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While I have a couple of laptops, I am currently working with a desktop at
work. It is an HP with 24 processors. I think there is 24 GB of RAM. The
monitor video board has provisions for four monitors but I am only running
two. It has space for 4 more internal drives, which is not a bad idea since
external USB drives seem to have a useful life usually not exceeding 5
years, but internal drives seem to last longer. Stuff a couple of internals
in and mirror them to keep a solid backup of files so you never lose
anything. Of course, a virus could potentially still get you.
Unfortunately, it is useless for meetings, since it is far too much trouble
to unplug, lug to the meeting room and set back up.
If you are going to be working in one fixed location, consider the desktop.
Of course, like I said, my personal and previous work computers have been
laptops for the last 15 years.
If you go with the laptop, get the newest, biggest, fastest, most RAM, and
largest hard drive you can get. Many suggest get the standard one and add
RAM and larger hard drive on your own, but really, most never do increase
them. Many feel intimidated trying to open one to change that. So in some
ways, it is worth the extra cost of buying it done rather than reworking it
yourself.
Make sure you have the newest operating system. Windows 10, for good or bad,
will be the standard much longer than 8.1, so be sure the laptop has it or
will run it.
Besides, in a month, it is probably going to be semi-obsolete. If you buy a
lesser laptop, or one a year of so old, it is going to be an antique
doorstop in a year. Do you really want that?
(As I type from my doorstop Lenovo T61 with XP Pro, roughly 8 years old.)
----- Original Message -----
From: "carolyn223 palo" <carolynpalo -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: "Robert Lauriston" <robert -at- lauriston -dot- com>
Cc: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Sent: Friday, April 17, 2015 9:02 AM
Subject: Re: New writer looking for advice
Thank you for this info -
Wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a laptop? In speaking with
the program manager at the school I'll be attending - she advised PC not
Mac. I have an older HP desktop at home - but if there is something out
there in a laptop I should be checking out I'm all ears. I will be
bringing this to class also.
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