Hi folks,
I've decided that it is time for a new computer. I'm replacing my hulking old lap-crusher which is about 8 years old. It is ridiculously heavy, the battery life is rubbish, and it can't cope with any video over about vga resolution, and even then it is jumpy.
So, I'm after something nice and small/thin and light, that is nice and portable. I'd like it to be able to display full HD video/films/gopro footage, so the screen needs to be 1920x1080, and it needs enough processing power to cope with showing that sort of footage. I'd like a decent battery life too, at least a couple of hours off grid. Oh, it needs to have a microsd card slot (or a normal SD card slot) and also at least 1 USB socket (preferably 2). I don't mind if it is a tablet that can have a keyboard plugged in, or an old fashioned notebook type layout.
Anyone got any suggestions/recommendations?
Cheers
Andy
Macbook Pro - that's what I will choose.
I should have added, I don't want anything Apple, it needs to be a windows based machine. I'll be using it for work too, and some of the software I have to use will only run on windows platforms :(
Plus, I'm getting to be a bit of a dinosaur, and I don't want the hassle of learning a new OS!
Andy
This should help
just look at the price and "G" rating ;)
http://gadgetshow.channel5.com/gadgets/computing/laptops (http://gadgetshow.channel5.com/gadgets/computing/laptops)
I have a Microsoft surface pro. Fantastic little machine. Full HD 10 point touch display with pen input. 8hrs on battery. Does everything you need at the field and more. Comes with windows 8.1 and not too badly priced now, you can pick them up for about 350 (I paid more than that!!)
I second the Microsoft Surface Pro (I have the Pro 2). It's a fantastic machine, I use it for work too and because of the 'proper' stylus, I use it for handwriting meeting notes etc. as it's much less disruptive than typing. Only 1 USB slot but with a bluetooth mouse that's no worries. I have a type keyboard which is surprisingly good and the screen quality is fantastic. A microSD slot means it takes the GoPro card straight in and playback is flawless, I don't think you would be disappointed.
What is the battery life like on the surface Pro 2? I've just been reading some reviews, and it looks like it might just be the ticket :)
Andy
As usual Andy, that's very hard to say as it depends on what you are using it for. For my general use though the day taking notes in a few meetings, checking emails and then browsing in front of the TV in the evening, a charge lasts me all day easily, now if I'm playing 3D games on it (which mine is quite capable of doing) that's a different matter.... If battery life needs to be even longer you can get a 'Power Cover' that contains a battery and keyboard too but I've never needed that.
Ah that sounds good then, so long as it is more than an hour or two of viewing photos etc, that would be great for me. I've actually just been looking at the surface Pro 3, looks like quite a machine. A bit pricey though....
Andy
The 3 is a nice bit of kit but I saw one next to my 2 the other day and for what I want the 3 was starting to look rather large. Given I use mine as a tablet most of the time and occasionally as a laptop the smaller size suits better although I believe they have managed to make the 3 lighter despite being bigger.