--- In [email protected], "dbneeley" <dbnee...@...> wrote: > > Mark, > > "Build it yourself" isn't much of an issue with laptops, obviously--but > anyone who "spends twice what they planned" on a self-built desktop simply > did not plan adequately. I've put together more machines over the years than > I can count, for myself and for clients. Before I start, I make a list of > everything I'll need and price it out before ordering components. I can't > remember the last time I was surprised about anything I had forgotten--and > these days, with so much integrated, it is far easier than it was some years > back. > *Yeah, good point of course (planning ahead) but I found that it was too easy to get attracted by a price for a decent computer and then, as the various options were presented, tacking on another bit of RAM for, say, $50 and winding up with a great machine at twice the price. A bit OCD for sure, and I guess that's how Dell has made much their fortune. lol
> If I had a single place where I used a computer for most of my activities > online, I'd probably have a desktop today. However, I have medical issues > which at times keep me mostly in bed. During those times (as now, as it > happens), my laptop perches on the arm of an upholstered chair immediately > next to me and I use a wireless keyboard and mouse with it. Thus, a laptop is > by far the most practical solution. > > When I am more mobile, I may use it anywhere in the house (including a desk > in the living room), or I may take it with me elsewhere if I am away from > home. For the latter purpose, I have an incredibly handy case called a > "Laptrap" made for 13 inch computers (they also make a version for 15" > machines, as well as a somewhat fancier one). This makes travel on public > transit extremely easy and convenient. (Where I live, we have no car but > there are frequent buses that stop very close to our door. I live in Ukraine > these days, for those who don't know.) > > As for Toshiba--some of their units are quite good, but they also make many > to be sold as inexpensively as possible and those may be of lesser quality in > their components than their more upscale units. > > I have used ASUS motherboards for years, and I have found them to be as good > or better than any other brands out there in quality and reliability. > Fortunately, thus far I find their laptops to be equally good. *ASUS makes boards for other companies too, right? I checked into a couple of ASUS machines but didn't find anything for me given my price range. This was probably a soon-to-be costly error but the one 'shiba I've owned, also from Walmart (ugh, I know!) has been my most reliable machine to date. > > Other than the glossy screen, my major complaint, believe it or not, is that > ASUS follows the lead of everyone else and puts the large "caps lock" key in > the usual, incredibly inconvenient location. I have not yet looked into > remapping it to something else or disabling it entirely. That is something I > will explore today, come to think of it. *Hmmmm...where do they put it? I (almost) never use the damned thing. On my current Toshiba it's to the left of the A key. I never thought of disabling it. Good idea! Otherwise I love the keyboard layout. It's much more like that of a desktop, minus the number pad which I do miss at times. > > Regarding a Toshiba--if you do get another one, I suggest finding out about > what your options are for authorized warranty work other than Toshiba > America. If you do it ahead of any need, you won't be in a jam should > something malfunction. *I'll check into that a.s.a.p. It should be arriving at any minute. > > David > Thanks for your advice, David. I'll consider an ASUS next time, hopefully with enough money set aside that I can get all of what I need (want) without any of the crap that will not be needed. Mark ------------------------------------ To unsubscribe from this list, please email [email protected] & you will be removed.Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LINUX_Newbies/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LINUX_Newbies/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
