Buying a new laptop

[buksida]

Don't forget that SSDs are hundred of times faster than conventional hard drives!

YNWA

Yes, it is a big difference in performance and I would never consider a machine with a regular HDD in it any longer. I always use an external drive for data storage, it is just better backup practice in case the system disk goes south (which happens often with Windoze).

I recently swapped out a HDD for a SSD in my old Acer and it runs like a new machine now - huge difference.

[HHTel]

Well I've bit the bullet. I've bought a

Acer Swift 3 SF314-42-R991

CPU: AMD RYZEN 7 4700U
RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4
STORAGE: 512 GB PCIe / NVMe M.2 SSD
DISPLAY: 14 "FULL HD IPS
VGA: AMD RADEON GRAPHICS (INTEGRATED)

Comes with Windows 10 and Office --- legal copies which would be quite novel for me!!
3 year warranty with Acer Thailand.

Plus lots of 'freebies', Flash drive, wifi mouse, bag, etc etc..... even a T-shirt and mask!!!

Any comments from you experts. I've got 24 hours to cancel.

[buksida]

What did such a beast cost, and where did you get it may I ask?

[HHTel]

I like the term 'beast'. I guess that means it's a good choice???

22,300 from Lazada. Delivered in 2 - 3 days.

The supplier btw is 'Top Computer'.

[hhinner]

Looks good. AMD are back in fashion after lagging behind Intel for a long time. The SSD will be really fast compared with even a sata 3 SSD. Given it's Acer, the 3 year warranty may be needed (only my opinion).

PC World rated the AMD-powered Acer Swift over similar Intel notebooks.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/3541009 ... again.html

[HHTel]

I have an Acer that is at least 7 years old and it's never been in the shop except for some software upgrades. That's why I was after another acer because of it's reliability.

[hhinner]

^^ Different people have different experiences. It's good to have a warranty though, especially a long one. Personally I like ASUS and still use one that was new when Vista came out (it runs with Linux now).

[HHTel]

Of course not every laptop coming off the production line is going to be perfect. Prior to that I had a Lenovo and I had nothing but trouble. Maybe just unlucky.

However, myself and 2 daughters all have an Acer, all bought at the same time so they're pretty old now and still working fine.

[Big Boy]

Yes, it is luck of the draw I think. I'm in the process of replacing my <5 year old Acer,, but I gave my 2006 antique Acer to somebody a couple of days ago, and it is still working fine.

[Dannie Boy]

I’m sure that laptops are like cars, same model for one person can be a dud, whilst another one might be perfect for anothe. I’ve had a high spec HP Spectre for about 4 years and it’s never been other than perfect - hope that’s not tempting fate!!

[buksida]

Exactly, I've had no issues with Acer or Lenovo but the Asus crapped out on me after 18 months. Luck of the draw.

[Dannie Boy]

As there have been a number of readers stating that they’re in the market for buying a new laptop, I just read this article, which for a non-techie guy, I found very helpful - hopefully you will too!!

https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy- ... p-for-you/

[Big Boy]

When you get your new machine, please let us know what it is and what you think of its performance - there must be lots of us that will be contemplating an upgrade within the next 12 months

Well, what can I say?

I liked the sound of the machine I ordered, and was prepared to suffer a bit of a lead time.

I have patiently tracked it through:

• Taiwan

• Philippines

• Brunei

• Singapore

• Malaysia

• Pattaya

It arrived at the vendor in Chiang Mai yesterday for complimentary upgrade for being so patient, and it should have been with me early next week. I was so happy.

This morning, I received an e-mail:

Now the product has arrived in the company. The team checked the machine and found that the ACER ASPIRE 7 A715-74G-55AF (CHARCOAL BLACK) has a problem with the Wi-Fi connection. It seems to be a problem with wifi chipset. The company will offer a new upgrade that is higher specification than 2021 for free without any additional cost to this model ACER ASPIRE 7 A715-42G-R7RS (BLACK) + FREE RAM 8 GB

I'm disappointed, but they have worn me down. I've accepted their alternative and it should arrive by Tuesday. It will be nice to simply press the on switch and have a working computer. Having to start through Bios everytime has been a real pain.

I see one of the freebies I will receive is a 300฿ Steam Wallet. I'd never heard of a Steam Wallet, so had to look it up. Free money with which I can buy games (I doubt that would buy much). I'm sure I'll find somebody to take it off my hands because I'd rather stick hot needles in my eyes than play games. I think the last computer game I played was Solitaire giving overnight IT user support to Faslane Naval Base in 2001.

[STEVE G]

I think the last computer game I played was Solitaire giving overnight IT user support to Faslane Naval Base in 2001.

The last one I played was Minesweeper about the same time which might of been more appropriate to your situation!

[HHTel]

I do like 'Bookworm' to relax and keep my brain working.

On the other hand I'm almost ashamed to admit playing 'pinball' on the big screen.