Bad shopping experience, Need advice for a uni/multimedia laptop

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macuser

2120 posts

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#1150061 8-Oct-2014 15:52

NZCrusader:
macuser:
Try use any Surface device in bed, or on the couch, or wherever... horrible.

Microsoft continues to not bother releasing a rigid keyboard dock, which makes the device really unusable in a multitude of situations.

I can tell you must be a regular in the fiction isle at the library, because that is just rubbish.

Surface is fine anywhere and the type cover is built well and has back lit keys.
When I don't need the keyboard, I just fold it around the back and it disengages the keys so I can hold the tablet normally without disconnecting the keyboard.

Also the SP3 is lighter, cheaper and faster than the Mac (no surprises there... its becoming a cliche that every vendor is cheaper than Apple).

Fanboy, go back home and come back when Apple actually have something worthy of competing in a 2014 market.

I have owned an HP Envy x2, a Surface Pro 2 (I purchased day 1 of its availability) and now a Dell Venue 11 Pro (with a battery keyboard), the devices that were most practical are those with a rigid hinge accessory, I'd love to see you use your Surface Pro 3 in bed, or on a soft surface. My critique is based on my actual use of most convertible devices, when holding onto a tablet is a pain in the butt when you want to watch a movie, when every time you need to work at something that isn't a desk you need to constantly worry about the Surface toppling forward.

I recommend a Macbook Air as it is the most suitable device for a student. Battery life is consistent and long lasting (Meaning not needing to bring a charger to university, and trusting the battery will give you an accurate representation of what's actually left). It's also small and light, and with a build quality that is suitable for wear and tear in a backpack (Without an expensive extra keyboard, the surface screen is exposed). It also includes everything you need in the box, where as with the Surface you need to buy a keyboard.

I also recommend what will be the most easy to use and most easily supported device, which will be the Macbook.

I like to base my recommendations on the actual use case of the user, which requires a durable machine that doesn't require compromise, something that the Surface Pro isn't capable of...

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1150085 8-Oct-2014 16:10

zaptor:
HP ProBook 430 looks like an interesting option. Especially given the price. Not sure about the build quality (only question mark). Still that price is fairly compelling.

Has a HDMI, VGA, and gigabit ethernet ports too. Not bad.

ckc

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1150089 8-Oct-2014 16:15

No one has mentioned Toshiba, so I'll go ahead and mention Toshiba.

http://www.direct.co.nz/toshiba/index.php/notebooks/satellite-pro

Up to 6 hours battery life for the two in your price and spec range.

http://www.direct.co.nz/toshiba/index.php/notebooks/satellite-pro/sat-pro-l50-i7-4gb-750g-15-6-win7-8p-1y-pskt5a-001001-detail
http://www.direct.co.nz/toshiba/index.php/notebooks/satellite-pro/sat-pro-l50-i7-6g-1tb-2g-15-6-win7-8p-1y-psktba-002001-detail

NZCrusader

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1150093 8-Oct-2014 16:23

macuser:
NZCrusader:
macuser:
Try use any Surface device in bed, or on the couch, or wherever... horrible.

Microsoft continues to not bother releasing a rigid keyboard dock, which makes the device really unusable in a multitude of situations.

I can tell you must be a regular in the fiction isle at the library, because that is just rubbish.

Surface is fine anywhere and the type cover is built well and has back lit keys.
When I don't need the keyboard, I just fold it around the back and it disengages the keys so I can hold the tablet normally without disconnecting the keyboard.

Also the SP3 is lighter, cheaper and faster than the Mac (no surprises there... its becoming a cliche that every vendor is cheaper than Apple).

Fanboy, go back home and come back when Apple actually have something worthy of competing in a 2014 market.

I have owned an HP Envy x2, a Surface Pro 2 (I purchased day 1 of its availability) and now a Dell Venue 11 Pro (with a battery keyboard), the devices that were most practical are those with a rigid hinge accessory, I'd love to see you use your Surface Pro 3 in bed, or on a soft surface. My critique is based on my actual use of most convertible devices, when holding onto a tablet is a pain in the butt when you want to watch a movie, when every time you need to work at something that isn't a desk you need to constantly worry about the Surface toppling forward.

I recommend a Macbook Air as it is the most suitable device for a student. Battery life is consistent and long lasting (Meaning not needing to bring a charger to university, and trusting the battery will give you an accurate representation of what's actually left). It's also small and light, and with a build quality that is suitable for wear and tear in a backpack (Without an expensive extra keyboard, the surface screen is exposed). It also includes everything you need in the box, where as with the Surface you need to buy a keyboard.

I also recommend what will be the most easy to use and most easily supported device, which will be the Macbook.

I like to base my recommendations on the actual use case of the user, which requires a durable machine that doesn't require compromise, something that the Surface Pro isn't capable of...

You can just buy a cover for the surface pro, without buying a keyboard...

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dmobile&field-keywords=surface%20pro%203%20case&sprefix=surface+pro+3+%2Cmobile

NZ / AU Battlefield 4 Gaming Community
http://www.sonsofvalour.net/forums/forum.php

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1150106 8-Oct-2014 16:33

macuser:
I recommend a Macbook Air as it is the most suitable device for a student. Battery life is consistent and long lasting (Meaning not needing to bring a charger to university, and trusting the battery will give you an accurate representation of what's actually left). It's also small and light, and with a build quality that is suitable for wear and tear in a backpack (Without an expensive extra keyboard, the surface screen is exposed)...

Agreed (bolded lines are also my personal experience).

I can't really comment on the Surface Pro, as I've never used one before. Although, as a Windows-hybrid tablet it seems okay (?)

However, if using the Surface Pro with an attachable keyboard is anything like an iPad with a keyboard case (which I do have experience with), then there's simply no comparison to an MBA for using on a lap or just general out-and-about usage.

Regs

4066 posts

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Snowflake

#1150255 8-Oct-2014 20:52

there are student prices for the Surface Pro 3 and Keyboards also... you could get the 128GB i5 with a keyboard for just less than $1500

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msnz/en_NZ/cat/Student/categoryID.66280400?icid=TopNavStudents

I also find that the surface pro 3 works a lot better than previous models on the lap, or in bed, but I generally take the keyboard off and use it in touch mode in those instances anyway :-)

Sales Engineer
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Twitter: @nzregs

nathan

5695 posts

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Inactive user

#1150264 8-Oct-2014 21:12

macuser:
NZCrusader: Have you taken a look at surface pro 3 ?

These have a surprisingly good build quality.
Boot really fast.
Does not overheat at all, only gets ever so slightly warm.
I can use it throughout the day without running out of power.

Great for taking notes using one note and the pen.

Plays video seamlessly on VLC.

Its a fantastic device and if a student, you can get a discount at the microsoft store.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msnz/en_NZ/home?tduid=20dca308ecaa1ffd2d504928c019f8c0

Very happy with the purchase. Would buy again in the future.
*Looking forward to the miracast dongle as well from microsoft.

Try use any Surface device in bed, or on the couch, or wherever... horrible.

Microsoft continues to not bother releasing a rigid keyboard dock, which makes the device really unusable in a multitude of situations.

I've been using my Surface Pro 3 like this for 5 months now, in bed on the couch, on planes, at the gym watching videos kick stand propped over the back of a chair

It can do things a laptop can't with the kick stand, plus all the heat and sterilising WiFi away from my precious body parts while on my lap.

I'd your use case is for a laptop, buy a laptop not a Surface

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

nathan

5695 posts

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Inactive user

#1150278 8-Oct-2014 21:15

lxsw20:
timmmay: Unsure why you'd buy a mac and put windows on it. PCs are generally cheaper than macs for similar specifications so you're going for the high priced option, unless you get a great student discount.

Spec for spec I'm not so sure that's true now days. Sure there is more at the bargain basement end in Windows devices.

Crap screen res on MBA just doesn't cut it in 2014, our even 2013

nathan

5695 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1150284 8-Oct-2014 21:21

macuser:
NZCrusader:
macuser:
Try use any Surface device in bed, or on the couch, or wherever... horrible.

Microsoft continues to not bother releasing a rigid keyboard dock, which makes the device really unusable in a multitude of situations.

I can tell you must be a regular in the fiction isle at the library, because that is just rubbish.

Surface is fine anywhere and the type cover is built well and has back lit keys.
When I don't need the keyboard, I just fold it around the back and it disengages the keys so I can hold the tablet normally without disconnecting the keyboard.

Also the SP3 is lighter, cheaper and faster than the Mac (no surprises there... its becoming a cliche that every vendor is cheaper than Apple).

Fanboy, go back home and come back when Apple actually have something worthy of competing in a 2014 market.

I have owned an HP Envy x2, a Surface Pro 2 (I purchased day 1 of its availability) and now a Dell Venue 11 Pro (with a battery keyboard), the devices that were most practical are those with a rigid hinge accessory, I'd love to see you use your Surface Pro 3 in bed, or on a soft surface. My critique is based on my actual use of most convertible devices, when holding onto a tablet is a pain in the butt when you want to watch a movie, when every time you need to work at something that isn't a desk you need to constantly worry about the Surface toppling forward.

I recommend a Macbook Air as it is the most suitable device for a student. Battery life is consistent and long lasting (Meaning not needing to bring a charger to university, and trusting the battery will give you an accurate representation of what's actually left). It's also small and light, and with a build quality that is suitable for wear and tear in a backpack (Without an expensive extra keyboard, the surface screen is exposed). It also includes everything you need in the box, where as with the Surface you need to buy a keyboard.

I also recommend what will be the most easy to use and most easily supported device, which will be the Macbook.

I like to base my recommendations on the actual use case of the user, which requires a durable machine that doesn't require compromise, something that the Surface Pro isn't capable of...

Crap screen res of MBA makes it untenable for me

Surface Pro has a digitiser and pen stylus which is incredible useful for student especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics classes.

Markup, highlighting, annotating, equations, drawing FTW

Unlimited position kickstand and magnetic keyboard fold on Surface Pro 3 make it far superior to Pro 2 in bed on the couch etc

Stan

929 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1150308 8-Oct-2014 22:18

MadMaxX: *excuse my ignorance* I recently went to buy a laptop and got told by a very pushy salesman that the laptop I was looking at would only have 3-4 hours battery life and so the man advised me to buy a different product which he assured me would have far greater battery life. When I got it home it too (even when running power saving) only has 3-4 hours battery life. Due to him feeding me false information in order to make a sale I will Hopefully be getting a full refund this weekend.

While I do my best to understand PC hardware lingo I really don't know much about what I should actually be getting. I'm studying at uni over the summer and next year so word docs will be it's primary use but I also like to surf the web, watch movies, listen to music and game (rpgs/ elder scrolls online) Although the gaming probably isn't super important as I have a desktop. I could really use some advice, please! I need something with the following attributes:

- light weight and portable
- good battery life is a must
- quick start up time
- Windows please, not mac.
- Budget up to $1500ish (is this realistic? student so funds are lacking)

Other bits I'd like:

- i5 or i7
- Solid state hard drive
- 2gig dedicated graphics

If there's anything else you think would be beneficial in a laptop for me, or something I don't really need - please don't hesitate to say so. *really don't know what I'm talking about*

thanks guys :)

I have an Acer v5 with an amd A10 cpu and a 256gb SSD for $650 :)

Otherwise I would say wait a few weeks for the 5th gen intel CPUs 14nm shrink should mean better power efficiency and much better integrated GPUs. On that note I would say do not underestimate modern intel integrated graphics (particularly non ULV cpus) if you are prepared to lower the graphics settings and game in 720P they can return very decent frame rates.

nathan

5695 posts

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Inactive user

#1150310 8-Oct-2014 22:20

Intel Broadwell CPUs in any volume are still ways away

afe66

3181 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#1150426 9-Oct-2014 08:56

As the OP says they have a gaming pc why do you need such a high spec machine.

Using word and watching the odd movie are low power demands.

I3 or basic AMD should be good enough.

A.

MadMaxX

9 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1150587 9-Oct-2014 11:55

Thanks, everyone! This has been quite helpful. I have realized what I realistically need / don't need. While I haven't made up my mind I now have numerous directions to go in guided by people who actually know what they're talking about :) thanks again

zaptor

745 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1150653 9-Oct-2014 12:54

MadMaxX: Thanks, everyone! This has been quite helpful. I have realized what I realistically need / don't need. While I haven't made up my mind I now have numerous directions to go in guided by people who actually know what they're talking about :) thanks again

Not sure if we were that helpful.

Looked like it was degenerating into your typical TradeMe forum thread.

I think your best options are either (in no particular order):
(1) Surface Pro 3
(2) HP ProBook 430 G2
(3) Lenovo X1 Carbon (as mentioned by joker97)

Dell have the XPS 13 Ultra on special for $1599, but I'm not so sure about it's build quality (coil whine aside).

I agree with macuser with regards to real world wear'n'tear on mobile devices. Especially if you're carting it around Uni. Reminds of all the hassle people had with the cheap netbooks back in the day.

benokobi

927 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#1152033 11-Oct-2014 22:29

macuser: Macbook Air 13" with student discount, put Windows on it even. It's the best priced hardware you'll find.

You're not going to get 2GB of dedicated graphics for $1500 on an ultrabook...sorry.

Mine is awesome. Battery life is great after 1 1/2 years and with the latest updates it keeps getting better.

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