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Need silent, powerful, cool laptop

P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks. This one needs that too but
there are other needs as well. I know there are many threads like
this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
out there keeps changing. Thank goodness there are those generous
with their wisdom.

Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
computer model. The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing gets
so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
lack of it) might help. It may actually be used on someone's lap some
of the time, which isn't going to help. (Though I suppose flesh might
muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a scream.)

Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
4GM mem and the preference is for small. No more than 14.x" and 11"
would be better. b, g, n of course. Great video not necessary.
Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14 it
might as well have one.

Another consideration though a lesser one would be available warranty
plans. 4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.

$2,000 max including warranty. Negotiable.

But above all, as silent as possible.

Ideas much appreciated.

Thanks again,

Paula
 
B

Bill

Flightless Bird
In message
<84469c05-2ac6-403a-ae52-5975f8b76183@n37g2000prc.googlegroups.com>,
Pawlly Phonic <pawllyphonic@gmail.com> writes
>Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
>studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
>computer model.


There are machines without fans, my son has one, but they are not
laptops. They have huge heatsinks, usually the case.

You don't say what sort of studio, but most broadcast radio studios that
I have built and worked with had air con that was designed to provide a
constant low level background noise to mask structure borne noise such
as the clicking of high heels on the floor above.

When I've used a laptop to record intimate (no, not that sort) theatre,
the problem has been the sudden cutting in of the fan noise rather than
the noise itself.

I think you should look for a machine with a largish quiet fan that can
be set to run continuously.

--
Bill
 
B

Bigguy

Flightless Bird
On 13/05/2010 07:59, Pawlly Phonic wrote:
> 1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
> laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks. This one needs that too but
> there are other needs as well. I know there are many threads like
> this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
> out there keeps changing. Thank goodness there are those generous
> with their wisdom.
>
> Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
> studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
> computer model. The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
> makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing gets
> so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
> Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
> Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
> lack of it) might help. It may actually be used on someone's lap some
> of the time, which isn't going to help. (Though I suppose flesh might
> muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a scream.)
>
> Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
> 4GM mem and the preference is for small. No more than 14.x" and 11"
> would be better. b, g, n of course. Great video not necessary.
> Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14 it
> might as well have one.
>
> Another consideration though a lesser one would be available warranty
> plans. 4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.
>
> $2,000 max including warranty. Negotiable.
>
> But above all, as silent as possible.
>
> Ideas much appreciated.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Paula

MacBook Pro. And you can run Windows 7 on it...

G
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In news:852jc5FnqqU1@mid.individual.net,
Bigguy typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:17:21 +0100:
> MacBook Pro. And you can run Windows 7 on it...
>
> G


Type in "MacBook Pro woes" under ixquick search engine and you get
615,757 hits. And wasn't it the MacBook Pro was having all of those hard
drive and video card failures?

And last I heard that only 27% are running Vista or Windows 7. While
Windows XP holds the largest number at 63%. And I believe the number of
new laptops that comes with Windows 7 on them, about 30% will remove it
and put Windows XP on the machine.

http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=10

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
On May 13, 9:14 am, "BillW50" <Bill...@aol.kom> wrote:
> Innews:852jc5FnqqU1@mid.individual.net,
> Bigguy typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:17:21 +0100:
>
> > MacBook Pro. And you can run Windows 7 on it...

>
> > G

>
> Type in "MacBook Pro woes" under ixquick search engine and you get
> 615,757 hits. And wasn't it the MacBook Pro was having all of those hard
> drive and video card failures?
>
> And last I heard that only 27% are running Vista or Windows 7. While
> Windows XP holds the largest number at 63%. And I believe the number of
> new laptops that comes with Windows 7 on them, about 30% will remove it
> and put Windows XP on the machine.
>
> http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qp...
>
> --
> Bill
> Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3


It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back down
to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now. But I don't think either
is more quiet-running. ;)

To the other Bill thanks. The machine I'm currently using (ancient
underpowered Toshiba) has a "silent mode" feature which winds up
accomplishing that- the fan will not go on high, the CPU will just
slow down if it starts to get hot- so in effect the fan is permanently
on, but on low speed. You remind me to make sure something like that
feature is available on whatever I wind up with.

Paula
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In
news:be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a0dc@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com,
Pawlly Phonic typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 11:48:55 -0700 (PDT):
> On May 13, 9:14 am, "BillW50" <Bill...@aol.kom> wrote:
>> Innews:852jc5FnqqU1@mid.individual.net,
>> Bigguy typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:17:21 +0100:
>>
>>> MacBook Pro. And you can run Windows 7 on it...

>>
>>> G

>>
>> Type in "MacBook Pro woes" under ixquick search engine and you get
>> 615,757 hits. And wasn't it the MacBook Pro was having all of those
>> hard drive and video card failures?
>>
>> And last I heard that only 27% are running Vista or Windows 7. While
>> Windows XP holds the largest number at 63%. And I believe the number
>> of new laptops that comes with Windows 7 on them, about 30% will
>> remove it and put Windows XP on the machine.
>>
>> http://marketshare.hitslink.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qp...
>>
>> --
>> Bill
>> Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3

>
> It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back down
> to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now. But I don't think either
> is more quiet-running. ;)
>
> To the other Bill thanks. The machine I'm currently using (ancient
> underpowered Toshiba) has a "silent mode" feature which winds up
> accomplishing that- the fan will not go on high, the CPU will just
> slow down if it starts to get hot- so in effect the fan is permanently
> on, but on low speed. You remind me to make sure something like that
> feature is available on whatever I wind up with.
>
> Paula


Well you can get quiet and cool running, but I don't think you can get
this and powerful in one package. Because powerful generate lots of heat
and usually requires heavy duty fans. If it doesn't have to be power,
there are lots of choices. And like your Toshiba, some laptops can be
underclocked. And Celerons for example when underclocked by just 30%,
usually don't need a fan running at all. As the heatsink is good enough
to keep it really cool. And I have four of them running underclocked and
even when I turn off the fan, they never get up to 140°F. Which isn't
even near high enough to ever have any heat damage.

Keyboards makes noise too. And if this is a problem, I know some radio
hosts uses those Virtually Indestructible Keyboards. They are totally
quiet. But they are made of rubber and many people find them very hard
to type with. I do too, but they are totally silent. If I type a bit
slower, they seem to work better. So this is another option.

And I believe you also said it will be used on a lap a lot. Now quiet
and little to no fan noise, all makes me say netbook. They work great on
your lap and are really light. And some of them have solid state drives
which means you can move them around a lot without worrying about hard
drive crashes from the head crashing against the platter. So just some
other things to think about.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
B

Bill

Flightless Bird
In message
<be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a0dc@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com>,
Pawlly Phonic <pawllyphonic@gmail.com> writes
>It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back down
>to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now.


Just for info, I've been playing with XPMode in Windows 7. We even have
it working in a local business to run old accounts software.

For audio, it works OK for playback and editing and allows the use of
very old software, but recording is "unsupported" and very, very iffy or
not at all.

--
Bill
 
P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
On May 13, 12:45 pm, Bill <Billabo...@gmail.com> wrote:
> In message
> <be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a...@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com>,
> Pawlly Phonic <pawllypho...@gmail.com> writes
>
> >It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine.  The user may want to back down
> >to XP.  XP SP3 is what I'm using right now.

>
> Just for info, I've been playing with XPMode in Windows 7. We even have
> it working in a local business to run old accounts software.
>
> For audio, it works OK for playback and editing and allows the use of
> very old software, but recording is "unsupported" and very, very iffy or
> not at all.
>
> --
> Bill


Thanks. Won't be recording from the laptop. But re XPMode- is that
64 bit win7 or 32? Will XP mode work with 64?

Paula
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In news:rwby8AhabF7LFw4z@itsound.demon.co.uk,
Bill typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 20:45:30 +0100:
> In message
> <be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a0dc@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com>,
> Pawlly Phonic <pawllyphonic@gmail.com> writes
>> It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back down
>> to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now.

>
> Just for info, I've been playing with XPMode in Windows 7. We even
> have it working in a local business to run old accounts software.
>
> For audio, it works OK for playback and editing and allows the use of
> very old software, but recording is "unsupported" and very, very iffy
> or not at all.


This is a very common complaint on Vista and Windows 7 machines. Many of
them (or none at all) can't even access the mixer and use it as a
recording source.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In
news:197aedc8-4bab-4647-bfd8-a75662fffea3@11g2000prw.googlegroups.com,
Pawlly Phonic typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:56:28 -0700 (PDT):
> On May 13, 12:45 pm, Bill <Billabo...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> In message
>> <be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a...@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com>,
>> Pawlly Phonic <pawllypho...@gmail.com> writes
>>
>>> It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back down
>>> to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now.

>>
>> Just for info, I've been playing with XPMode in Windows 7. We even
>> have it working in a local business to run old accounts software.
>>
>> For audio, it works OK for playback and editing and allows the use of
>> very old software, but recording is "unsupported" and very, very
>> iffy or not at all.
>>
>> --
>> Bill

>
> Thanks. Won't be recording from the laptop. But re XPMode- is that
> 64 bit win7 or 32? Will XP mode work with 64?
>
> Paula


It requires Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate or
Enterprise edition. And laptop has to be virtualization capable (Intel
VT or AMD-V). And XPM (XP Mode) has 32-bit or 64-bit versions for the
above except only available in 32-bit for Windows 7 Starter.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
M

~misfit~

Flightless Bird
Somewhere on teh intarwebs BillW50 wrote:
> In
> news:197aedc8-4bab-4647-bfd8-a75662fffea3@11g2000prw.googlegroups.com,
> Pawlly Phonic typed on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:56:28 -0700 (PDT):
>> On May 13, 12:45 pm, Bill <Billabo...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> In message
>>> <be4cf247-d8d5-449d-a917-29a8d900a...@m31g2000pre.googlegroups.com>,
>>> Pawlly Phonic <pawllypho...@gmail.com> writes
>>>
>>>> It'll have to be a Windows 7 machine. The user may want to back
>>>> down to XP. XP SP3 is what I'm using right now.
>>>
>>> Just for info, I've been playing with XPMode in Windows 7. We even
>>> have it working in a local business to run old accounts software.
>>>
>>> For audio, it works OK for playback and editing and allows the use
>>> of very old software, but recording is "unsupported" and very, very
>>> iffy or not at all.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Bill

>>
>> Thanks. Won't be recording from the laptop. But re XPMode- is that
>> 64 bit win7 or 32? Will XP mode work with 64?
>>
>> Paula

>
> It requires Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate or
> Enterprise edition. And laptop has to be virtualization capable (Intel
> VT or AMD-V). And XPM (XP Mode) has 32-bit or 64-bit versions for the
> above except only available in 32-bit for Windows 7 Starter.


Didn't I read about two months back that the need for VT had been quietly
dropped?

Yes, I thought so:
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/...ndows-xp-mode-now-accessible-to-more-pcs.aspx

HTH,
--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.
 
M

~misfit~

Flightless Bird
Somewhere on teh intarwebs Pawlly Phonic wrote:
> 1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
> laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks. This one needs that too but
> there are other needs as well. I know there are many threads like
> this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
> out there keeps changing. Thank goodness there are those generous
> with their wisdom.
>
> Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
> studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
> computer model. The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
> makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing gets
> so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
> Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
> Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
> lack of it) might help. It may actually be used on someone's lap some
> of the time, which isn't going to help. (Though I suppose flesh might
> muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a scream.)
>
> Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
> 4GM mem and the preference is for small. No more than 14.x" and 11"
> would be better. b, g, n of course. Great video not necessary.
> Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14 it
> might as well have one.
>
> Another consideration though a lesser one would be available warranty
> plans. 4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.
>
> $2,000 max including warranty. Negotiable.
>
> But above all, as silent as possible.
>
> Ideas much appreciated.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Paula


Just my 2c. Make sure that the machine doesn't have discrete graphics such
as an ATI or nVidia GPU. From what you say above you don't need it and these
are often a bigger source of heat than the CPU.
--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.
 
P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
On May 13, 4:20 pm, "~misfit~" <sore_n_ha...@nospamyahoo.com.au>
wrote:
> Somewhere on teh intarwebs Pawlly Phonic wrote:
>
>
>
> > 1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
> > laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks.  This one needs that too but
> > there are other needs as well.  I know there are many threads like
> > this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
> > out there keeps changing.  Thank goodness there are those generous
> > with their wisdom.

>
> > Now, the main thing is it must be near silent.  It is to be used in a
> > studio environment.  I realize this is not just a matter of the
> > computer model.  The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
> > makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing gets
> > so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
> > Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
> > Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
> > lack of it) might help.  It may actually be used on someone's lap some
> > of the time, which isn't going to help.  (Though I suppose flesh might
> > muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a scream.)

>
> > Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
> > 4GM mem and the preference is for small.  No more than 14.x" and 11"
> > would be better.  b, g, n of course.  Great video not necessary.
> > Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14 it
> > might as well have one.

>
> > Another consideration though a lesser one would be available warranty
> > plans.  4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.

>
> > $2,000 max including warranty.  Negotiable.

>
> > But above all, as silent as possible.

>
> > Ideas much appreciated.

>
> > Thanks again,

>
> > Paula

>
> Just my 2c. Make sure that the machine doesn't have discrete graphics such
> as an ATI or nVidia GPU. From what you say above you don't need it and these
> are often a bigger source of heat than the CPU.
> --
> Shaun.
>
> "When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.


Thank you guys for clearing up about xp mode and that sounds like a
biggie, Shaun, re graphics. I'm looking at a Lenovo X201 12" i5 8GB.
I formed a strategy of calling companies and asking which of their
models was the quietest, as obviously they're going to say they are
quieter or as quiet as anyone else's models. The Lenovo salesman at
least had the best story. Buy Thinkpad (made solider for businessmen)
and it's fan has blades "shaped like owl wings to move a lot of air
silently."

....Right. But at least it shows Lenovo is aware enough of those of us
that need Quiet computing to have thought of a good pat line to pass
out.

Any experience with Thinkpad relative noise? For my part I can
testify the quite big owls can move quite fast with an eerie silence.

Anyhow, Shaun it's video is just "Intel HD Graphics" though I'm going
to call the owl wings team back and make sure that doesn't include
"discreet graphics."

Thanks again,

Paula
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In
news:f2069ee9-da68-480a-936c-de64a4c6c0b8@34g2000prs.googlegroups.com,
Pawlly Phonic typed on Fri, 14 May 2010 11:17:12 -0700 (PDT):
> On May 13, 4:20 pm, "~misfit~" <sore_n_ha...@nospamyahoo.com.au>
> wrote:
>> Somewhere on teh intarwebs Pawlly Phonic wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> 1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
>>> laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks. This one needs that too but
>>> there are other needs as well. I know there are many threads like
>>> this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
>>> out there keeps changing. Thank goodness there are those generous
>>> with their wisdom.

>>
>>> Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
>>> studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
>>> computer model. The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
>>> makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing
>>> gets so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
>>> Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
>>> Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
>>> lack of it) might help. It may actually be used on someone's lap
>>> some of the time, which isn't going to help. (Though I suppose
>>> flesh might muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a
>>> scream.)

>>
>>> Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
>>> 4GM mem and the preference is for small. No more than 14.x" and 11"
>>> would be better. b, g, n of course. Great video not necessary.
>>> Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14
>>> it might as well have one.

>>
>>> Another consideration though a lesser one would be available
>>> warranty plans. 4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.

>>
>>> $2,000 max including warranty. Negotiable.

>>
>>> But above all, as silent as possible.

>>
>>> Ideas much appreciated.

>>
>>> Thanks again,

>>
>>> Paula

>>
>> Just my 2c. Make sure that the machine doesn't have discrete
>> graphics such as an ATI or nVidia GPU. From what you say above you
>> don't need it and these are often a bigger source of heat than the
>> CPU. --
>> Shaun.
>>
>> "When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

>
> Thank you guys for clearing up about xp mode and that sounds like a
> biggie, Shaun, re graphics. I'm looking at a Lenovo X201 12" i5 8GB.
> I formed a strategy of calling companies and asking which of their
> models was the quietest, as obviously they're going to say they are
> quieter or as quiet as anyone else's models. The Lenovo salesman at
> least had the best story. Buy Thinkpad (made solider for businessmen)
> and it's fan has blades "shaped like owl wings to move a lot of air
> silently."
>
> ...Right. But at least it shows Lenovo is aware enough of those of us
> that need Quiet computing to have thought of a good pat line to pass
> out.
>
> Any experience with Thinkpad relative noise? For my part I can
> testify the quite big owls can move quite fast with an eerie silence.
>
> Anyhow, Shaun it's video is just "Intel HD Graphics" though I'm going
> to call the owl wings team back and make sure that doesn't include
> "discreet graphics."
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Paula


Well I don't know what Lenovo is doing. But you have to wonder when
Consumer Reports polled 75,000 users who bought a laptop between 2005
and 2009 about their experiences. And Lenovo and Dell came in tied for
dead last. As 21% of them had either repaired or had a serious problem.
Toshiba had the fewest at 16%.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
B

BillW50

Flightless Bird
In news:hsk56e$1re$1@news.eternal-september.org,
BillW50 typed on Fri, 14 May 2010 13:35:54 -0500:
> Well I don't know what Lenovo is doing. But you have to wonder when
> Consumer Reports polled 75,000 users who bought a laptop between 2005
> and 2009 about their experiences. And Lenovo and Dell came in tied for
> dead last. As 21% of them had either repaired or had a serious
> problem. Toshiba had the fewest at 16%.


If you were curious who was in the running, here was the list.

Repairs and Serious Problems
----------------------------
Toshiba 16%
Sony 17%
Compaq 18%
Acer 19%
Apple 19%
HP 20%
Gateway 20%
Dell 21%
Lenovo 21%

I was surprised that Asus wasn't in the list. As they generally make
really good laptops. There are some lesser known makes too. I am sure if
they were included both Dell and Lenovo wouldn't be sitting at the
bottom. And I wish Alienware were polled. As they are one of the most
powerful laptops out there. But I have no idea what their reliability
falls at. Generally the more powerful, the less reliable they are.

--
Bill
Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3
 
P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
On May 14, 2:32 pm, "BillW50" <Bill...@aol.kom> wrote:
> Innews:hsk56e$1re$1@news.eternal-september.org,
> BillW50 typed on Fri, 14 May 2010 13:35:54 -0500:
>
> > Well I don't know what Lenovo is doing. But you have to wonder when
> > Consumer Reports polled 75,000 users who bought a laptop between 2005
> > and 2009 about their experiences. And Lenovo and Dell came in tied for
> > dead last. As 21% of them had either repaired or had a serious
> > problem. Toshiba had the fewest at 16%.

>
> If you were curious who was in the running, here was the list.
>
> Repairs and Serious Problems
> ----------------------------
> Toshiba 16%
> Sony 17%
> Compaq 18%
> Acer 19%
> Apple 19%
> HP 20%
> Gateway 20%
> Dell 21%
> Lenovo 21%
>
> I was surprised that Asus wasn't in the list. As they generally make
> really good laptops. There are some lesser known makes too. I am sure if
> they were included both Dell and Lenovo wouldn't be sitting at the
> bottom. And I wish Alienware were polled. As they are one of the most
> powerful laptops out there. But I have no idea what their reliability
> falls at. Generally the more powerful, the less reliable they are.
>
> --
> Bill
> Gateway M465e ('06 era) - Windows XP SP3


Asus seems to market differently & perhaps their support system is
also different, making it difficult to do a comparison.

Looking at their website it appeared they don't sell direct. Is it
possible to custom design one? Perhaps from some vendors. I know one
PCMag survey had them rated #1 in... hmm... customer satisfaction or
something.

The interesting thing to me about your listing is how close the spread
is. Only 5 percentage points separate the nine listees.

I can see why Dell is at bottom at least in my part of the country.
Every small and medium business seems to have been sold them, and
seeing so many clueless receptionists banging away at them...

Paula
 
P

Pawlly Phonic

Flightless Bird
And another thing to worry about. Anyone know if any brand/model
still comes with those loud clacking keyboards?

Again thanks,

Paula
 
M

~misfit~

Flightless Bird
Somewhere on teh intarwebs BillW50 wrote:
> In news:hsk56e$1re$1@news.eternal-september.org,
> BillW50 typed on Fri, 14 May 2010 13:35:54 -0500:
>> Well I don't know what Lenovo is doing. But you have to wonder when
>> Consumer Reports polled 75,000 users who bought a laptop between 2005
>> and 2009 about their experiences. And Lenovo and Dell came in tied
>> for dead last. As 21% of them had either repaired or had a serious
>> problem. Toshiba had the fewest at 16%.

>
> If you were curious who was in the running, here was the list.
>
> Repairs and Serious Problems
> ----------------------------
> Toshiba 16%
> Sony 17%
> Compaq 18%
> Acer 19%
> Apple 19%
> HP 20%
> Gateway 20%
> Dell 21%
> Lenovo 21%
>
> I was surprised that Asus wasn't in the list. As they generally make
> really good laptops. There are some lesser known makes too. I am sure
> if they were included both Dell and Lenovo wouldn't be sitting at the
> bottom. And I wish Alienware were polled. As they are one of the most
> powerful laptops out there. But I have no idea what their reliability
> falls at. Generally the more powerful, the less reliable they are.


My experience with multiple IBM/Lenovo laptops made between 2004 and 2008 is
completely contrary to that data. However they're all 'ThinkPads', a premium
brand that IBM still own part of the rights to. I have little experience of
Lenovo's own models, I've only had one through here but it was fine.

Alienware are merely a range of gaming machines made by Dell, so look there
for your data.

BTW I've been involved in discussions about that list you quoted above
before. Not only does it include damage and accidents attributable to the
user it also shows that there's not that big a difference between the
various brands. 16% to 21%? A variation of only 5%. It doesn't seem so much
when you look at it like that.
--
Cheers,
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.
 
M

~misfit~

Flightless Bird
Somewhere on teh intarwebs Pawlly Phonic wrote:
> On May 13, 4:20 pm, "~misfit~" <sore_n_ha...@nospamyahoo.com.au>
> wrote:
>> Somewhere on teh intarwebs Pawlly Phonic wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> 1st thanks to those who helped so much with my previous project re
>>> laptops with VERY RELIABLE power jacks. This one needs that too but
>>> there are other needs as well. I know there are many threads like
>>> this, but they can't help but come up repeatedly as what's available
>>> out there keeps changing. Thank goodness there are those generous
>>> with their wisdom.

>>
>>> Now, the main thing is it must be near silent. It is to be used in a
>>> studio environment. I realize this is not just a matter of the
>>> computer model. The fan makes the noise (though perhaps you know who
>>> makes quieter fans) and the fan runs higher the hotter the thing
>>> gets so strategies for keeping it cool are also a consideration.
>>> Unfortunately most extra-computer ones just involve more fans.
>>> Knowing any features (or lack of them) that are a clue to noise (or
>>> lack of it) might help. It may actually be used on someone's lap
>>> some of the time, which isn't going to help. (Though I suppose
>>> flesh might muffle the noise somewhat until the heat produces a
>>> scream.)

>>
>>> Otherwise it needs to be fairly powerful- I'm thinking i5, at LEAST
>>> 4GM mem and the preference is for small. No more than 14.x" and 11"
>>> would be better. b, g, n of course. Great video not necessary.
>>> Optical drive not necessary though if size needs to go up to 13-14
>>> it might as well have one.

>>
>>> Another consideration though a lesser one would be available
>>> warranty plans. 4 or 5 years instead of the usual 3 would be a plus.

>>
>>> $2,000 max including warranty. Negotiable.

>>
>>> But above all, as silent as possible.

>>
>>> Ideas much appreciated.

>>
>>> Thanks again,

>>
>>> Paula

>>
>> Just my 2c. Make sure that the machine doesn't have discrete
>> graphics such as an ATI or nVidia GPU. From what you say above you
>> don't need it and these are often a bigger source of heat than the
>> CPU. --
>> Shaun.
>>
>> "When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.

>
> Thank you guys for clearing up about xp mode and that sounds like a
> biggie, Shaun, re graphics. I'm looking at a Lenovo X201 12" i5 8GB.
> I formed a strategy of calling companies and asking which of their
> models was the quietest, as obviously they're going to say they are
> quieter or as quiet as anyone else's models. The Lenovo salesman at
> least had the best story. Buy Thinkpad (made solider for businessmen)
> and it's fan has blades "shaped like owl wings to move a lot of air
> silently."
>
> ...Right. But at least it shows Lenovo is aware enough of those of us
> that need Quiet computing to have thought of a good pat line to pass
> out.
>
> Any experience with Thinkpad relative noise? For my part I can
> testify the quite big owls can move quite fast with an eerie silence.
>
> Anyhow, Shaun it's video is just "Intel HD Graphics" though I'm going
> to call the owl wings team back and make sure that doesn't include
> "discreet graphics."


Hi Paula,

The Core i5 series of mobile processors have a graphics processor built into
the actual CPU so won't have discrete graphics (unless paired with a GPU in
a high-end workstation in a switchable configuration).

Therefore it's likely a good choice, the graphics processor, being on the
CPU rather than being either discrete or part of the chipset equals an
efficient system, with the cooler only needing to handle the heat produced
by a single source. Also they're built on a 32nm process so should run
fairly cool.
--
Shaun.

"When we dream.... that's just our brains defragmenting" G Jackson.
 
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