Low Power Usage Computer

[Suanne]

After getting everyone's good advice and doing some research, I'd also like to get a MS Surface Pro Tablet. But, it's just too much money for my budget. So, I'm seriously investigating the more-reasonably-priced Dell Venue 11 Pro (with add-on keyboard) right now. It looks like it meets all the criteria I outlined in the OP. I'll probably be going to Best Buy to do a hands on test drive today or tomorrow. Suanne

 

[kyonu]

Just as long as you make sure you're getting full Windows 8.1 and not Windows RT you'll be in good shape.

 

[caseyc]

Windows RT is a complete joke. Windows 8.1 on the other hand is fine.

However, if you find yourself longing for the "Start" button and functionality of the previous Windows 7, then install this free app below. I use ClassShell myself on my Windows tablet, works great.

http://www.classicshell.net/

 

[Suanne]

Yup, kyonu and caseyc, Dell Venue 11 Pro has Win 8.1 and the Intel Atom CPU. I will probably install classicshell, too. Thanks!

 

[pseudo_mccoy]

Hi Suanne,
I also think a tablet is a great idea. If you're looking for something with more functionality, you could look into picking up a Chromebook.

They don't use much power. According to this guy, the “Samsung 5 550 Chromebook typically draws about 8 watts from the battery doing normal web browsing at medium brightness, or about 13-14 watts at full brightness while streaming video.” Some models, like the ones with ARM processors, might have even lower power consumption.

I have a Chromebook and am really happy with it. Chrome OS is limited, but it looks like it could fit your needs. If you do need to do more than Chrome OS allows (or simply don't trust Google) it's possible to install a full Linux OS.

Oh ya, and they start at $200. Happy hunting!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Tablets don't suit me. I like having the ability to watch DVDs on the laptop.

Tonight, we've got a 2 fer 1 at Redbox. Always a good way to spend the evening at Camp Wally World.

 

[Willy]

I have, but don't use cuz DVD's are passe, an external DVD/CD burner/player. Only cost around $30 and is USB 2.0. Any more, I just load movies onto a USB stick and there ya go. ..Willy.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I don't know how to do movie downloads. Never learned how.
I didn't know DVDs were passe either. Guess I'm pretty much behind the pack....along with all the people who are still renting DVDs

I think I'll just hang with my stone age laptop and avoid having to buy a tablet and a player/burner. More money for more stuff I don't need.

 

[akrvbob]

I'll tell you what I have and I love, love love!!!!!!!!!

It's Lenova Yoga 11s. It's tiny, light, has a Intel I5 processor and a 128 gig solid state drive.

Did I mention that I love it!!!

It draws 2.25 amps at 20 volt.

Did I mention that I love it!!!

Instant on!! No boot time, weighs nothing, never gets hot. It's a real computer than can do anything you could want to do.

Did I mention that I love it!!!

They have a 256K ssd version I wish I had bought instead since I do a lot with photos. You can also now get hybrid drives with both a SSD and a regular drive and that would have been better for me.

The keyboard is not water resistant though.

Did I mention that I love it!!!
Bob

 

[caseyc]

Actually, BlueRay DVD players are in. Regular DVD players are yester-year.

 

[kyonu]

@bindi & casey: You can also get external USB Bluray players. A bit pricier, but they go well on tablets. I only have an external DVD player, and can still use it on my tablet flawlessly.

@Bob: That's a good unit! I thought about one of those, I'm just not a huge fan of Lenovo. I prefer ASUS for everything I do, and recently been looking toward the Google Chrome OS and a Chromebook... I'm just waiting for people to make Windows ports for software to Chrome OS so it can be used like a Windows PC.

 

[Suanne]

I'll tell you what I have and I love, love love!!!!!!!!! It's Lenova Yoga 11s ...

Hey Bob, I remember that little computer from camping with you guys in Cottonwood last winter. I'm so glad you are still so happy with it. It was my first introduction to SSDs on a laptop-like device; and it made me want to look into them as a possible replacement option for myself. Thanks!

 

[caseyc]

No disrespect to those with Chromebooks. But I would really dread the thought of relying on the cloud to hold my documents and the inability to retrieve my docs if in the event of no internet reception. That's also the reason for the small internal hard drive cuz Google wants us to use their cloud storage. Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer my internal terabyte drives, haha!

 

[kyonu]

The cloud is just one storage option. Chromebooks (especially the Pixel) come with SSD's in them that you can store locally.

Other than that, I personally really don't care if they have my information... It's not like they can do anything with it, so I can take huge advantage of the Google Drive portion.

 

[LeeRevell]

No disrespect to those with Chromebooks. But I would really dread the thought of relying on the cloud to hold my documents and the inability to retrieve my docs if in the event of no internet reception. That's also the reason for the small internal hard drive cuz Google wants us to use their cloud storage. Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer my internal terabyte drives, haha!

My thoughts exactly! Having been a career IT professional, and having worked security, and being a crypto tech in the military......
I am very careful with who has access to MY data! Also issues with the current misadministration, but no need to go down that rathole here. I insist on having the data residing with ME. I have no idea just where this 'cloud' is, who has access to it, and what they may do with my paltry unimportant data. Just my preference.
Even on my home PC, I am keeping all my important personal docs and pics on an external HD with thumb drive backups.
When I get a laptop or other portable device soon, I will do the same.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I have no familiarity with Chromebooks or the Google operating system they run. Don't they have usb ports? You can get humongus external hard drives with usb interfaces these days. There's no reason to deal with the cloud unless you want to.

Regards
John

 

[vagari]

If you are going to use a cloud storage provider look for one that is more secure than the others. Providers such as Wuala and SpiderOak encrypt your files locally before being sending to the cloud and they do not store your decryption key. They cannot access your private data like Google, Microsoft, Dropbox, etc. If you have never read Google Drive's terms of use and privacy notice I suggest you do. They have the right to publicly post, sell, etc. any data stored on their cloud service.

 

[caseyc]

The cloud. Haha! Sorry, had to laugh. ;-)

 

[Bdog1]

+1 on the external drive. Very convenient. Easy to swap between machines/operating systems too.

 

[kyonu]

Again, Chromebooks use actual hard drives like any other laptop, and the cloud is just an option. An external HDD is also an option.

Cloud has many benefits, especially for someone in my field (IT) where I need to go between multiple computers, so it isn't just a personal storage thing. There is nothing wrong with the cloud since it is completely and 100% optional.