my new portable laptop setup

[Deleted User]

I recently upgraded from my old Windows 7 home pc setup with big screen, tower, speakers, sub etc to a high end HP laptop computer, fast wifi modem/router, portable optical drive, laptop stand and cordless keyboard & mouse.

I also bought a really nice quality Crumpler laptop backpack with an eye to future study .
My first impressions are the new laptop is MUCH faster than my old pc and loads in just a few seconds. The latest Windows 10 platform seems to be more refined, fun and intuitive to work with compared to Win 7.

My only minor gripes were that the MS Office version and McAfee Internet security programs bundled with my laptop were trial versions. Fortunately I had the license for MS Office 2013 which I successfully installed. I hate paying for stuff, so i'm using the Windows firewall, Windows Defender plus some freeware antimalware/antispyware & registry tweak programs.

The other minor gripe i'm having is trying to import my old Windows live Mail emails into Windows 10; either using the default mail app, or some other option. We've (my Dealer and I) have only been partially successful importing my old WLM into Thunderbird, however I find Thunderbird too low tech and clunky for my liking. Has anyone successfully completed this task?

Anyway I'm still learning my new computer & the Windows 10 OS. It's a steep learning curve, but i'm impressed with the vastly improved speed and more intuitive UI. I've re-loaded all of my security and utility programs, and added the necessary freeware media players to augment Win10. All seems to be going well, except the migration of my old email, so i'm off to the computer store again tomorrow hopefully to get that sorted out.

Anyway, here is a list of my gear (incl: links) & photos. Let me know what you think ..

- HP Envy 15.4" laptop computer - http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/hp-envy-15-as050tu-15-6-laptop.html
- Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 wifi/modem (model D7000) - http://www.netgear.com.au/home/products/networking/modem-routers/D7000.aspx?cid=wmt_netgear_organic
- Pioneer BDR-XS06T portable USB drive - https://www.pioneer.com.au/shop/optical-drives/bdrxs06t/
- Rain Design M Stand - http://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/HKEF2ZM/A/rain-design-mstand-for-macbook-pro-macbook-air-macbook?fnode=8a
- Logitech MX800 cordless keyboard/mouse - http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-performance-combo-mx800
- Crumpler laptop backpack - https://www.crumpler.com/au/dry-red-no-5/#colour-blackI

I already own a HP Officejet Pro 8600 printer which is wifi capable, so i'm able to operate everything via wifi with minimum cables & maximum portability. I was able to connect the printer to my network successfully. It all seems to be working well, so i'm wrapped. Running a HP laptop and printer helps with connectivity. I will start adding other devices to my wifi network such as my tv and Tivoli network radio when I get time.

[Deleted User]

DSkip wrote: »

I looked at all the HP and really wanted a Spectre, but I found a crazy open box deal on a Lenovo Yoga 910 (4k screen, 16 gb ram, i7 processor, 512 GB SSD) and I've been loving it the past few days. I was able to get this one for just over a grand: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Yoga-910-Special-i7-7500U/dp/B01N6FW7SO


I'm liking Windows 10 for the most part. It's actually got me contemplating upgrading my desktop to 10.

It sounds like you got a good deal based on the msrp! Aside from the smaller screen & no numeric keypad, the specs look similar to my machine on paper. I didn't get a big discount on my gear as it's all regarded as premium gear, hence i'm guessing the margins are smaller. But no regrets.

Gatecrasher

They are so dirt cheap now it's amazing.

I remember when I bought my 1st laptop back in 1993. It was the world's first active matrix TFT display and was a Toshiba Satellite 486 DX40 (with the math co-processor). It had a huge 40MB hard drive and was heavy as hell due to the big battery pack in it.

$3,700 (in 1993 dollars)

After not using it for several years I ended-up throwing it in the dumpster back in 2007 when I moved.

[Deleted User]

nbrowser wrote: »

Bodhi, nice set up! That HP looks slick man. Wish my laptop looked that nice...older Acer 8735G, I figure...if it ain't broke... lol. I might have to hunt out that portable Blu-Ray drive for when I finally do upgrade my laptop...if it ever dies that is.

Upgrading to a computer isn't for the faint hearted. You have to learn a new computer & OS, load all your programs again, and there are the inevitable teething problems.

But yeah this is a very nice looking laptop. I wanted the top of the range Apple Macbook Pro, but couldn't afford it. However this HP model looks very similar & has very similar specs, but is more than$1k cheaper. It even has a touch screen and IRIS graphics like the Macbook pro.

Obviously the latest laptops have eschewed optical drives in favor of HDD storage and USB ports such as USB 3.0 and Type C, hence you need a good external drive. The Pioneer BDR-XS06T uses USB 3.0 standard which is faster & is the best portable USB drive I could find. There are faster, more expensive external drives, however they typically require a power cable and aren't as portable. I also love the silver color which matches my laptop. Later on when I burn my cd collection an external HDD & onto my DAP I will invest in a faster, more serious external drive. But for everyday use, this drive works fine.

[Deleted User]

@Gatecrasher, It sounds like you got good value out of your old laptop! That's what you want...a reliable laptop which does everything you want and is easy to use, such that you're lax to want to get rid of it. And if it doubles as a bar bell, all the better!

msg

Nice setup, Bohdi.
I have that same Rain stand. Really nice little piece. I use it with that same Logitech keyboard, another favorite piece I've enjoyed for years.

Is that notebook aluminum? If so, you might consider getting a clear skin to install on the top, bottom, and palm rest panels to keep it nice? Might be able to find something for it by ArmorSuit or InvisibleShield?

For times when I'm away, I've chucked a couple of those little anti-vibe pads in my bag to prop up the rear for better ventilation. Handy to have around for various things.

congrats on a sweet little setup - looks super clean.

[Deleted User]

Hi msg, sorry about the late reply. Thanks for your congrats on my setup. I'll post some more photos when I get the rest of it set up. My Logitech combo is on back order unfortunately.

Yeah i'm really liking the Rain Design stand. I can see why it is so popular. It matches my silver laptop and external drive, is nice and stable & has a hole to route cables. They also claim the aluminiuim helps act as a heat sink which is plausible.

Yes my laptop has an aluminium chassis. Though I am super careful with my gear. Also my new Crumpler laptop bag has a soft padded lining where the laptop slots in, so it will be well protected in-transit (see pic below). Hence I think i'll be good w/out a clear skin, but thanks for the suggestion .

I'm curious about the anti-vibration pads you mentioned? I'd like to use a viscoelastic pad or something similar to place under my Pioneer drive to improve isolation. My laptop is clever...when you open the screen up it automatically lifts the back of the laptop off the desk about 7mm at it's highest point & sits solidly.