Everything about computers

[dreadnaut]

This goes well with Stunts I think —I used to have them installed at the same time, back then.

http://www.masswerk.at/flyer/flyer.html

F11 for fullscreen!

[CTG]

It seems my notebook will break down soon (longer and longer booting procedure, sometimes it fails - motherboard again?). After three major maintenace with replacements  - 2009: battery; 2012: motherboard; 2013: screen (all of them were caused by insufficient cooling) - I won't spend more money for an outdated computer.

The workplace screen problem still exists, even with the third different type. I gave it up.

[zaqrack]

ThinkPad

[dreadnaut]

ThinkPad

This. Mine has been running for 6 years now, although I had to replace a tile that the laptop broke falling on the floor.

Buy a recent used one on eBay, it'll last longer than a new laptop.

[zaqrack]

I have two. 13 years and 9 years old. Both 12", bought used and work perfectly (except battery life of course).
We bought an IdeaPad for my wife last year. Also works very well.

[dreadnaut]

They must be so cheap in Shanghai :drool:

[CTG]

The heatwave was too much for the insuffiently cooled motherboard. The last few days were full of minor malfunctions, CPU overload messages, slow boot procedures - then yesterday I couldn't restart the computer. Error is exactly the same as it was in May 2012, but this time it won't be repaired. New notebook (Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba) alone or desktop PC + smartphone. Probably the first option will win.

[Chulk]

The heatwave was too much for the insuffiently cooled motherboard. The last few days were full of minor malfunctions, CPU overload messages, slow boot procedures - then yesterday I couldn't restart the computer. Error is exactly the same as it was in May 2012, but this time it won't be repaired. New notebook (Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba) alone or desktop PC + smartphone. Probably the first option will win.

I would choose the later one. Desktop PC's are much more comfortable to work with. And when lazy, spare time comes, smartphone is more comfortable to chat than a Laptop

[CTG]

The heatwave was too much for the insuffiently cooled motherboard. The last few days were full of minor malfunctions, CPU overload messages, slow boot procedures - then yesterday I couldn't restart the computer. Error is exactly the same as it was in May 2012, but this time it won't be repaired. New notebook (Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba) alone or desktop PC + smartphone. Probably the first option will win.

I would choose the later one. Desktop PC's are much more comfortable to work with. And when lazy, spare time comes, smartphone is more comfortable to chat than a Laptop

The first one is cheaper for sure.

[CTG]

Which one would you choose? (three brands, i5 CPU, relatively "cheap" mediorce models)

http://www.notebookspecialista.hu/?id=termekek&no_kosar=&kosarba=&mehet_azonnal=&id=termekek&kjl%5B%5D=38&kjl%5B%5D=6&kjl%5B%5D=34&artol=1&arig=190000&bn=brutto&valprice=5000&floorval=0&kjl%5B%5D=120&kjl%5B%5D=102&akc=0&su=0&rtn=0&mlsz=1&al_menu=notebook_kereso

"Operációs rendszer nélkül" - without OS (Win7 Home is +27000, Win7 Pro +40000 HUF)
4 GB ---> 8 GB RAM upgrade is +10000 HUF

[dreadnaut]

I'd go for the Edge 530: nice build and nice keyboard. Slower processor and graphics mean longer battery life and less heat, but they are alright for normal use, unless you want to play the latest games.

4GB are enough memory, the only noticeable upgrade to a computer nowadays is a solid state drive: less space* but the speed improvements are great.

(*) you can probably buy a very cheap usb case and use the drive from your current laptop as external storage.

[zaqrack]

One more vote for the Edge:

-build quality will be far superior to all others
-only one with a matte screen
-generic rule of thumb: always prefer a business-class model over consumer-class model, even if specs are lower. They are built to last.
-The Core i5 is a nice CPU choice

If you stay in the 15.6" range (which I find way too big, but this is a matter of personal preference), I would also consider this one due to the Full HD screen - though the CPU is much weaker. Depends on your preferred usage: http://www.notebookspecialista.hu/lenovo_thinkpad_edge_plus_e531_n4i7phv_notebook-10156.html?kat_id=1&al_kat_id=4&ob=ar&

[CTG]

Thank you for the tips. I forgot to mention the personal "requirements":

- Relatively long-lasting construction (at least 3 years guarantee). HP Compaq survived ~12000 active hours with a single breakdown in the first 3 years with guarantee - and then three major errors in the next two years...
- The configuration should be strong enough for the next 4-5 years. Sooner or later the Windows updates and other softwares will make it slower, but I don't want to a significant speed change. It was quite annoying with the former one (despite of the namely strong 3 GB RAM for a 32-bit system).
- Usage: mainly for office tasks and browsing internet, sometimes playing with "newer" games (like FIFA12 or F1 2010)
- Screen: 14" and 15.6" are both fine (matte is better, but it's not that important)
- CPU: i5, ~2 GHz should be good enough
- RAM: at least 4 GB, but rather 6 or 8 GB (it must be still fine in 2017)
- Video card: non-integrated, min. 1 GB
- HDD: not that important (even 320 GB is more than enough...)
- (numeric keyboard is a bit annoying, but isn't important at all)
- OS: Win 7 Pro (the Win8 handling makes me sick)

The Edge: looks fine, but the integrated video card...

[zaqrack]

very slightly above budget, but fits all your needs:

http://www.notebookspecialista.hu/lenovo_thinkpad_edge_plus_e430c_nzx6shv_notebook-10160.html?&al_menu=notebook_kereso

[zaqrack]

and if you are not that much into the very newest games, the integrated video card can be good. Here is a detailed report on the Intel HD 4000. Both Fifa 2012 and F1 2011 seem OK on medium settings. Less performance = less heat, longer battery and laptop life. 

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4000.69168.0.html

That said, you definitely won't be able to play any games from 2015-2016 if you choose an integrated card.