[Hidden-tech] Computer Crossroads- Do I buy a new laptop? Change to Macbook Air? Have one Custom built?

[Rich Roth]

I'll add a few thoughts:

1) I saw a comment about Dell XPS 13 -- I've had a similar model for a 
number of years, carried it around the world
and was very happy with it for at least 3 years, maybe 4 -- it 
eventually wore out similar to what you are describing.

2) Based on your comments about experience, I'd stick to Windows machine 
- Mac is great if you know it, not really worth the learning curve for 
differences unless there are other reasons.  I think you will find you 
use more windows aps then you think, even if not that often.

3) I'd suggest you check out Lenovo - they are what used to be the IBM 
thinkpad division.
I'm on my second over the last 4 or so years - mainly got a new one 
because I wanted a much larger hard drive
(SSD of course) and the first was actually an handme up (my son often 
gets newer machines then I do).

I went with a X1 carbon which much more then you need, touch screen is 
nice, I stuck with Windows 7 though.
Their laptop/tablets are very nice, although less power then the X1, 
probably enough for what you need. The silly ads they are running are 
actually a pretty good presentation of what the machines can do

A hint with Lenovo - signup for their email offers - you will get 2-3 
emails a week and often 30-50% discount on what they are pushing that week.
I beat on what every I use and have been quite happy with Thinkpads 
years ago and these last 2 lenovo's.

4) Be very careful with the "copy to my new machine" software -- I had 
lots of issues with machines I've used any of that on -- better to 
upgrade the software you used most often (or move installed s/n where 
you can) .

And give you self plenty of time to get used to the new machine and 
configure it
Good luck
Rich

On 2/17/2015 8:02 AM, Izzy G wrote:
>
> Good Morning,
>
> ​The situation: My 2 year old ASUS zenbook had a dying HD that will 
> cost me (according to repair place) $500 to replace + $300 to 
> reinstall data​  (which I could do myself as it is backed up on 
> Crashplan).  I'm not inclined to fix the ASUS as it has been in the 
> shop a few months ago (maybe that was the beginning of the HD fail and 
> wasn't noticed):
>
> I'd like some help looking at my replacement options (this is my only 
> computer). Budget is  +/- 1k:
> Fix Zenbook. Trust that a new HD will work.
> Find another laptop- need some suggestions. Looking for 13-14 inch 
> screen, reasonably lightwith, need only 4 GB
> Have one custom made  (local if possible)
> Buy a Macbook air- I need guidance and handholding to make the switch 
> but am open to it.
>
> Other options?
>
> Any help is greatly appreciated.
> Izzy
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> Izzy Gesell, M.ED, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)
> ​
> ​
> (o) 413-586-2634www.izzyg.com <http://www.izzyg.com> FB: 
> IzzyG&Company  LI: Izzy Gesell  TW: ImprovIzzy
> ​
>
> Lynda.com Author of "Applied Improv for Leaders" 
> www.lynda.com/IzzyGesell <http://www.lynda.com/IzzyGesell>
> Free 10 day unlimited accessto Lynda.com's extensive library of courses
> ​:​
> http://www.lynda.com/trial/IzzyGesell
>
> ​
>
>
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Rich Roth
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