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 > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net > Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net > > You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list. > If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members > page on the Hidden Tech Web site. > http://www.hidden-tech.net/members -- Rich Roth Webmaster/Steering Committee Member Hidden-tech http://www.hidden-tech.net The Talent you need is right here, Join and share your skills ((Sponsored by Thrives Media)) http://www.thrivesmedia.com http://www.welovemuseums.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://lists.hidden-tech.net/pipermail/hidden-discuss/attachments/20150217/7dac7519/attachment.html