New Laptop Since My Desktop PC Bit the Dust
I’ve had major computer issues this week. Apparently, the motherboard in my PC has “given up the ghost”. I decided to go ahead and buy a laptop. I’ve been considering getting a laptop for some time now, and decided to go ahead since I wasn’t sure just what the problem was that I was having. I do plan to get my desktop back up and running before long. Since I’ll have to buy another motherboard, I may take the opportunity to upgrade the processor as well and go dual-core. Anyway, this is my first post from the new laptop.
The thought of getting a Mac crossed my mind more than once, I just wasn’t quite ready to spring for it. I bought an HP Pavilion dv9000, which was way less expensive than a Mac Book Pro. I’m also a bit of an Ubuntu fan, so I’m trying this Vista thing out. My thoughts so far is that it’s OK. I haven’t really had any problems doing anything. It’s similar in my mind to XP, just shinier(I know I’m probably not telling anybody anything you don’t already know). The biggest disappointment to me is all the junk that comes pre-loaded…..all these icons on the desktop and in the start menu with their 60-day free trials. I got rid of all that junk first thing.
Here’s a quick overview of the specs on the laptop:
- AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TL-60
- 17.0″ WXGA+ High-Definition Widescreen Display
- NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M
- 3 gigs of DDR2 System Memory
- 250GB Hard Drive (SATA)
- LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
The first thing I did, after getting rid of all the junk that came pre-loaded, was to set up XAMPP for develpment purposes. You just can’t hardly do Wordpress themes with out having a local install. You can, it just takes so much longer. Luckily, I didn’t run into any problems there.
I’m thinking this laptop should serve me well for a few years. There are several things I’ll have to get used to though.
- I’m used to a normal keyboard. This small keyboard will take some getting used to.
- I’m not very good with the touchpad. Presently, I have a mouse hooked in. I’ll have to work on that.
- 17″ screen…..When trying to code, I generally have at least 4 or 5 windows up at once. I’ve grown accustomed to having two larger screens to spread everything out. This will be the hardest thing to get used to.
- Mobility. Of course, having a laptop will add lots options as to where I want to work. Not being restricted to my desk will be very nice.
- If I continue using Windows Vista, I’ll have to get used to the annoying security measures they’ve taken. Seems like every time you click something, you have to click something else to tell the computer it’s ok…….quite annoying…….who does the computer think just clicked that icon in the first place?
Well, that’s been the biggest event of my week.
That’s a nice laptop with some decent specs. 3gb of RAM is an odd amount to have though. Did you add the RAM yourself?
Congratulations on your new tool/toy!
I always use a mouse with all my laptops, just to get things done faster. A little ergonomic retractable optical mouse. Does not take up too much space in the laptop bag.
As for Vista, I removed it and use XP still. Vista slows down the laptop a lot, and all that waiting eats into the battery life, in my low-tech opinion.
By the way, I love your wordpress themes. They rock!
TS - The 3g of RAM actually came standard on this model.
Lisa - Thanks, I imagine I will use a mouse most of the time, but would still like to be able to get around a little better without one. I’m going to continue on with Vista for now. I don’t have the computer loaded down with stuff, but so far, it’s running fast. If Vista starts giving me problems, though, I’ll get rid of it quick.
Congrats on the new computer. Hope to see you (and it) soon. (Especially Chase.)
Congratulations on the new computer, it’s always fun to get a new one.
The user account control feature in Vista really annoying, so here is a link showing how to turn it off if you haven’t already figured it out.
http://www.petri.co.il/disable_uac_in_windows_vista.htm
Hope that helps and enjoy the new computer!
Thanks Dad, we look forward to seeing you soon too.
Clarke, I figured that out after writing the post, but thanks for the heads up.
Hi Anthony, congrats on the new laptop! I also changed my HP this week, but I chose a Sony Vaio. Yes, because I love the design, no other particular reason, I’ve been more than happy with my HP.
The annoying thing with Vaio is that they no longer provide XP drives and their BIOS options are so limited! As I also use my computer at work, I really need XP to be hooked to their domain. Luckily I have a more tech savvy boyfriend who managed to have Vista, XP and Ubunto installed on it
I have the same feeling, Vista is just shinnier. As for office, I’ve only tried word and i will not buy the 2007 kit. Simply because you have to re-learn how to use it!
Alina - I believe I saw a Sony Vaio desktop in one of the stores I went in, but I didn’t see one of the Notebook computers. I’ve seen photos of them online, and they do look very sleek.
Like you, I’m not spending the $ for Office 2007. Maybe if I used it on a daily basis, but I only use a couple of spreadsheets, etc., and it wouldn’t be worth it for me to spend several hundred bucks when it’s just not necessary.
congratulation for new laptop antony, that good laptop, i realy want to have too..But how, my bisnis never walk..hikzz..
congratulation with the big proud..
Hey Anthony,
great to see you got a new PC. Hope all will be back as usual soon, I’ve missed your posts about blogging and Web 2.0 a lot.
If I can be of any help in terms of fixing some issues, writing guest posts or anything - do let know.
-Dave
Hey Anthony,
HP makes some good stuff - I think I’m going to buy an HP desktop. I’ve only ever bought laptops but it’s time for a lot more power and multitasking ability.
Dave - Thanks a lot. My schedule has been re-arranged, so I’m still trying to find that balance where I can do everything I want to. Hopefully, I’m no too far away. I appreciate the offer for help and will certainly keep it in mind. Thanks again.
Shane - Yeah, HP seems like good stuff. I really like this computer, but really do miss the desktop……will probably get it back up and running right away. This is the first laptop I’ve ever bought “brand new”, and everything has gone smooth….I’ve been quite pleased with it.