topic Re: What Do You Think in Electronics

What Do You Think

Jordan2 — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:54:57 GMT

I totally will understand if some of you bypass this. I have been here before seeking advice about purchasing a new computer. I have been talk, talk, talking, about this for so long I'm sick of it you must be too! I was looking at the new MacBook Pro 13" with the protection plan and accessories, plus tax ballpark $2,564. I looked at the HP Spectre (not the 2in1) 13" (I wanted a 15" but didn't see one) with everything $2,238.00. I was wondering if one could use an iPad Pro as their primary computer? The 12.9" with wifi and cellular, protection plan, and keyboard would run $1,517.00. I don't buy a computer often so I am ready to spend the big bucks! I have considered a Chrome Book, but fear the 32 GB of storage is not enough (I know there is a limited amount of cloud storage for free but you must pay after 2 years I think). So as you can see I'm not sure what I want. I do own an iPad Air and several Kindles. Oh yeah you should know I'm not tech savvy at all! Any advice would certainly be appreciated.

Re: What Do You Think

Lilysmom — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:22:42 GMT

@Jordan2, here's my two cents. I needed a new computer. After all the windows 10 issues we have read about here and, considering the fact that everything else I own is Apple, I decided to buy a MacBook Pro.

Your price suggests to me that you are looking at the brand new MacBook Pro, the one with the new touch bar. After assessing my needs and recognizing that the new touch bar is around $1000 more than the 2016 MacBook Pro, I went with the next to newest model (2016).

The MacBook Pro you are talking about does not have HDMI connection, USB, SD or headphones. You have to buy a dongle to make these connections of devices to your computer. The newest MBP with the touch bar has only thunderports. In my reading of the attributes and reviews of the new MBP with touchbar, it was way more computer than I needed for what I want to do.

You could also buy a MacBook Air.

What you really have to know is what your needs are, whether you want Apple or Windows and how much you are prepared to pay.

At the end of the day, I chose MacBook Pro and I love it. I hardly ever use my ipad any more so next ipad I buy will be a mini, not a full size.

Good luck with your choice. LM

PS, if you can, visit an Apple Store or an electronics store before you buy. Talk to the people there about what you want to do and they can assist with your needs assessment.

Re: What Do You Think

LTT1 — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:24:15 GMT

@Jordan2

I am not any help!

At the Apple Store, the guy who helped us raved about the MACBOOK PRO... but I will admit I didn't listen well b/c we were not in the market.

Sorry ... the only other one you mentioned that I have used once or twice was the Chromebook. It just seemed extremely limited (st that time) to me.

Re: What Do You Think

gidgetgh — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:50:37 GMT

My niece and both nephews use a MacBook Pro as their primary computer. They love it.

I use an iMac and love it also. I'll never go back to a PC.

Re: What Do You Think

Mz iMac — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:12:50 GMT

@Jordan2

Lilysmom provided you w/excellent advice. The only things I can add is that the decision is entirely up to you. Your decision should be based on your needs.

Go to your local Apple Store & play around w/their display products. Talk to the "staff" about your needs.

Store List - Apple Store

Another option is to call the online Apple Store & discuss your needs w/them. There will be no "sales tactics" involved.

Re: What Do You Think

Ainhisg — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:12:41 GMT

Once you go Mac, you never go back. lol Switched from a PC to a Macbook Pro w/retina display in 2015, and even though costly, I will NEVER go back to a PC. That being said, I agree with earlier advice about buying a 2016 model if you can still find one. Do buy the Apple Care. You will have three years of all the American-based, English-speaking advice and service you need. They can even remotely look at your computer to "see" what you are seeing so that they can talk you through hooking it up to your printer or whatever else you're needing. Please go to an Apple store or locally owned Apple retailer (that is what we have here in my town--they are authorized to sell and service Apple products) to see what is available and get expert help in choosing your device. Just go for it!

Re: What Do You Think

Jordan2 — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:19:30 GMT

@Lilysmom wrote:
@Jordan2, here's my two cents. I needed a new computer. After all the windows 10 issues we have read about here and, considering the fact that everything else I own is Apple, I decided to buy a MacBook Pro.

Your price suggests to me that you are looking at the brand new MacBook Pro, the one with the new touch bar. After assessing my needs and recognizing that the new touch bar is around $1000 more than the 2016 MacBook Pro, I went with the next to newest model (2016).

The MacBook Pro you are talking about does not have HDMI connection, USB, SD or headphones. You have to buy a dongle to make these connections of devices to your computer. The newest MBP with the touch bar has only thunderports. In my reading of the attributes and reviews of the new MBP with touchbar, it was way more computer than I needed for what I want to do.

You could also buy a MacBook Air.

What you really have to know is what your needs are, whether you want Apple or Windows and how much you are prepared to pay.

At the end of the day, I chose MacBook Pro and I love it. I hardly ever use my ipad any more so next ipad I buy will be a mini, not a full size.

Good luck with your choice. LM

PS, if you can, visit an Apple Store or an electronics store before you buy. Talk to the people there about what you want to do and they can assist with your needs assessment.

Thanks for your "two cents"! I have had my current laptop for about 6 or 7 years, so I hold onto things for a long time! When it comes to electronics I always want to buy the latest and greatest that is available. Unfortunately I don't have an Apple Store near me, just a Best Buy. I find that the help there isn't that knowledgeable, that is if you can even find someone to help you. Thanks again!

Re: What Do You Think

Nuttmeg — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 23:46:58 GMT

Processor 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i7-7700HQ Quad Core Processor (6M cache, up to 3.8 GHz) Operating System Windows 10 Home 64-bit English Memory 8GB DDR4-2400MHz; up to 32GB (additional memory sold separately) Hard Drive 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive Video Card NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 with 4GB GDDR5 LCD 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) InfinityEdge Wireless Killer 1535 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 Primary Battery 56WHr Keyboard Backlit Keyboard, English Driver Killer 1535 Wireless Driver Cable US Power Cord Systems Management Systems Management SW Placemat XPS 15 Placemat Retail Software Retail Return Label Packaging Label Dell.com Order Documentation/Disks Safety/Environment and Regulatory Guide (English/French Multi-language) Packaging Shipping Material Power Supply 130w Power Adapter FGA Module BERL1801_1610_DAO/US/CA/BTO Processor Branding Intel® Core™ i7 Label Support 1 Year Premium Support Operating System Recovery Options Operating System Recovery Media Not Included Microsoft Office Productivity Software – Word, Excel, Powerpoint & more Microsoft Office 30 Day Trial Security Software McAfee LiveSafe 12 Month Subscription Non-Microsoft Application Software Additional Software

I found this laptop on sale at Dell. It runs about 1350. plus tax. The hardware is good. Dell is having a sale for 30+ hours.

I only buy when the company has a sale. I use Member Purchase Plan.

You may want to call CS for any help.

Re: What Do You Think

Cats3000 — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:59:13 GMT

I have an iMac-27" screen. Love the size. This is my 3rd Mac product. Would hate to go back to a PC. We also have an iPad and an iPhone. They're great.

Re: What Do You Think

Jordan2 — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 18:17:21 GMT

Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop? Apple is kind of promoting it as a laptop. You can buy a pencil and keyboard for it and can get 256 GB of storage.

Re: What Do You Think

Lilysmom — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:08:07 GMT

@Jordan, it depends on what you use a computer for. I keep a library for my ereader and I do some business documents for DH from time to time so I want a real computer for that. I also keep spreadsheets. In my life, an ipad doesn't do it all. LM

Re: What Do You Think

Mz iMac — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 21:24:00 GMT

@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?

Depends....

How are you going to use it?

Re: What Do You Think

Jordan2 — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:09:53 GMT

@Mz iMac wrote:
@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?
Depends....

How are you going to use it?

@Mz iMac, I would use it for emails, social media, surfing the web, and shopping, that type of thing. I was also wondering, can you transfer any files and songs, pictures, I have on my computer to an iPad Pro? I actually wouldn't know how to transfer files from my old computer to my new one. I know there is a software program you can buy, I wonder how user friendly it is?

Re: What Do You Think

violann — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:22:01 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?
Depends....

How are you going to use it?

@Mz iMac, I would use it for emails, social media, surfing the web, and shopping, that type of thing. I was also wondering, can you transfer any files and songs, pictures, I have on my computer to an iPad Pro? I actually wouldn't know how to transfer files from my old computer to my new one. I know there is a software program you can buy, I wonder how user friendly it is?

These are the kinds of questions the Apple Store staff will be happy to answer.

DH has an old MacBook Pro, and I have an iPad (2 iPads actually). I almost never go near his laptop.

It sounds to me as though you would not need a laptop, but do your own research. I am eagerly looking forward to the next generation iPads. I use a lot of the iPad features for music- composing, recording.......and my present iPad has never let me down.

I expect the next gen iPad to be even better. Then there's photography with my iPhone. Cannot WAIT FOR IPhone 8!

I personally am Apple all the way!

Re: What Do You Think

Mz iMac — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:07:08 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?
Depends....

How are you going to use it?

@Mz iMac, I would use it for emails, social media, surfing the web, and shopping, that type of thing. I was also wondering, can you transfer any files and songs, pictures, I have on my computer to an iPad Pro? I actually wouldn't know how to transfer files from my old computer to my new one. I know there is a software program you can buy, I wonder how user friendly it is?

Based on your needs, an iPad will do just fine.

I need some clarification before I can answer your "transfer" question.....

In your original posting you stated you already have an iPad Air. Note, an iPad is NOT a comp. So when you state you want to transfer files from your old comp to a new iPad, are you saying you have a Windows comp or is it the iPad Air you want to transfer from?

Re: What Do You Think

Mz iMac — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:31:06 GMT

@Jordan2

In addition.....

I STRONGLY & HIGHLY recommend the following books for you:

iPad The Missing Manual by David Pogue (Highly recommend)

iPad For Dummies or

iPad For Seniors For Dummies, 9th Edition both by Jesse Feiler.

These books are NON techy & very easy reading. The instructions are very well detailed-hand holding every step of the way w/illustrated drawings/photos.

Books cover everything that is missing from

Apple - Support - iPad Manuals

which you should download also.

These books can be found at your local bookstores (Barnes & Noble) and/or your local library. You can order online if that is your wish.

Cannot post the links as its retail. Easy find through Google, DuckDuckGo and/or Bing search.

Re: What Do You Think

itiswhatitis — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 05:36:46 GMT

@Jordan2, you can try building your own at HP and get idea for the latest specs. Then compare to your Apple product.

Re: What Do You Think

gardenman — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 12:54:23 GMT

@Jordan2 wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?
Depends....

How are you going to use it?

@Mz iMac, I would use it for emails, social media, surfing the web, and shopping, that type of thing. I was also wondering, can you transfer any files and songs, pictures, I have on my computer to an iPad Pro? I actually wouldn't know how to transfer files from my old computer to my new one. I know there is a software program you can buy, I wonder how user friendly it is?

For those uses, a Chromebook would be a safe, cheap option for you. While you do just get two years of free cloud storage, cloud storage is getting cheaper all of the time and the price difference between an Apple computer and a Chromebook would let you buy many, many years of future cloud storage.

Asus has a newer Chromebook out that's pretty nearly bomb-proof. It's their C202SA-YS02. It's got a rubber bumper, is best in class at being drop resistant, gets up to ten hours on a charge and even is water resistant. It sells for around $200. It's only got an 11.6" screen, but that's bigger than all but the 12.9" iPad Pro which sells for around $800 so there's a good price edge for the Chromebooks. That Chromebook is largely made for the classroom environment, but it's very well reviewed by home users also. (You can get Chromebooks in nearly any size or style these days including convertible models taht convert into a tablet by flipping them around.)

Whatever option you decide to look at, head to some local stores and try out the various options. Focus on the feel of the device, the keyboard, the trackpad, how responsive the screen is on touchscreen models, and focus less on the image. Screen images can be tweaked by store personnel to make one model look better and buyers often buy with their eyes. Forget what you see and focus on what you feel and how you'll be interacting with it on a daily basis. The screen image will become normal to you in daily use and you won't notice if it's a tick brighter, dimmer, sharper or less sharp than other screens without other screens to compare it to. Even screen size becomes something you get used to. Looking at a 17" and 11" models side by side the 17" will often look much better, but if you get the 11" you'll pretty quickly forget there was a 17" model and adjust to what you have.

Re: What Do You Think

Jordan2 — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:24:45 GMT

@gardenman wrote:
@Jordan2 wrote:
@Mz iMac wrote:
@Jordan2

@Jordan2 wrote:
Does anyone think an iPad Pro can take the place of a laptop?
Depends....

How are you going to use it?

@Mz iMac, I would use it for emails, social media, surfing the web, and shopping, that type of thing. I was also wondering, can you transfer any files and songs, pictures, I have on my computer to an iPad Pro? I actually wouldn't know how to transfer files from my old computer to my new one. I know there is a software program you can buy, I wonder how user friendly it is?
For those uses, a Chromebook would be a safe, cheap option for you. While you do just get two years of free cloud storage, cloud storage is getting cheaper all of the time and the price difference between an Apple computer and a Chromebook would let you buy many, many years of future cloud storage.

Asus has a newer Chromebook out that's pretty nearly bomb-proof. It's their C202SA-YS02. It's got a rubber bumper, is best in class at being drop resistant, gets up to ten hours on a charge and even is water resistant. It sells for around $200. It's only got an 11.6" screen, but that's bigger than all but the 12.9" iPad Pro which sells for around $800 so there's a good price edge for the Chromebooks. That Chromebook is largely made for the classroom environment, but it's very well reviewed by home users also. (You can get Chromebooks in nearly any size or style these days including convertible models taht convert into a tablet by flipping them around.)

Whatever option you decide to look at, head to some local stores and try out the various options. Focus on the feel of the device, the keyboard, the trackpad, how responsive the screen is on touchscreen models, and focus less on the image. Screen images can be tweaked by store personnel to make one model look better and buyers often buy with their eyes. Forget what you see and focus on what you feel and how you'll be interacting with it on a daily basis. The screen image will become normal to you in daily use and you won't notice if it's a tick brighter, dimmer, sharper or less sharp than other screens without other screens to compare it to. Even screen size becomes something you get used to. Looking at a 17" and 11" models side by side the 17" will often look much better, but if you get the 11" you'll pretty quickly forget there was a 17" model and adjust to what you have.

@gardenman, thanks for the advice. I will consider it.

Re: What Do You Think

jaxs mom — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 21:43:25 GMT

I couldn't survive with just a tablet. I use programs that there are no IOS apps for. But it depends what your needs are.