Thread: Getting towards new laptop time - which brand these days?

Hmmmm. Actually not that impressive for ports Chris. No USB-C (only into the computer which means you don't get the speed - needs both ends to be USB-C), only one USB3.0, 2x USB 2.0. Who needs a VGA port these days???

Also, you don't get the benefit of the Laptop screen with that setup - I use it specifically for email and secondary browser window that don't need much real estate, and occasional other things like folders for file copying. Everything else goes on the bigger monitor.

USB-C is absolutely the go, and any peripheral I buy from now on that needs speed (e.g. SSD) will be USB-C ported, or adaptable later. Just recently purchased a 4TB SSD SATA which I am using in an enclosure. ATM, the enclosure is USB 3.0 because that's all my Laptop is, but any puta upgrade will USB-C and then I just have to change the enclosure - perhaps $30-80 depending.

If you want a bunch of other ports you can get get excellent USB hubs with a plethora of different options (search Amazon Anker USB hub). When I bought this Laptop I got a HooToo 7 port Powered USB-3.0 hub into which I have a Logitech Unifying receiver, a Wacom Pen/Tablet receiver, rarely used BluRay/CD player, Harman Kardon Speaker, and currently 2x free ports. As I understand things, USB-C has enough voltage capacity to obviate the need for mains power through a wall wart.

A point of interest: if you are copying files from one external drive to another it is not possible to have them both in the same USB hub (with this one anyway - USB-C may vary). All sorts of errors come up.

Port speed is not the main issue for me as any work I do is rarely speed dependent and I would never use the laptop screen because I have two monitors on my desk. Using a dock does give the flexibility of the laptop being used as a laptop which in my case would not be that often anyway. In days past the laptop would have been in and out of the stand a lot as we used one for data acquisition when racing. All my data transfer is done via ethernet cable from my desktop so that is another reason not to worry about USB speeds as I never use USB for that reason, horses for courses I guess.

I just wouldn't buy old tech - even currently new tech will be old within 3-5 years. One never knows what can come along requiring more oomph.

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

...I would never use the laptop screen because I have two monitors on my desk. Using a dock does give the flexibility of the laptop being used as a laptop which in my case would not be that often anyway...

So why even contemplate a laptop - no matter how coo the dock looks??

You are compromising expandability, upgradability, performance & price for the portability you seem to say you won't use. Add to that the VERY expensive dock in that video.

If you are space constrained, then a NUC MIGHT be worth considering; but, again, its a compromise that solves a problem for a few special use cases.

Just get a well built PC desktop using quality components. There are some fantastic cases available, you can build an almost silent PC with judicious choice of components, and have a powerhouse PC with cash left over for important stuff like new woodwork tools!!!

I find myself in the same space as FF, wanting to replace an old and struggling laptop. Want a computer capable of 3D CAD drawing package and 3D printing. Looked initially at laptops and a constant complaint in reviews was excessive fan noise. My layman's interpretation is that the ever more powerful cpu's are producing more heat and are at the point where traditional fan cooling is no longer adequate. The DELL reviews in particular spoke of noisy fan unable to adequately cool the cpu, running hot and then self throttling slowing the computer down. It seems that with laptops and to an extent desktops the manufacture's are obsessed with light weight, a slim case and sleek looks over performance. I have decided to go with a desktop with Bluetooth mouse/keyboard and cordless screen. That makes the user interface portable within much of the house.
Living in regional OZ there is little choice in computer retailers so went to the local Hardly Normal store and their shelves were bare. Couldn't even say when they would be receiving stock. Seems that a number of the online PC suppliers have the same problem. Would seem that there aren't many of us who haven't just brought a new PC so I sit and wait. hoping that when supplies get back to normal there will be a few special deals.

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives

Originally Posted by RossM

So why even contemplate a laptop - no matter how coo the dock looks??

You are compromising expandability, upgradability, performance & price for the portability you seem to say you won't use. Add to that the VERY expensive dock in that video.

If you are space constrained, then a NUC MIGHT be worth considering; but, again, its a compromise that solves a problem for a few special use cases.

Just get a well built PC desktop using quality components. There are some fantastic cases available, you can build an almost silent PC with judicious choice of components, and have a powerhouse PC with cash left over for important stuff like new woodwork tools!!!

It is a far more versatile set up acting as a laptop if needed or a desktop, a desk top can only do one thing.

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives

That's most likely what I'll do. There is a bit of security in buying from a local store like HN in that if there is a problem, take it back to the store and it will be fixed.
Get them to run Norton before leaving Vic.

Originally Posted by tony_A

Get them to run Norton before leaving Vic.

Well sheeyit, if Norton kills THE virus you'd better tell the various Health Depts real quick...

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

What about getting a custom build and having it shipped to you from (say) Melbourne. Just give it a damn good wipe down when it arrives

Then you won’t be able to use it for 14 days (quarantined).

Yebbut still quicker than waiting for stock to come into Hardly Normal AND you get to dud Gerry out of a sale. Two less buckets of chaff for the 'orse.

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.

Originally Posted by OnTheWrongPlane

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.

Cheers mate, will investigate.

Originally Posted by OnTheWrongPlane

Metabox all the way. Build it how you want, mine has a HiPo desktop graphics card for example. My last one went 5 years heavy gaming use with very, very hot internals living in tropics its whole life and being carted for a lap around Australia several times. Graphics card burnt out finally so could technically just replace the card and keep going.
Current laptop now 3+ years without one issue. Once you have a Metabox you never go back.

Excellent if you really need a laptop form factor - but you are paying a premium for reduced functionality & flexibility if you don't need a built in screen & portability.