When I was self employed back I got the best laptop I could afford and carry. I spent 3k NZD on a sandybridge i7 + 16Gb + 2 x 128 Gb Kingston Hyper X SSDs (as the mobo supported Raid 0) back in Oct 2011. The disks them selves for 20% of the price.
Frankly it's still a beast (though I recently upgraded the disks). I do sense that I'm accustomed to the fast load and compile times and I couldn't go back to HDD. VS 2012/2013 load times are annoyingly about 5-10 secs and I am finding that a bit slow now (yes I know it's a first world problem). My advice is to seriously get the best tools you can afford as this is your living and your sanity. On 27 November 2014 at 16:59, Tom P <tompbi...@gmail.com> wrote: > My thoughts exactly! :) I was thinking more about how long it normally > lasts before i7 and 16Gb RAM become too little > > Thanks > Tom > > > On 27 November 2014 at 14:56, Stephen Price <step...@perthprojects.com> > wrote: > >> I only appreciate mine for six months. After that I want a new one. ;) >> >> On Thu, Nov 27, 2014 at 11:45 AM, mike smith <meski...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> ATO allows laptops to depreciate over 3 years, desktops 4 >>> >>> >>> https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/In-detail/Deductions-for-specific-industries-and-occupations/IT-professionals---claiming-work-related-expenses/?page=21 >>> >>> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 5:50 PM, Tom P <tompbi...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> Hi Stephen >>>> >>>> Thanks for the quick response. Actually a coworker suggested this list >>>> a while ago but I forgot all about it. >>>> >>>> Surface Pro 3 did have me interested at first but it is too small in my >>>> opinion and I prefer to just use the laptop and not have to hook up to an >>>> external monitor and keyboard and so on. Even a 13" has me concerned. I may >>>> go with 15". >>>> >>>> I've heard great things about the Macbook but the keyboard didn't feel >>>> right to me for Windows. >>>> >>>> I'll check out the XPS 15. >>>> >>>> Wow, 16Gb RAM? I didn't realise that was such an issue. 8Gb would be >>>> plenty for me I think but I guess going forward that will matter. How often >>>> do people change laptops? Is 3-4 years a stretch? >>>> >>>> Thanks >>>> Tom >>>> >>>> >>>> On 26 November 2014 at 17:02, Stephen Price <step...@perthprojects.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> Welcome Tom! >>>>> (OMG where did we get a new poster from?) >>>>> >>>>> Having more than a few laptops (both past and present) I feel slightly >>>>> qualified to reply. I've found Dell pretty good, but always get the >>>>> longest >>>>> warranty you can get your hands on. It's happened a couple of times where >>>>> a >>>>> laptop has needed parts/repairs and its been out of warranty. When that >>>>> happens its usually better to upgrade than spend money on it. >>>>> >>>>> I'm currently running a Mac book Pro 13 (for iOS dev cross platform >>>>> stuff with Xamarin), a Surface Pro 3 (for most dev) and an Asus gaming >>>>> laptop (amazing machine but a bit too heavy to lug about. Awesome for >>>>> gaming at a mates place, or when others bring their laptops and you want >>>>> to >>>>> be sociable in the same room). >>>>> The only thing that stops me from saying get a surface pro 3, is the >>>>> RAM limit of 8Gb. If it could have 16Gb it would be the way to go, hands >>>>> down. The other two laptops both have 16Gb and its really the only thing >>>>> that lets the Surface Pro 3 down (spec wise). That said its the most >>>>> portable, and most adaptable (laptop or tablet mode) and even wins on >>>>> battery life by a huge margin. >>>>> >>>>> That said, the real answer is "it depends". You need to look at what >>>>> you want it for and makes sure whatever you get fits that first. Oh, I had >>>>> a Samsung Ultrabook (the QuadHD touch screen one) and was disappointed >>>>> with >>>>> the high DPI experience of Windows 8. Passed it to my daughter for Uni >>>>> laptop and she loves it. >>>>> I almost got the Dell XPS 15 (with the QuadHD touchscreen) but got the >>>>> surface pro 3 instead. So far not regretted that decision but I daresay >>>>> the >>>>> Dell would have also been a good buy (without the tablet form tho) >>>>> >>>>> HTH >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, Nov 26, 2014 at 12:55 PM, Tom P <tompbi...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Hi >>>>>> >>>>>> First time poster here so please take it easy on me. >>>>>> >>>>>> I've only ever had a desktop but looking to purchase my first laptop, >>>>>> ultrabook preferred. I've been looking at the Dells for warranty and >>>>>> support feedback I've received, XPS 13 sounds mainly. I wish to use it >>>>>> for >>>>>> development mainly with some minor travel. Can some of the wiser more >>>>>> experienced developers here share their thoughts and recommendations? >>>>>> >>>>>> Thanks >>>>>> Tom >>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Meski >>> >>> http://courteous.ly/aAOZcv >>> <http://t.signaledue.com/e1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJW7t5XYg2z8MG4N4WJpKqQK4kWF2mHLdh7Wljf19pFfl03?t=http%3A%2F%2Fcourteous.ly%2FaAOZcv&si=6200614728499200&pi=19c727c0-0318-4e16-d9c8-6b4293530175> >>> >>> "Going to Starbucks for coffee is like going to prison for sex. Sure, >>> you'll get it, but it's going to be rough" - Adam Hills >>> >> >> > -- regards, Preet, Overlooking the Ocean, Auckland
