USB Floppy Drive Add Complete Care + 3-year warranty on to that price if you want it. Also does not come with Office if you need it. Note that the 1310 has a 13.3" screen, Lenovo T has 15.4". Dell Latitude D620 is also a good choice with 14.4" screen (I use a D630 for work, same laptop with 15" screen), on sale now for $878. Better warranty on the D620. PROCESSOR Intel® Core 2 Duo T7250 (2.00GHz) 2M L2 Cache, 800MHz Dual Core OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2, with media WARRANTY & SERVICE 3 Year Limited Warranty and 3 Year Mail-in Service LCD PANEL 14.1 inch Wide Screen WXGA LCD Panel MEMORY 2.0GB, DDR2-667 SDRAM, 2 DIMMS HARD DRIVE 120GB Hard Drive, 9.5MM, 5400RPM OPTICAL DRIVE 8X DVD+/-RW w/Roxio and Cyberlink Power DVD VIDEO CARD Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 WI-FI WIRELESS CARD Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card
