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Computer Advice (Need a new Laptop) Vanity
me | 4/24/2014 | chuckster

Posted on 04/24/2014 3:11:22 PM PDT by PatrioticRose

The old Dell Latitude e5500 appears to have reached the end of its useful life (Final report from tech due this afternoon)

I am loooking for advice on a replacement. I use it for photo, video and audio editing for YouTube, web sites and my radio program. It would have to be very mobile but have a big enough screen for video editing.

The Dell Alienware 14 has been suggested, but spec'd out, it runs $1.5K. That seems a little steep to me.

Advice?


TOPICS: Arts/Photography; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: computer; computers; laptop; videoediting
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Every five years or so I have to go through this. I have always just called Dell and asked them to spec out a computer for my needs. This time I need to be a bit more thrifty if possible.
1 posted on 04/24/2014 3:11:22 PM PDT by PatrioticRose
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To: PatrioticRose
Have you tried installing Linux on the laptop? Ubuntu?

My Dell e1505 “died” three years ago. It appeared to be hardware issues. I figured I had nothing to lose since Linux is free and installed Ubuntu on it and it has been running great ever since.

I even replaced the keyboard after I spilled water on it.

It is my tried and true road warrior.

It depends on what you use it for, but Ubuntu works great for surfing the net and even has a compatible version of Office. Best of all, it is free!

2 posted on 04/24/2014 3:17:47 PM PDT by dhs12345
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To: PatrioticRose

The only advice I’d give is...make sure it has Windows 7.


3 posted on 04/24/2014 3:19:13 PM PDT by Gay State Conservative (Stalin Blamed The Kulaks,Obama Blames The Tea Party)
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To: PatrioticRose

I had an old Dell Latitude too- picked it up at the dump- the HD was bad and needed replacing and after that I added a some memory, and a Linux compatible wifi card- Belkin I think. Anyway, after I put Puppy Linux on it it was blazing fast and I used it for another two years. Total upgrade cost about $200.00. Just something to think about even if you get a new machine.


4 posted on 04/24/2014 3:21:28 PM PDT by zadox (Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them. Reagan)
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To: dhs12345

so you would recommendu ubuntu on my ancient dell with xp on it? part of the family. first pc upgraded for my son to play games. he has progressed but I am still too slow to play any games. I’ve used puppy to recover other hard drive data but have been wary of diving into the deep end since I am not a true geek. Would have been if I had been born 30 years later.


5 posted on 04/24/2014 3:25:36 PM PDT by huldah1776
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To: huldah1776

I am a Dell guy. For what you are doing, get a MAC Book.


6 posted on 04/24/2014 3:27:35 PM PDT by EQAndyBuzz ("Heck of a reset there, Hillary")
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To: PatrioticRose
I'm a total cheapskate. My notebook is an oldie but goodie that you can still get on Ebay for under $150 - a Dell Inspiron 9400.

Mine has a 2.1 ghz dual core, 2gb ram, a 17" screen that does 1920 x 1200, and killer sound with a built in sub woofer. It takes a SATA drive, so I have an SSD in it. (Also cheap.) It runs Windows 7 just fine, although I had to use a Vista driver to get the subwoofer working with 7.

All-in-all, it's still got a lot of bang for the buck, even if it is from 2007 or so!

7 posted on 04/24/2014 3:29:46 PM PDT by Slump Tester (What if I'm pregnant Teddy? Errr-ahh -Calm down Mary Jo, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it)
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To: PatrioticRose

Lenovo ThinkPad. Built like a tank. Runs forever. Excellent customer service from native English language speakers. Does not have a shiny, mirror-like screen that reflects everything making it hard to see.

Deals at: http://outlet.lenovo.com/outlet_us/


8 posted on 04/24/2014 3:35:04 PM PDT by upchuck (Support ABLE, the Anybody But Lindsey Effort. Yes, we are the ABLE!!)
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To: PatrioticRose
I've never had an alienware, but as you've discovered they're pretty expensive, and like all Dells, your chances of getting a lemon are high (Dells, in my experience, are especially prone to overheating). And I don't usually get involved with the operating system wars, but there is no denying Windows 8.1 is a pretty despicable OS. For that kind of money you could probably get a Falcon NorthWest, or custom build your own laptop.

If your needs are essentially ceorl-esque, I suppose any mid-range laptop from a "reputable" maker would do the job and 1.5K for an alienware is probably unnecessary.

Just my 2 cents, adjusted for inflation.

9 posted on 04/24/2014 3:35:38 PM PDT by Wyrd bið ful aræd (Pope Calvin the 1st, defacto Leader of the FR Calvinist Protestant Brigades)
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To: EQAndyBuzz

> I am a Dell guy. For what you are doing, get a MAC Book.

I despise Apple as a corporation, but I have to agree.

There is no better platform for doing what you’re doing.

If you really want a Windows based system, HP Elitebook with Windows-7.


10 posted on 04/24/2014 3:36:30 PM PDT by Westbrook (Children do not divide your love, they multiply it.)
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To: PatrioticRose

Avoid Samsung laptops. I bought a Samsung Win7 i7. It died just one month after the warranty. I took it to a local repair shop. They tried to be a replacement motherboard. Apparently, Samsung doesn’t make those. Thus, I have an $800 doorstop.

I replace the Samsungjunk with a Dell 17” with Win7 and an i7 Intel processor. I got the Dell on a special sell for about $700. It is fast enough to process videos. The Dell is much heavier than the ole Acer XP 17” and the Samsungjunk. I did have to replace the hard drive on the Dell. The original one got slow and files got corrupted. The replacement loads Windows much faster.

For video processing, you have to consider the processor and memory.


11 posted on 04/24/2014 3:39:26 PM PDT by TomGuy
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To: Gay State Conservative

If I could stay with XPPro I would. Learning a new operating system is always a PITA.

I take it you don’t like Windows 8 or 8.1 which are being offered by Dell on new machines?

The latest version of Windows always seems to be more problematic than the one it replaces.


12 posted on 04/24/2014 3:39:29 PM PDT by PatrioticRose
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To: PatrioticRose

bump for later review


13 posted on 04/24/2014 3:40:12 PM PDT by TurboZamboni (Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.-JFK)
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To: PatrioticRose

Video editing = memory intensive. U need a fast processor.

If you go super cheap you’ll simply later have to spend MUUUUUCH more time editing your videos.

I’ve done it both ways and it’s MUCH cheaper to go more expensive.


14 posted on 04/24/2014 3:40:20 PM PDT by gaijin
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To: PatrioticRose

I also do photo and video editing (HD). I bought one from these folks three years ago. Fantastic computer and lifetime service and help, in English. Plus they offer Windows 7. Not cheap, but one of the best.

http://www.adkvideoediting.com/


15 posted on 04/24/2014 3:47:44 PM PDT by Inyo-Mono (NRA)
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To: PatrioticRose

Dell Latitude would be a good choice. Stay away from HP and other Best Buy junk. Avoid Windows 8 like the plague. (I sent you some additional information privately).


16 posted on 04/24/2014 3:48:11 PM PDT by catnipman (Cat Nipman: Vote Republican in 2012 and only be called racist one more time!)
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To: PatrioticRose; All

Just talked to the tech. - New hard drive, new OS = $350(W7)
done by lunch tomorrow.

Sounds good enough.

Meanwhile, I think I will learn more about Linux.


17 posted on 04/24/2014 3:51:33 PM PDT by PatrioticRose
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To: huldah1776

I would try it. It would be a door stop otherwise.

Installing an OS isn’t a trivial thing, though. Do you know someone who could help you?


18 posted on 04/24/2014 3:53:36 PM PDT by dhs12345
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To: PatrioticRose

Look into an Acer. Cheap as dirt(Not that dirt is cheap anymore), my brother has one and likes it.


19 posted on 04/24/2014 3:54:47 PM PDT by Randy Larsen (Aim small, Miss small.)
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To: PatrioticRose

I also need a mobile computer but do quite a bit of graphic editing.

So I got a fast notebook with a 14” screen, and hook it up to a 24” monitor when I do editing. Works great for me. Large notebook screens make them too big and heavy, and then they still aren’t big enough.

YMMV


20 posted on 04/24/2014 3:55:37 PM PDT by Sherman Logan
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