My old computer was running out of memory and my web browser was crashing. I needed “bigger, faster, stronger” badly. After much research on line and some field trips to Best Buy, I ordered a Dell Inspiron 15″ 7000 Series that was similar to my very, very old Inspiron 1500e. It was a lot of power for the money ($649 on special) but it turned out to be too big and bulky. Many companies are making the laptop screens wide for movies and adding number key pads to the keyboard, which I don’t need or want. It was a little bit lighter than my old one, but it felt heavier because of the size.
The tracking pad was very squirrely and frustrating too. I have since learned that track pads have been re-designed to allow finger gestures like the motions one uses on touch screens. So this is partly a Windows 8 issue. Maybe one can get used to it, but I’ve observed that most of my clients use a mouse. Now I understand why I have so much trouble with my clients laptop track pads! So….I’m sending the Dell back…too big, too heavy, disappointing web browsing speed, and a miserable squirrely touch pad.
A part of me wanted a Lenovo Yoga Pro 2. It converts to a tablet, is small and lightweight, and has all the power (and price, $899 ) of a higher-end laptop. It also can be put in stand mode or tent mode. Here is a link if you want to see it. http://vimeo.com/73485706 I wasn’t sure if I could live with a 13″ inch screen so I went to Best Buy to look at it again (third time’s a charm) and I decided to try it. I think I can get used to the 13 inch screen…if not, I can get a 20 TV with DVD player for $189 or internet TV for $199 and use it as a monitor.
The touch pad doesn’t have all the gesture features and feels more like my old computer’s but it’s a little sensitive and I keep making mistakes. Apparently this is partly a function of applications not being re-designed properly for touch screen use. That will be changing in the near future. Thanks again Microsoft for rocking our world with Windows 8. I’m telling the “honest to gosh” truth when I tell frantic clients, “I’ve been there and I feel your pain.” My life has been upside down this past week with all the research, set up, customizing, downloading, and getting used to all the changes. Playing with new gadgets makes me a happy girl…except when I’m in a hurry and need to get some work done.
So far, I like it…very fast, only 3 lbs., and small enough to fit in a large purse. I plan to take it everywhere, so you’ll be able to see it next time we get together. “Stay tuned folks, we’ll have film at 11:00” LOL
I”m praying for the patience and strength to get through the return process with Dell. May it be better than the ordering process which was a freaking nightmare. I do not recommend doing business with Dell. Their call centers have no integration of departments and apparently there are no customer files for reps to access. I feel sorry for the customer service reps who try their best to please, but are handicapped by the primitive call center infrastructure. Be kind, it’s not their fault and I’ll bet they take a lot of abuse from irate customers. If you ever want a Dell computer, buy it from Best Buy in Palm Desert. I always get great service there.
Don’t assume that you have to spend this much money on a computer or tablet. As I always say, it depends on what you plan to do with it. I do a lot of research and web based work and need considerable power . There are many less expensive gadgets available for the less intense user. You might want to make an appointment with me for a consultation and/or field trip to Best Buy. I can usually help people save a lot of money.
If you still use Windows XP you will need to upgrade before May. Microsoft will not be doing anymore updates after that and your computer will be a big security risk. So start planning and budgeting for a new machine now.
Your computing life will be much more enjoyable when you have up-to-date equipment that can handle the demands of modern applications. So go for it. You’re worth it!
The Desert Computer Tutor 