Stupid Hipsters: Help Me Choose a New Computer

[bcrdukes]

I hi-jacked this thread (http://www.revscene.net/forums/70272...-3-gaming.html) and turned it to shit.

I am considering building a mini-PC that will run Windows with at least 4GB of RAM and 500GB HDD.

I use it mainly for:

- Skype
- Gmail
- Music
- Office (Excel/Word)
- Revscene and hipster websites

I'm interested in something modular, like the Surface Pro 3 as it offers a docking station. I wouldn't mind a laptop that offers the same thing, but again, light, modular and docking station capable are the key components. I want to be able to connect a monitor to the thing.

Any alternatives to the Surface Pro 3? Thanks!

Happy Hipstering!

[kross9]

built not bought.. now are you building a mini computer or do you want a laptop?

[nabs]

go SSD, its the best thing that will ever happen to your computing experience.

Have you considered a chrome book?

[bcrdukes]

Like all hipsters in life, we want it all.

Building a PC

Pros: Can be had cheaper / better specs etc.
Cons: Not portable

One of my fundamental requirements is to have something portable/modular. I can't do that with a PC. But more on that later.

Laptop

Pros: It's portable / better options/specs / can be cost efficient
Cons: Not all makes/models have a docking station / can get expensive

Microsoft Surface 3
Pros: Portable / small / docking station ready
Cons: Expensive as FUCK / short product life cycle

Mac
Pros: None
Cons: Expensive as fuck / played out / too mainstream / shit product lifecycle / cuz MAc

Tablet
Pros: Light / small / cheap
Cons: Can't do dick shit with it

So...to answer your question: No, I don't want to build a mini computer nor do I want a laptop...unless it meets my criteria.

Originally Posted by nabs

go SSD, its the best thing that will ever happen to your computing experience.

Have you considered a chrome book?

I did, but I don't think they offer a docking station and I understand it has quite a lot of limitations. As you guys can see, I don't know shit about computers.

[Bonka]

Consider the Asus Transformer T100. Under $400, 10.1" 16:9, runs full Windows, docks and much cheaper than the Surface. Granted, the lower price comes at a cost. The chassis is cheap and the IPS screen sucks in bright environments but considering mobile computing devices are throwaways it should work well for you.

It does use eMMC for internal storage but still faster than a conventional HD with your use. Small form factor, usual ports, can even get one with the 500gb HD built into the keyboard dock. If you want bigger there are larger form factors, 11.6" is the next one up.

Gf has one uses it for work. Works perfect with OneDrive.

[bcrdukes]

Not bad!

But no docking station.

[whateverman]

get something like this
Acer Aspire P3-171-6442 Intel Core I5-3339Y 4GB 120GB SSD 11.6in IPS Touch Win8 Ultrabook / Tablet - NX.M8NAA.005

[herman]

I use an Pro 3 for work. While I love the form factor / portability there are 2 issues that make it difficult to recommend:

1. The fan is loud - almost whistles and is very audible. It sometimes wails while the machine idles but silent when crushing visual studio; no obvious correlation that comes to mind.

2. The battery can and does get hot (but not always); to the point where the case back bulges. Mine went convex in the first week.

If it were my money in play, wait for the surface pro 4 + windows 10 later this year. It won't be cheap but neither are German cars.

[!MiKrofT]

I also use a SP3 for work. i5 256 8GB. Connected to a docking station with 2x24" monitors. It's fairly fast for what I use it for and definitely portable ~2lb and very expensive. The config we buy: SP3, Docking Station, Keyboard Cover, extended warranty, displayport hub, Arc Touch Surface mouse, makes the unit around $1950. Definitely a heavy investment but also very unique.

[!MiKrofT]

Other options. Buy a brand new E6230 off ebay, slap in SSD, buy docking station. Probably get away with paying around $6-700.

You can also try Dell's offering of the SP3 competitor: Dell Venue 11 Pro HD Windows Tablet | Dell Canada

[bcrdukes]

I came across the Dell Venue 11 Pro HD earlier prior to your post. Given the price point, I think it fits the bill considering what it's got to offer, SSD and all. It does look a tad bulky / heavy, but I think I can live with that. How do Lenovo's products compare? I haven't owned a Lenovo and Dell in ages. It's been all HP for a while.

[GLOW]

i was going to suggest transformer too as it has a tablet and docks to a keyboard giving laptop functionality. a few managers uses something similar from lenovo but it's expensive (i think over $1k)

i don't like mac but i noticed their laptops have great battery life. plus hipster.

+1 on SSD

[bcrdukes]

At this point, I'm not too concerned about battery life. 70% of the time, the tablet will be docked in a home office. The remaining 30% is for when I'm on the go on business / vacations.

I travel quite often for work (at least twice a month) so being able to have a light device without having to lug around a company-issued laptop (which weighs a fucking tonne) will be a God-send. If I can use Outlook, Skype, edit Excel/Word/PowerPoint/PDF files on the go while using it at home as my personal PC, I'm a happy camper. A majority of my work is collaborative and requires me to be mobile.

I think the Dell Venue is probably the best bet right now.

[TOS'd]

Originally Posted by bcrdukes

Like all hipsters in life, we want it all.

Mac
Pros: None
Cons: Expensive as fuck / played out / too mainstream / shit product lifecycle / cuz MAc

[bcrdukes]

STFU TOS'd

[GLOW]

surprised this hasn't been mentioned...what's the budget?

or no budget b/c hipster ballin'

[bcrdukes]

Good question.

I originally was thinking I could get away with $800 taxes in but that's sounding like a pipe dream.

Something like what !MiKrofT has, an SP3 decked out to the tits @ $1950 is excessive. I think somewhere in the middle'ish is good with a docking station and some accessories.

[Dragon-88]

Snap in dock or USB dock?

I like the Lenovo T440's(T450 is the new line) their super thin and fairly light. Has an internal 3 cell and external 3 cell or upgrade to a 6cell (total 9 cells).

We use them for our Managers at work. Great business laptop with 3-year depot warranty. Options for a snap in dock.

I was quoted on a 14" from insight $750.00(20B6005FUS, this one has no internal battery, just an external 6 cell) and $265 for the pro dock(40A20090US), you can get a cheaper snap in dock that supports only single monitors for around $150. The one I got is for dual monitor purposes.

If you want a usb dock. Go with the Lenovo Thinkpad E series line. No snap in dock but they have a USB 3.0 one link dock. that connects to a proprietary connection and provides use of the dock and power all in one. Although the E series is only 1 year depot warranty. its still a solid notebook, a little heavier than the T series.

For a small form factor desktop option, Look at the Lenovo Tiny, basically a laptop stuffed into a tiny desktop platform. Military spec tested and expandable even for its size. This is my main go to desktop for our in house users. Great system w/ on board wifi and comes with a 3 year onsite warranty.

The reason why I choose Lenovo is that they have a great warranty service if needed and are pretty solid notebooks for business industry. I dont know about you but I cant stand when I dont have my computer for 1-2 days. Lenovo's onsite warranty is amazing.

If i'm looking for a gaming unit, i'd probably stick with ASUS.

[Hehe]

I don't get how a hipster didn't just get a mac...

Seriously though, a used rMBP is probably your best bet. I have seen 13" one as low as 800.

As long as you get one with warranty, it's great. The warranty coverage from Apple is incredible. So much so I bought Applecare (extended warranty) for pretty much all my macbooks...

[StylinRed]

It's portable, customizable, and sleek




(the built in docking station is extra)

HeatSync 1200 Ultra-Slim System Order Form

2.5ghz i3 $1289 base

[!MiKrofT]

Priced out the Venue 11 Pro vs the SP3 with all accessories. They're prety much the same price if you get the student discount from Microsoft store.

$1240 gets you the SP3 (Core i5/128GB/4GB RAM/Stylus), Docking station, Keyboard cover, and free sleeve. SP3 with the Keyboard weighs ~2lbs. I don't even notice it when i toss it in my bag. Also vs the Dell it's a 12.5" and much higher resolution. If deciding between the 2 I'd definitely go with the SP3 instead.

MBPr isn't bad but still weighs 3.5lbs. Personally I hate the sharp edges. I hope they chamfer them on the next ones like the new Macbook

[Manic!]

For the stuff you are doing I would look at the new Surface (non pro) 3.

Buy Surface 3 - Microsoft Store Online

[heisenberg]

Microsoft Surface 2 10.6" 32GB Windows 8.1 RT Tablet With NVIDIA Tegra 4 Processor - Silver : Windows 8 Tablets - Best Buy Canada

i think my friend has the old surface 2 for sale if you were interested.... it does fit some what your specifications...

[Ulic Qel-Droma]

obviously there are no hipsters here, because a hipster would only answer mac.

[bcrdukes]

The only hipster here is Hehe.

And that mother fucker TOS'd.